I enjoy this show (but to what degree is still in doubt because there’s the dreaded third act to come) and there’s certainly much to like about it especially the build up of the romance between Sung Deok-im and Yi San. The chemistry is palpably excellent and the actors are undoubtedly delivering in spades there. Their interactions are always beautifully acted, directed and shot. The push and pull, rather than being frustrating, soldiers on plausibly in light of the historical context and the political agendas that are at play as the romance blossoms between king and maid. Moreover, what’s also good is the wide array of characters — prominent and supporting — who aren’t necessarily good or bad in the obvious sense but genuine antagonists to the protagonists’ vision of the world. Take Hong Deok-ro for instance. He’s a hugely ambitious and is well-aware that supporting Yi San is his ticket to greater power and find his way to the history books. Even Yi San is aware that his so-called closest advisor isn’t as loyal to him as he gives the appearance of being. Deok-ro is not only far too eager to prove himself but he’s clearly not on board with Yi San’s growing attachment to Deok-im. Not because he likes her himself but because it diminishes his own relationship to the crown prince. The guy is machiavellian in as much as he’s allowed to be in a show like this, good looks notwithstanding. This is one of the more fascinating three-way dynamics that I’ve seen in K dramas for a while. Far more intriguing than any overwrought love triangle. The old king is also an interesting beast in this story. So much of what transpires hingest on his reaction and yet in effect he himself is largely a bystander and a convenient weapon of choice by those actively working against his grandson. Whether he realises it or not, he is being manipulated or exploited by others ironically because of his tenuous hold on power and reality. We also should give the writer credit for a character like Court Lady Jo who holds to her own principles in line with her position and yet there’s a zealotry that’s ominously dangerous and destabilizing for the nation. It seems to me that those who think that they have a right to make these sorts of life-death decisions to the disregard of anything else almost always end up doing more damage than the threat that they are trying to stem.
Thank you again :) I am with you re: the army being a bit far fetched ( I am not saying I am dismissing what women are capable of) I also noticed how down-to-earth and practical Dok Im is when Crown Prince was about to confess, she knew what are the priorities and is able to provide the refuge and serenity when the rest of the people cant be provided which is what the King was alluding to to Head Court Lady why he prefered Noble Consort Yeong. All in all, what's there to life if we do not embrace the simplicity of this life <3 ... I know that not many of the twitter or other platforms are highlighting this simple fact i am glad that we are seeing the same thing here ...
Thank you again :) I am with you re: the army being a bit far fetched ( I am not saying I am dismissing what women are capable of) I also noticed how down-to-earth and practical Dok Im is when Crown Prince was about to confess, she knew what are the priorities and is able to provide the refuge and serenity when the rest of the people cant be provided which is what the King was alluding to to Head Court Lady why he prefered Noble Consort Yeong. All in all, what's there to life if we do not embrace the simplicity of this life <3 ... I know that not many of the twitter or other platforms are highlighting this simple fact i am glad that we are seeing the same thing here ...