River Where the Moon Rises Episode 4

I have really settled into the groove of this…

I have really settled into the groove of this drama and my rating has improved since the last three episodes. A lot has unfolded and by now the groundwork has entirely been laid (with a few major plot points now set in motion) for our story. At this point I have seen a lot of historical dramas, many of which featured some kind of mistaken/forgotten identity and revenge. What I like about this and what I think sets it apart is that their road to the finale we saw at the beginning of episode one feels like it's going to be natural and really character-forward. So far we have gotten a chance to really dig into the psyche of our two leads, and the drama has benefited from spending the time with the FL while she works through the implications of discovering she is the princess. I also felt like the romance took on so much more dimension in this episode! I personally love On Dal and I think Kim Ji Soo does so well in those sort of puppy dog, himbo, sorts of roles. He is so good looking and so physically broad and tall while still having real dad at the bbq energy, which I love. So far we've seen a lot of his goofy, loyal and caring side (while Ga Jin has been fairly emotionally stunted and cold), which I think is a big part of both him as a person and the legacy of living out his father's dying wish. I loved the domestic scenes where they were cleaning out the house because it really highlighted their chemistry as a pair. His sweetness brings out HER sweetness, and I kind of felt like I was already watching a married couple. However, with the reveal that Ga Jin is actually the princess we get to see that their is an angrier and more intimidating version of On Dal that he mostly represses. In the moment where he stops Ga Jin from committing suicide and asking 'why does it have to be you?' I felt his tortured, regretful, conflicted feelings. When he later stops her from killing Go Geon -- angry that she seems to find it so easy to take a human life, basically commanding her to stop and ignoring Go Geon's orders that he be respectful of the princess -- he had the commanding presence of a general and I BELIEVED in him as the man we saw dying at the very beginning. Additionally, this episode really established the second male lead as a solid and interesting character. We see that he is conflicted about his role in the palace vs. his duty to his father, we see that he still clearly loves the princess and is loyal to her and sympathetic to what has happened to her, and we see that's he's willing to risk it all to do what he thinks is right for her and the kingdom (telling the emperor she is alive and preparing to bring her back on the emperor's command). Do I like his methods? Not really. Do I feel like he's actually doing what is right for HER? No, I feel like he's doing more what he thinks is the right thing for the kingdom, etc. But regardless, he's interesting. The villains are still pretty meh. I'm not that fussed about them, but I rarely am. The real meat of this drama is its character study of the leads, as well as a themes of morality and power. The villains really aren't the most important part, but I would welcome more development.

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