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First of all, I hate this pattern of shorter kdramas ending off on a cliffhanger as if they're guaranteed a S2. Anyways, I did not expect this drama to deal so heavily with domestic and child abuse. Expect lots of gore, very-detailed torture, heavy topics, despicable humans, etc. This really make you think about the justification behind killing, nature vs nurture, and how terrible those times were when the police had no authority to act. My first time seeing GHJ, but she completely stole the show as the Queen. All her little ticks in her mouth movement, the cold, empty, and desolate looks, as well as the passionate, love-blind look in her eyes when she talks about the scent of blood and killing as her “hobby” make every scene with her disturbing and engaging. I genuinely felt like throwing up, even though, my work requires me to dissect and see blood regularly. She's THAT good. Easily shifts from frighteningly cold and rational about her actions one moment, to playful, teasing, and secretive the next. There's subtle glimpses of her motherhood that make her sympathetic and pitiful the next, but you feel conflicted in her madness delivering justice, and then her story hits even harder with that final DISGUSTING truth revealed in Ep 8 that ties a lot of things up. She’s a morally grey character, and the story constantly keeps you on edge, as it’s hard to tell if she’s truly doing everything for her son or if something darker is driving her. If nothing else, she alone is a reason you HAVE to watch this drama.

As for JDY, I think he was a brilliant choice to play her son (albeit the complaints about his baby face). As always, he showed a lot of versatility, bringing out many sides of a complex character with growth. There are complaints about how he's initially over-acting and then flat in some moments, but it seems intentional. The overacting seems to be meant to drive home how his character tries too hard to present a normal persona, but then the later moments where he's flatter is for when he's emotionally distancing himself and beginning to forcefully think like his serial killer mother. Also can't imagine it'd feel good having his normal life upheaval suddenly and now he's forced to face and dig up so many hidden truths in his already miserable past. There are a couple of moments in his acting that genuinely made me tear up, and I became invested in his story. He’s also a sympathetic and pitiful character, as someone who refuses to let his feelings as her son cloud his judgment. Unlike his mother, he tries not to be consumed by madness or love the scent of blood, but you can see through his eyes and subtle expressions how his morals are tested, how emotions push him to the edge, and how he struggles to hold onto his role as a faithful cop who saves lives instead of taking them. He learns to truly face his past head-on, and I couldn't be happier for him by the end. I also enjoyed Jung Ho’s and Kim Na Hui's characters, but only LE's acting really stood out in a few moments. The rest of the police investigation team is just poorly written and acted.

On the technical side, the cinematography is fantastic. Many of the shots are framed in unsettling, creepy ways that heighten the tension, perfectly matching the disturbing performances from the leads. If there’s a downside, it’s that most of the other characters outside the two leads felt underdeveloped (more like plot devices) and some moments rely on plot convenience, which weakened the story. Overall, though, this was a great watch if you’re looking for a well-shot crime thriller with a disturbing and mature storyline, gripping twists, strong actors, and plenty of emotional punches. I think 8/10 would be a more fair rating for me, though I don’t understand why some individual episodes are rated so low.

You mean 8 hours?

7.7 isn't low for an older 2014 drama, also I'm guessing not everyone likes older FL/young ML

Yes happy ending

I have watched Re:Zero. It's great as well, but it has very different themes, genres, and it's intended for a different target audience. I think Mobius does it's own thing very well for a drama, and I wouldn't compare or nearly call either of them the best time loop fiction. I do know a couple time loop series I've enjoyed more than Re:Zero and Mobius, but unfortunately, they've never been adapted into something watchable. One series I highly recommend is The Empty Box and Zeroth Maria if you're into reading novels.

Just finished Episode 16, and I can safely say that the story was impressive. I first expected it to follow multiple cases, but I'm so glad it was only one case after the first 1-2 introductory episodes. This one case is very well layered, with every dot connecting in a natural and satisfying way. There's a lot of interesting elements at play here with a cast of great characters and multiple events that are tied up nicely.

As a big fan of time loop and sci-fi stories, I also found the idea of "time loop days" very new and interesting. It's not just a plot device or a gimmick, but there are real consequences to every choice and event that relates to them. While Episode 1 didn’t grab me right away, each new episode pulled me in deeper until it became a full-on emotional rollercoaster that kept me on the edge of my seat. The soundtrack is fantastic and well-placed in the bigger moments, and I'm especially impressed with the character writing and acting. The show tackles really relevant philosophical themes and highlights how flawed and human the characters here are, as their methods and beliefs clash in the name of good intentions. I found BJT to be perfect as Ding Qi, who really makes the character engaging, sympathetic, and effortlessly nails the comedy, thriller, and action scenes he's challenged with. No character is truly perfect in this story, including Ding Qi, and those that make mistakes behind good intentions do have to face the consequences of their actions which is a big nod to the fantastic main villain! Also I'm really not a fan of action, but I found the fight scenes with BJT to be very well-choreographed, and the hand-to-hand combat is especially fun and exciting to watch.

Overall, this is a definite must-watch for sci-fi, action, and/or thriller fans. I'm glad the story wrapped up everything nicely, and I'm excited for more. Supposedly, there are three more novels, and this only covers one of them.

There is, but it's very subtle.

On Episode 14 now, and thoroughly impressed so far. All the dots are being connected and I'm loving how well layered the whole story is. I do tend to watch a lot of time loop and sci-fi drama, but I didn't actually expect the time loop days (already a pretty novel idea) to have an explanation and be connected to all this. I wasn't as hooked onto the show with Episode 1, but each subsequent episode has lured me more and more in, and now I'm all in on the edge of my seat for this emotional rollercoaster of a ride. The soundtracks are fantastic, and I really enjoy the acting and how flawed and human characters in this drama are, including Ding Qi and so many other memorable ones. Nobody is perfect here, and those that make mistakes behind good intentions have to face the consequences of their actions. The main villain and his actor are so fantastic! This is a definite must-watch for sci-fi and/or thriller fans. Also I'm not a fan of action, but I really find the fight scenes with BJT well-choreographed, especially, the hand-to-hand combat is very fun and exciting to watch. I sincerely hope the story wraps up everything nicely and keeps the great pacing until the end! This deserves more attention.

Well, this is my only watched drama of hers so I can't really judge her on her other roles. I don't think she makes the drama unwatchable like you say...and I also noticed you dropped 3 episodes in, so I doubt anything I say will matter. I can agree that I also didn't like her blank, cold, and pinched face at the start, and almost dropped cause of it. But it's only after a couple episodes where her miserable background and cold character are more explained, that you start seeing that her cold exterior is purposeful. She doesn't keep it up the whole drama, cause she does change as she starts to loosen up, find her own interests, and come into her own as a person with the help of those around her. It's also at very later emotional highpoints of the drama that she has more opportunity to actually show intense emotions and really act. Again, I believe her playing her character so stoic and serious at the start is necessary, to show how empty of personality and opportunistic Yuru is before she meets Gu Jiusu and finds a long-life companion through horrible times.

I love Episode 11. All the dots are being connected and I'm loving how well layered the whole story is. I do tend to watch a lot of time loop and sci-fi drama, but I didn't actually expect the time loop days (already a pretty new idea) to have an explanation and be connected to all this. I wasn't as hooked onto the show with Episode 1, but each subsequent episode has lured me more and more in, and now I'm all in on the edge of my seat for this emotional rollercoaster of a ride. The soundtracks are fantastic, and I really enjoy the acting and how flawed and human characters in this drama are, including Ding Qi and so many other great ones. This is a definite must-watch for sci-fi and/or thriller fans. Also I'm not a fan of action, but I really find the fight scenes with BJT well-choreographed, especially, the hand-to-hand combat is very fun and exciting to watch. I sincerely hope the story wraps up everything nicely and keeps the great pacing until the end! This deserves more attention.

It's probably cause of her unusual personality (lacking empathy, manipulative) and the time she attacked that prison guard. She's considered too dangerous to be fully left alone by the court.

I wasn't really liking this drama until Ep 11, cause it felt like a slog to get through as it was moreso one-sided and tropey with the ML falling too fast for the FL. Also, too much screen for the 2ML and 2FL couple which are uninteresting and problematic, but I still loved seeing the two busy professions of doctor and police collide through rescue missions, joint efforts, and individual plots. Now that I'm on episode 18, I've been hooked, as I'm finding such a healthy and adorable relationship between the ML and FL. They're mature, capable, and communicate with one another, all while being open about their confusion about expressing themselves in their first formal relationship and the limited time they can make for each other in their busy schedules. They don't judge each other's faults and overall have a really fun relationship, filled with so much teasing, testing the waters, learning each other, shyness, and banter on both sides all reminiscent of the beautiful and nostalgic nature of a first relationship.

I think it was such a perfect idea for them to act so naturally in their roles, and even the fact that the FL uses no makeup really makes her feel realer as a doctor that's single-minded and devoted to medicine and saving lives over superficial appearances. I really, really love how talented at expressions both BJT and MSC are, and there is so much chemistry between the two. Mi Ka reacts like a normal girl, and her smile and laughter really make me laugh and smile along with her. I didn't even think they would work as a couple, but I'm now having a blast with this drama. I HIGHLY recommend pushing through the first 10 episodes or so if you still really enjoy the storyline. That ONE scene in Ep 11 first sold them as a couple and it's just gotten better since. They feel so naturally perfect with one another, and it's refreshing to see a modern drama feeling so authentic without pointless drama or conflicts.

Ep 30-34: Still don't like the 2ML/2FL, but the third couple, and many other characters have really grown on me. However, these sisters are so infuriating, and I hope they don't stay longer.
Ep 39-40: Perfect finale. I didn't think Mi Ka could get any cooler, but then she did. No boring moments at all. These two are seriously perfect for one another and it's been a blast to watch them change from the moment they awkwardly acted together at the beginning to how free and comfortable they are with each other by the end.

Yes, but I think it's just really badly shown in the drama. I've been reading a little of the novel and I'm enjoying those later parts a lot more with the politics and rebuilding. Seems like the serious parts of the novel were just not adapted that well.

This drama mainly shines through very well-written character development for main couple and side characters, an incredible cast, cinematography, and well-placed soundtracks. The track sung by BJT is really great, and this is also one of his hardest performances. Gu Jiusi is such a complex, interesting, and fun character with many sides from his sincere views toward women and love, to his confident and carefree attitude as a playboy, to a charismatic, cruel, and intelligent hidden nature revealed in challenging scenes like the whipping, gambling, wars, desert, and shiver-inducing speeches that BJT pulls off effortlessly. The FL (Song Yi) did almost make me drop this at the start with her bland acting, but I later realized it was very purposeful. Over time, she does bring out the large growth of her initially empty and one-note character with many standout and emotional moments as she finds her path in life and the FL herself becomes very independent, powerful, free-willed, brave, ambitious, etc.

First half is a 10/10 for me as a lighthearted romantic comedy that makes you care about all the characters while building the ML and FL’s loyal, trustworthy bond through meaningful and well-written moments. I really didn’t expect to like them as a couple, but their open, loyal, and caring dynamic quickly won me over. BJT plays yet another green flag ML to perfection. With no annoying misunderstandings or drama, it becomes clear they’re a perfect match as they're both smart, capable, and kind yet ruthless and brave when needed. Even without exchanging words, they see through each other's plans, and scheme and lie for one another when needed. They influence each other in very positive ways seeing the ML teach the FL to care for herself, be more free, selfish, and embrace her joys of the world despite her family background, while the FL directs the ML’s unique talents onto the right path as a hero, giving him a much needed sense of responsibility. The first kiss is so unique and great.

Unfortunately, the second half is like a 7.5/10. The pacing is poor and the politics feel really repetitive and rushed, likely due to cuts from the novel. While the ML and FL still show excellent character growth and deliver cute and emotional scenes, the overly serious and cliche politics drag it down. The schemes aren’t that entertaining, and by the end I was only watching mostly for the strong character developments.

I'm sure you'll be satisfied with the later outcome!

Things get very heavy and intense in a couple episodes from where you are. Also I felt the same about the FL's acting, but then she has a lot more intense moments for her acting to shine as the drama goes on. I think her playing her character so stoic and serious at the start is just part of her character, because she continues to grow and excels in so many great moments later.

I don't really understand your comment. Do you not agree with my complaints? Yes, you're right about her exploring her family while the ML focuses on finding the killer and saving himself. But she is trying to be a force of change, from the moment she starts interfering in the past to give her mother a better future.

This drama has made it to one of the TOP of my 10/10 dramas list. Perfect mix of comedy that made my cheeks hurt from laughing coupled with romance that gives me butterflies, and historical, life and family plots with long-lasting life lessons! Easily the most comforting and wholesome drama I've seen in a long while. Please IGNORE the spoiler comments below that call this misandry. The men in this drama aren't only hated and unfairly treated as many claim. This drama is about females creating real change and learning to be the the master of themselves in an environment where common prejudices won't let them. There's lots of hilarious antics and emotional moments between all the well-developed couples. I had some problems getting started from Ep 1, but I was hooked a few episodes in once I couldn't stop laughing. It's likely I'll never again find anything as magical as this, but this is a comfort drama that's worth watching or rewatching on any happy or rainy day.

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You CANNOT get a better large cast of actors for this kind of women empowerment storyline. Actors carry with their best in every scene with so, so much talent and chemistry with one another. From the first episode to the last, you'll get to witness an incredible hilarious, emotional, and life-changing journey of women banding and supporting each other, real brotherhood, harsh imperial decisions by an emperor sacrificing for the people, and so much great romance between the couples with a perfect emotional sendoff to the bright future as life changes. Every character has complex development, and even the villains aren't just treated as purely evil, but as regular people who made awful choices. The drama even addresses postpartum depression which is something I really think people need to know more about. At first, I even found Li Wei really annoying (alongside Song Wu who I disliked for much longer at first), but it's really shocking to see her personal growth as she becomes sophisticated, and finds her ambition keeping true-to-herself alongside many of the other amazing women in this drama. She pairs so well with the ML (BJT) who is one of the greenest flags ever with so much love and care for Li Wei despite his cruel political side exposed in political battles with his brothers. Every moment between the two made me smile (especially the passionate kisses) and it's great to see how they're so smart and capable but really lovable at the same time.

I feel like you can't put yourself into the shoes of other characters.

So it's wrong for a guy to be good-hearted and kind to the girl he loves? I don't even see what you mean by the FL getting jealous, because what else would you feel when you finally made a promise to monogamously marry, stay, and become the wife of the one you love and then a surprise wedding is suddenly dropped on you without a real explanation? Of course, the ML had to explain the reason for it, and she's very understanding.

Also about the ML getting jealous which happens very shortly somewhere in the last 10 episodes, the FL just didn't realize that was the case. She literally misunderstood that he knew about her connection with the chef, and he did act childishly compared to her. FL never insulted Yuan Ying the way the ML insulted her cooking. They still easily patched up by apologizing to one another. Also about her mom seducing her father, it was before she was born, and it's not exactly deceit. Her mother just impressed her father by playing the hero, and it's only played for laughs.

I honestly haven't seen any problems with how the women deal with men in this drama, but it seems like you don't try to understand from the perspective of the women.

I don't think you can put yourself into the shoes of other characters.

So it's wrong for a guy to be good-hearted and kind to the girl he loves? I don't even see what you guys mean by the FL getting jealous, because what else would you feel when you finally made a promise to monogamously marry, stay, and become the wife of the one you love and then a surprise wedding is suddenly dropped on you without a real explanation? Of course, the ML had to explain the reason for it, and she calms down quickly after Yuan Ying talks to her.

Also about the ML getting jealous which is like the last 10 episodes, the FL just didn't realize that was the case. She literally misunderstood that he knew about her connection with the chef, and he did act childishly compared to her. FL never insulted Yuan Ying the way the ML insulted her cooking. They still easily patched up by apologizing to one another. Also about her mom seducing her father, it was before she was born, and it's not exactly deceit. Her mother just impressed her father by playing the hero, and it's only played for laughs.

They didn't want to marry him in the first place. Did you not watch the drama? He kept on pitying the women, and then forcefully marrying them without even asking them if they wanted to be with him. Only Haitang had to be married to him for an alliance, but in Xin State, it was common knowledge for men to own women so it's very shameful for their reputations if they denied their owner. It's true that they lived off him, but it's good they were able to finally find the courage to leave and they did pay him completely back. It's never too late to make amends. Seems like you dropped before that point though.

Yin An was just not a faithful husband and did not deserve to impregnate one of his wives. He broke all his promises to all his wives by continuing to take on more and more concubines, and he wouldn't even care enough to remember their names. He had no respect or real love for his wives, and he was just owning them without even letting them have the decision of being with him. Why would they not revolt against that?

I honestly haven't seen any problems with how the women deal with men in this drama, but it seems like you guys don't try to understand from the perspective of the women.

I feel like you can't put yourself into the shoes of other characters.

Yin Qi was beaten by Shangguan Ying because he did very stupid things at first, and it's understandable because she comes from a culture where females are dominant so she doesn't know how to control herself. That was literally the point, that she was alone and new in Xin State, but Yin Qi wanted to abandon her after marrying her to take concubines.

Yin Song's wife also didn't deserve what Yin Song did to her, because she was a faithful wife. Yin An was not a faithful husband and did not deserve to impregnate one of his wives. He broke all his promises to all his wives by continuing to take on more and more concubines, and he wouldn't even care enough to remember their names. He had no respect or real love for his wives, and he was just owning them without even letting them have the decision of being with him. Why would they not revolt against that?