Nutmegfluff

Lmaooo 10 ft tall; so real tho! Shaopeng said he was deaf and mute in Ep. 5 :)

The emperor used the antidote/ cure for his illness by giving it SM and then died at the end, transferring power to the crown prince who made the country a better place. Truly the best emperor I’ve seen in a Cdrama in a long time. He set up a trap to destroy Prince Qing and the Empress all because of revenge for SM’s uncle. JY was actually good all along, but he worked in the shadows He always planned to root out the corruption of the country and only pretended to be on PQ’s side. He eventually retires from his duties as a minster to become a monk again and let go of his worldly obsessions. Turns out he didn’t repeat his past mistakes. WS never comes back on screen but he’s mentioned in passing as being restored to official duties and works hand in hand with the new emperor.
My favorite Cdrama I’ve watched all year after a line of stinkers.

I think you’re thinking about KMLM. They changed the ending from HE to BE. TSOPG never had a proper novel ending, unfortunately. I tried to read it so that I would find out what would happen to YZJ/if it had a HE to no avail… clearly, the screenplay writers took that at liberty and wrote the most unfulfilling SE ever…. I’m still bitter about both btw 😭

I agree that it's a bromance based on a bromance Korean drama, but sometimes it gets a little tiring to see Word of Honor being brought in as an exemplar bromance. It's situation is completely different compared to both School 2013 and High School Frenemy.
Word of Honor is, first and foremost, based on a BL (danmei) novel (i.e. their romantic relationship is canon), which, due to censorship, could not depict their relationship in its entirety. But the creators and cast tried everything in their power to keep the same sentiments despite the government censorship. They make it very obvious that their relationship is romantic in the best way they possibly could given their predicament. Everything from the censored dialogue, which can still be read from their lips (WKX literally says wo ai ni (I love you,) to ZZS before transferring his qi in the finale)) to the cut sleeves/tapping buns/catching two rabbits (all signs of homosexuality), the gift of a hair pin (a love token/engagement gift)etc. indicates to me that what they had in the series was truly a romantic relationship. It just takes more work to read between the lines, due to the censorship.
But neither School 2013 nor High School Frenemy are acting under those same suffocating rules and regulations, therefore, I think that while the subtext is very strong in High School Frenemy, I see their relationship as truly platonic soulmates. Which is also a beautiful thing and definitely possible too. Sometimes, people forget just how amazing true friendship is and it's just as valuable and treasured as romantic relationships 😊
Don't get me wrong. What is happening in High School Frenemy definitely dances on the line and I'm enjoying every second of it. But I find the circumstances behind true bromances, like this show, or my favorite, Devil Judge, and dangai dramas, which are based on censored BL works and had no choice but to be more "bromancy" (The Untamed (which also has another great lip reading moment where WWX asks LWJ if he romantically likes him, before laughing it off in Xuanwu's Cave) Guardian, Winter Begonia, Word of Honor etc.) to be fundamentally different due to their intent. Like there's subtext and then there's censored subtext.

I think he when he was brooding while drinking liquor, he hoped Wan would confess as a last chance. When he didn’t, I think he just wanted to take something for the road 😂

And possibly to cause Wan as much pain as Wan had caused him over the past few weeks. It was the ultimate revenge porn 😏

The highlight of Ep. 8 was seeing how meanly Pah treated Ba-Mhee after cheating. I'd be doing the same thing if I were in his shoes and had to watch my friend cry alone in the sound recording booth while blaming himself.
Pah was the MVP of this episode; I love how he had Tae's back.

I'm going to skip all the GL scenes going forward. I don't care for their cheater storyline.
While Ba-Mhee is the most at fault, as it's her committed relationship and not Judy's responsibility to save it, I especially hated how Judy kept openly flirting with Ba-Mhee in this episode, despite her still being in a relationship.
She's her boss and a grown-a** adult, but during this episode, she decided to add home wrecker to her resume.
I'd rather see Tae get a revenge boyfriend *cough* Jimmy atp.
I hope next week we get more JaneRyan. Feels like they've been taking a backseat amidst the cheating-love triangle drama 😅

I’m sorry for the slow response… I was preparing myself for school and my final trip… and then I was too pissed off after seeing Yamanami- sama’s (yes, he gets a sama) death to say anything lol

Even though the sequence was so well done and it was intentionally frustrating and emotional, I just peaced out mentally from the loss of my second favorite character using the same story beats as my first favorite character 😂

This sounds like an amazing book. Thanks for the link btw! Do you recommend I watch the drama first, as to not be disappointed by the poor resolution of a major conflict, or should I read the novel for more context of the characters actions?

From the very little things I know about LYF, I always felt that TSJ would be my favorite love interest (cute fox boy who is saved by the MC? Yes, please!), but the way he’s described by viewers is less than savory. It makes sense though that if everyone has reduced the characters to simply love interests that the natural progression would be to gloss over their positive attributes as individuals if they’re not the viewers’ OTP choice.

I love how you described XL and XY as soul mates, but not lovers.
A soul mate doesn’t have to be romantic. And throughout life, a person can find multiple soulmates, perhaps romantic or not. My Jewish friend describes our mutual friend and myself as one of her eighteen soulmates. Perhaps all four love interests of XY are her soulmates, however, only TSJ was her romantic soulmate.

The fact that everyone has different interpretations of the characters goes to show how multi-dimensional and well-written they are, which can be both beautiful… and frustrating 🤣
I still get into discussions with my friend about Fruits Basket years later (and she still fails to understand why the MC chose the ML as her husband 😂)

Maybe when Kyujuro and Daisaku fight on the pier, they also include the death of the Shinsengumi organization and then everyone will get a montage death scene, finally drawing this ‘dying organization’ to a close. Which I fully support 😂 Spoilers, I did watch Ep. 16, but after Yamanami died, and Daisaku sealed his fate against the Choshu faction, and Shinnojo decided to LEAVE THE SHINSENGUMI (good luck, bro) I stopped giving a damn who lives and dies. I’m with you. Let them all die atp!

Honestly, I think your prediction that the series will end with the death of Ito-dono, which will be the final hammer coming down (the last chance for the “talented” members to be whisked away to a better fate), and Daisaku’s death at the hands of Kyujuro, is pretty sound. I can’t imagine them squeezing in one more arc into the next 4 episodes. Unless they pull our legs and the series gets a second season, pt. 3 😩

If Okita does make it to the end, he’ll be out of commission physically. He retires to die “in peace” and I have a feeling he might have a regret monologue as he says goodbye to the cherry blossoms or something…

Spy Saito is not so good at spying, given how Ito caught him at the onsen 😆 But maybe he’ll improve by the end of the series.

Daisaku’s only goal is to return Kyujuro back to the pure-hearted boy who healed him beneath the stars lo those many months ago… after blaming himself for taking Kyujuro’s innocence, Daisaku’s sole purpose for living is to give back all the love Kyujuro poured into him and protect him at the inevitable cost of his life.
It reminds me of one of my favorite Bollywood movies, Jab We Met. Only difference is there will be no happy ending 😂
I did get a little sad when Sakamoto told Daisaku he had the saddest eyes, to which Daisaku responded he had no choice. After remembering their dream to run away into the mountains and start a tea shop, and watching Daisaku attempt to remove the hit on Kyujuro’s back by diverting it towards his own, thereby severing that dream entirely, I totally gave up on my fantasy that perhaps old age Kyujuro is talking to Daisaku’s grave, after burying him next to their shared tea shop… it’s hopeless…I know that, but now I finally accept it 😅

I thought Kyujuro was avoiding Daisaku because he was suspicious of him, but it turns out… no Kyujuro is still a dumbass and seemed to be avoiding Daisaku, because he wasn’t ready to face the truth of his actions. He became a murderer saving Daisaku, who then rejected his new “path” (which, as you discussed, he’s only on because it diverts and justifies his actions and enables him to ignore the gnawing guilt). It was too much of a slap in the face. And the fact that Daisaku wanted to remind him of his humanity, which would only serve to force him to face his actions and resulting feelings, meant that he ended up directing a lot of his aggression towards Daisaku. It makes sense. But I do wish Kyujuro could’ve pieced together that Daisaku is the spy… he could’ve saved Daisaku from making all these difficult decisions behind scenes…

Totally true. If manga Daisaku decided to save Kyujuro (which he did multiple times from so many different assassins who hated Kyujuro after he killed Shonai), I’d believe in him. But if Kyujuro’s life rests in drama Daisaku’s hands… we’re doomed 💀
The one positive about everyone being confused dumbasses, besides Shinnojo, is that they really do all act their age 😄

I think Daisaku was always a mature, sensitive character, but he “cut [his] heart” after the death of his friend and it changed him to be a volatile, closed off individual. Old Daisaku was a little emotionally immature compared to S2 Daisaku, in that he knocked anyone who got too close to his heart down a notch with his words and dismissive attitude.
Now that Kyujuro has returned his humanity to him, he’s finally his true self. A kind, learned, self-sacrificing individual.
It’s just more proof that single minded directives and senselessly following a principle or ideology reduces a person to their most base performance.

Oh god. It’s definitely not a bromance. It’s a romance. At least from Daisaku’s end. This is just my opinion, but I think of Daisaku’s love as unrequited. But still very romantic and extremely angsty.
I don’t think Kyujuro has romantic feelings for Daisaku. Daisaku’s feelings clearly grew from that experience by the river. But I think Kyujuro views him as close friend and one to be grateful for. It could change as the series goes on… or he won’t realize it until it’s too late, as he’s very innocent.
But this is just my feelings. I don’t sense the same romantic sentiments emanating from Kyujuro.
And it makes sense too. Because Kyujuro has been a little too busy burying and mulling over other things haha

It’s understandable if people want to label it as queerbaiting too. But if it was a BL, its budget and vision definitely would’ve been limited.

Yeah, I think Kyujuro has just lived a very sheltered life and he doesn’t know how to process the intense violence and sadness he has experienced in the past year. Which I mean… how could most people, much less someone with Kyujuro’s upbringing. Like you said, he doesn’t belong there. And without Daisaku… he’d be very dead lol

Yeah, I think Kyujuro will one day realize how deep Daisaku’s love for him was and that it was romantic. But by then, he’ll be long gone.
And what else can Daisaku do, but continue to watch over and protect his loved one. It’s poignant and there’s a part of me that loves it from an enjoyer of unrequited love and pain, but I agree. It’s sad af.
It’s so much worse than I could’ve ever imagined when I first started watching this series.

I agree; I prefer S1 too. It was very unique. A sad, thought provoking Bakamatsu era drama is a dime a dozen 😂 I’m still waiting for a fluffy, slice of life Shinsengumi drama, but I’m about as likely to get that as I am a BL costume drama from China so ✌️

I have been meaning to watch Love Like the Galaxy. That sounds depressing af though. Although, Zhao Lusi and Leo Wu? Sign me up lol
Instead, I watched The Blue Whisperer, because it’s been on my list too long and omg… talk about angsty miscommunication 😳

Wow, there’s some similarities between Daisaku and XL, but not nearly to the same magnitude, I’m sure. That’s true love at its finest. Giving without asking for anything in return.
I also don’t mind the truth never coming out, as it’s not what the character would want and it excludes the purpose. Poor XL… I don’t even know this poor dude, but my heart is sad for him…

It looks like Daisaku has completely given up on his life as a spy and taking that Choshu rebel’s life has severed his ties with the Ishin shishi… to which I want to slap him… because omg… I feel like a lot of this is very avoidable. But, once again, as we’ve discussed in the past, that’s kinda the point… All of this is so frickin’ avoidable! ESPECIALLY YAMANAMI’S DEATH OMG ISTG I WAS SHAKING WITH RAGE! Ignoring history, Yamanami is the only person who 100% DESERVED that HE!

Poor Kyujuro and Namu. They’re really playing with the Big Dogs lol
Another aspect of the horrors of war that the show wants to highlight. The war between all the powers that be have consequences on the uninvolved Little Guy. They get drawn into a fight in which they have no stakes to begin with. Despite the fact that those in power imploded the Everyday Man’s entire existence, their lives and deaths are treated as little more than trinkets….

Yeah, in a different life, Daisaku and his friends likely would’ve been landowning samurai, but the Shogunate took that from them.
Katsura Kogoro made a good point in Ep. 16, that cute ideologies and friendships are nice and all, but in the face of those who have been burned and backed into a corner, they’re nothing.
The Shinsengumi’s lofty goals to finally be accepted as members of the samurai class, despite their backgrounds, together, as they promised in their youths, is all fine and good.
But against the wills of those who have been shit on by the Shogunate, they’re child’s play.
So long as the Shogunate continues to mercilessly wield their power, there will always be those, like Shonai, willing to lay their lives on the line to dismantle the current government.

🤣I’m laughing so hard at your comment about wanting to punch Kyujuro haha I agree…Daisaku’s feelings are so unequivocally one-sided that it’s painful to watch. He literally gave up his friends’ plights for that ignorant dolt, Kyujuro because he fed him oshiruko and rubbed his back (which I mean, fine, that’s a good thing overall. End the cycle of revenge blah blah).

Yamanami-sama’s character is extremely well written and the events leading to his death made lots of sense. I’m glad that someone actually took Serizawa’s words to heart haha
And it looks like Yamanami-sama’s words have impacted a couple of rookies. Thank god. Because there’s only so many times we can have a beloved, controversial character, spout ideologies and discredit the Shinsengumi before it stops losing its shine haha If Ito-dono also follows down the same path as Yamanami-sama and Serizawa, I will honestly laugh.
Despite having many of the same parallels as Serizawa, I thought his death was appropriate. He went down swinging for his beliefs. He wanted to make a point. It succeeded… in upsetting me haha

Yup, Okita definitely idolizes his older brothers and on top of that, with his death imminent, he wants to have a purpose for his short life and be remembered in the analogues of history (which, did happen, but at what cost…) I’m just waiting for him to drop dead atp too…

I miss Serizawa so much… I can’t believe I’m still missing him all these episodes later, but that was the impact he had on the show.
I’m glad that Sakamoto Ryoma finally decided to join the damn party after being missing for so long. It looks like he’ll finally start to have more of a role. It’s to be determined if he can match Serizawa’s awesomeness. But I’m glad to just finally see him involved after literally peacing out like 5 episodes ago lol

What’s interesting is that Yamanani-sama’s speech kinda mirrored Kyujuro’s speech in the manga. In the manga, Kyujuro kills many men before killing Shonai, but he only feels the guilt after murdering Shonai because he put a pause on his life after his dad’s death. Killing Shonai breaks the spell and results in him having this absolute existential crisis over every life he’s taken. Sakamoto decides to help Kyujuro because he finds the light on his own in a magnificent speech about how pointless everything is, but drama Kyujuro is a little dumber 😅 so it makes sense haha

Hahaha, Hijikata is a noble character and before he became so extreme in his actions (I was worried Kyujuro would start following in his footsteps for a second there…), there was a lot to admire, so I understand why you felt that way. Also, he really did have that perfect elder brother trope going for him (I’m glad your older sister is not going to follow in his footsteps lmao) Drama Hijikata is single handedly trying to drive the Shinsengumi into the ground….
While he is not my favorite person in history, Hijikata really believed in what he was doing… it’s too bad that it some awful consequences.

Dude… Namu and Shinnojo are doomed 💀 After seeing the Ep. 17 preview, THEY ARE BREAKING UP. AND EVEN THE PREVIEW TEXT DESCRIBED THEIR LOVE AS ENDING 💀Finally, they acknowledged its romantic love (they used the character for romantic love… AT THE MOMENT OF THEIR BREAKUP!! SCREW THESE CREATORS!!!) I’m about to bash my head against a pillar or slit my throat with a sword istg….
Serizawa’s death, the Ikedaya incident, becoming Ito-dono’s favorite, and now Yamanami-sama’s death… it’s all too much for Shinnojo. I understand why he’s leaving. And he doesn’t want to drag Namu into an uncertain fate that he knows will likely result in seppuku… but why… I totally agree. Shinnojo’s presence is necessary amongst these emotional young men, and Shinnojo and Namu’s relationship is still the shining star of this drama…
I’m so sad… I cried a little on the inside when Shinnojo said he missed laundry. All my dude wants to do is be Namu’s housewife in the mountain and life is cruel….I even spent all Ep. 14 crying on the inside at Namunosuke saying Shinnojo no longer needed him… in fact, he needs him more than ever…

It’s sometimes frustrating, because I want to treat this as a short form, light drama, but there is a sentimentality and earnest bittersweet mess that won’t allow me to blow this drama off. Maybe because real lives were at stake at one point… but as we’re coming to a close, I truly do become a little sadder with every passing death and separation…

Bro same. I just want everyone to die atp. I’ve never said that so strongly before.
Sometimes I like when one or two people can live on for those that are gone. But nope. I want insta death for everyone at this total lack of party….
When Daisaku said he wanted to see the fireworks… I was like: oh, you’ll see those fireworks alright, but not in the way you expect 😅

Wow, I might be in the minority, but I loved the ending and I’m satisfied that we never really know for certain whether Vee is Khun Wad’s reincarnation. Because, like the show said, it didn’t matter. All that mattered was San had chosen to give whole hearted love a second chance and start living his life again.

All of us have or will, at some point, lose a loved one. And likely none of us will ever be certain if we’re going to meet them again while we’re still alive, reincarnation or not, with our present memories intact.
We’ll all have to mourn that loss, but we can’t stop living just because our loved ones are no longer physically present in our lives.
San devoted his entire life to waiting for Wad. He did acts of service for the temple, but he avoided regular life, refusing to even be in family pictures.
He’d never even been to a theme park before Vee. He considered himself an anomaly. He was in stasis, paying penance for not protecting the person he loved. Vee dragged him out of his self imposed purgatory.

My interpretation is that San’s nightly pain was caused by his heartbreak, torment, and guilt, but it manifested physically due to the poison. It’s kinda like how we’re the saddest when we’re up at night, alone in bed, mulling over our darkest thoughts.
This entire time, I thought that Vee healed San’s pain every night because he was the real reincarnation.
But I think the real reason why San was healed by being in proximity and sharing the same bed with Vee is because he was falling in love with him/had fallen in love with him and was steadily moving on.
He no longer spent all night remembering and regretting, because he had someone else to love in his arms now.

I loved the message of this drama and was genuinely pleasantly surprised we never got a confirmation about who was the true reincarnation of Khun Wad’s soul. It’s up to our interpretation, but at the end of the day, all that matters is that San and Vee are happy, together at last.

I’ll really miss this show, warts and all! I'll especially miss all the relationships between the family members and friends. I hope Juu meets her soulmate soon; she was the best wingwoman every✌️

Also... A'Tao and Dr. Third anyone?

This drama is testing me as an international fan... uncut version on IQIYI Thailand, no subtitles on Kisskh, cut version on YT with broken subs on Ep. 1 Pt. 3...but, I'm hanging in there. I've been waiting for this project for too long to quit now!

Omg, same! I used to love watching Japanese movies as a kid too! Especially the samurai movies lol

Yeah, I’m a little newer to the idol/traffic stars dramas and a lot of them really don’t need to be over 40 episodes 😑
It’s also probably hard to discern which shows are deserving of the longer episode length, so a mandatory cut off was necessary, but I wish it had been stretched to 50 episodes, as you can totally tell when some stories were cut for time.
Eventually, I think the screenwriters will learn how to more appropriately pair down their stories, but the new laws specifying 40 episodes of no more than 45 minutes is relatively new and I think writers are just trying to figure out how to adapt without filler episodes lol

Hahahaha I love that honestly. Kill them all! That’s how I feel about this drama… just let all the Shinsengumi die already. If it wasn’t historical, I wouldn’t even want Saito to live, as I feel like it’ll be genuinely sad to see him as one of the last ones standing. Plus, he’s a killer, so…

Lol, yeah, it’s almost impossible to be a decent emperor in a Chinese drama. Even when they technically do nothing wrong, you still low-key hate them lol Comes with the territory.
That’s actually really interesting- I read in the spoilers that it’s called Lost You Forever because CX loses XY forever. Idk if that’s true, but I really didn’t assume they were cousins, based on him being a love interest (I realize it was a different time, but with my modern day sensibilities, it still throws me for a loop. All my cousins are nimrods and I watched them grow up lol)
Interesting how all these characters are interrelated to one another.
I really appreciate when stories are adapted 1:1, even if I’m not a novel fan.
The original book fans deserve to have their favorite stories unfold as they imagined, breathing life into their beloved characters. 
I can appreciate a good adaptation too, even if there are some liberties taken, but I feel like 1) if it strays too far into the realm of the unrecognizable, what’s the point? And 2) the changes often don’t serve to elevate the material.
It’s really cool that the author was a screenwriter and involved heavily in the project!

That’s really interesting actually. I definitely know that XL is the most popular love interest, especially in international circles, and that’s likely all I know about him too. And that he gave his heart blood (?) by tapping his chest like a tree gets tapped for syrup lol
It’s kinda beautiful to think that he was the only one responsible for carving his own path, even if that path led to a tragic end. I think we can all respect that level of conviction, to a certain degree (I guess it depends on what their legacy was in history though lol)
I’m interested to read the book to get to know XL outside of being the 3ML.
Where did you read the book? Did you find it on Novel Updates?
I saw another interesting comment that mentioned TSJ was like the story of a SML actually getting the girl, because CX is the ML and idk, that kinda made me laugh since I often times suffer from second lead syndrome.

Same. Unless I’m fully committed, then I’m a notorious Cdrama skipper. I hit all the highlights just enough to understand the basics…(I’m also that person trolling the comment section to pick up on all the things I missed due to my watching habits). I don’t understand people that can watch a bunch of Cdramas in a year to competition.

Wow, that’s quite the tagline 😭
… your destiny is to kill someone-even if it wasn’t the person you cared for, to be nothing but a sharp sword is a sad fate.
Hahaha, yeah, they made the pairings pretty obvious, but I’m glad they’re just leaning into it atp on the relationship chart. I refuse to look a ShinNamu as anything other than romantic.

Yeah, I freaked out when they introduced Ito Kashitaro and, I think, Mikisaburo Suzuki? Shit is about to get real lol

Kondo is definitely taking a central role in Pt 2 with Serizawa gone. I’m always a little surprised to see his more strategic, intelligent side now, after he spent so many episodes in Serizawa’s shadow, sitting, with his brush hovered over a scroll, never actually writing anything for the first half 😂
But you’re right. Kondo is not fooled by anyone. He was even strategic when asking Kyujuro to join the Shinsengumi. He saw that killing intent after the death of his father and likely thought: I can turn him into a well honed, sharp blade…it was his decision with Okita to place Daisaku with Yamanami too.
Definitely not a nice person… but then how can you be if you’re to lead the Shinsengumi. He’s more similar to Hijikata than he first appeared. The only difference is he doesn’t wear his ruthlessness on his sleeve.
Yeah, totally agree; it makes sense why Serizawa teamed up with Kondo. It was a gamble that ended poorly for him, but he probably wouldn’t have chosen a different outcome either way.

Yeah, it’s too bad background checks didn’t exist lol
Like you said, it definitely made sense Daisaku was willing to sever his soul to be a spy. I think anyone who’s a spy has the expect that it could be a mission they never come back from 😳 I wonder if Okita is also clued into Daisaku’s identity, but he’s just so busy with his illness he doesn’t have the energy to hunt him the way Hijikata does…
Absolutely true. As awful as a lot of Gengo’s actions were, it makes sense as both he and Daisaku were pretty much asked to throw away their humanity for the cause. For good or bad, Gengo never met a Kyujuro that re-lit his humanity, which is why Daisaku wishes they’d never met. Now Daisaku is clouded with doubt over his cause, which only complicates his situation, meanwhile, it’s like Kyujuro siphoned and absorbed Daisaku’s resolve from the first few episodes, and now he’s fully drank the Kool-Aid and committed to the Shinsengumi plight 😓
I definitely agree with your overall summation of their relationship and how Kyujuro broke down Daisaku’s walls. It’s unfortunate that the result of their connection had unintended consequences.
Kyujuro definitely wouldn’t have unleashed his bloodlust, as Kondo hoped, if Daisaku hadn’t been the catalyst. They’re never on the same page when it counts 😭

Yeah, if Hijikata knew knew who was the spy, he would’ve tortured Daisaku for info by now lmao
Kondo is holding onto the info because he knows he can use Daisaku later down the line and that Hijikata’s methods are way too extreme. Hijikata doesn’t think that way. The fact that Kondo bookmarks people for later use shows why he and Serizawa got along so well.

I agree. If Daisaku just spilled the beans, Kyujuro would probably be pissed, but I can see him letting Daisaku go. Probably have a whole Simba monologue: run away Scar, and never return 😂
Manga Daisaku was much smarter. He knew how the play the game. He always helped Kyujuro, but he never strayed from his path. Because once you’ve sold your soul, the price to buy it back is too high.
Daisaku is nuts if he thinks he can exist in the Shinsengumi with his emotions in turmoil. He’d be better off either running away (but he’d probably be hunted down) or killing himself atp (sounds cruel, but it would save him from more unimaginable suffering).

Ikr! When I heard Daisaku repeat the line, I was like: so we all KNOW Daisaku is dying now, right? I didn’t see Kyujuro either. But maybe I’ll go back and rewatch to check.

Nope, Kondo didn’t. Which is why it’s so laughably cruel that Hijikata has charged Daisaku with finding the traitor WHILE Kondo was standing there, saying nothing. Once again, Kyujuro is being sent out blindly, totally unprepared for the cost of his loyalty. Meanwhile, Kondo doesn’t want to necessarily point Kyujuro at his friend atm. He wants to wait to see how it’ll play out.
It’s extremely twisted. I agree. Just another example of the older generation using the younger generation’s energy and abilities to mete out their own sick sense of justice.

I’m actually going to do what you did and angry clean when I have to watch Yamanami die… yeah, maybe Saito and Suzuki will be the final OTP 😂

Dude, I agree. 
Drama Katsuragi is so shrewd/ he has also severed his heart, so the lack of empathy he has towards his own men makes him just as sick as the Aizu Lord, but, as you said, I can get behind Katsuragi more because he likely has been treated like Kondo was in Ep. 12 by a bunch of opulent, spoiled brats and decided he had enough.
And sometimes, when your enemies fight dirty, you have to be willing to get down in the mud with them.
Also, yes, Shonai was important to the cause. It definitely makes sense he would ask Daisaku, Shonai’s bestie, to get revenge for him too. I don’t think it’s as psychologically twisted as say, asking Kyujuro to find and kill a spy, knowing that it is likely his best friend.

Me too. I understand the Ishin shishi. The feudal system dictated that the lives of the commoner was hardly better than an ant. Fat cats, like the Aizu Lord, were contemptible. Fuck the feudal system lol

Yeah… we really need Sakamoto Ryoma…. I’m hoping to see him Ep. 13, since, you’re right. This is the point at which Kyujuro would seek out his perspective… but, this Kyujuro is so far gone 😂 I don’t know how he can be Kyujuro’s “world teacher” rn 😆

Yeah, I don’t think they actually did it, but that is the reason why Kondo was beheaded. But I don’t remember anymore, so I’m trust you lol

I think Okita was ruthless, efficient killer because he truly believed that in the matters of dispensing true justice, you have to be objective. He literally just became a sword that Kondo could point at his enemies. I don’t think he really thought about right and wrong in the conventional sense. Irl, he was just a really talented teenager that remained loyal to role model.
When he says sever your heart, he is calling for the wielder to keep his heart free of passion. He doesn’t kill out of a sense of revenge, ambition, desire, or hatred, just like the blade. He clears his mind and swings his blade; only then can you clear your objectives. Whenever I see his sword in the drama, it always looks like pure steel, colorless and without motive. He’s the definition of putting your nose to the grindstone.
Whereas, I think Kyujuro has decided to be ruthless, like Shonai, because it’s how he protects his heart. Deep down, Kyujuro is the innocent tea shop boy, raised by his pacifist father. He knows killing is wrong. Revenge begets more revenge. But he is struggling with facing his actions, so it’s easier just “sever his heart.”
But he doesn’t do it with the same intentions as Okita.
He is stronger when his blade moves on behalf of others. But right now, he’s turning into an attack dog, indiscriminately killing all Choshu rebels.

I don’t think Kyujuro is aware Sakamoto is Ishin shishi until the end, when he has given up on the Shinsengumi. I think rn he just thinks his an eccentric, educated weirdo 😆

Definitely. Daisaku is getting jumped back into the cause for sure, but this time, two (maybe more) people are already suspicious of him… he’s not the best spy, right? 😂
Yeah, you’re right. Daisaku never tried to strangle Kyujuro in his sleep. Definitely they’ve added another dimension to their already complicated relationship… because nothing says complex like wrestling with killing the one you love 😅
The screenwriters really wanted to put Daisaku through the wringer…
Seeing the Shonai conflict really reminded me of Rome & Juliet, when Tybalt was murdered by Romeo for murdering Mercutio, with Juliet lamenting that her husband was her cousin’s murderer.
Yeah, they’ve really shoved down our throats how miserable the past of the Shinsengumi was and I’m like: dude, I get it. We know the tale.
I’m wondering if part of the purpose to prep the viewers for tragedy, as if to say, don’t be distracted by the dance numbers 😆 Nobody can be outraged by the ending, no matter how sad it may be, as they’ve been warned.

I think that is 100% my fault. I think I explained the ending very poorly 😅
The reason why I don’t really blame Kyujuro from the manga is because basically, Daisaku forced his hand first.
Hijikata charged Kyujuro with killing Daisaku, as it was his responsibility due to their friendship and not noticing his spying. It was to test his loyalty. Kyujuro went to Daisaku, and told him to run away, while Kyujuro would make up some excuses to distract the Shinsengumi. Daisaku said no, because 1) Hijikata would make Kyujuro kill himself for letting Daisaku escape, to pay for his friend’s crimes. And 2) Daisaku wouldn’t make it out of the city alive, with the entire Shinsengumi on his tail. He drew his sword on Kyujuro and forced him to fight him to the death. He didn’t want to see Kyujuro die for his choice.
I guess Kyujuro could’ve laid down his blade and let Daisaku spear him to death, but I’m glad that Kyujuro didn’t just give up and let the shittiness of the situation take his life. Not after he saw the light at the end of the tunnel and genuinely wanted to change his lot in life. Both of them were true warriors till the end. The fact that they fought brilliantly, despite having no choice, letting skill and chance be the decider of who lived, was the only choice they could’ve made for either to die with their boots on. They fought fair and square. Better to end by a friend than that douche bag Hijikata lol And taking their own lives would’ve been no different than letting Hijikata win or admitting Hijikata was right and their path was wrong.
With Kyujuro’s survival, I believe he truly expanded his horizons/uses his experiences and then one day comes back to help Japan usher in the age of peace and modernization.

LMAO that’s so true! Kyujuro really eats denial for breakfast every morning. If he stopped and thought about it for more than 2 seconds, he would’ve known like 3-4 episodes ago Daisaku was suss af. And then Shonai saying: traitor while facing Daisaku should’ve brought together all of Kyujuro’s combined experiences to a head. He should’ve known in that exact moment it was Daisaku, without a shadow of a doubt. Like c’mon dude. Observe! 😆
I do wonder if Kyujuro suspects it’s Daisaku deep down, but it’s too painful for him to entertain the possibility atm….

That’s true; he’s no longer innocent… maybe now that his innocence is stripped, he’ll finally figure it out!

Shinnojo read Daisaku like a book, even while he’s been distracted by Namu 😂
Sometimes, I think it would’ve been really interesting if they were the MCs. Not saying it would be better, but Shinnojo is truly such an interesting character to me. He has the most potential to grow. His family was murdered by the Shogunate, he was sexually abused by a shogunate fiend, ends up on the side fighting to protect the shogunate because of his former childhood love *cough* friend. Feels conflicted because the Shinsengumi saved him, but they also help represent the worst of Japan. Is torn between two rival factions, being personified in his two close friends. Wants to live peacefully, doing laundry and teaching children, but gets continually pulled into the fray by his innocent friend.
Shinnojo is an interesting character, because I think he knows exactly what he wants, but doesn’t have the power or blood lust to take it for himself. He has always known what he wants, but curses his fate that he’s always powerless to be completely independent.

I am really excited to see what the new characters bring to the table though!

I guess I really like Katsuragi irl, because of his strategy, innovation, and determination, but every time they show him, he’s just mean and shrewd, which kinda annoys me a little.
There were lots of bad rumors that floated around him because he chose the good of the country at whole, over just the Choshu domain, and I think that has plagued his legacy. Like the fact that you said he unfortunately has the mind of a general or someone in power, shows how the show has decided to depict him. When in reality, he was a big promoter of education and a constitutional government. But I guess that’s how they decided to depict all the Ishin shishi, since, like you said, they’re always hiding in some dingy hole somewhere lol

I think the reason why the Ishin shishi weren’t out and about:
1. the Ishin shishi were rebels, not legitimized by the govt. So they operated in the shadows to help the emperor, but what they were doing was a threat to the current govt.
2. There were many different types of rebels. There were radical ones, like the ones that plotted the bombing of the Gion Festival. Some were essentially terrorists/assassins. Kenshin, from Rurouni Kenshin, was based on Kawakami Gensai. There were many scholastic ones, that eventually educated many future leaders. The shishi generally were better at promoting their narrative to sympathizers of emperor or anti-Shogunate forces though, so slightly better propagandist lol
3. I think the general public felt ambivalent to both sides in equal measure- and in fact, people in Kyoto probably hated both sides, because both sides brought violence and bloodshed. Regular people weren’t thinking about the imminent threat of colonization or the struggle for the soul of nation, or whatever excuses either of them used, and were more concerned with their day to day business.

Meanwhile, Kyoto still belongs to the shogunate, unlike the far South, so even if people weren’t thrilled by the Shinsengumi either, they could legally be there.

Yeah, I 100% agree. We really don’t know the extent of his and Daisaku’s sufferings (definitely will in Pt.2). But it made for a somewhat sympathetic character. He was wrong for killing Kyujuro’s dad, and his merciless dispensing of “justice” lacked all context and nuance, but, based on Daisaku’s memories, he wasn’t born a villain. He was shaped and then enabled. I’m glad it was Kyujuro who ended his life, as repayment, but in no way shape or form am I happy this young dude- with his sad, short life- died via miscommunication 😭

Lol, I realize my comment was so dumb, but I guess I assumed that spies wouldn’t leave behind such an obvious paper trail, unless there was a purpose. Otherwise, I thought they could use like smoke signals or like coded speak, or leave like a pebble on a sign post, or something to clue the other spies into their bombing Gion Plan 😂😅 or even a cipher message, which would’ve then revealed Daisaku as a real spy, because if he went and betrayed them to Kondo, then Kondo would have to be like: so, you just happened to get this message AND you can break the cipher? (It’d be like the little boy crying wolf). I thought they gave Daisaku the letter expressly so he could give it to Kondo and lure him into a trap. But no, they just spilled the whole secret plan on the letter like that 🙃

Yeah, what you said makes sense. That Daisaku also spilled the beans to protect his promise to Kyujuro.
I thought maybe he was just feeling guilty because Kyujuro instilled a conscious in him again and he wanted to prevent bloodshed (and of course Kyujuro/his friends’ death), but honestly, the only person he cares about in the world, that he’s devoted to, is Kyujuro. So it makes more sense that he’d choose to help Kyujuro and save his life/the festival, in order to see those damn fireworks… little did he know his plan would backfire… ugh, bro, this Daisaku IS kinda dumb 😆

Where d’you think the timeline will end?

Haha when he came back and freaked out over Namu’s unconsciousness body, I positively cackled, realizing that he had just completely wandered off 😂
I totally agree with the parallels of Shinnojo and Daisaku! It’s really sad, because both Shin and Namu, at the end of the day, just want a place to call home (I think Namu even said the only reason why he was in the Shinsengumi was for food and shelter… so Namu 😆). They really don’t care much for any ideology. But Namu’s servant mentality and simplicity means he’s happy trading his labor for the aforementioned things, meanwhile, Shin had a much more complicated upbringing and a longstanding distaste for violence. Shin also doesn’t have a choice, as he has no capital, connections, or abilities to survive elsewhere, nor does he wish to displace Namu due to the uncertainty of leaving.
I also really want them to be happy too… they’re my favs….

Same. I wonder if we’re going to see the end of the Shinsengumi in a matter of 8 episodes 😳

I’m not sure if he was actually at a Han school. Just hypothesizing, since it seemed like some kind of school/dojo teaching young men to be future samurai.
Omg…. Yes, Shinnojo did get kicked out, right? I forgot about that… Were they in the same school?!
I think I saw Kyujuro deliver what seemed to be a critical blow to Daisaku in Ep. 1. I really think they’ll kill him at the beginning of Ep. 12 and then the rest of the episode will be dedicated to briefly wrapping up everyone else’s stories. 

100% true; thanks for breaking down all the future internal monologues from the characters. Yeah, how does even Rose and Jack have a better ending haha

I’m really surprised by how many Hijikata and Kondo scenes we got in Ep. 12.
I’m guessing they’re going to focus on Hijikata taking down another rival for his affections for Kondo (jkjkjk) 

Yamanami is totally gonna die… and maybe his death will be the wake-up call his little unit needs to see the truth of what they’ve gotten themselves into 😭 And then they ALL escape and run a dessert shop in the mountains!!!!

It always amazes me how quickly the the turnover is from filming to airing for some of these dramas. But you’re right, the show doesn’t need much work in post (likely because they don’t have the budget lol) Lol, yeah, the Shinsengumi coats, for example, look like they could’ve been sold at a Dollar Tree lol (But I would still buy faux-silk camo haori if I saw them at the Dollar Tree 😝)

I have mixed emotions about the costumes and accessories. On one hand, I really love the attention to detail and how novel all the set designs and costumes are. The world building is phenomenal in many of the dramas. On another hand, I do wish they cared more about general storytelling. Sometimes, I really think some of the Cdrama writers are brainless. Like if they just thought about their characters for longer than 5 seconds, they would realize how stupid their actions were (normal humans don’t act this way, guys!)….But then when you get the perfect story with great visuals, it’s magical lol 

Yeah, the runtimes are convenient for both this drama and I Hear the Sunspot. Also the episode length keeps everything manageable.
My Stand-In somewhat fell apart in the last two episodes, but it wasn’t enough to damage my overall opinion of the show. And I agree. I didn’t find Joe to be too annoying either. He is a person that was born too kind for the world, on top of being love starved too.
He’s also a fictional character; they tend to be more extreme versions of regular people.
There are enough watermarks of genuine relatability, which grounds them in our hearts. But for the most part, taking character’s like Joe’s personality in full, he represent the 1% of people. I think there are less than two handfuls of people IN THE WHOLE WORLD that can live through three lives (yes, spoilers, he dies again in Ep. 11) and still be that good natured, but it’s beautiful when taken in the capacity of the show, so we can overlook it 😆

I agree. It’s by no means my favorite drama, but I overall think it’s pretty solid. They’ve mixed bromance, beautiful visuals (I really am surprised by how well choreographed the fight sequences are given how small the budget looks), historical relevance, and an interesting story together pretty seamlessly. And it’s way better than I thought it would be tbh!

Same, I’ve almost completely lost hope about receiving any more dangai dramas (ugh, don’t remind me about Immortality lol)… The Spirealm threw me a bone, but I think that’s the last we’ll see…
Thanks for your responses too! It was great talking with you!

Yes, totally agree! I wasn’t sure how to articulate my opinion and I know some people have more vivid imaginations when reading, but for me, it becomes more real when people put it to practice…Thankfully, they’ve used many cut-to-scene edits, but it does get a little harder to watch Huai’en abuses Xiaobao with every passing episode…

Absolutely! I’d love an MDZS adaptation, but including censored scenes like the blindfold kiss etc. or, since we’re never getting Eternal Faith, a TGCF adaptation would be incredible!
Like you said, the entire genre has so much untapped potential outside of even MXTX, and even though MYATB isn’t amazing, I still missed seeing more complicated plots, that include imperial intrigue and beautifully choreographed fight sequences.
Imagine how awesome it’d be to see works like this every year 🥺
Yes, as long as we continue to support these series, the production quality will only improve. Every foray into the BL industry started somewhere 😅
…I will be incredibly sad if I’m 82 by then…😭

You took the words right out my mouth! This episode was particularly jarring to me.
And even while I’m semi-familiar with the author Shui Qian Cheng and expect some level of toxicity, there are certain things that are easier for me to read than see, if that makes any sense…
But I’m going to let this go, due to the fact of that the author must’ve signed some rights for adaptations in Thailand to some capacity (looking at My Stand-In) and also, this work is very old, in an era where toxic yaoi tropes were more mainstream.
And under normal circumstances, I would be digging deep as to whether I could continue this drama, but I desperately want more historical/wuxia/xianxia BL dramas and I don’t care which work or however convoluted those means may be- a Thai company, with a Chinese cast, and Taiwanese director- sure! I have a list of danmei novels that exclude SA and are significantly better plotted which NEED to be adapted into live action dramas! And if this is the pathway to seeing danmei adapted into dramas before I hit the age of 50, then so be it!

It’s so funny, because I grew up watching Chinese dramas, but now, after coming back to Chinese dramas years later, I feel like the endings got worse??? 90% of the drama endings are just terrible 😛 Something changed while I was away, although, maybe it’s just nostalgia talking 🙃

I almost think they were better when they were 60 episodes long. Now with the govt mandated episode count, it’s like all these screenwriters bite off way more than can chew (they still have the mindset that they’ll have 50+ episodes) and the last 10 episodes of 90% of Chinese drama is like a clusterfuck of exposition dumping, tonal shifts, and insane plot deviances 😆
You seem like a Cdrama pro, so I’ll you be the judge tho!

Omg, I haven’t seen Goodbye My Princess (adding that to the list!)

Aw, that’s really too bad that Xiang Liu received the FL treatment, where he only gets reduced to being the MC’s love interest. He must be a very significant character if the novel ends from his POV despite being an irregular presence. Would you say the books is much better than the show, or would you recommend I watch the show first? I wanted to wait until the series finished, because I have terrible second lead syndrome, and if I know who the MC ends up with, then it hurts less for me 😂

How is S2 doing so far?

Yes, I would agree and go as far as to say Daisaku’s feelings for Kyujuro are romantic, especially after that Ep. 10 confession! However, I think Kyujuro will be too dense to realize it until Daisaku is laying in a pool of his own blood…
Yeah, now that his opportunity to jump ship and flee to the mountains has gone, and his best friend/one of his last tethers to his humanity is dead (along with that added guilt), I doubt he’ll turn a new leaf and we’re probably head into Daisaku’s cold blooded spy era 😅

I just finished Ep. 11 and I was shocked to find out that the letter was actually his attempt to help people, and more importantly, Kyujuro/betray his side! I thought it was trap, but no, he turned “traitor,” at least temporarily. I guess Daisaku wasn’t kidding when he told Kyujuro they’re both looking in the same direction before going to Ikedaya. 
Yeah, he wanted to have his cake and eat it too. He didn’t want innocent bloodshed, for people to suffer the way he did, or to experience any more guilt, as he did when Shibukawa died. But it had horrible consequences for the Choshu side. And now I worry about him. He’s made an enemy from the Choshu side and he’s started alienating himself from the Shinsengumi too… he has nowhere to hide now…

I was a little surprised at how quickly Kondo assessed Daisaku’s lies. Up until this episode, Kondo really hasn’t done much of anything, other than pensively staring, agreeing with Hijikata, and warning Serizawa. He’s like the neutral force of Shinsengumi- almost an ideal; I almost forgot about him as a person lol
But he’s finally being brought into the fray now that Serizawa is gone. Not surprised that observant Okita caught Daisaku’s eyes darting about; he’s obviously one of the smarter members. But unfortunately, he’s drank the Koolaid and bought into the Shinsengumi’s ideals a bit too much (I don’t blame him, since he’s a dying teenager tho 😅).

I think he’s never really cared for either the Ishin shishi or the Shinsengumi. He was already kinda “dead” to begin with. He only cares about those he loves. He helps the Ishin shishi in the name of his dead friend and Gengo. He helps the Shinsengumi for Kyujuro. And above all else, he doesn’t want to see any more unnecessary violence. He’s kinda stuck a crossroads, and he lets the person he loves kinda dictate his moves. If Gengo says be a spy, he does. If Kyujuro tells him to stay and protect people, then he does.
Now that Gengo is dead, I think he might start making his own decisions though.
I don’t see it as him betraying the Ishin shishi, so much as that he betrayed Gengo, because I don’t think he was ever really an Ishin shishi. Just helping because he cares about Gengo, but it went too far (Shibusaki)…💀

You’re definitely right. The Shinsengumi will keep Daisaku around solely because “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” 😓
And you’re also right that we will see way more deaths before Kyujuro confronts Daisaku… (ugh… not ready for Namu’s death…)

I also thought Ep. 9 was the highlight of the season. To a certain degree, I was impressed with the direction of the story and the extent at which they were willing to delve into the violence and bloodshed behind two opposing ideologies.
I also really miss Serizawa, now more than ever. It feels like, except for Yamanami, everyone is just justifying their actions in an enormous circle jerk of extremism.
There’s no one there anymore to ask: but why are we doing this?
And plus, Katsura Kogoro is too intelligent. With his own spy ring, there’s nothing the Shinsengumi can do to stop him without Serizawa…. 

I think it’s a bit of both. On one hand, Kyujuro being like Kondo means that he’ll continue to walk this idealistic pathway, even at the possible cost of his life. But there was a side of Serizawa that respected and saw some sort of spark with in Kondo, otherwise, I don’t think he would’ve teamed up with him. I think he really thought he was going to be the Tokugawa Ieyasu to Kondo’s Oda Nobunaga. But he hedged his bets incorrectly…😭😭😭

I think what you said about Kondo is true. And why Daisaku hates him. Daisaku is out here risking his life, and all he sees of Kondo is he makes an occasional speech and then disappears to his study.
Also, Kondo doesn’t have a shadow in his heart about what he’s doing. The world is black and white. Good and evil.
Meanwhile, Daisaku only sees shades of grey. He is constantly debating what is the right decision. What’s his next move. And it eats him up inside. Meanwhile, Kondo’s just standing there, unperturbed, barking out orders. I don’t blame him for hating Kondo 😒

Poor Kyujuro… yeah, it’s true that he is too naive, even in his relationship with Daisaku. He is not made for this cruel world… I hope his soul is reincarnated into the modern day and he’s running a pancake shop in Kyoto or some shit (and Daisaku is a waiter) ☺️

I was shocked that Kyujuro was able to kill ANYONE after our last discussion. But it makes sense that he couldn’t kill out of revenge, yet he could kill to protect the one he loves. That’s very Kyujuro 😅
I was still just as surprised as Daisaku, especially at seeing the killing intent in Kyujuro’s eyes. And I loved how they ended with Daisaku’s monologue mirroring Kyujuro’s in Ep. 1!

Yeah, I think Daisaku might be missing a couple screws compared to his manga version, and I agree that Gengo dying was entirely due to a miscommunication b/w the two of them. As you said, Daisaku explaining his identity could saved them a lot of heart ache.

I thought it was also tragic to hear Daisaku’s monologue, even if it makes sense.
It must be so conflicting to see the person you love kill your friend, essentially surrogate brother, to protect you. I’d also wish to never have fallen for that person too, as I’d probably be half mad with grief.
And then to also realize that it’s your fault 🫣
All the self hatred Daisaku feels for his own actions-built up when Gengo called him a traitor before dying- he is displacing on Kyujuro. It’s easier to blame the sword than the one that wields it. Kyujuro was merely the blade. Daisaku’s hidden identity and lies were the cause 💀Maybe Daisaku is going to go full Ophelia atp…
And as you said, Kyujuro is the one who’ll be traumatized now and is truly the pitiful one….

Despite the drama passing the manga entirely, Kyujuro is now stepping down the same path as his comic counterpart, at least in terms of becoming a killing pro 😬 It just happened a little later in the drama.
Like you said, Ep. 12 will be heartbreaking… the preview already looked so damned dramatic!
I laughed at “guess the “protect Kyujuro” part expired”🤣; it makes sense though. Kyujuro killed his friend/now he’s gone “full terminator”. He’s not even going to be the same guy Daisaku fell in love with. Daisaku created a monster lol

Yeah, the drama has significantly complicated their relationship in comparison. This going to be so dog blood now lol
I think I’ll hold back on my predictions until I’ve seen Ep. 12, as I really can’t predict the ending at all anymore….
But it’s sad to think that Kyujuro will only awaken to reality after killing his friend…. 

Yes! It also makes sense from a story perspective to drag out Daisaku’s spy arc even further, given that, for the most part, the manga is pretty much over, minus Daisaku vs. Kyujuro’s confrontation (as far as I’m concerned). Although, as I mentioned above, it does feel like they’re rotating some plot points, so maybe other aspects of the manga, such as Kyujuro uncovering Hijikata’s torture chamber, the drama between Namu and Yae (Shinnojo’s female equivalent) and a confrontation with the Choshu rebels in an absolute blood bath will still happen, just in a different order. It feels like Ikedaya- which was at the end, got moved to the middle.
Who knows though. The story is now the screenwriters canvas lol

Omg ikr haha, the author was like: okay, time to go to the US ☠️
I can’t take it anymore lol

Lol I don’t think Kyujuro is really going to be Kondo’s stooge, although, I do think Serizawa was like: okay, bye, I can’t save you Kondo stooge 👋

It’s really interesting, because the show almost seems Hell bent in showing the Choshu side as evil 😹
Only Shinnojo is there, being our voice of reason.
In reality, Katsuragi did go to Ikedaya. He survived because, according to his diary, he left early. Although, rumors have him escaping out the window.

Yeah I get that he’s too important to show his face or whatever, but that was still pretty cold blooded to still show up, and stand around watching the horror unfold 😰
Gengo’s story is truly sad. Yes, he killed Kyujuro’s innocent father, so maybe this is karma. But he was an extremist militant who believed in his cause and suffered miserably. I’m not necessarily sad Kyujuro was the one to end him. But I just generally sad at how much his life sucked 😑

I, myself, really don’t know what the heck Daisaku was supposed to do with that message. Was he supposed to pass it to other underground Choshu spies? Was he supposed to go there himself? Was it a weird test? Were the Shinsengumi supposed to go there to begin with? Was it to help Daisaku gain their trust (that’s what I thought it was initially), but it backfired? I agree that it was confusing af 😵‍💫

Yeah, you did. You said Daisaku’s indecisiveness was going to have unintended consequences. And sadly for Gengo, it was him lol
Bro never had a chance….

Honestly. Not sure. I feel like it’s to capture the essence of the Shinsengumi and motivations behind such a bloody era all to the backdrop of two star-crossed, unfortunate, Romeo and Juliet coded lovers. Like you said, sincerity is a theme too.
I feel like this is basically the Titanic, but featuring the Shinsengumi lol
I think maybe the writers were like: oh, this manga is by the God of Manga and it super bromancy. We can elevate this to be extremely queer-coded and tell this basic and sentimental story of two people on opposite sides of a war, drawn apart by miscommunication and murder 😣
But it doesn’t seem to have a clear main plot, like some of the other dramas I’ve watched. And maybe it’s because it’s slightly rooted in history. History doesn’t have a plot really. It’s just a record of a series of human events. So, the thing that grounds this is Kyujuro/Daisaku’s fated, awful love.

I totally agree. I don’t know to what extent he’ll blame Kyujuro for this entirely (although, we know he’ll experiencing conflicting emotions in Ep. 12), but he will absolutely dedicate his life to destroying the Shinsengumi in honor of his friend. He might even see his betrayal/trusting Kondo as the source of the problem. And rooting out the problem will mean raizing the Shinsengumi to the ground…

I didn’t see In Blossom, but I do think they have similar sound plots (Youku must be getting tired lol), but The Double was genuinely a good romp. I’m not going to nitpick too much over whether the plot is 100% solid (all the revenge missions sometimes feel quite disconnected lol), but the acting, romance, and revenge were all delectable.
Yeah, the Cdrama release schedule is godawful. I do better watching regularly airing shows than binge watching, but I do get it, as the shows are so long.
If I decide to watch a Cdrama as its airing, pretty much all the other shows I’m watching must get dumped 😅

Shinnojo was hardcore struggling in Ep. 12! YES, dude just peaced the fuck out and wandered the streets, only coming to Ikedaya after the fighting was done… like wow… he expressly said he couldn’t kill, and he has his own principles to follow, but wow, he totally ditched Namu 😂

Yeah, agreed! It does feel like Shinnojo has always known the group was destined to fall apart and he doesn’t want to be there for it, so he’s just avoiding it- literally lol Shinnojo is the biggest wildcard in the show for me. I’m interested to see how they’ll develop his character in Pt. 2.

Thanks for all the links! I’m going to check them out after sending this! Somehow, I missed this article too haha
I do think it would be interesting if the second half is told entirely from Daisaku’s perspective.
Do you think Daisaku will die before the final episode and they’ll switch back to Kyujuro’s perspective?

Yeah, I was also sorry for Okita, despite how many hints Okita dropped while training Kyujuro, it was truly depressing to see such a skilled, professional young man, bent out of shape from the illness ravaging his body. He hasn’t done anything, as a character, to warrant my dislike either. He’s just been living by his own principles and trying his best. It was truly sad to think he’s been surviving like this in secret, and he’ll continue to cover it up further.
I agree that the actor’s been playing the role very smartly and convincingly. This is how I’d imagine Okita to be.
Poor Yamanami. I will never forgive Hijikata if we have to see him order Yamanami’s seppuku... He is a NATIONAL TREASURE! 😡

Everyone is a victim of terrible circumstances.
Like real life, their hands were forced by higher powers, that control their lives mercilessly to maintain their wealth at the expense of the weak.
As usual, it’s young men dying for old mens’ wars.
Kyujuro lived happily before, but his father was murdered by men whose lives were destroyed by the shogunate. It all started there. And now he is hunting those men while living under the orders of the shogunate… urghhhh…. 😫
I know right? I like how you summed up the Yamanami corp being regular people seeking refuge for different reasons though.
Sometimes I hate how this show mirrors real life; they were ripped from childhood into the throughs of adulthood. I’m becoming like the characters… I want to go back to their “flowery beginnings” haha If only their friendship was enough…

Yeah both of them have very legitimate reasons to point swords at one another, and while we know the gist of how this story will end, like you, I can only approximate how we’ll get to the ending and what the direct consequences of their stand off will be.
Maybe he’s narrating in heaven 😇

It’s true; they lulled us into a false sense of security! Even though the beginning was ominous, it was so long ago and it was such a short part of the story 😆
So many more things transpired between Kyujuro’s dad being brutally murdered and Serizawa’s death, that I even forgot how seriously it began…

Maybe the manga initially had more violence, but based on our Pt.2 previews, it makes me think that there will be just as much bloodshed by the end lol
The end of Pt. 1 really highlighted the pointlessness of all their deaths, and was very frustrating in how avoidable it could’ve been with the power of communication. Like you said before, all Daisaku had to say was: hi Kyujuro, the man that killed your father is my best friend. Please don’t kill him. The Shogunate imprisoned (I think Daisaku was training in a Han school, where young boys would learn to be future members of the samurai class, and the Shogunate did arrest many scholars with dissident ideas during this era), possibly killed my friends, removed us from Kyoto, and it turned him into a bit of an extremist revolutionary and me into dead eyed spy. But because of you, I want to try to work stuff out. Let me set up a chance for you guys to communicate, with me as a mediator 
👍

If you haven’t finished My Stand-In… hate to be the bearer of obvious news, but he never stops being foolishly kind haha

I even wondered what their fan-meet comprise of? Three dances, and then bunch of crying, death, and blood capsules? 😂

Me too! I’m genuinely surprised by what they could accomplish in such a short timeline, especially how they handled the tonal shifts between Ep. 8/9.
Yeah, now it makes sense why they split this story into two parts.

I bet filming was so dramatic…. Especially for the second half…Emotions and tension were probably running high.
And exhaustion, given the recent spate of action sequences. But the cast chemistry seems good, so I’m sure they could find time to keep the environment fun. I do wonder if they’ll release some BTS footage though! (Maybe they already have… tbh I haven’t been checking this show out much beside watching the episodes lol)

LMAO Ep. 11 annoyed you so much you became motivated lol That’s hilarious!
Omg…. I would frankly be so upset after 11+ weeks of this if there were any significant character assassinations! This is already more overall time than I invest into a normal drama lol (I count investment in weeks, not hours committed lol)

Agreed; I liked the ending of Hard to Find and can’t imagine it ending any other way!
 
AJTL became better after the actors acknowledged in an interview that everyone was dead. But that open end with Chu Yue and NingRuyi’s “son” was so dumb imo.
I’m so tired of these “artistic” OE in Chinese dramas that have become the new norm. They’ve lost the wistful creativity they used to have and now they’re just overdone, “crowd pleasers” that lack conviction.
 
Oh yeah, that’s like the white haired dude right? I haven’t seen Lost You Forever and was waiting for S2 to finish airing first lol
Yeah, it would seem manga Daisaku and Xiang Liu have a lot in common, whereas, drama Daisaku really seemed ready to throw it all away for Kyujuro and that was definitely their last shot at normalcy… it’s official. There is no turning back now…😖

I will sorely miss Serizawa and his only mistake was choosing the wrong side of the war. He wished to do things his own ways, but at the same time, he wanted to do it within the current feudal structure. He wasn’t as wide thinking/radical as Sakamoto.
He knew he was more acerbic and fitted for the shadows than Kondo, and likely thought they would be partners/ become lords in their own right by taking advantage of this tumultous time, with Kondo as the face, and him as the brains. But he never wanted to do it by playing by the rules.

Serizawa definitely knew. The fact that he told Kondo he’d have to choose between him and Hijikata, and then seemed resigned after seeing his reaction, just seemed to be his way of pushing Kondo to just get rid of him already, since nothing was changing Kondo’s mind/ethics and the Aizu Lord wanted his blood anyways.
I loved how he tried to impart one last piece of wisdom on Kyujuro, before realizing that Kyujuro was Kondo’s stooge 💀 At least he tried. He respected Kyujuro to a certain extent and his death definitely opened up Kyujuro’s eyes/ impacted a few members who bared witness to his courage.

Me too! That cemented him as one of my favorites! I’m so glad he went by his own terms, just as he lived. He refused to bow to the old codgers.
He wanted to take him and Kondo to the top of the feudal system, to become Aizu Lords in their own right! Kondo, though, is happy to be a samurai retainer to a lord though… a dog to the Shogunate, basically.
Serizawa misjudged him, unfortunately… 😓

How I interpret it is that Serizawa refused to bow to Aizu power and follow the rules. The Aizu lord gave them an ultimatum: get Serizawa under control and get him to play by our rules (act legitimately) or kill him.
They needed the funding and legitimacy from the Aizu Domain more than they needed Serizawa’s “dirty” money and spy ring, and Serizawa would never give in and wag his tail, evidenced by Kondo’s discussion with him (I think he also didn’t like that all rule breaking = seppuku, since that’s kinda nuts).
Serizawa really did set fire to Kyoto, because people were not paying the reparations to the Shinsengumi, so I feel like they kept that for historical accuracy and that the character himself knew that was his known final stand, that they would find any excuse to kill him at that point, so he just decided that he would draw the Shinsengumi to him and then go on his own term, swinging.
But no, I don’t think he was ever betraying the Shinsengumi.

I agree! I was surprised to realize that I doubt Kyuu will be able to kill anyone, besides Daisaku, before the credits end 😥
In that respect, this Kyuu is a lot less hot headed, now if only he could realize his tormented friend’s secret before it’s too late!!!
Now, I don’t even think Kyuu will take Sakamoto’s offer to leave. Unless Kyuu goes through another character arc, running away to experience the world because he’s given up on war torn Japan doesn’t seem to be in drama Kyuu’s cards.
I think even though Daisaku will die, maybe Kyuu will continue to protect the weak, just maybe outside of the Shinsengumi or any organization (although, Daisaku’s death and other horrible things, poss. Including Sakamoto’s death may push him in the same direction as the manga).
Either way, he can’t be a normal peasant or warrior, which is one aspect they’ve kept the same. Otherwise, I’m just as curious and in the dark as you!
Yes, I can’t believe we’ll see the Ikedaya Incident! I’m really curious to know when the Ikedaya Incident will happen, because it’s clear that the next day, during the Gion Matsuri, that Dai and Kyuu’s match on the dock will occur. So it has me thinking it’ll be closer to the end, but at the same time, this series is moving SO QUICKLY!

Have you seen Ep. 11? I get really confused when this show airs!
Okay, I wonder if maybe Kyuu WON’T kill Daisaku at the dock that we saw in Ep. 1 too. Idk if Shonai will try to kill Kyuu and instead and Dai will die defending him, but after seeing Kyuu unable to even kill his father’s murderer, I really don’t think he’s capable of killing Dai either…
Really can’t predict anything beyond the fact that, like you said, all the plans they made together in Ep. 10 are ABSOLUTELY falling apart in Ep. 11…

Why OH WHY couldn’t Kyuu just run off with Dai when he offered! What does he honestly think he can do in a war when he has a killing phobia and gets his ass kicked every other week 😭

Yeah, it’s clear that the letter he gave Kondo is a trap written by the Choshu side. Kyuu’s “rejection” finally has set him on the path to complete his mission. He’s not running away anymore from his responsibility. He’ll never help the Shogunate forces. The most he can do is keep going forward and protect Kyuu.

Yeah, it’s really crazy how many horrible things happen in history because of miscommunication and rumors.

Yeah, based on Ep. 1, I don’t think Dai will be able to properly explain himself either. He’ll just say something poetically sad to Kyuu, graze his cheek one last time, and die in his arms (at least, that’s how I imagine it 😅)

While they built up Serizawa’s character, they dumbed down Kondo’s character in the drama imo. There’s still room for Kondo to display real acts of intelligence and forbearance, but so far, I agree. From the drama, this is a man that has a very naive outlook on reality and he can’t make the tough decisions and uses his officers to dispense justice and avoid getting his hands dirty.

For sure. And I’m pretty sure Daisaku knew exactly what the consequences would be if he implicated Shibukawa. He is very remorseful, but it changes nothing about how that poor golden retriever boy died. It’s a side affect of being a spy, but if Daisaku must pay a price, I would say its fair after how Shibukawa met his end…
That is probably how the other Shinsengumi members, like Saito and Sanosuke, felt about the situation when they arrested Shibukawa.
But the only reason why I think it was a more sinister set-up is that I think Hijikata is already somewhat on to the fact there are more spies than Shibukawa (I bet he didn’t think Shibukawa was even a spy, but because he broke the rules, he had to commit seppuku) and, more importantly, I think he’s already suspicious of Daisaku (like you said… he’s not exactly subtle lol) So I really think he was trying to see how far Daisaku would go. Sending Kyujuro was just an accessory lol
The failed Ikedaya Incident is going to the final nail in the coffin given Daisaku’s role though.

Have you seen The Double yet? It’s another revenge drama where innocent people do die, but overall, I’d say that the casualties are significantly less than the avg revenge drama 😂

Bro… there’s few things I’m 100% certain about. But I’d be willing to bet a month’s rent that Namu will die lol

Yes, I think at the very least, as a fellow gay, Shinnojo has sussed out Daisaku and Kyujuro’s “special” relationship WHILE also deducing that they are ideologically incompatible and it must pain him to see his friends like this. I don’t blame him for being distracted. He is very well aware that good things don’t last forever.
When Daisaku’s reveal happens, I know Shinnojo will be standing in the background like: I knew it all along 😑
I don’t think they’ve met before either, per se. But I think their pasts might be connected somehow. Like they might 2nd or 3rd degree know each other, given that they clans were suppressed respectively by the shogun.
And there will be some kind of tell that will give Shinnojo absolute certainty of Daisaku’s identity. But I could be reading into it. 
I definitely think Shinnojo, out of all of the characters, has the most propensity to go through significant changes, and a possible “villain arc.”

Oooh, send me that interview!
Wow… I never saw that advertisement… sigh… that’s foreboding… 🫠
Oh really? So we’re done with Kyujuro’s story entirely?
So the Ikedaya Incident and the dock fight happen in Ep. 11?
Oh interesting… maybe Ep. 9 will focus on Shinnojo? Or maybe on the Choshu side? Or maybe Daisaku’s perspective?
Now, I’m curious….😳

Yeah, irl Yamanami-san irl tries to leave the shinsengumi, because he stops believing in them, and Okita comes to bring him back from hiding, where he is forced to commit seppuku. It pretty much ruins Okita, because they were besties….😞 hopefully, we don't have to see that...

Yes, what I love about this drama is watching all these adults, with their own perspectives, impart their specific wisdoms to this group of teenage blank canvases. It’s interesting to see how the Shinsengumi were brought together beneath one umbrella principle despite their varying ideologies, which become more stark the more extreme the organization becomes. It’s proven that that principle isn’t enough to weather this time of bloodshed, similar to our main four… 😣
But it’s been fun going on this journey with Kyujuro from that perspective (maybe not all the other sad, dramatic stuff that will follow though…)

Daisaku is 1000% dying and you’re right. The fact that Kyujuro is asking Daisaku rhetorical questions suggests that Kyujuro has long outlived him. I almost hope that an older Kyujuro is monologuing after the Shinsengumi are long gone and he’s just hanging out with Daisaku’s alter tablet in his cute little tea house. Then, he dies and they reunite in the afterlife (I’m not letting this go 🤣)
Maybe Shinnojo will kill Kyujuro (okay, now I know I’m crazy…)
OR MAYBE neither of them will die during the Bakamatsu and they’ll both survive. The war will end, all their friends are dead, and they do open an oshiruko shop deep within the mountains. And old age Kyujuro will go to Dai’s grave- who maybe also died of old age or an illness or something. Idk, I’m spitballing here… I just can’t accept reality, it seems…😓

Hahaha, that would’ve been a blessing if they both ended one another…
And their blood intermingled poetically…end scene lol
I almost wish this could’ve been a fun drama about the Shinsengumi’s slice of life days. There’s too much depressing Shinsengumi material out there. Which I understand. But for once, I think it’d be fun to subvert expectations and have a bromance-y show following the Mibu Roshigumi at the beginning, where they were establishing themselves as safety guards, cleaning up trash, etc. And that’s it lol
But, like you said, it’s too late to go back now 🤡

For a while, I’ve been enjoying My Stand In, just chilling with my knowledge of the web novel, but this week’s episode is the first time where it looks like the show is significantly diverging from the source material and now, I’m like you: ANXIETY RIDDEN!

Also not them cutely promoting a fan meeting when 99% of them will be dead when the credits roll on this series 😭

Oh wow, I finally got around to catching up to the show after being on the road for a week, and holy crap, we just really did a 180 after frolicking in the river 😭 Sorry for the slow response...

Yeah, the whole show seems to be a dictionary definition for mono no aware, and I’m already super emotional now that Serizawa is dead. I love drama Serizawa and for me, I think they offed him too quickly (really only one episode to establish his “traitorous/violent” nature) and this show will be lacking without his pompous presence and perspective to level off Hijikata’s. Maybe his quick death was the point; it’s unfair and gave the lower stationed members little time to consider the efficacy of it. But for me, it was, I don’t want to say sloppy, but a little too fast. Thankfully, they introduced Sakamoto, so I can shift my Serizawa love onto him lol

I haven’t seen Different Princess, but I’ll add it to my watch list!
It kinda reminds me of Hard to Find, in which the first episode pretty much indicates the doomed relationship between the two leads, and yet, it’s still an enjoyable watch. So true about so many Cdrama tragedies… idk why I still get upset over unhappy endings in Cdramas. I continually remind myself to roll with the punches, but then I spend a week crying over a sad ending *cough* A Journey to Love *cough*

Yeah Ep. 9 was literally their decent into #thuglife…
Ikr, the petals fall and the leaves green and all the sudden, besides the titular four, they become a group of mass murderers lol
They’ve fully transformed from the Mibu Roshigumi to the Shinsengumi.
I was kinda hoping the peace could last until the halfway point, but nope… I wasn’t expecting them to off Shibukawa so quickly though (yeah right, he went back home to his family… I can’t wait for Kyujuro to find out the truth).

I think if they follow the manga, Kyujuro will exit Kyoto before Sakamoto’s death and my fingers are crossed they keep it that way, because I can’t see both Sakamoto and Serizawa die 😓

So true! Thank god for the Aizu leader exposition dumping on us every couple scenes so we know where we are on the timeline haha

I think the change in Daisaku works for the show, considering they shifted Daisaku to a principle role and already revealed his betrayal in the opening of Ep. 1.
I see these characters as more adjacent to the manga, but if I solely evaluated it as an adaptation, it might get a lower score.
I think an absolute adaptation of the manga could’ve been a cool samurai epic, but the screenwriters clearly had a different focus in mind. And I really appreciate what they did with Serizawa’s character, fleshing him out to be more than just a one dimensional villain 👍

It’s also interesting to see how much more supportive Kyujuro must be, almost subsuming some of Daisaku’s manga role, to the help Daisaku cope with his treachery.
I was heartbroken by how they did Shibukawa dirty…

I think Daisaku put on that performance to prove that he was a proper member of the Shinsengumi. If he’d let them go, it would’ve left him more suspect to evaluation further down the road. Now he’s proven he’s a die hard member and cemented his role as a whistleblower to relieve some scrutiny he’s likely experiencing now that the Shinsengumi are aware of a spy. It also probably helps explain how Kyujuro could be blinded by Daisaku’s charade despite him giving MULTIPLE hints lol
Also, some of the Shinsengumi members that arrested Shibukawa came very quickly; maybe Daisaku was aware that the senior Shinsengumi were keeping tabs on Kyujuro/Daisaku and this was all a loyalty test. Kind of like: we want to see if you’ll pick your friends happiness, despite his blatant disregard of the rules, or the groups wellbeing. Like you said, Thugs™ 😂

Omg, I think you’re right! This is definitely Kyujuro’s last narrative to to Daisaku’s grave before he sets off for uncharted waters. 

Same… Daisaku has practically spelled out to him his suss behavior… I wonder if because Daisaku has always been a little bit strange since the beginning that Kyujuro lets a lot of his actions slide, almost as if he’s acclimated to his weird friend’s mood swings and harsh words.
Shinnojo definitely has the highest EQ in the series, and I also wonder the same thing. If their pasts have overlapped or if it’s just two kindred spirits that share the same suffering.

I almost wonder if Namu will die and then Shinnojo will turn either against the Shinsengumi (he has the right background for it) or if it’s related to Daisaku, attempt to kill Daisaku, pitting him against Dai/Kyu.
I seriously have my suspicions after Shinnojo stopped Namu from killing their comrades if that foreshadows that someday, Shinnojo will go back on that decision and turn on his comrades.
I don’t think this group of four can last… and I know Namu is the most pure-hearted of the group/the only reason he would die is protecting Shinnojo…
I also want Shinnojo to survive, as his manga counterpart did…I don’t want a tragic death for him, given how he’s suffered in the past (although, I’m sure it’d be a beautiful death).


Yeah… I’m impressed with how much better Kyujuro’s swordplay has gotten, but in terms of critical thinking, he’s still pretty lacking…. I hope Sakamoto opens his eyes to reality.
I agree; his character is going to have to do a huge overhaul if he’s to kill his father’s murderer and it doesn’t look like he’ll uncover Daisaku’s treachery until the end 👀


Yeah, that’s why I think the change in Daisaku is good, considering they ramped up the importance of his character.
I think Daisaku’s role in the manga was good, too, because the purpose of the manga was different. It was really a journey about Kyujuro going from an ignorant, small minded boy to a worldly, introspective man. Daisaku is a side character, who’s the final push for Kyujuro to leave for America. And if his death does seem “absolute waste” in the manga, that was the point. That this entire war is pointless. And that if everyone just sat down, and threw away this whole bushido mentality about honor being intertwined with the sword and ritual suicide, and just talked it out, they could’ve avoided so much of the death and bloodshed of young people (this manga was also published in post WW2 Japan) Which is the lesson Sakamoto tries to impart on Kyujuro.
Whereas, this version is significantly more interested in the bromance and the the star-crossed relationship between the two characters. So to make it more heart-rending, I guess, that they had to make Kyujuro more innocent and single minded and Daisaku more tortured by the weight of his decisions. 
Yeah, I agree; Kyujuro is truly pitiful in this show 🥲

I TOTALLY AGREE! That’s the word I was searching for. Startling.
And yes, I think Serizawa in the live action was truly the complex, morally grey, brains behind the operation that the Shinsengumi needed to stay humble. Now they’re on this Holy Crusaders quest, with no room for other perspectives 😔

Yeah, I love that about Jdramas. They focus more on they why than the what/how.
I’m just trying to watch this as its own separate entity and pray that at least NamuShin survive…

I would also like to see Kyujuro get a little more focus, and not just quickly wrap- up his story too. But I’m also going to keep my expectations at -10 😂

Same, I want them to reunite in death tbh… (or a dream, I’m not picky haha)
All I can think of is the afterlife. That’s the only place they can find peace 😭
Heck, maybe they’ll both die in each other’s arms 🤡
I don’t think the writers would give us anything pleasant for these two though…

Yeah, I think Hijikata put him in the cutie committee rather than with Okita, because, as the saying goes: keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer 😏 and he knew that Okita would probably kill him first 😂

I actually feel like Daisaku is the main character in this drama, and Kyujuro is more like our window/introduction into this era and Daisaku’s world. He serves as our narrator too.

Your dad is very correct. I believe it’s because it’s because the Shinsengumi never stopped fighting, regardless of the odds against them closer to the end of the Bakamatsu and that they died tragically for their ideals (despite mostly being kinda a bunch of polarizing, ruthless thugs irl), is the reason they can exist as honorable rebels by modern Japanese history standards. Everybody likes a tragic Ronin story lol

I 100% agree. Daisaku’s last chance to be honest was at the river in Ep. 7. We’re definitely heading on a one way track to tragedy from here on out.
I thought Kyujuro has provided the monologue for the whole show so far, but now I’m not sure 😅. I do think that would be really cool if your theory was correct and the show will shift more to Daisaku’s perspective. What if Pt. 1 was from Kyujuro’s and then Pt. 2 was Daisaku 😯

Irl, one of Okita’ best friends was Yamanami and his death was a great source of depression for him, so I like seeing his closeness with the other Shinsengumi members, and I get it, on account of adding the new characters, but I would like to see some of the original trio dynamics in the show before shit hits the fan 😭

Oh God… we didn’t even get Okita’s tuberculosis is the manga because Kyujuro ditched off to America before the Ikedaya Incident, where, supposedly, Okita’s tuberculosis was first discovered….But if you’re saying it’s in the character description… then I guess we better buckle up 😢

It’s a total mind fuck to compare the first 7 episodes with real history… there’s a part of me that wish the show could be a fluffy, slice of life Shinsengumi drama, but it looks like the writers have their own vision based on your spoilers from the official site.

I know… oh Hijikata… I’m still rooting for this version of him to continue to be a champion of justiop, but his unorthodoxy is a means to an ends, and it seems to get good results. I know Hijikata disagrees with breaking the rules/Bushido code, but he needs to see the bigger picture, like Kondo and realize that their overall objective of maintaining the shogunate and ending this era of bloodshed should take presidence. I really like this much more layered version of Serizawa and, even if he’s a bit slimy, he’s shaping up to be one of my favorites.

Dude, I want the Yamanami to stick to being beat cops and trash collectors for the rest of the show, please 😭

Yeah, there’s enough general similarities that I’m losing hope for my happy ending….

I’m really excited to see Sakamoto Ryoma though! And getting to see Saito show is metal!

So are we getting 10 episodes, instead of 8 during this first season?
Meeting Sakamoto was 2/5 of the way through the story. Killing Serizawa was 3/5 through, I think.

I really hope Kyujuro is smarter and figures it out quickly! This version of Daisaku is suss af and after Ep. 7, Kyujuro should have little alarms going off in his head. If he can catch Daisaku earlier, is there still a cause for me to be hopeful?

Lmao, that is a perfect description of Jdramas vs. Cdramas- but the bad CGI is part of the laughably humorous charm 🤪

I think the show is using the manga as a skeleton, and I agree that the spy reveal will hit a bit differently in this drama.

I love that scene where Namu is carrying Shinnojo in the OST- everything about it is so angsty and then there’s Namu, spinning with Shin in his arms lol

I agree. I have a feeling that neither pair is going to have a happy ending and perhaps there will only be on survivor from each pair.
Yeah, the sakura blossom has a double meaning here for sure. Their beautiful blooms are the essence of life. But their short lifespan reminds us that beauty fleeting- mono no aware. Just like their love; Kyujuro doesn’t yet realize how fleeting his relationship with Daisaku will be yet. Every time the pairs have a touching moment beneath the sakura blossoms… I can only feel a sense of dread..

I seriously hope your right about Namu not dying (not about Shinnojo turning on Kyu for killing Namu- that would be depressing af lol)

Yes! I really like that both Dai and Shin are softened and given new purpose by Namu and Kyu; the couples are perfect in this drama!

No, I agree with you. For a moment, Daisaku definitely lost himself to Kyujuro’s enthusiasm and purity. At the end of the day, based on the flashbacks, Daisaku is innately kind, playful; he’s had to change because he’s been hardened by life, but it doesn’t surprise me that Kyujuro can peel back that armor to expose Daisaku’s inner goodness.
Yeah, the choices he made in Ep. 6 will definitely boomerang back at him 😭

Totally; it’s kinda selfish to let Kyujuro carry the burden of murdering him. He just gets to peace out of the pain of life, meanwhile, Kyujuro will forever be plagued with Daisaku’s death and all the happy memories they experienced will always be tinged in blood and death for him. That’s pretty cruel, but does open up an excuse to leave Japan entirely, I guess 😣
I wish that this wasn’t the retribution for Kyujuro’s revenge...
I’m assuming giving Kyujuro the final push to leave the Shinsengumi- to leave war and violence and seek enlightenment and peace through the pen, not the sword, as Sakamoto would’ve wished.
Also, because Daisaku didn’t want Kyujuro to have to commit seppuku for letting him go or getting killed in the crosshairs due to Daisaku’s betrayal.

Which Cdrama is this?

Truly the manga is tragic. Kyujuro does express rage for Daisaku lying to him when he initially confronts him, but mostly, he’s just sad that they met during such turbulent times and that fate has forced their hands.
He also really hates the Shinsengumi more than Daisaku atp. He understands Daisaku’s rationale and looks at both of them as pawns by the greater powers that be.

Yeah, because like the sakura, once they bloom, they shortly die. So in blooming, Daisaku knew his time on this planet was short.
To me, it harkens back to mono no aware; live life beautifully, sometimes violently, appreciate everything and stay true to your objectives, as all life fades.

He is truly moody here haha But it all makes sense, I guess. I think when you’re a spy, you have to prepare for the fact that any day could be your last. I think in the manga, Daisaku didn’t really allow his thoughts to be consumed with his choices. He hated the Shinsengumi, but loved his friend. So he didn’t really mind betraying the crew as long as he could keep Kyujuro safe. In this version, Daisaku is in this lovely Yamanami team, surrounded by pure hearted allies + the Shinsengumi is much more watered down, as you said earlier, so he feels guiltier for his actions, hence why he’s an emo boi.
They just started to become closer mutual friends since the Sword performance, but I’d say they were much closer atp in the manga.

Ikr… whatever happened in their past has turned Choshu man into an absolute killing fiend. Lmao divine punishment
Yeah, I’d relate with him more, but then he went and killed Kyujuro’s innocent father, which I’m sure also eats at Daisaku too.

Yup, I think the cutting of one's heart refers to destroying the passion inside of you. Severing all the worldly emotions that hold you back, like a Buddhist priest. Like a blade, you have to remain objective when leveling it against someone.
You have to remove material gain (Serizawa), pride (Hijikata), revenge (Kyujuro), and reluctance (Daisaku) and be straightforward when carrying a katana, according to Okita. But, yeah, I don’t think Kyujuro can ever be that type of person, and that’s likely why Sakamoto offered him another way out.

Absolutely agree! It really is strange to follow such a cast of walking tragedies. But the Shinsengumi were literally like the sakura blossoms. They burned brightly for a few years and then fell bloodily, like a carpet of pink blossoms. And I guess there’s something tragically romantic about all of that.
I kinda like how Kyujuro first arrived, not because he believes in either side, but because he wants to kill his dad, but he’s gained sentimentality towards the Shinsengumi, which in turn affects Daisaku.

Yeah, they’re tactic worked and I’m fully in love with all four of them atp…😰

LMAO MAYBE IT IS AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE IN HEAVEN 🤣 Okay, now that's how I choose to see it too. I usually skip past the ending. But now I'll just imagine they're all dancing up in the sky somewhere lol

Np!

Yes, I think so too! Daisaku has subsumed all the manga’s angst into his body haha

Yeah, the manga is a little more political and violent. But now that I know that the show could be 20 eps… there’s still time 😂

Absolutely. Their relationship was self-sacrificing, unbreakable friendship in the manga. In the drama, it’s wrought with youthful sexual tension and Daisaku’s emo energy lol While reading the manga, it wasn’t until the very end that I started suspecting Daisaku could be a spy. It was not obvious at all, outside of Daisaku’s kenjutsu. However, I’d say by Ep. 2 of the show, an eagle eyed viewer could probably already draw a hypothesis that Daisaku is a spy.

Poor Kyujuro; it’s actually amazing how SPECTACULARLY he misinterprets Daisaku’s words. I think Daisaku is absolutely looking out for Kyujuro in the show, but instead of advising Kyujuro, like in the manga, he discourages him and brutally puts him down with cutting words. I would definitely agree that he’s a meany haha

So true; Daisaku seems to be like more of an important cog in the Choshu spy ring. And at a certain point, he’ll have to pick between his alliance towards his childhood friend or Kyujuro, and it’ll be EMOTIONAL.
And I think it’s a great twist, because, as you said, it will lend weight to Kyujuro having to assassinate his friend. In the manga, it’s really emotional because it’s akin to killing your sworn brother in arms/savior. Time and time again, Daisaku almost died to protect his friend, and to “pay him back”, Kyujuro had to kill him. But since Namunosuke has taken over manga Daisaku’s role- defending Kyu/bandaging him, then there has to be another emotional angle, such as Daisaku being related to Kyujuro’s dad’s killer.

Did Kondo kill any of the guys that had attacked Kyujuro’s teahouse? I genuinely can’t remember… but yeah, so far it just looks like Kyu’s dad took the L for everyone lol

It’s crazy, the number of people that Kyu kills, Serizawa and Namu included.
However, in his defense, before Kyu kills his father’s murderer, I don’t think he killed anyone (except maybe out of self defense). Lots of assassins come after Kyu because of his feud with Serizawa/just being a Shinsengumi member, so he gets stuck between a rock and hard place. But the manga kinda shows you the slippery slope. First, you take a life to defend yourself, then you take a life out of revenge, then you take a life for your honor… but where does it end? Until you kill your best friend because of orders? 😢

Yeah… I can’t imagine anyone in Yamanami’s team, outside of Daisaku, could actually kill 😳 they should stick to garbage duty…

Poor Okita… growing up, he was my favorite member of the Shinsengumi… I personally think this show is depicting Okita in a manner that I like. I would seriously love for the trio to be brought back. Okita, Dai, and Kyuu’s friendship was straight up one of the better parts of the manga, but I feel like he got replaced by other other members of Yamanami’s unit 😅

Yeah, I don’t know if Kondo really suspected Dai. He might’ve, but I think Hijikata definitely pursued the lead more. That’ll be interesting if it switched around in the show 😯

I’m really interested to see what role Sakamoto will have in the drama! Yeah… screw that guy. He seriously didn’t have the foresight to give BOTH OF THEM tickets to America?! 😡 Maybe this Sakamoto will come in clutch at the end lol

There’s no way I can ever imagine Drama Kyuu killing Drama Namu… so, maybe he won’t die (I know, I’m delusional…)
Honestly, if they want to keep the same ending between Kyuu and Dai, fine, but can’t Namu and Shinnojo make it out of this alive?

Yeah, I got the sense that between Neuno citing Shin as his favorite and constantly sending his goons after Shin to bring him home, then Shin calling himself defiled and dirty, and the older members of the Shinsengumi acknowledging that it’s difficult to survive on your own, that after being kicked out of his relative’s home, Shin likely sold himself to survive. Whether that be directly to Neuno or in the red light district, it’s impossible to know (I have the sense it’s the latter and then Neuno bought his “freedom”), otherwise, idk how such a pretty, weak, homeless man, with no skills or title, could’ve been employed in such fraught times.

Me too… it’ll make the ending more painful, but I’d rather see them all frolicking by the river atp than killing each other lol

Hahaha yeah, one way ticket to Heartbreak Hotel with this show…
I hope Kyujuro could start suspecting Dai and maybe make plans for the 4 of them to survive, but he’s so much more naive in the show 😭 I’m pretty sure Daisaku could run mental circles around him all day lol

It’s insane to think of a world where living to 40 was lucky lol

He’s going to have to get MUCH tougher if he wants to even kill his dad’s murderer in this version lol

That’s what I’m so surprised about. Because honestly, not to bring up the manga again for the umpteenth time, but it already starts out pretty gritty (except for some moments of dark humor that don’t always land because it’s a hella old story), so the ending isn’t really THAT surprising. But this IS so pretty and light hearted that it would almost feel cruel to the audience to suddenly turn the second part into a bloodbath of despair…I know they had that prologue scene in Ep. 1 to kinda prepare us, but there is so much handholding, pink blossoms, dancing, and nakama energy that I’m genuinely interested/scared to see where this drama is heading…

Yeah… I completely understand this. I love spoilers too and have trouble when my mood is soured by character deaths.

The Rurouni Kenshin films are amazing and probably the best film adaption of a manga series I’ve ever watched. And thankfully, all the movies have been released, so technically, you could watch The Beginning, which focuses on the Bakamatsu Era before you even watch any of the other films. My friend has only seen RuroKen: The Beginning, and she wasn’t the slightest confused and it can act as a standalone film.

That’s so true… maybe there will be enough engagement with the first part that they raise the budget and have intense, awe-inspiring, graphic fight sequences at the end… somehow after their J-pop-esque sword dance, I doubt it though 😅

Yes, Serizawa dies in the manga. You’re right to assume that neither Kondo nor Hijikata are thrilled by Serizawa, but Kondo sees him as a comrade overall, where Hijikata is just waiting for him to screw up.

The spy with the hat, who they introduce in Ep. 6, is Katsura Kogoro, an important member of the Ishin Shishi (and in the manga, he trained at the same dojo as Daisaku). He actually survives the Bakamatsu, but I think ultimately dies of cancer? or tuberculosis at a young age (none of these people are lucky lol)

Okay…. So heads up, this is going to be a long one… (sorry if I can’t remember all the details since it’s been a while since I read the manga… I had to skim some pictures to remember exact details, but I didn’t go back and reread as it’s kinda sad lol)

I’m going to start with Daisaku and Kyujuro’s relationship.
In the drama, Daisaku’s past is significantly more fleshed out. Because of previous trauma, he guards his heart and is therefore much crueler to Kyujuro than in the manga.

In the manga, Daisaku is much more talkative and has a much more discerning eye. He will even go as far as to verbally point out all his enemies weaknesses, leaving them shaken, before he mutilates or murderers them. He is also the first person to notice Okita’s tuberculosis.
They go on frequent “dates” to eat shiruko- the Azuki bean porridge. This is Daisaku’s favorite treat and he frequents the same shiruko stand.

He also is much more vocal about his sweet tooth and he helps Kyujuro out A LOT more in the manga, without question. For example, when Kyujuro spots his father’s murderer at the shiruko spot, Daisaku helps him. They tail four of the Tosa rebels and Daisaku even kills 3 of them so Kyujuro can focus on his father’s killer, Hanzo Shonai. There is no relation between his father’s killer Hanzo and Daisaku in the manga.

Due to he fact that he has no past traumas, he genuinely wants to help Kyujuro, while also forwarding his agenda, as he views him as a brother in arms. They share many of the same philosophies, such as not extorting the weak and helping anyone in trouble. For example, Serizawa burns down a significant part of Kyoto and both of them rush head first to put out the fire. In that sense, Daisaku is outwardly kinder and not an emo boy. Everything is less ominous. But he still has a very nonchalant attitude and you get the sense he’s in the Shinsengumi for fun.

The only thing Daisaku and Kyujuro fight about is Kyujuro’s love of Kondo. Daisaku doesn’t like him because he thinks he’s either an idealistic fool or a fake. I think his dislike of Kondo stems more from a dissidence in ideology in the manga.

I can definitely see how their friendship could be evolved into a bromance. Many times Daisaku saves Kyujuro from assassins (will get to that) and he bandages Kyujuro frequently because he gets his ass kicked a lot by both him and Okita (Kyujuro actually becomes a badass by the end though).

Daisaku does try to deter Kyujuro from his revenge, as he worries pursuing it will get him killed. But he’s never mean about it, like in the drama. More worried and desperate to preserve both the purity and safety of his friend.


Sakamoto’s role/Does Kyujuro kill his father’s murderer:

Sakamoto Ryoma saves Kyujuro twice, once after his failed attempt to kill Hanzo and another time after he’s attacked by an assassin. He treats him with Western medicine. He then lectures Kyujuro not to be concerned with revenge.

He shows him a globe and explains how silly the pointless violence in Japan is in the grand scheme of the world. He says it’s senseless that Japan is torn in two, with Japanese killing each other. He warns him he’ll regret it once he gets his revenge. Kyu storms out in rage.

Eventually, Kyujuro challenges Hanzo and kill him. The Tosa Clan swears one day they’ll get revenge.
Kyujuro falls to his knees and cries, acknowledging that he feels worse, both for the murder and lack of purpose.
He goes to Sakamoto and admits he was wrong. Sakamoto starts giving Kyujuro Western books.


As to how it’s revealed that Daisaku is a spy:

1. Daisaku knows this specific kenjutsu style that Katsura is known for using. This tips of Hijikata that they studied in the same dojo as the famous Ishin shishi.
2. Kyujuro, Daisaku, and Okita go to the shiruko cafe and Okita discusses that Choshu spies are everywhere in Kyoto. Kyujuro leaves and he is attacked by the Tosa assassins, who are angry about Hanzo’s death. Kyu is able to escape, but he is injured. He returns back to the shiruko restaurant, hoping for help.
However, the shop is closed and his friends have left. He enters anyways to find bandages, and discovers that the shiruko shop owner is a spy. He has documents containing a list of every Ishin shishi spy. Kyu captures him and plans to bring him and the documents back, but he is stopped by a man clad in black. The stranger kills the shop owner and demands the documents. They fight bitterly, however, Kyu notes that the stranger has no blood lust and refuses to deliver the killing blow. Finally, Kyu is able to hold him off until reinforcements come and the stranger jumps in the water, escaping.
Kyu suspects it might be Dai, due to having similar sword technique and also because he frequently visited the shiruko shop owned by the spy. However, Kyu refuses to dwell on the fact that his friend is a spy.
It isn’t until he catches Hijikata torturing potential spies that Kyu is informed by Hijikata that Daisaku’s name was on the list. Hijikata had suspected he was a spy.
Kyu is upset at watching Hijikata killing the spies. Kyu views the Shinsengumi as good cops. At this point, Serizawa and his faction are dead- he viewed them as bad cops. But he’s disappointed to see the violence in the Shinsengumi hasn’t ended with Serizawa’s death; he tells Hijikata he despises him.
As punishment for having a weak resolve, Hijikata orders Kyu to kill Daisaku, knowing they are close.
Then everything I explained in the first message happens and Kyu and Dai fight to the death. However, Dai’s heart clearly isn’t in it and Kyu kills him.
They have a heartfelt goodbye, when suddenly Katsura attacks Kyu as revenge for killing Dai.
Kyu becomes even more upset and says he loved and admired Daisaku more than anyone and nobody will ever understand his pain at losing Dai (I kinda look at their relationship as soulmates, like in Chinese wuxia dramas) 😢
Sakamoto intervenes. Katsura leaves, but not before threatening Kyu. Finally, Sakamoto hugs Kyu while he cries. Afterwards, Kyu throws his swords into the river in anguish and says he wants to go back to being a peasant. Sakamoto fishes out his blades and tells him to go to America. He says he will be wasted in Japan as either a samurai or a peasant. He will make arrangements for him to see the world.
Kyu goes to Dai’s grave one last time before boarding a ship for America. He sees Dai’s face in a cloud/sky? Kyu wonders if he’ll ever return, but he sings a song that alludes to the fact he has said goodbye forever to the Japan that he knows.

Serizawa’s relationship with Kyu:
In the manga, Kyujuro doesn’t have a close relationship with Serizawa in the slightest. It’s much more volatile. Serizawa is depicted as more menacing and hot headed. There’s a time in which Serizawa recognizes Kyujuro’s worth as his skills with a sword improve, but for the most part, they are coworkers standing on opposite ends of the spectrum.
In the Shinsengumi, it’s noted that seppuku is the answer for every rule break. Neither Dai nor Kyu are a fan of this.
Their feud starts when Serizawa tries to force a spy to commit seppuku in a class demonstration in front of Kyu, and neither Kondo nor Kyujuro believe this is in line with the bushido code.
(Actually, IRL the shinsengumi killed more of their own men than Ishin Shishi lol)
Kondo stops this incident from occurring. Kondo is more like Kyujuro’s adopted dad. Whenever Kyu gets into spats about the morality of killing (he doesn’t want to kill anyone but his dad’s murderer) with Serizawa, Kondo protects him from the Serizawa fraction.

The manga paints the Shinsengumi as two sides, the Serizawa side- the corrupt, extortionist cops, and Kondo’s side- the servicemen who maintain the peace and sweep the streets of crime (eventually, Kyu comes to realize that even if Kondo fundamentally believes in these ideas, there will always be another Serizawa (Hijikata) to fill Serizawa’s void)

Anyways, how Serizawa dies….

Serizawa gets into frequent drunken brawls. For example, both historically and in the manga, Serizawa gets into a fight with sumo wrestlers and kills 10/13 of them. Kyu and Dai rush to the scene and fight against Serizawa, putting them them on their bad side.
A government official comes to put an end to the violence and rules Serizawa’s crew as being at fault.
Serizawa assassinates this official and Kyu finds his body, which doesn’t help matters. Many people complain about the gratuitous violence of the Shinsengumi and having to pay protection fees to Serizawa’s gang.
Serizawa even burns down an area of town that refuses to pay his protection fee. Kyu and Dai help put out the fires (they’re like Batman and Robin and Serizawa is their Joker for a lot of this).

It all comes to a head when Serizawa steals the Western books Sakamoto has given to Kyu.
Serizawa challenges Kyu to get them back and despite knowing he’ll be greatly outnumbered, he accepts and heads to Serizawa’s place. Daisaku promises to help Kyu fight Serizawa. Kyu warns him that if they’re caught attacking a superior, they will be forced to commit Seppuku. But Dai follows him anyways 🥺
They actually manage to kill everyone at Serizawa’s estate.
Daisaku was an absolute fiend and Kyu has really improved. He’s actually the one that kills Serizawa.

Kondo, Okita, Hijikata investigate Serizawa’s death, and Hijikata identifies that the slashes match Daisaku’s specific kenjutsu, discussed above.

When Okita confronts them, Daisaku blames it entirely on himself so Kyujuro won’t have to commit seppuku. I guess he doesn’t care about spying anymore lol However, Kyujuro begs to take all the blame. Eventually, they decide they will commit seppuku together. However, Okita tells them to hold their horses, and maybe he can resolve this.
The next day, no word is heard from Okita, and they go to the headquarters to die together (they’re so dramatic lol)
Kondo reveals a note from the military governor, ordering Serizawa’s execution for burning that street earlier.
Kondo explains that he gone to kill Serizawa originally, but had found him dead. He actually cared for Serizawa in his own way, and is personally relieved that Kyu killed him instead, relieving Kondo of the duty.
Between Kondo, Okita, and the letter, they’re able to persuade Hijikata to overlook the situation (since they did go and kill Serizawa without the note).
Dai and Kyu happily embrace and decide to get shiruko with Okita to celebrate.


How does Namunosuke die? (This is the fuzziest part for me)

Namunosuke is actually so different in the manga.
I should also specify that technically Shinnojo “exists”. He is based upon a girl in the manga named Yae.

His name is Namunosuke Hotoke. His mistress is Yae. He has pledged himself to her family since they were children. He is a very talented swordsman, and I think he stays due to his love for Yae. He would put someone 6ft under if they touched a hair on her head. He’s actually kinda scary lol
He and Kyu actually exchange blades at multiple points. He is much stronger than Kyu, but sees potential in him. They actually greatly respect each other.

Yae’s father was a samurai. I can’t remember if he was a spy for the Choshu rebels or if he just defects from the Shinsengumi. But either way, Serizawa creates a party to hunt him and his colleagues down and kill them.
Serizawa ropes in Kyu.
Kyu fights Yae’s dad, but lets him go after finding out he has a child. Yae’s dad dies in his home due to his wounds, but not before uttering Kyu’s name. Yae resolves to kill Kyu.
Eventually, Namu tells Kyu to meet him at an abandoned shrine to settle the score.
Before the battle, Namu asks for Yae’s hand in marriage once the revenge is complete.
Daisaku learns of this plot and tells Kyu he will accompany him. If Kyu is to die, then they’ll die together. 🥹 (I remember getting kinda emotional at all the times Dai refused to let his friend go into these clearly deadly situations alone. If not for Dai, I don’t think Kyu would’ve survived either Serizawa or Namu and I wonder if we’ll get to see more of these moments in the drama, where Dai pledges to follow Kyu into the jowls of the beast. If they’re planning to rip my heart out, then just do it spectacularly lol).

They arrive at the shrine and there are many assassins. 
Dai holds them off while Kyu races to fight Namu.
Dai is literally a murdering machine atp. If it was a different show, this would probably be rated R lol
He also gravely wounds Yae.
While fighting Namu, Kyujuro realizes Bushido is BS. He has to kill this man he respects over a code of revenge and a challenge to duel. He eventually kills Namu.
Kyu is able to save Yae, and he tells her to let go of her revenge.
A while later, Kyu visits Namu’s grave to reflect on a valuable life lost and pay his respects. He finds Yae’s hair pin at Namu’s grave.
At the end, when Kyujuro is visiting Dai’s grave, an assassin attacks him and Yae kills him, protecting Kyu. Their blood feud ends and Yae moves on.

Idk how much this helps you, since as you can see there are a lot of changes.
However, besides the basics, such as Kyu's revenge and Dai's spying, the fundamentals remain the same. Kyu and Dai’s powerful relationship. Namu’s love of his master/mistress and their star-crossed love. And Kyu’s sense of justice.

There's more to nunneries than just Catholic/Christian nunneries. There's also Buddhist nunneries.
For example, the The Sword and the Brocade, Concubine Qiao is punished for her crimes by flogging then being sent to a nunnery as penance.
There are examples of this as far back as the Song Dynasty, where adulterers or women who were pregnant out of wedlock were sent to nunneries as punishment.
This even happened in 15th-17th cent. Europe, where unmarried or rebellious women were sent to nunneries, kind of as an alternative to prison.
I think in this context, it's more historical than political and has little to do with a specifically anti- Christian agenda.