Up until episode 2: Beautiful to look at, but not much of a story. The main problem is treating a modern constitutional monarchy like it has Joseon-era stakes. Without real risks, the royal family's "invisible pressure" just sounds like rich, arrogant people complaining. (like so many dramas before where the rich and powerful just needs a "commoners" life.)
IU and the Queen Dowager really run the show. The Grand Prince, on the other hand, has bad casting and writing. The script keeps telling us he's strong, but he doesn't get any respect on screen. The show also deals with social and class issues in a very fake way, using exposition instead of showing real, important effects on IU's character.
⚠️ SPOILERS (Ep 1-2) ⚠️
The Abdication: The late King stepping down doesn't make sense and seems weak. It's not a big deal to escape a life of guaranteed, unearned privilege.
The "Cold Mother": The Queen Dowager is cruel to the young king just to make him an enemy. In a modern setting, it's not necessary for survival, so her inevitable "secretly caring mother" redemption twist will probably not work. The "villainess" feels so uncompelling.
The looks are great, but right now it's stuck because of fake stakes and unearned angst. I hope it gets better!
I would have liked a UJI/PNK pair instead of KSB/UJI. Although KSB and UJI were lovely, UJI and PNK's chemistry could have made the show so much more exciting. Nevertheless, I loved the show and really hope this show was popular enough for a Hospital Playlist 3—fingers crossed!
I just can't help but imagine how wonderful a UJI/PNK couple would have been! KSB and UJI had some lovely moments, but PNK and UJI's chemistry could have generated huge buzz.
Beautiful to look at, but not much of a story. The main problem is treating a modern constitutional monarchy like it has Joseon-era stakes. Without real risks, the royal family's "invisible pressure" just sounds like rich, arrogant people complaining. (like so many dramas before where the rich and powerful just needs a "commoners" life.)
IU and the Queen Dowager really run the show. The Grand Prince, on the other hand, has bad casting and writing. The script keeps telling us he's strong, but he doesn't get any respect on screen. The show also deals with social and class issues in a very fake way, using exposition instead of showing real, important effects on IU's character.
⚠️ SPOILERS (Ep 1-2) ⚠️
The Abdication: The late King stepping down doesn't make sense and seems weak. It's not a big deal to escape a life of guaranteed, unearned privilege.
The "Cold Mother": The Queen Dowager is cruel to the young king just to make him an enemy. In a modern setting, it's not necessary for survival, so her inevitable "secretly caring mother" redemption twist will probably not work. The "villainess" feels so uncompelling.
The looks are great, but right now it's stuck because of fake stakes and unearned angst. I hope it gets better!
I just can't help but imagine how wonderful a UJI/PNK couple would have been! KSB and UJI had some lovely moments, but PNK and UJI's chemistry could have generated huge buzz.