AnicsiRoscoe

Hmm, well actually during Joseon era it was very common for officials that turned into criminals or their families to be exiled. Like what was supposed to happen to CP grandfather, had he not been killed. Sometimes they were not allowed to leave their residences, but at least it was better than prison (and they often had several buildings and servants that would bring food and stuff, although it wasn't as luxurious). And I think those exiled to Jeju could roam freely, because it was almost impossible to escape from there, it being an island very far away from the mainland. So yeah, I think that would've been an adequate sentence perhaps.

Yeah, I mean I didn't really want death for the both, but not a happily ever after. They did too much harm to deserve it. Feel sorry for their child though.

hmm, yeah I think we have to agree to disagree on that one, then. You're right in that she lost her 'feisty' attitude from the beginning, but generally I think the tone of the drama got darker and the situation was very grim. She never intended to follow her father's wishes, though. After finding out about his evil deeds, she condemned him and told him she wouldn't be able to forgive him. She knew that being openly rebellious would only make it worse and she wouldn't be able to win against him, so she lied to him that she was at a temple all the while treating the king. When the wedding date came closer, she planned to escape to her maternal family. The only reason why she did not go, was because the king woke up and she trusted the CP that he would find a way together with the king to make sure the wedding wouldn't happen. How could she have openly spoken up during the wedding ceremony, with all the officials present? Not obeying the royal command/bridal selection in itself would have meant treason. So she couldn't do anything but hope and pray that the CP and king would be on time. I saw her tears in that moment as an embodiment of everything so utterly wrong with the situation itself, as all the tragedy that had led to that point, not primarily her being afraid of marrying the GP:

You're right about the prophecy, it really was meaningless, and very disappointing.

I know what you mean about the 'buildup', because there's not a whole lot of push and pull and 'should I really?' I actually thought it was refreshing, though, I liked how naturally they progressed from 'bad first impression' to 'I'm curious about them' to 'I think I actually like you'. That's how it usually goes in RL, too, you'll rarely fall in love on first sight. They also didn't dramatize the boss-employee bit too much, like in a lot of other dramas (at least not in the beginning and not from their end). It wasn't really that he randomly started to like her, though, at first it's her genuine smile, her outspokenness and her compassion and vision for her job. I felt that quite clearly. But as you said, to each their own, there are other dramas where people are raving about main couple's chemistry and i'm like: where?? lol

Just dropping in again to say that Ro Woon is the greenest of all green flags, and I want one for myself. I mean, he's just so wholesome without being overbearing. Never pressuring, just silently supporting in a way that makes him so lovable and dependable. Guys like him probably mostly exist in dramaland, but still... Dreamy.

Junho is a fabulous actor, especially considering he started out as an idol. I didn't even know he wasn't primarily an actor when I saw him in Chief Kim. He stole the show in that one! I didn't even miss the romance, although I usually mostly watch romance dramas.
He's also outstanding and charming in Wok of love, where he has crazy chemistry with the FL and bromance to the max with the SML.
Just between lovers is beautiful but also a little tormenting. I can seriously recommend each and every drama he starred in.

100% agreed, I tried watching it three times, but always get stuck at episode 8 or so. They just don't have chemistry as a romantic couple at ALL. Familiar bickering like brother/sister, uncle/niece, yes, but nothing beyond that. Their love scenes seem so... wrong to me. I absolutely love fantasy dramas, so I'm sad I cannot get into it ;(

I wanted to love this drama, I really really did, I tried watching it three times. And while some of it was funny and engaging, I just couldn't get over the lack of chemistry between the leads. She seems like a child while he's like a very serious grandpa. I know it's the setup, but I just feel zero whenever they supposedly have a 'heart fluttering' moment. Since it's a romance driven drama, it just made everything seem very bland. I guess I'll drop this for the third and final time at episode 8 and just hope the next fantasy romance will be more my cup of tea.

I agree that DS hot-headedness is a big issue, but I think including him in at least some details would have made a difference, because as long as he vehemently refused to be the crown prince and was on his brother's side they could have had a chance of winning this. But because he tattled on his brother and the maternal grandfather, the whole plan went to hell.

And yeah, even after finishing it, I still hate the QD and her loverboy. Suffering doesn't give you a free pass to murder everyone and drag them into hell with you. I was so annoyed whenever they tried to make us feel sympathy. Crown Prince was way too gentle and nice, well, he knew that QD was pregnant from overhearing their conversation so I guess that's why he let her go also, and that was very noble.

I totally agree with you. Those two were just too wicked. While I can understand their suffering, it doesn't condone their evil acts one bit. There was too much screentime wasted on trying to make us feel with them. Biggest disappointment of the show

I just thought it was really stupid for them to not run away, despite discovering she was pregnant. It was highly unlikely they would all get out alive, and they said something along the lines of 'the baby would have to grow up in hiding, a child of traitors and fugitives.' They didn't want that, so they went back to the palace. But in the end, they tried to escape again? I didn't understand how it would have made a difference, even if the coup would have been successful, there's no way the left prime minister would have let them live. And eventually the baby had to grow up without either of her parents. (btw, did I see right that the ML and FL took care of the child, or had they two children of their own?) Anyway, that was really stupid, although I also think the two of them didn't deserve such a happy ending after all the lives they'd taken.

I think Crown Prince knew that he had to establish order in court and the kingdom before he could leave the throne to his brother, who still had a lot to learn. But as you said, with his aides and his father he will surely learn the ropes quickly.

Ok, so I finally finished it and I feel like the second half of final episode was an alternative universe or something lol I mean... just what?? After all that drama, suddenly it's all that simple? I guess they wanted to cater to the viewers, but while it was cute, it was very much unbelievable. Oh well, better than a sad ending I guess.

All in all I am very conflicted. So, the positives:
+ no bullsh*t female lead, who really really stands up for herself. There are a lot of pretentious FLs who seem strong but still the ML has to come save the day all the time. This is not the case. She doesn't compromise her values, she doesn't blindly follow the ML, she doesn't do the stupid 'noble sacrifice' trope. She clearly draws the line with 2ML, too.
+ royal family is a true family, and while their hand was sometimes forced, they really cared for each other
+ chemistry between main couple was also good, although I have to say it dwindled in the second half because they focused on other things. Kisses were a bit disappointing but well.
+emotions really deliver here, there are some strong moments that tug at your heartstrings

the negatives
- I wrote a couple of rant comments while it was airing, but to summarize, it was just too long! First half was really good, then around ep 9 or so it started to drag terribly
- QD and her loverboy were just too out there. I felt sorry a tiny bit for her, but the more the drama revolved around them, the more I wanted to skip their scenes. I think maybe I could have felt more for them, had he been established as a loving and caring father figure from the start. But he was only set on making her the crown princess, other than that he seemed to not really care for her. Even later on, he always chose the QD over his daughter whom he supposedly loved. No matter how hurt they were, there's a line that shouldn't be crossed, and I just couldn't forgive the heinous murders and plotting and how much they made the entire royal family suffer in the name of their 'love'.
- I feel like the writing really was all over the place. It started with comedy, but midway it was just intrigue and heartbreak, and the focus shifted so much from the main characters and their 'bad fate', which all of a sudden wasn't such a big deal anymore. Without any explanation whatsoever. Why did her 'widow' fate suddenly change? I would have been satisfied had it turned out that shamanism and foreseeing the future is just superstition after all, but no, they believe in it until the end, but her fate suddenly turned inexplicably?!
- the 2MLs obsession. I get he fell in love with her at first sight. But he talks like he owns her or something 'but I fell in love with her first!'. So what? I liked that she countered by asking him if he doesn't care whom she loves, then. But still, his obsession was too unfounded, they barely actually spend any time together, and he was willing to abandon his brother for her, basically.

I could nitpick more, but these were the main points for me. It's a 7.5 and I probably won't watch it again, but it's not a bad watch.

I think because it's sort of episodical (new guests coming every episode and such), it's starting to feel repetitive if binge watched. It's probably better to watch it in small installments. That's how I felt about it, anyway.

I have already haha It's hard to let go... ;')

lol ah, I see... I thought there was a special or something I didn't know about. Too bad :(

Yes, but what kind of extra is it? The show already ended, so I am confused as to what new material it could be.

What live show/special are you talking about?

I cannot get over this drama, I keep watching BTS and short clips and interviews on YT. This has never happened, I'm heartbroken T_T

I finally finished, took me three tries. Contrary to most people, I enjoyed the second half more than the beginning. There were still a lot of things that didn't make sense, but overall it became much better once the characters all started to come together to uncover the truth. Most *plot twists* unfortunately didn't come as a surprise, but it was still enjoyable enough, a highlight being the second lead couple and some kick-ass female side characters. Basically all the women in this show were awesome and more than often saved the day. I still couldn't see any chemistry between ML and FL, but the cheesy romance got turned down a notch at some point, which helped the plot tremendously. All in all I give it a 7.0, but probably won't watch it again (and if I do, it's for Byeon Woo Seok and Kang Mi Na lol)

ep 10: That's the second time the villain is outnumbered twentyfold, but the police is just too dumb to arrest him. I mean, come on: 101 Arresting A Suspect: OBVIOUSLY the one doing the arrest shouldn't be the only officer holding a weapon against the suspect's neck if he has to let go of said weapon for that task. Jesus, they're such amateurs, I am just speechless...