Between The Lines

Careful with that tea! Unless you have the miracle cure that they gave HY after his faceplant off the cliff, having already been gunned down by a million arrows...... Who needs logic??

Didn't you hear? This is a logic free zone...😦😦 Indiana Jones is like 80 now, I would be surprised if he can find his way to the bathroom on his own these days.....
The edict/sword thing seems like 6 screenwriters in room trying create the "coolist" way to hide the edict! I think its safe to say there choice was a misstep

Longing for you.... on the surface at least implies romance with the "you" suggesting a person. Given what I've seen, romance is the least likely theme for this title

In a more abstract way- could this actually refer to a desire? The desire for love?, the desire for health?, the desire for family? the desire for recognition? etc.. etc....

Equally longing viewed positive creates a romantic image for most of us. However if you view longing more negatively. then could this be obsession?

Just some random thoughts I wanted share...

I liked how the emperors paranoia was still going strong there for a while!

My advice to anyone who has either watched or going to watch the last few episodes -

Do not overthink these episodes
Definitely don't overthink these episodes
Please don't overthink these episodes
For your own sanity don't overthink these episodes

For all the reasons that have been already mentioned in other posts, the minute you try to apply logic to what you've watched it will make your brain hurt.

My mantra in these moments is now "Accept the things I can not change and that make zero sense even in dramaland" I find this approach easier on my brain.

I hope everyone gets to enjoy the final 2 episodes and we all get a satisfying end to this drama.

I've seen some pushback on the lack of kiss scene's or skinship between HY and DZY which admittedly there hasn't been much of in this drama.

In fact HY hasn't even made it to first base yet, poor guy! WS in a recent episode has seen more action just by holding his girls hand... but isn't this exactly in keeping with the theme of this drama?

This isn't a drama based on romance, its a drama based on tragedy, betrayal and the search for justice. Even at the very beginning with Anle's shameless and hilarious flirting with HY, this has nothing to do with romance. This was a chess move, the first step in gaining justice for her family. She was in full femme fatale mode.

HY is loyal to DZY from the very beginning, and whilst this is tested by Anle, all prior to realising her true identity of course, it would be against his character to act on these feelings. When he does realise Anle true identity, its too late, there is now a huge gulf between them.

Their relationship is more about longing and regret rather than pure romance and that's why any kiss scenes wouldn't really make sense. Simply, they are not ready for romance at this point.

I also think we shouldn’t confuse great chemistry with kissing. Watch the early interactions between Anle and HY their chemistry is great.

I just see the romance/love arc of their story as the final destination and not a stop along the way.

This episode made me think that they were treating Han Yee as Schrodinger's Cat he seemed to be both alive and dead at the same time.

Wow. I can feel your frustration really coming through. Many of your points are items I've touched on previously so I understand your reasoning.

There are some definite flaws, but also some highlights too.

This drama has never reached its full potential despite Dilraba and Gong Jun performances which have been great through out.

In the end I decided to accept the drama for what is, rather than what it perhaps should be.

I have no idea, but the name of their first child perhaps???

Because of time issues i agree there maybe somethings that the novel will explain but the drama won't. I would add what's happened to Mo Bei? Does he get his comeuppance? Was ep 35 the last we get to see? Stupid Mo Bei.....he needs at least a punch to the neck!

Whilst not reaching the emotional highs of yesterday, I liked the overall emotional themes of todays episodes.

Regret - The Emperor, DZY Grand Aunt and Mo Shuang all expressed this in a very believable way. The wrong choice, the wrong path taken...

Love and respect really came through, again the Emperors love for his son, DZY love for HY and the respect everyone has for HY as the Crown Prince. All felt natural.

Then some smaller moments I liked -

DZY preparing to see HY for the first time - "Is my make up ok, what about my hair, do I look pale" She was like an innocent girl about to go on her very first date

DZY sign language was just funny yet kind of sad all at the same time.

HY is still the smartest person in the room. Doesn't seem like anyone can get anything past him

GS and HY reuniting - joy, sadness and HY attempts to console him, again just felt natural

LMX consistent in his feelings, DZY happiness was all that matters.

I think this proves my desperation to get 4 great final episodes, I'm prepared to accept the bath scenes for a great ending to the drama........the sacrifices one must make ... sigh!

I was even prepared to throw in a 30,000 strong navy if that would help.....

Episode 24, so your almost there! Everything around then is revealed. Her screentime is considerable less after this.

Ironically, if this was supposed to increase the popularity of both I think its likely to have the opposite effect. Fake DZY will remembered for all negative reasons and Anning is likely to be remembered sympathetically but with the audience asking why she didn't get more screentime. It feels like its the opposite of there intention. Business interests impacting the quality of a product is hardly new i suppose.

They must be doing something right with this drama -

They have made me invested in a character I knew was going to die before the drama started.

He was barely in 4 episodes

I wanted the synopsis to be wrong

I don't know if I should be grateful or mad at the scriptwriters

Yes me too, I've been expecting them to drop the remaining episodes but seems unlikely now.... they say patience is virtue! (through gritted teeth)

Hello! Its one of my main criteria for a good episode if I rewatch it again soon after...this one was definitely one of those.
The drama schedule was teasing me today. I felt cheated in fact!!! I needed to see more.......
I was little bit like a kid looking at a toy in a shop window, oh so close and yet soooo far.....(That's if kids actually still do that!)

Dear Scriptwriters,

Please can I have 4 more episodes with the emotional quality of todays episode?
Whilst, this isn't good for my emotional health, it was like ice cream, I just want more.
So please scriptwriters, you have set the bar, you have shown what you can do, I believe in you ......(gulp), just 4 more episodes like todays please?

If it helps I will take back everything bad I've said about you..... and yes I know that's a lot to take back...

Thanking You in Advance

Between The Lines

P.S - I'll let you off for the shocking CGI if this helps.

P.P.S - And for fake DZY screentime and her excessive number of bath scenes

I have been trying to find the words......I knew it was coming........I had prepared myself.......I thought I was ready........... I wasn't

That was really tough to watch

I officially hate all those involved in the murder and the cover up