1
The opening of this episode is well done. Sword aimed at Changhe immediately stopped by younger Xie clan member stabbing elder. That was unexpected by me but the smirks between Changhe and younger Xie said a forgone conclusion. The Mu’s are an eerie lot that make children and others be puppets for them. I like them least of the three clans after the three wastes in Soul Reaper hall that gloat about causing chaos and ordering Patriarch to do their will. These three seem to be the most worthless of them all and the driving force of everything wrong and most challenged by Blood River members. They are obeyed by force but have no loyal subjects so waiting to see how they will be dealt with as story progresses. The next fight of Changhe was against a top Mu family member. While he was battling Muyu was also in battle and the drama nicely flashed between battles to give you the highlights of both and demonstrating how well balanced Changhe and Muyu are as friends. I also liked how Changhe gave Muyu the credit for his puppet skills which means these two friends give unexpected skills to each other to help in combat. Changhe again provides humor when he tells the Su members to say how he almost was killed and had done his best. The humor is a nice touch to lighten the scene a bit but it does not distract from story or overdone. Muyu is holding his own to protect the healer. Her family story wasn’t believed by him til surprisingly confirmed by Uncle Zhe who went from wanting to kill her to questioning her closely about her mother. This starts more rebellion as they were not supposed to marry outside the three families, tho ironically the three families are formed by the combat tests and not by blood. At this point Uncle Zhe changes sides to protect his daughter and help her complete her mission. Muyu offers to leave it to them but both request he stays. It is an awkward meeting of father and daughter and neither want to be alone with the other. They continue to patriarch where she reveals that if she cures him she dies. Here the host asks if one can die in her stead and before we get the answer it shifts to the Mu’s. There is discussion how to sway their leader’s mind and the coin tosser turns to him and says his death will. The spider sect surprise Muyu with a show of allegiance to him and to take the Dormant Dragon sword as patriarch when the elder patriarch dies. I do not think he expected such a single mindedness from the group. Muyu’s character has been pointed out for having least expression and wooden face. This is true. However, he is singularly different from all of them. Coming from the no sword place, he was taught to have an aloofness from their craft with weapons. He is not driven by the weapon and this sets him uniquely apart from the rest of them. While he is still labeled an assassin, he uses his skills to defend more than kill and has to have a reason he thinks valid to be a blade for another. As the new snake member pointed out, he is the light of Blood River. When fusing scenes together the production team does an excellent job of broadening depth to the story and understanding while not diminishing the flow of the various battles to storyline. This is unique for me as a viewer.
Was this review helpful to you?
So the Spider sect is made up from the three families to guard the Patriarch. This position is either revered or seen as betrayal depending on the family member. This explains for me why Changhe could throw a dagger at his sister even tho he knew Lianyue would intercept it. The Xie’s and Mu’s are battling things out while Uncle Zhe and Changhe wait for cleanup detail. This is the amusing aspect of the fights. The miracle physician has tried the soul exchange and has both found her father and witnessed the hell of Patriarch’spast. There is a river of blood with countless bodies and she is horrified at what she sees. Not sure if it’s a revelation or memory for her that her mother poisoned her father to mark him. She was surprised to find out they have already met. Is there more to her since she is familiar with battle moves? Even the patriarch wants to know. Muyu has used his 18 sword technique for the Xie sword fanatic. That was a very interesting battle, especially when the multipliers came out. Muyu and miracle physician find themselves in a deep descent that takes them to an escape route. Mu Wei followed with poison and the healer had a very interesting way to dispose of it. Muyu fortunately was given the antidote. The healer has deduced why she is actual poison and has agreed to heal her if the price is right and they are no longer enemies. The patriarch has escaped from the sleep mist with three guards. His whereabouts are currently unknown while the three families vie for position. For now, the healer is in their sights along with patriarch for top killing orders. Uncle Zhe and Changhe have entered the fight. The Xie elder and Changhe had an interesting battle while younger Xie observed. He has said he found a weakness in Changhe’s battle techniques. The episode ends as a weapon is coming at Changhe’s head. The cast and production team are doing an excellent job of introducing the characters and choreographing the battles. It is an enjoyable watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
For the most part I enjoyed this drama quite a bit. I did not always appreciate the Shen men because they were often silly and self absorbed, but when the chips were down they were loyal and brave. The women of the family were the heart and glue that kept their family together and inspired the dishes dad Shen cooked. I was less enthused that Lin Yan’s life was so hard from beginning to end because of that Prince and his scar faced son. He should have been allowed more joy in his life than they gave him. But I was able to set my grumpiness aside when I saw their meeting in the future. His smile at her said it all and everything that grieved me with his time in the past now pointed to a very promising and happy life in the future. He said her name, but I do wonder which name he had in the future? Would I watch this again? Most of it…I will speed along Shen father and son when they preen too much and the prince and his son’s machinations. But even with the tragic events that tore at my heart at the end, they left me with a smile and a contented heart that this time fate would be much kinder to them.
Was this review helpful to you?
This episode was split between the cuteness of Si On and Philip and the threads of his son’s case and killer coming together to locate the mastermind. Si On has taken her GED and had a happy meal with Shin a Philip. They are sent on a quest to find Jang who has disappeared from his shop with no contact since. Catherine’s dad stole the bear that had flash drive, but other than that left his daughter be. He has used the evidence there to blackmail the medical director. When making the cash transaction he sensed he was being followed and gave Shin a call. Unfortunately killer slammed him with a car first. I cannot blame his ex for smiling in relief. That man caused her so much grief. Had he asked for the bear and reason why a decade ago, they all might be alive and well separately. What is to be determined is if the idiot brought the only flash drive with him or a copy. The director was all happy destroying the evidence and then Shin’s text pops up. He has one last kill to make to wrap things up and Shin has knocked him out. He now has to decide if he is gonna finish the guy off or let Choi do his job. I will get to find out next week.
Was this review helpful to you?
Muyu arrives in time to interrupt Changhe and healer battle. He does not want host informed of Changhe’s breach inside nest. Muyu learns that his vetted team are completely loyal to him, but not necessarily to the Patriarch. He did not anticipate this and spared the guard that allowed Changhe’s entrance. Changhe made no further efforts to battle here but pointed out that those loyal to him may or may not be as loyal to patriarch. While noting this Muyu promises healer to keep her safe. The host wasn’t pleased Muyu spared the guard. Muyu is being reminded that he won’t be able to protect everyone. There is a flashback to the event where only one was to return. Changhe repeatedly told Muyu to kill him but he refused. He even accepted a blow from the patriarch. His courage and loyalty was rewarded as a singular rule breaking event and they were allowed to choose which family clan they wanted. This is how they became part of Su clan and family. Lianyue is taking rabbit to a room to finish healing. He is mocked for his interest and Lianyue tries to pass her care to Changhe. Changhe promises to kill her if that is his decision and his blade is interrupted by Lianyue’s weapon. Changhe claims he was testing to see whose blade is faster. The spared guard finds himself in a trap by Xie clan. He recieves a fatal sword blow but is told the Mu clan had already poisoned him. She is unhappy he was killed before getting more intel. The Xie’s and Mu’s agree to ally themselves against the patriarch. Changhe and uncle realize the Su clan is alone, but they also see that while currently allied, the Mu and Xie clan will turn on each other to provide a Dormant Dragon sword candidate. The Su’s can watch this unfold and strike at a more opportune time. The guard’s body is discovered and they know both clans attacked and that the sword strike gave him the kinder death. The patriarch and healer are getting ready for soul swap as the clans close in to finish off the patriarch. Muyu is left to consider how to prioritize his protection list because he is going to be tested on all fronts without his best friend backing him this time. Here I wonder if the healer will get any thoughts from patriarch about who his successor should be while their souls are interchanged. And what happens to her if something fatal happens to him while they are swapped? Should they be this confident to continue when it’s already been shown the nest is breached and loyalty is for Muyu more than patriarch?
Was this review helpful to you?
Rabbit and Tang Lianyue’s battle takes a more humorous turn as she requests to be killed in a way that will let her beauty remain intact. Just when he is showing a rose that will steal all her blood, Muyu interrupts the fight and escapes with her. Even with no rest travel, Lianyue sticks with them so the battle continues. She tells Muyu to continue to the city and she will finish the fight. When Muyu suggests a mole in their midst, she leaves him to ponder if she is the one. She seems to have the same view as Changhe on being a blade for Blood River and wanting other options. The scene goes to Soul Reaper Hall where Muyu has refused a contract because the person they want killed is an upright man who looks out for the people. After his refusal, Changhe shows up and says he will take on all contracts refused by Muyu. It is the only way to keep his friend alive. They are almost to the Spider shadow nest when Xie and Mu clans again strike. They want their own candidate for the Dormant Dragon sword and when the Patriarch refuses another battle takes place. The healer watches him use his own strength to dispel a soul claiming incense that was left in the carriage. During their travels, she requested his name, and surprisingly he told her, Mu Mingci. Once made Patriarch, whoever bears the sword no longer belongs to their clan and is above all three families until their death and next Patriarch rules. His sword is the key to the entrance and there is an elaborate set of traps to gain entrance. She comments to the hunchback that accompanies them that he was poisoned rather than born with that condition. She told him the time for antidote and treatments long passed but for the small nominal fee of the entire building she could cure him. She is as shameful with her mercenary ways as rabbit is with her vanity and wanting men to acknowledge how captivating she is. 😂 These two are quite the pair.🤣 Lianyue is not a murderer and chooses to help her rather than finish the job. His only interest is the Patriarch that killed his elder. In the spider shadow nest the patriarch wants to go ahead with the soul swap and the healer says he needs time to gather his strength back before they make the attempt. While he is resting, she ventures outside the villa to note she has unwanted company. Her attacker is surprised at her skills and right when she has him trapped someone breaks her web and reveals her attacker. Changhe is there to complete his mission of taking care of the healer. This episode had interesting battles and effects to draw you into their fantastical world. I am enjoying how well choreographed they are and the accompanying music. The characters are interesting and they are taking the time to introduce you to their various personalities and relationships to weave you into their story.
Was this review helpful to you?
This episode explains what happened to Asuka when she collapsed during last game. There is a lot of parental drama and trauma churning around in her head. Her mentor shares his story and why he hated her father. I don’t know whether to laugh or be creeped out at their dispensing of his father’s ashes. They came back to bar like two guilty kids coated in ash. I have mixed feelings with this choice of grief management. At least Asuka has a place to stay with one who cares about her. The bar owner is their angel. Asuka goes back and wins a match. I am not sure if this is a makeup game for the one interrupted or a new set of games. Her dear brother shared the recording of her with the knife to his betrothed, but left out what happened to her and her mom. He’s a weasel and that girl needs to get away from the family. He pointed out that Asuka plays like her father. I would really love to see her defeat her dad at his own game and in his own style. That would be some lovely karma for both of them. She would be vindicated and he could fade away. I liked that he saw the results of his daughter’s games and I hope it registered deep that the cast away daughter outplayed his beloved and cherished son. 😝
Was this review helpful to you?
Detective Choi survives surgery.🥳 His partner was so close in catching him, but even with Shin T-boning the killer’s car he managed to get away. There is some link between killer and the medical director. The director says all the right words and looks and sounds helpful, but Shin knows something is off and hasn’t put it all together yet. We also now know the teddy bear is hiding evidence the director and Catherine’s dad wants. She is surprising her mom visiting home and that is now going to get complicated. Philip’s case has put in motion a change to workers’ contracts so they are better protected. He and Si On are working together and Si On is becoming a fan. She points out to Shin how similar they are and how arrogant when they get things their way.😂 Philip’s struggle with the gymn equipment.😂🤣 He hates shades of gray and for him this is a huge moral dilemma because doing it the right way helps thieves.Shin helps in the background and admires their handiwork. Everything is coming to a head about the 15 yr old case and all of these events are intermingled. The director has now put a hit on Shin so now a week’s wait to see how all this plays out.
Was this review helpful to you?
I have not read the novel or watched any of the dramas with this storyline so this is my introduction to this world and characters. The first battle was interesting as two elders were continuing a duel with a 30 year gap. One represents Tang and the other Blood River. They get reacquainted and are interrupted by assassins who want them both dead. The Patriarch’s guardian steps in and protects the patriarch who still gets a poisoned dart from a blossom thrown by his opponent. A healer is found and brought back who immediately and accurately assessed the situation but informed the Patriarch he had successfully killed the one best able to heal him. She says she can heal him for the right price. Two Blood River representatives were unsuccessful at thwarting the healer, but when the guardian refused to walk away, the knife wielder takes first shot at killing the Kui for the sword. Whoever gets the Patrarch’s sword and returns will become the next Blood River leader so there is guaranteed bloody chaos to see who will return victorious. This episode ends with the Kui’s mask cut in half and no winner determined. The Uncle is casually watching and waiting. Blood River is earning its title already.
Was this review helpful to you?
This is a well told fast paced story. Asuka is not a Mary Sue character. In spite of her complete creation of her father’s game at the tournament, she learns she is just an above average player. This makes sense if she hasn’t played in 20 years. Her tutor is interesting. He has as deep a grudge as she does but we still don’t know why. It is hinted that maybe his father might be the reason. Her brother is such an ass. I am not sure if he cares for his betrothed or not. Does he really want her life to be smoother or does he just want an easy way out of the shogi world and his overbearing mother? I did laugh when his fancy contract was eaten before his eyes.😂 Asuka has walked through learning the game and has gained the interest of the best woman player, but she gave me a surprise collapsing from PTSD with the rook piece playing her father’s words in her head. I will now have to wait a week to find out what happened with the interrupted match and to see if her new tutor can help her surpass this mental roadblock.
Was this review helpful to you?
Philip runs into a blast from his past who needs help and is quite pretty. Everybody misinterprets the meeting and thinks she is an old girlfriend. This case involves employees being swindled by employers with personal contracts. These contracts are pretty airtight and were devised by his colleague who got the idea from a case they had won as lawyers. The make the girl dumb because she ran to Philip about a contract and then signed more with them about proof of deposit. They have cleared out equipment and now it looks like she was paid as promised. Shin agrees to help with the case when he finds out how crooked the manager was. Philip can fight their contracts but only by setting precedent and making his own stance hold up in a court of law proving they were exploiting not paying employees. Si On is having to admit to herself she was jealous. That is new for her. She is resting up and prepping for her GED test. Shin shares his secret recipe with Philip so he can impress Si On. Here Philip made some good process. These two are damn cute.🥰 Detective Choi is not letting go and contacted killer’s doc. That didn’t end well because she ends up dead with what is being called a suicide and she had his business card. He continues by contacting medical director. The killer shows up and Choi intervenes but then gets stabbed. They are making it look fatal but I’m hoping he lives just from pure stubbornness. Fortunately lady detective is on way so hopefully that gives him the assist he needs to survive. Shin follows killer to car and hammers on window while killer grins at him. Hacker Kim has figured out that he gets paid when people die. Shin has a plan with the guy that owns the land and creepy kindergarten. He is trying to trap killer, but so far, killer seems to be a step ahead. And now I have to wait a week to find out what happens next.😝 This episode had the team divided up working on things from their past. Si on finishing school, Philip correcting a case where he represented the wrong side, and Shin finding out who paid killer that resulted in his son’s death.
Was this review helpful to you?
Jun’s killer was let out of the psycho ward. Whoever the mastermind is that Choi was hunting down 15 yrs ago has resurfaced. They were giving drugs to a healthy brain to feign all the symptoms and lack of emotion. I am wondering if anybody in his dept is part of this because they are shooting his investigation down way too fast. The poor scammed kid survived his suicide attempt but his best friend summed it up when you’re at the bottom when mom scams you and best friend sues you. They have a hit on location of scum mom and partner. They have no conscience because their next venture was stealing homeless ID’s to get property. I am glad Shin is scaring the shit out of them. They deserve so much more. Si On catches on quick how to get into undercover mode.😂 She puts Philip to shame. His smiles at her are really sweet.🥰 Lady detective has some good moves. Shin has some fun with his “kids” and tells them to have a day off at the beach. These two are really cute. I’m so glad that guy made a pin cushion out of the mom’s arm. 😂 The faces of all those scammed people when their money went back to their accounts. I have not heard of effervescent vitamins before, but that was hilarious watching them trying to explain their kidnapping. Shin’s smile when Philip chose to not ask anything about his plan. I am surprised he brought Kim back sushi for real because I thought he was hiding a gun in there. Things are closing in with Catherine’s father and Shin is making progress on the killer. It was a sweet moment when the kid officially told his mom he brought her up on charges. When he recognized her words of truth and walked out sadder but ready to face his future free of her. I liked how they handled that for his character. I also liked the judge praising the guys for growing up well under adverse conditions. That was another good moment to get praise from one who usually would be too high up to notice them. I think it was a good moment for Philip as well. He got to see the law work even if Shin nudged things along a bit. The creepy childcare center with clues about killer and Shin having the murder weapon that killed his son. Things are heating up with the old case. This series continues to be well paced, a great cast, and good story. The team is getting closer and this next episode will test them all.
Was this review helpful to you?
This is the one day Shin takes off from work with no explanation. Philip has almost figured out why but Judge Kim won’t confirm it. Philip’s parents decide to visit him at work and surprise Judge Kim. His father in particular is miliking it for all he can and Philip is embarrassed but complies. He has bargained for two more months training under Shin when Judge Kim thinks he is getting pulled in wrong direction. Mr. Shin spends the day going over every detail he knows about the day of his son’s death. He relives it and the three seconds he let roll by and shut off when his wife was trying to contact him. He lets himself cry bitterly when Judge Kim meets him at the playground. They go off drinking together. His friend helps him get a new wardrobe for Si On who looks very pretty when dressed like a girl. Philip thinks so too. Shin borrows a very exclusive watch to get a way in to a real estate scam where a young man is being exploited by his own mother to be the fall guy. As things are shaping up for his negotiations with that, his son’s murderer has escaped from the hospital he’s been held in. He realized they were over medicating him and figured out how to fool the nurse. It does not show how he got out of the room but he’s heading for the hospital perimeter like it had been arranged. I am wondering if the dad who’s been following him has helped this guy to escape. I also wonder what date they are talking about for Si On. So does Philip. Detective Choi is the one who told Shin about the murderer’s escape. He has his young protege working with him and she plans to do great things for the department. Shin is not in the mood for negotiating at the end of this episode. He wants a life for a life and seems pretty determined to play it out that way. I really don’t want to wait a whole week to find out what happens. 😭 This drama continues to be well paced and on point with the various cases well choreographed to intertwine nicely and keep things exciting and interesting. There are funny moments but they are not over done and lightens up things. The story has taken a very serious turn for next week’s episode and everybody is concerned Shin is going to handle things in a lethal way.
Was this review helpful to you?
This episode starts with Philip teaching Si On defense moves. This is particularly satisfying to see her practice them on the ass thug that’s bullied her since HS. Shin decides his best course of action is to take in the dad by running for city council. His friends think he has lost his mind. 😂 The ones that can help him and those that can’t cheer from the sidelines. The episode focuses on the machinations of local politics and how those powers can be abused. We find out that Philip understands being bullied as well and why he is so determined to bring the politician’s son to justice. He reaches out to the mother of one of his victim’s that committed suicide because he could not move on from his trauma. We are not given his story but his journal is given to one that can offer testimony in court. I thoroughly enjoyed Shin getting the father to personally apologize to the ones his son hurt the most. That was well played. Throughout the campaign, Shin eyes all the candidates and notes the one best suited for the job is the one most likely not to get it. He bargains with the corrupt candidate and then uses the terms to get his apologies to victim and seen as the corrupt one he is giving money. This episode nicely turns the table on father and son who have a real day in court rather than the typical bribes and release they are used to. Shin hands the peripheral candidate votes to the deserving candidate who actually wins. This will be the first time in a long while this community will be represented by a person that actuaries what happens. Shin has a new motorbike rental for Si In and has Philip deliver it. They are now taking turns with deliveries and both are healing from bully trauma. They are feeling vindicated rather than victimized and taking steps to move forward and help others abused by thugs. We get to see Si On vote and the celebratory dinner when their candidate wins. There is another adorable scene with the little sister presenting Shin a picture she drew of him, Simon and Philip. We get to watch all the neighborhood thugs and crooked politicians get rounded up to be prosecuted. This was done in a fun way tho addressing very serious matters of corruption and brutality. It then goes to a somber scene. It is coming close to bday anniversary for Shin’s son and Shin visits the killer on the death anniversary. Here is where we see the vengeful side of the peaceful negotiator. He basically promises hell on earth to the one that killed his son.
Was this review helpful to you?
The episode starts with an adorable scene of a young boy negotiating with Shin for lesson on winning claw machine. 🥰 Shin has met his match as the prize is not relinquished til the slime is traded. Then the delivery of sage advice from the boy before he leaves. 😂 The scene shifts to Philip overhearing the discussion between Shin and colleague about how Shin masterfully snuck Lee and mom out while taking the hit he failed to keep everybody safe. Philip is disappointed in his boss because he sees this as cheating and illegal activity by one who should be teaching him the law. His natural judge self runs through the stats of the crimes and punishments Shin is guilty of even as he preps to see Si On. There are scenes of his imagined coolness on a motorbike interrupted by the harsh reality of Si On telling him her grandmother drives better.😂 Shin has another adorable scene with a young child. This time it is Si On’s little sister who gets the prize duck from claw machine and asks Shin to help her sister with a bully. Si On is getting stitches in her arm but has not discussed the injury with anybody and instead doing her best to keep it secret. That cute pinky swear with Shin and Ye On to help her big sis and take care of the bad guy. 🥰 There is an older gentleman in shop who is overseeing Shin’s management of the chicken shop. Philip looks up the guy and finds out he is a corporate billionaire wanting Shin to get sweet rice flour. Philip’s head is spinning trying to figure out who Shin really is. He and Shin are having lunch at Pluto’s and find out about the customer harassing Si On. He’s the politician’s son and a royal ass who manhandled Shin and caused her injuries. He is also the school bully most likely responsible for Si On dropping out of school. Philip, as usual, can list off the crimes and punishments for the assaults. Officer Choi is finally promoted to detective and gets back to old stomping grounds. He gets his file box of the case where Shin’s son was killed and a hidden notebook he had stashed trying to determine the mastermind behind it. He is still haunted by the case 15 years later. The thug has had another place a delivery call and Si On finds herself dealing with him again. This time however, Philip shows up and Si On is surprised the nerdy guy has some martial arts skills. She is impressed but won’t admit it. Philip chooses to follow her advice and he doesn’t go for the money as planned but he ends up getting hit on the head and wakes up in the trunk of a car. Shin and Si On get there just in time to keep him from being flattened as scrap metal. Shin pays the thug a visit and gets his voice recorded and plots something with hacker Kim. Philip’s smile when Si On tells him he is better suited to be a judge than delivery guy.🥰 Shin visits to thank the one who helped him get passports for Lee and mom. He shows her a pic of the odd guy in his shop and told her he had a pic of her daughter on phone. She panics as she knows it is her daughter’s father and he is still looking for her 15 years later. Philip is so close to a first date with Si On and Shin calls to trash his dinner plans. 😝🙄 They plan how to deal with thug and then decide the best way is to go through his father’s political plans. Shin goes and has a chat with the dad, while his son chooses another plan, to burn Si In’s bike. He is pleased with his destruction but is stunned to see Philip alive and well monitoring the fire. Things are heating up for Shin and company, literally. This drama keeps a good pace and has a complex storyline. The flashbacks add to the current chain of events and fills in the gaps as to who and why things are going down the way they are. I am enjoying the music as well. It is a good watch as we all wonder…who is Mr Shin the great negotiator? How does he have the connections he does? And why do they let him do the things he does when it’s gray and not particularly legal?
Was this review helpful to you?
