Kathryn_51

Part 2 was largely filmed in studio, with fewer location shoots. Perhaps because they were filming during the summer months and couldn't do as much nighttime filing as Part 1 (many Part 1 scenes were late at night in freezing temperatures according to MHM and LJW. Director gave everyone thermal vests to wear). I think many of those night scenes at Cheonbugwan with small groups of characters were done with green screen. Heck, even Cho-yeon and Dang-gu "cheek kiss" scene was done in the studio with some sort of wavy lights used to fake the canal water.

Haha, that's about where I'm headed. I'm going to actually raise my rating for Part 1 because I enjoyed it far more than Part 2. I rate based on my enjoyment and writer talent (consistency, dialogue, etc.)

The FF button can be your friend. Watch the characters and scenes that appeal to you, FF through the rest.

Well, I rely on the writers tell us and they said that Cho Yeong and Jang Uk's destinies were "inseparable" (shadow and light). And many here on MDL have said the same thing - that even though Jin Bu-yeon's personality was different from Mu-Deok, they found each other because they are "soul mates". It's a common romantic theme but not my preference., so I enjoyed Part 1 more than Part 2.

Two different relationships.

In Part 1, Writers told us from the beginning it was not intended to be a "love at first sight" romance. Jang Uk and Mu-deok were a team, bearing pain for each other and helping each other reach their goals. That's the type of romance I absolutely love to watch.

Part 2 - switched to "soul mates" whose destinies are inseparable. I have never like "soul mate" stories (Romeo and Juliet, etc.).

That's the difference. Different viewers like different stories. I prefer Part 1 story.

It's all part of the country of Daeho which surrounds Lake Gyeongchondaeho (I call it Lake G). Apparently, there are other countries on the West Border (guarded by the Seo family - and I wish AoS had provided more info on them) and the North Border.

As a ChoDang fan, my opinion is that it is too bad that Cho-yeon and Dang-gu never had their own stories, either as individuals or as a couple. In Part 1, they had their separate stories and a big couple story, but in Part 2, almost all of their scenes revolved around Jang Uk and Jin Bu-yeon - either with them or talking ad nauseum about them. They were little satellites. Very disappointing after Part 1. Even their VERY last scene with Mama Jin involved. . . . . .you got it - Jang Uk and Jin Bu-yeon!!!

I believe you and I are saying the same thing. CGI costs a lot and the big - REALLY BIG - AoS $$ were invested in the early part of the show to attract the audience and KEEP them watching. It worked for me - someone who normally avoids fantasy genre but I gave it a try and - as I said before, it was jaw dropping and I never left.

Another reason I kept watching - and you may not be aware - but my daughter had major (like cannot walk for weeks major) surgery in June and I was pretty much home-bound in June and July. I enjoyed preparing the Character descriptions and Location descriptions for Daeho and I had the time to update every week. So many fun theories. it was a major means of maintaining my "sanity" 😀

Different taste in k-drama is what makes the world go around Aramintal! What you find boring, I find intriguing.

I admit - I started Uncanny counter during the AoS slump this fall and I only got through Ep. 6 or so. But I enjoy YJS's acting - Maybe I'll use a heavy finger on the FF button - just like I did in Part 2 AoS (I think, in the end, I missed 60% total - most of the Jang Uk/Naksu stuff. 🤣🤣)

Agree on KSJ - don't care for her character (thus far) in UC.

In-soo is rumored to being in Uncanny Counter2, so a definite watch for a few episodes if true. 😀

The CGI was jaw-dropping in Part 1 - especially in the earlier episodes: the battle on ice; the soul shifting process (there were several of them); CGI-enhanced sword battles on a mega scale; Jang Gang's opening scenes and later scenes with baby Jang Uk; blue mark in Mu-deok's eyes, Mu-deok underwater; Jin Bu-yeon saving Jang Uk in the soul realm. Absolutely gorgeous and mesmerizing that portrayed a new fantasy world.

But those scenes were some of the first filmed - The Jang Gang actor, the old king and GYJ (Naksu) filmed very early. It took close to a year to do the CGI (I wish I could find the article that describes what they did and the enormous cost).

Starting around Ep. 10 (Part 1), the grandiose CGI were definitely minimized as the series focused more on the characters and relationships with each other.

They simply didn't have the time (or budget) for Part 2.

So yes, when compared to Part 1, the breadth and scope of CGI in Part 2 was much less.

If your time is limited, Ii think you can watch Part 2 as a stand-alone. At the beginning of Part 2, they do a quick introduction of characters and their relationships and the overall goal/mission of the protagonists is different from Part 1. Part 2's primary focus is romance (star-crossed/destiny type - not my favorite) whereas Part 1 was broader in epic scope, characcters, etc.

if you really like romance over all other stories, you can enjoy Part 2 as stand-alone.

Park Jin, Mama Jin and Jin Bu-yeon were reviled for 30 episodes because they put duty over self. They were great, complex characters and the actors were awesome because they portrayed a wide range of emotions throughout the series.

I began to watch Uncanny Counter simply because Yoo Joon-sang is in it - and he'a already filming for Uncanny counter 2.

One of the more silly moments in Part 2. 😀

It is a tourist spot! I saw a video back in November where a tour group was already there. If I ever get to Korea, it will be on my bucket list.

The twins always belonged to Cho-dang.🥰

And they onlly 6 months to put it all together!

Am I wrong, but I thought Cho Yeong didn't have any "mage" energy (the energy from the water of Lake G) remaining - the energy that is used to power the swords/bows and arrows/etc. JBY had divine powers - very different from energy from the water of Lake G. I thought it made perfect sense.

But did we ever find out where her sword came from?

Lots of fun stuff showing up in ig posts and twitter. Here's a couple of clips showing the transformation of Uncle Seo to Jin Mu. I admit, I'm a dork about this kind of stuff.

https://twitter.com/leejaewookstyle/status/1612110510639702020

They originally (June 2022) said they wanted to do part 2 because:
"“When Hong sisters were writing the script, we discussed so many interesting stories about different families, characters and their development. Unfortunately, I thought 20 episodes would not be enough to really show the strengths of the scriptwriters who create very entertaining and comical stories,” the director said.

“The scriptwriters are currently working on part two as well. Hopefully, we will have more time to explore each individual character in detail,” Park added."

But for whatever reason, Part 2 focused 90% on the OTP and there was little effort in exploring the individual characters or even the different families. That's probably my biggest disappointment in Part 2.

Folks forget - or perhaps never knew - that the "badass" Naksu scene with Park Jin was filmed a year in advance and was almost entirely created with CGI, make-up, camera angles and a remarkable stunt double. GYJ spoke a few sentences and she was remarkable as the killer assassin, but those scenes were expensive and it took them months to put it all together. I think Jang Uk's scenes today with the fire bird were some of the first he filmed - helps explain why the best CGI of Part 2 didn't show up until the last episode.