NotMuch

Lastly, a standing ovation for the actors. Lady Song's newly found respect for Nokdu was conveyed impeccably by Han Ye Ri - she's a polished actress. Choi Moo Sung portrayed General Nokdu's overwhelmed state with ease. Then there's Yoon Shi Yoon's ability to express a range of emotions, and lack of them. I'm in love with the cast. We're in luck, fellow viewers!

And I'm guessing my prediction about Yi Hyun was correct. *happy dance* He has to experience the worst side of himself to its entirety. He has to embody the Ogre before he returns to embody his original identity.

Song Ja In confuses me sometimes. She is being selfish, entirely forgetting her part in the situation created in the 11th episode. But then, I'm also absolutely in awe of her composure. She's a breath of fresh air, for sure, albeit imperfect.

Absolutely loved episode 11. It was the right blend of comedy, sadness, struggles, and politics.

The ending was not disappointing, thank God! Sure, they could have made a few better choices, but the show redeemed itself anyway. I think going in with the wrong expectations can steal the fun. It was simply a drama revolving around a con artist who developed for the better, among other things. We expected this to be a drama about marriage life, but it turned out to be about politics, and I am not complaining.

Oh, and Yi Kang's mother defending herself and lashing out was EPIC! I loved that scene.

I have to say, I am disappointed in Lady Song, but from the looks of it, she will become a spy or temporarily work for Jeon Bong Jun till he relieves her of the duties. As for Yi Hyun, it is implied he will realize he has lost himself. I can't bring myself to like him, even if I try to understand him. There are decent and cruel people on both sides, and the only likable person from the Joseon side is Lee Gyu Tae.

All I can say is, the Ogre shot the wrong person - Yi Kang is hurt, and he may do anything at this point. Talk about heartbreaking - the bro-ship sank before it even sailed. Sigh,

Every one is becoming cold-hearted. I guess battles do that, and this is how they die, like Nokdu said.

Oh gosh, why did episode 19 had to be so tragic? Ugh, I am crying.

there is, but it is pretty much side-lined, and less prominent than Jo Jung Sok's

I'll agree that he showed a tendency towards violence and muting his emotions. But showing symptoms and actually being one should be treated differently. He showed signs of regret as soon as the accident happened. After Seon Ho's father talked to him, he pleaded with his mother to come clean, and that would be around when I thought he could grow out of his tendencies. And he has gotten there eventually in the 14th episode. I think he shouldn be punished severely for bullying, because he certainly had a choice when he targeted his best friend.

And I respect your opinion, so no need to apologise. :)

This is getting more tense and sad. :/ Not complaining though

Yi Hyun has saved the little bit of his past, likable self when he decided to protect his teacher. One step by the man he respected and placed on the pedestal brought him down. How much of this has to do with his weakness? Or is he a strong person? It is up to perspective, but at least he let the affection he has for Hwang Myung Sim prevent him from taking an action that would have stolen any hope of turning back. I have bitter feelings about his shooting Nokdu, but it is understandable since they are on the opposite sides of the army.

Yi Hyun has become cruel - working in the Joseon Army can make any well-intentioned person into a heartless human. What I find especially heartbreaking is that he is attacking men from his brother's side, and might even kill him (since Yi Kang refused to be a part of his family). I wonder if Yi Hyun will become part of Nokdu's army or stay a part of the Joseon Army that has zero sympathy for the people. Battles are never pretty, and involve human suffering; however, here, I will have to pick the side of the Donghak members. Where the Joseon army strives to maintain its staunch control, Donghak members want to help the people escape the inhumane treatment. But how much of it will be achieved before people fighting for the cause are wiped out?

Also, the kid who plays Jeon Seok deserves an award for his role. I can see a great future waiting for him - hopefully.

My heart broke at the end of episode 15. Jeon Seok, you may have hurt people, and I hate what you did, but I'm so happy yet sad that you would take a step like that.

Also, I love the brother and sister, Dong Soo and Dong Hee. And, like Soo Ho, I think Dong Hee is a good match for Seon Ho XDXD My boy was crushing on the wrong girl this whole time.

Watching this has reminded me how significant accountability, guilt, and punishment is for a person's healthy development. Had the adults been more receptive to the needs of their children despite how bad they felt about it in the short-term, so many tragedies could have been avoided. I want Joon Seok to be punished for his bullying ways, but I also want others to trust him for once where he was innocent. I feel so conflicted about him; many have called him a sociopath, but he's obviously far from being one. He is a child trapped in a cold house of glass, with empty people as parents, and zero accountability.

The main leads have a heartwarming consideration for each other. I hope Veronica will end the "secret life" vocation for good and let the two bond without useless drama. But that's too much to ask for so early on.

The teaser looked pretty dark, and I would have preferred it that way. Yet such is my devotion to Shin Sung Rok: I have to watch him act. I hope the story itself is not shallow. It would be a let-down to see my favourite actor in a story lacking substance, and to have to drop it altogether would be a pity.