Owl19987

For me, I didn't exactly "like" the ending of The King's Woman. But it was writing that stayed true to the characters until the end.

Here, the parallel development of the ML trying to kill FL story, and ML falling for FL is very odd. For anything resembling a lighthearted romance, the start of the latter should be triggered by the end of the former (coupled with - he had been trying to kill her because of some bad intel).

I do like the show. But it could be so so much better if they didn't cross lines for the thrill factor and then pretend they didn't do it.

But they're not on equal footing. Their romance can't be reduced to lack of trust when she has a proven reason to distrust him. He has tried to kill her. Repeatedly. She openly says to her bestie, we need to "play offence" and starts charming him. She is aware of the precarious nature of her situation and of his temperament.

I love the ML actor. He is beyond amazing and does a great job showing me his internal struggle. I don't disagree with you - I can see the complexity is present. But whatever complexity is at play is set against the backdrop of their imbalanced relationship (him in full control and her struggling to stay alive).

Great storytelling.

But then they ruin it by trying to sell it like a lighthearted romance, with things like that very out of place comical rom-com background music. Which just makes the ambiguity you mentioned comes across as inconsistent writing/direction/production.

I agree. ML is who he is because of what he has been through. There's not denying that.
The story is fantastic. Their characterizations are honest and well-done.

But I don't believe the lighthearted romantic angle they play with these two. It doesn't line up with the actual story. There was rom-com background music within the first 4 episodes, which was just ridiculous because I saw very little softness from his side at that point, and only fear/need to survive from hers.

Also - just to nitpick - They're both a product of their experiences. But FL is in a world ruled by men. ML is very powerful. So while he's had a tough life, he's also at a position in life where he doesn't have to be nearly as cruel as he is. That's just my opinion 🤷‍♀️. I enjoy their characterizations. But I don't appreciate the show showing me one thing and telling me another - it's weak.

Note: When I say "I don't buy it", think "The King's Woman". One of my favourite shows. Absolutely heart-wrenching. The main couple had a definite romantic angle (as in they romanced one another, but it wasn't a cutesy love, nor was it whitewashed as one). The show stayed true to both their characterizations until the bitter end. That is good writing.

I'm a huge fan of LXY. MZY, to her credit, toned down her makeup enough in this show that I was actually able to see some facial expression. They're both good actors.

There is one thing that really makes it hard to fully immerse myself despite the well-done political intrigue:

ML strangles her upon first meeting her and almost succeeds in killing her. Then he tries to poison her.. When he fails he just straight up orders his female assassin to stab her. Tries to strangle her to death again.

If only those moments were given the gravitas they deserved. Instead, the powers that be of the show decided to give these two "cute" moments while this whole narrative is playing out. Which is so disingenuous and borderline insane. Why try and sell the romance angle when he is legit trying to kill her at every turn? That choice really undercuts the seriousness of everyones' actions, and also the actions of the ML.

Verdict:

The FL is trying to survive. All her actions are logical. Whereas the ML just comes across like a murderous psychopath, so the romance is a hard pill to swallow before we see changes in his character. His harem is another piece that is at odds with the lighter note this show really wants to take: how he treats his supposed main wife is atrocious. Instead of repudiating her, he keeps her around for the same reason he keeps trying to kill the FL: because he can.

The political intrigue between the princes is topnotch. As far as I can see, FL IS smarter than ML. She shouldn't trust him. He has proven that her life is dispensable. I don't even understand why he is so hell-bent on killing her. Wouldn't that disrupt the peace between the two nations? Normally characters like his "serve the realm" and what they do they do to protect the country, but this guy comes across as an extremely corrupt statesman that takes advantage of his closeness with the Emperor to gain more power for powers sake.

All this to say, I don't believe in the romance. I believe in her survival. I believe that he may come to love her in the way a man like him can love, which is not light and shouldn't end well. Atleast, that SHOULD be the subtext. But it's not. They're showing us one story while trying to convince us they're showing us another much lighter one. And it's very perplexing, because the former is far superior from a storytelling perspective.

Autumn Ballad

You're welcome! It really is the sweetest drama. And the sweetness feels like a great payoff for sticking through some of the sadder moments.

I gave in to the urge and started rewatching Go Ahead. I love In Youp, but I think for this particular story itself, the longer format and slice of life feel of the original is better suited.
I'm starting to look at this K-Drama as loosely based on Go Ahead rather than a true adaptation.

Yeah, true. Just I thought it was interesting that the K-Drama is showing the boys being vulnerable with each other. Without her there. It's a different dynamic, that's for sure.

Yeah, it could be In Youp is giving more. But definitely the boys' relationship is closer here. Already there have been multiple heart to hearts here. Whereas in the C-Drama they both shot their shot with her with zero hesitation. Which I think there will be here. Atleast for SH.

Does anyone else notice that in this version, as opposed to the C-Drama original, that the two boys have a closer relationship? San Ha takes a true big brother role for Hae Jun here, and HJ also confides in SH as well. On a re-watch of the C-Drama, they didn't seem as close. Or maybe it was because the FL was always along for the ride? They never left her out.
I wonder what impact this will have on the love plot, if any. Also, it's just cute.

Exactly. FL's favortism for ML is very clear.

So excited for this to finish airing so I can binge it.
I'm so hyped for In Youp and the original Chinese version was so beautifully done.

As this is a K-drama (and with fewer episodes), I know that the original's slice of life feel will be exchanged for something less subtle. It's what I've signed up for by watching.

But I couldn't help but be disappointed at the bed sniffing scene in episode 2. In the original it spelled out subtext for future romance, and instead this version skipped that.

On IQIYI. Although YouTube should have them too.

I don't either. ML actor is great, but he can't carry it himself. FL actor fits the role physically, but she doesn't manage to keep up and chemistry feels flat. I saw some BTS and saw the level of detailed direction she gets from the team just to achieve this much.

Definitely not what I was expecting either. Ren Wuo is true to his surroundings and perfectly cast. Showing his and the 2FL's story alongside the main couple's story, only contrasts it and does Ren Wuo no favours. For me, he needs to die. This show doesn't exactly give me rom-com vibes, so I'm hoping they have a realistic ending for him.

Dedra I've come to look forward for your post episode release comments. Thoroughly enjoyed it again!

The 4-1-1 is 😂😂

Li Tong Guang (rest in spoiler below)

Well it looks like my hopes are being dashed 😂 - as was expected. I had really hoped they would go in a different direction with Li Tong Guang. But it looks like he will go total obsessed SML?

🤦‍♀️

I'm starting to feel the same way. It's not really hitting for me as it did in the first episode.
And I agree on being exciting for the political aspect and other meetings instead.

Right? It's going to be so much fun. I hope it lives up to the 😳 moments I imagine 🤭