Shahrizat Jailan

The first quarter was difficult for me to sit through too because of the character clashes but by halfway I became hooked when they all began to work together as a team. And Kim Nam Gil's fight scenes were beautiful to watch

I couldn't seem to drop it, not because I loved it or anything. I felt a strange kind of - loyalty? - to the first season that had compelled me to sit through it all. But I was SO glad that when it was over

Entirely understandable. We all have empathy within us to recognize that human beings are never characterized in complete blacks or whites. However with Ryu Si-o it was almost a Stockholm Syndrome kind of thing involving the romanticizing of the character despite his evil deeds.

Have you watched 365: Repeat the Year? He was the main lead here and the series is pretty awesome too. https://kisskh.at/50717-365-one-year-against-destiny

All my thoughts exactly. The Ryu Si-o backstory was almost exactly Frank from the drama Moving but people were rightly relieved when he died, or assumed to have. It kind of demonstrates how some people would stay in a volatile or toxic relationship with a good-looking partner and make excuses for their shortcomings. I know it's "just a show" but it's quite telling how the halo effect some people have can turn "pure evil" into "tragic."

For me it wasn't because of the death of the villain, but the overall production, story, acting and the writing of the characters. I understand that it was meant to be comical and campy, but I feel that it was all too extra as a whole. I also felt that the female lead didn't have the right charisma as a lead or at least she has yet to develop the acting skills to be one. I mean, she was the titular character; the show was not named Strong Woman Hwang Geum Joo. Occasional overacting notwithstanding, it did feel like the mother has overshadowed Namsoon in many instances throughout the show. Maybe it was the way Namsoon's character was written but if you're good enough an actor your charisma can shine through any badly written characterization by bringing your own artistry into making the character more fleshed out.

I love that it's not all black and white. It encourages deep thoughts on morality, sociology, humanity, etc.

I feel that the male members of the family had their characters very badly written with hardly any redeemable traits to counter whatever faults they may have, except for maybe Namsoon's father. At least with SWDBS, Bongsoon's brother did well for himself becoming a doctor to try understand his sister better, and was quite endearing as a person. And I simply adored Bongsoon's father too. I preferred their family dynamics. It's just too extra this time around

At this point, the grandma has more "romantic" scenes than the main leads. There hadn't been enough buildup between ML and FL to warrant them "sealing the deal", which turned out to be kind of flat.

I know right? It was so heartbreaking

The start is pretty slow but it's a long haul, nothing like the miniseries they put out these days so they get to flesh out every character. The best parts came towards the end, maybe 2/3 into the series where all the beautifully choreographed swordfights happen. Oh and you will absolutely fall in love with Yoo Seungho's character. Well at least I did.

I like your take! I'm sorry though, to hear about your condition and hope you are doing well regardless. Also thank you for the information on tinnitus; it is something I will read up more on <3

For me this story has always been about Eun Gyeol going back in time to save his father. From the beginning the focus had been more about the father and son relationship; their conversations, the rescue in the lake, and especially that final fight between them before Eun Gyeol was transported to the past. So it was truly satisfying to me to see that they have dedicated this episode to tying up Eun Gyeol's mission to save his father. I just wished he fought the hooligans a little bit longer, given his taekwondo skills. Now that Yi Chan is saved, the remaining episodes can focus on the romance storylines without the distraction of one major plot. I'd say give the rest of the story the chance to see its end.

I loved everything about the 11th episode. More in the comments below:-

I've always felt that action is his best forte. He fights so well. I absolutely loved his sword skills in Warrior Baek Dong Soo especially after his character mastered it; it was almost like an art form

Warrior Baek Dong Soo & Empress Ki

Yes agree about the men. In SWDBD the men in the family were all endearing and you can't help but root for them. And the twin brother did well as a doctor and "the smarter twin" And I liked the fact that the mother lost her powers and had to deal with personal insecurities. It made them all more human and relatable. The current family feels too powerful in both strength and wealth it's all just too fantastical, too eccentric and causing an inbalance in the family dynamics.

I have never watched a drama wherein Yang Sejong is less than likable in the roles he carries. His demeanor is always soothing and dependable, even when playing a warrior in a historical or a stuck-up chaebol heir trying to prove his worth as a doctor. He acts with his eyes and even with only that, it feels enough.

Loved her in Celebrity

Well for one, I can't see Eunseom annihilating an entire species to prove himself "worthy" of anything. Or enslave an entire village. Or sacrifice a loyal follower so he could kill a horse. Regardless of his unfortunate backstory, it just shows that Tagon does not have the correct mindset to be a leader. He is too twisted. He is just a tyrant who does not hesitate to send people to their deaths to get what he wants. Can you see Eunseom going down that path too? I don't.