I was able to sit down with my morning coffee and enjoy both episodes this weekend. And it was very interesting to see how the entire series was moving this way all along—just as the writer and direction teams intended. For this is not just the romance most of us here share an abiding hope will be fulfilled, but also a historical study of the Qing invasion and its effects on Joseon, its people at all levels, and its future. These are all seen in the madness of the king taken out on his own people and family, the grief of the people—symbolized in the death of the baby, that the mother must bury with her own hands—and the shared anguish of the citizens just trying to return home but slaughtered by the misuse of power.
Additionally, there is more than one love story, and they are on multiple levels. But of course the central love story is that of JH and GC: who at the beginning seem to be a man with a waving fan but who is so much more, and a woman with a rising swing who finds out who she really is through his love for her. If the writer closes next weekend the way she seems to be moving, the outcome may be as complex, as is the historical reality. And it may also be one of KDrama’s greatest achievements. But even if it falls short, the writer, production team, cast, and composers have given us a series that many of us love. That is an achievement in itself. So onward to next weekend with hope and maybe a few tears. Either way, it’s been a grand ride.
In every single episode, they exceeded my expectations. I have a hard time explaining how perfect this drama already…
This is Beautiful and Insightful.
Sidelight: I like the way those of us who love this drama are talking and sharing, enjoying and learning from one another’s commentary.
I also like how we have begun ignoring the peeps coming in to throw darts. They just clatter on the drama floor and we keep falling deeper in love with this beautiful story. :)
As an avid fan of this drama I found myself skipping through most of Lee Chung Ah's scenes with the ML. Cannot…
Yep. I don’t like filler scenes and usually skip thru. However these are dire and set up something so important. I understand, though: I have rarely despised a character more than I do the Princess.
Namkoong Min gets a lot of praise for his acting here and he certainly deserves it, but Ahn Eun Jin should be…
Excellent post, beautifully written, and I agree about Ahn Eun Jin as well as Namkoong Min. They, the entire cast and crew have given us such a wonderful gift in this drama. In addition to the joy and, yes, the pain, they are also inspiring some wonderful commentary from MDL members that I have so enjoyed reading.
Is it just me or anyone else think that yang chun knows Ryang yums feeling for JH? I think he knows.
Good discussion as well. I understand Ryang’s love for JH: part that JH took care of and raised him; part that he loves him. Period. JH knows it too; cannot return it though always there for him. But he is in love with our heroine. He’s a pretty cool guy able to basically take care of everyone around him. Makes his character just that much more precious.
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I was able to sit down with my morning coffee and enjoy both episodes this weekend. And it was very interesting to see how the entire series was moving this way all along—just as the writer and direction teams intended. For this is not just the romance most of us here share an abiding hope will be fulfilled, but also a historical study of the Qing invasion and its effects on Joseon, its people at all levels, and its future. These are all seen in the madness of the king taken out on his own people and family, the grief of the people—symbolized in the death of the baby, that the mother must bury with her own hands—and the shared anguish of the citizens just trying to return home but slaughtered by the misuse of power.
Additionally, there is more than one love story, and they are on multiple levels. But of course the central love story is that of JH and GC: who at the beginning seem to be a man with a waving fan but who is so much more, and a woman with a rising swing who finds out who she really is through his love for her. If the writer closes next weekend the way she seems to be moving, the outcome may be as complex, as is the historical reality. And it may also be one of KDrama’s greatest achievements. But even if it falls short, the writer, production team, cast, and composers have given us a series that many of us love. That is an achievement in itself. So onward to next weekend with hope and maybe a few tears. Either way, it’s been a grand ride.
Sidelight: I like the way those of us who love this drama are talking and sharing, enjoying and learning from one another’s commentary.
I also like how we have begun ignoring the peeps coming in to throw darts. They just clatter on the drama floor and we keep falling deeper in love with this beautiful story. :)