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This review may contain spoilers
The Cast Elevated a Convoluted Script
At the beginning, I thought this was going to be an "oops, I hit my head and now I'm in the Goryeo Dynasty," but later it seemed it was a body switch between two women: one real and one a fictional side character in a novel. Unfortunately, the story never addressed the ancient transported to the modern world, and it was treated as if she just automatically fit in with short hair (which was shameful in her era) and technology. She didn't even have a language barrier or an issue with Hangul.
The Good:
• I was grateful the 2ML wasn't part of a love triangle. One trope dodged! Once the ML and FL chose one another, their relationship was solid. No unnecessary break-ups. Second trope averted!
• I liked the message: "Revenge is for those who can't turn back." The ML was willing to turn back once he loved the FL. He wanted to offer the other prince a chance at laying down his hatred and redeeming his life.
• TFNwtD was surprisingly kissy for a K-drama. Good ones, too—not the we're-30-years-old-and-look-like-awkward-teens kind of kisses. I'm a bit old school and am not comfortable with excess screen affection, but, if it's going to be part of a drama, it should look competent.
• Do Hwa Seon was spoiled and evil. Ji Hye Won did a great job in the role. I couldn't help but like her!
The Bad:
• I can't decide if there weren't enough cutaways from the past to the future or there were too many. As it was, there weren't enough to make a coherent backstory or there were too many that intruded upon the story of the past.
• The lack of cohesion and the proliferation of confusing storylines marred a potentially good drama. K-dramas are usually masterful in blending intrigue, action, and comedy, but this was was loaded with the comedy in the beginning and heavy with drama at the end; it was unbalanced.
• As is often the case, the villains were forgiven, redeemed, or their bad deeds ignored. What's a little murder or treason between friends? This trend is deadly in the real world, and it's unsatisfying in the fictional one.
I really should have given my 7.5 star rating for standard fare, but I added a half star because Ok Taec Yeon looks great in historical dress, wields a sword well, and emotes with his eyes.
The Good:
• I was grateful the 2ML wasn't part of a love triangle. One trope dodged! Once the ML and FL chose one another, their relationship was solid. No unnecessary break-ups. Second trope averted!
• I liked the message: "Revenge is for those who can't turn back." The ML was willing to turn back once he loved the FL. He wanted to offer the other prince a chance at laying down his hatred and redeeming his life.
• TFNwtD was surprisingly kissy for a K-drama. Good ones, too—not the we're-30-years-old-and-look-like-awkward-teens kind of kisses. I'm a bit old school and am not comfortable with excess screen affection, but, if it's going to be part of a drama, it should look competent.
• Do Hwa Seon was spoiled and evil. Ji Hye Won did a great job in the role. I couldn't help but like her!
The Bad:
• I can't decide if there weren't enough cutaways from the past to the future or there were too many. As it was, there weren't enough to make a coherent backstory or there were too many that intruded upon the story of the past.
• The lack of cohesion and the proliferation of confusing storylines marred a potentially good drama. K-dramas are usually masterful in blending intrigue, action, and comedy, but this was was loaded with the comedy in the beginning and heavy with drama at the end; it was unbalanced.
• As is often the case, the villains were forgiven, redeemed, or their bad deeds ignored. What's a little murder or treason between friends? This trend is deadly in the real world, and it's unsatisfying in the fictional one.
I really should have given my 7.5 star rating for standard fare, but I added a half star because Ok Taec Yeon looks great in historical dress, wields a sword well, and emotes with his eyes.
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