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I don't get this fixation with writing a dimwitted, damsel in distress FL! Why? Is it to evoke pity? It makes me want to smack them. Is it to make the ML feel studlier? It doesn't. It would be so nice to see an ML and FL that are evenly matched in smarts or she's smarter rather than this depressing paleolithic Mary Sue damsel in distress crap.
Leads have great cp, and can act. Both a plus. It's a pity the way they are written is pissing me off.

A sweet, undemanding, uncomplicated story. Well acted despite the thin plot. Some intriguing moments/situations nonetheless. I think ep 8 or 9 were my fave. I found the retrospective from Asami-kun's perspective well-timed. To me, it felt organic to the story and not a filler. It was very in keeping with his character: someone who is so vividly observed by everyone is quietly, modestly observant and almost (aggressively) non-threatening.

So Li Meng who plays Princess Wanning deserves a much higher billing, imo. She's played Winning's narcissistic, cruel, malignant, love lorn conflicted personality so well that it's hard for me to look away from her when she's on screen. And especially in these later episodes. Now that the plot isn't as tightly woven as it was in the first (I'm pissed about how ooc Duke Su is; and of course step-mom isn't faking madness nor dead, and A'Li's fam is all alive! it's all a bit saccharine) -- Wanning's presence is enough to counter balance the emperor, Su and A'Li.
Am impressed with the emperor too. I think the last drama I saw him in he was the emperor's bro then defect emperor -- what was it? Journey to love? Or no, the Liu Yuning drama where he's the intelligence chief. Anyway, can't remember but happy to discover strong new actors.

Yes, she was. Her grip wasn't steady but the shoulder/body shove let it loose.

Whew. That was a ride. For me, not as magical or captivating as S1 but still a decent successor. Could have tightened up plots and storylines in some segments. But shortcomings aside, it's still a world better than some of the highly-publicised expensive crap coming out of c-drama land.

Treasury bonds...hahahahaahhahhaa

Oh show! How do you do this to me? So many emotions. it's a whirlwind. I love Sol's focus and determination. Her willpower and grit can move mountains. What a terrible fate, guilt to bear that the boy/man who loves you dies because he chooses to love you and nothing you do can erase that except erasing yourself from his life. OOF. And Sun Jae? How are you so different from one time slip to another? Each is a distinct version with some attributes heightened. This newer CEO-esque version is charismatic, sexy and a little bit spoilt quite unlike the smitten and sexy rockstar with a deep vein of humour and very unlike the boy with hearts in his eyes. All his incarnations are so distinct and yet, wholly him.. GAAAAAH. I don't even know what I'm saying.
In conclusion: Drama ILU.

It's the same writer. Brilliant, she is.

Thanks for the recs. I'll look them up. It definitely was one of the best -- story, acting, direction, and content. The only other one that was as good.-- didn't have as much of an epic sizzle cp like this one -- was Butterflied Lover. Highly recommend.

I had grave reservations about this adaptation, primarily because the original k-drama was terribly outdated and toxic, and the men in it were vile. Yet, this one is surprisingly decent. Adult men having grown up conversations about friendship, love, intimacy, careers, and growing pains. Who knew this was even in an option? I am pleasantly surprised.

Absolutely fantastic. Cleverly written. Very interesting and timely commentary on a lot of hot topic issues without being preachy. Terrifically well acted. And the score -- the score is chef's kiss. No neat answers or resolution here. To live, as one of our primary protagonist's says, is to suffer and to question.

Head and shoulders above current trending k-dramas. Easy top 3 kdrama, and possible all-round, for me this year. Writer-nim never disappoints.

New viewers: you are in for treat. I'll probably rewatch it again to piece info tidbits that I missed the first round much like I did for Stranger & Forest of Secrets. I could write reams about thBlood Free's excellence but I'll let you discover it for yourself.

Hey peeps, any recs for new mini dramas that are not on the rec list but are good? Perhaps even as good as this one? Thanks a mill! Short form c-drama is where it's at!

Try Butterflied Lover. Same team (director + scriptwriter). Beautifully shot, interesting storyline, zero filler and well acted. Highly recommend. I'll always have a soft spot for this one tho, which is why I'm back here again! :)

@shinnosuke_lee I agree with a lot of the points in your review. I'd say you graded it generously. A sumptuous production lacking in heart.

Sure, the emotional bond was a key theme between mom and daughter and son but the forced illness trope + running away to lick wounds + massive guilt tripping were all shoehorned in and wholly unneccessary. It showed no growth to me. A regression in fact. I found it lowered the quality of the drama.

If you enjoyed it then that's fair.

I did not. And that is also fair.

The last 5 eps really let down what in, my estimation, was a well done family ensemble drama. Too much bana story, filled with overwrought desperate grasping at heartstrings shoehorned into insufficient time and space. Blah. The business competion fell by the wayside. And the nuanced growth arc for the family, especially the mum, was sacrificed for cheap shot lessons on being filial and family togetherness instead of wrapping it up organically.

What's the Goblin trauma? 🤔🤔

Lack of communication as a trope is old and a cop-out to storytelling. It's tedious at best and lazy at worst.

Damn, ep 6 was brilliant. The stakes keep getting higher and higher as the tension ratchets up.

WAAAAAAH! 🤯🤯🤯🤯

This is some next level spy, sci-fi, espionage, hyper advanced science and realism. Holy moly. The script and direction are 🔥🔥 And everyone in the cast is 💣💥. Now...this is how you tell a story. Damn.