A decent follow-up episode.

As someone on Viki said, I'm feeling a Tangled vibe. Well a darker vibe of it. A clumsy money hungry thief with boyish charms stumbles onto the screen. Soon discovering a fair maiden trapped in a, err, hole/house that she can't leave.

While I immediately wanted Sea Ron, Seo Ri (AKA Princess Yeon Hee), to take over the story I admire that it focused immediately on Heo Jun. We get to know him, his world, and are left with just enough questions about him to keep him interesting. ^_- Heo Jun's lines are well delivered and I can see that actor Shi Yoon is going to be a great comedic relief.

For any dark fantasy well written and delivered humor is a most. I'm a huge dark fantasy fan and I know humor is a big factor. It makes the story more interesting and relatable. There's just enough dark elements here that viewers can't forget the creepiness of the first episode.

The CGI of the white Tiger is so well done. Especially for a TV show. Sure you wouldn't say "I thought it was real" and at times the tiger moved strangely. But I was impressed by the chase scene and how well the tiger fit into the real world scenes.

Of course Sae Ron captures my attention immediately as Seo Ri. I enjoy her fierce personality and I can already see she is quite the stubborn spirit. I'm hoping as the story fleshes her out that she will be a woman who can stand on her own and take on the dark magic around her. Not hide behind male leads.

Sae Ron's brother, Poong Yeon, is a bit of a let down. Already sporting a crush and at this point it might be premature to call it a silly trope. However, I think it would be more interesting if they had just a brother and sister relationship/feelings.

Overall this was a pretty solid follow-up. We're introduced to Crown Prince Soon Hwea (you know Seo Ri's twin brother) and get a basic feel for him. The more important part is seeing the dynamics of the palace and how things are 17 years after events of the first episode. Heo Jun being the character that the story follows and picks up at I'm very curious as to his role in the scheme of things. I can't wait to see more of Seo Ri and Soon Hwea. Especially when and how they meet.

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Meeting the Leads!

After a strong pilot that showed us the extent of dark we were dealing with- that ranged from creepy to absolutely horrible if you were wondering, the second episode moves to an almost slightly safer mood that introduces the two leads. Don't get too relaxed though, there's still enough thrill to keep you at the edge of your seat!

The first 20 minutes (which dragged a bit if you ask me) were dedicated to the male lead. Although we get an idea of what kind of person he is, the show sneakily leaves us wondering WHO he actually is and how come he's living this way which makes me hungry for more episodes. Yoon Shi Yoon is brilliant as usual in fleshing his Joon. I was immediately feeling everything Joon did. And (excuse this fangirl but I need to scream) Thank God SHI YOONI OPPA IS BACK TO DRAMALAND!

Kim Sae Ron has never failed to deliver, and despite all controversy, her youth actually adds authenticity and unique energy to her Yeon Hee.

I'm not going to ignore the issue at hand when it comes to the leads though. Mirror of the Witch might not be the smartest drama for casting two leads with 15 years age difference, especially that Kim Sae Ron is practically a child (15 years old MIND YOU). However, I cannot in clear conscious say that the drama has made a bad choice because I love those two together. (No, I'm not a creep! Before you accuse me of every horrible word you can think of, hear me: If I were Kim's parent, I'd be watching her as a hawk as I sharpen my ax on set each day till she films the final scene, and I sincerely hope her parents are doing that!). That being said, I' don't find the age difference off-putting. The two actors have good rapport: There's nothing creepy about them. l trust the drama would be sensible and considerate to its little heroine. After all, Korean Saeguks aren't exactly big on their 'skinship'.

So, after their 'Tangled'-inspired encounter, I can't wait to see how the relation of our lead will develop!

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