The Return of the Curse

Spoiler-free Review

Another thrilling, eventful episode!

It's actually amazing how much was packed into this episode. The episode was both emotional and thrilling, accentuated by heartfelt performances from YSY and KSR.

There's a certain immediacy that amazes me in the show; it seems like we're running. There's a time-limit and we already know how dangerous the evil we're dealing with here. I'm very happy that production hasn't used flashbacks to tell a character's story till now. Rather, new events explain past situations and character's motivations. It seems like a show that respects the viewer's intelligence.

Important bonds have been created, pivotal characterization moments have been shown, and all hell broke loose. I'm scared to watch episode 4! (And, yeah I've been biting my nails while watching)!

The careful direction and the stunning effects continue to make the show gripping and absolutely beautiful to watch. The atmosphere is delicately created and it's well-balanced between the light and rather heavier moments.

I want more of the Black Witch (yes, that's what I'm calling her). And, with the pace we're going, let's hope we don't run out of events soon!

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This is gonna be fun.

Well things escalated quite nicely. For the writers to pack this into 16 episodes I'm thankful. Especially at the pace they're setting and the ender for this episode. (But stop with the creepy nails falling/breaking off!) I love the magic and the way every thing looks.

Though part of me is wondering why the curse/ghost slipped up the skirt again? No really. Forget a chastity belt. I want a possession deterrent belt. Just when I thought it was safe to uncross the legs.

Sure this episode made me cringe. The team of good guys didn't realize that those were illusions, and the sword man slipped. Even the old guys stayed balanced. You don't want a falling swordsman. Not to mention that Hyun Seo is under the illusion that by keeping Poong Yeon and Seo Ri in the dark this is somehow protecting them. Never with hold information. Forewarned is forearmed. After all if they new the truth they probably would take things seriously. Of course, one would think they'd realize that Hyun Seo isn't doing this to be evil. He's a good guy, there's a reason.

Not to mention that the reason for Heo Jun getting the money is to free his mother. So when he gets in trouble and his mom instantly tries to save him and then fix the situation he reacts stupid. It's noble that he wouldn't cave. But boy did he forget that his mother is a slave, and ultimately the one who will suffer from his actions. It was painful to watch on so many levels. (Not to mention that the preview makes me even more nervous.)

Rant aside I truly enjoyed this episode. Kim Sae Ron does a great job and I was moved by many of the scenes. I love the pace that the writers have set for this show. Often times it seems like dramas drag things out even with shorter episode counts. Visually Mirror of the Witch is stunning and I love that the team behind it isn't just stopping at the graphics. At episode three I think it's safe to say that I will be following this drama onward and to the end. The writing still manages to make connections with the characters even for such a fast pace and I'm invested.

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