RaulYbarra

Because they *have* 4 eps left. I'm not being snarky when I say that, either. If this were one of the 12 episode dramas that are too often rushed, I'd be very concerned. But this is plenty of space in which to finish the story.

One of the things I've noticed is that there seem to be more 14 episode dramas coming out. Those seem to be the ones best "right sized" for the story the writer wants to tell. It has the best balance of not being rushed like two many 12 ep stories but not having extra filler like too many 16 ep dramas have.

Yep. And Mun Do is channeling Han Seok almost scarily.

I've said much the same thing elsewhere. There's one small difference, though.

I don't think it will be living a "both" Seo Ri and Dan Sim. I think with the connection and soul memories, they are literally one and the same. One factor here is to not forget how timid Dan Dim was originally. Seo Ri really does have all the same traits. The question is have the walls been broken down that their expression comes through.

And, yes. NEVER trust the previews!!!

Exactly what I'm hopimg for.

I have no doubt you are correct.

But I've learned the hard way, even wjen thoughts like that are on the money, the good dramas are genius at misdirection in previews. :-D

If you're poor you have a Z-Flip.

If you're rich, you get the much more expensive Z-Fold.

Kdrama 101.

Likewise, Seo Ri is the reincarnation of Dan Sim, I believe. It's not that they are different people. Dam Sim's presence reawakened the memories for Seo Ri like the dreams have for Se Gye. x

By the way, I've been thinking very much along the same lines as you, as to how this ends. However, I just had a recent thought... Why have *one* ending or the other? If those paths are open, isn't it possible for a double happy ending?

Otherwise, Mun Do is going to get away with murder in one timeline or the other...

"it's a comedy, and comedies don't usually have bad endings."

Except in Kdramas where they have some "interesting" ideas of what is a romcom and what is a "happy" ending.

That said, I'm convinced we'll get a happy-ever-after. It's just a question of which era it will be in.

Never trust the previews!

True, but even in Joseon she ended up dead by poison. Or so it seems...

Ending? We're only at the halfway point. This is a 14 episode drama.

Which is exactly why the queen mother is so afraid of him. And his late brother certainly recognized that as well, since he was planning to abdicate in favor of Yi An.

Personally, I haven't really noticed or paid attention to it. There's more than enough to enjoy with respect to the visuals.

However, I do remember seeing someone talking about an interview with IU. Apparently, the nails aren't an accident, but part of the character. First Hui Ju has a nail picking habit and second she only wears press on nails in public appearances.

I tend to believe this simply because the nail issue has been consistent through the entire series and her appearance is otherwise perfection. It's just too consistent and obvious to be sloppiness. Remember, there are a lot of insecurities underneath that tough exterior.

What is going to be interesting, is when she finally lays those demons to rest, are we going to see her nails improve? Or will it remain one of the character's quirks?

"We all know this woman is not divorcing him."

FIFY! Pretty much everyone around her knows she'll totally in love with him, except herself. And that, I expect, will change very soon.

I thought at one point they were a rosary, or at least the loop part of what. They sure have the pattern of some a prayer bead.

Not going to guess the ultimate villain at this point. Or rather the scope of the conspiracy, if there is in fact one.

They been playing with our heads all along where Minister Kim is concerned. Is he going to be the perpetually villainous Left State Minister? Or will he prove to be the Chief State Councillor and be I-An's ally?

Was the queen mother - another standard candidate for a sageuk villain - upset that it was Hui Ju almost got killed out of shock or because the real target was missed.

The king's grandfather just exudes that Left State Minister aura. Is it misdirection? Especially since he was so shocked at his daughter's actions and has warned her off.

It can really go any way at this point. Which also has me a bit concerned. This feels more like ending episode 8 of a 16 episode sageuk rather than a 12 episode one. 16 might be too many, but I'm beginning to wish for 14.

Not sure of that song, but they march during the procession to the palace was a very obvious homage to the parade in The Phantom Menace. Right down to the giant drum.

So, first impressions? This is looking like a perfect light(er) romantic romp colored by childhood traumas. I for one, actually appreciate their telegraphing the plot tropes early so I know if I want to watch it. As such, it is a perfect mid-week break for sipping coffee with my wife after work.

It seems to have some of the feel of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha with a bit of the hidden traumatic elements of Her Private Life condensed into a smaller package that's meant to be a filler between all the heavier stuff. If this were a Hallmark movie, it would be one of those nice fillers between the holidays.

There's good chemistry. Both characters are likeably unlikable here in the beginning. Which is the whole point. It's clearly targeted for a happy ending, which is good. My biggest concern is whether they can maintain the fun when the inevitably shift to the hard past comes up in the second half. That's where this kind of drama usually runs into issues.

So, if you can take it for what it is intended to be, this looks like a lot of fun. If you expect more, then do yourself - *and* us - a favor and just move on.

Exactly! And that is what I'm sure they intended from this. A fun light romp that is simple escape.

Thanks for that! Neither my wife or I like BL stories. We might give it a look now.

They have certainly been telegraphing it pretty solidly. I do think it will be secondary to the story, however.