L13

For the same reason there are always weirdos screaming "SECOND MALE LEAD SYNDROME, THE SML IS SO MUCH BETTER FOR HER" in the comment sections of dramas where the FL doesn't have any feelings for the SML... because a lot of viewers project on the FL in romantic dramas instead of watching the story on its own terms, and have no interest in how the characters actually feel about each other.

Not every drama needs a super cool and strong independent woman, no, but when the story explicitly tells us that's what we're getting, it creates expectations.

A male character being "like this" would also be annoying? My point was that women are EXPECTED to be whiny and selfish and boy-crazy and scheming in fiction, due to sexism, so making the most powerful and accomplished female character in your universe a sexist caricature is quite the statement.

I find his character pathetic, but the actor is pretty good. He's giving the crown prince a campy vibe that adds a bit of comedy to his scenes.

I can't tell if Luo Mei was intended to be so unlikable or not, but her characterisation is quite misogynistic regardless. She's supposed to be a great general, but she's motivated entirely by petty childhood fixations like wanting to prove herself to her crush or being told that women aren't good at fighting or whatever.

Her personal motivations boil down to her thinking she should be able to do whatever she wants, which we're supposed to sympathise with because she's a woman who chafes against society's expectations. However, no one is free to do whatever they want! Especially not if they're a high-ranking noble or a military commander in ancient China! Murong Jinghe, for example, has sacrificed his reputation, principles and happiness and years of his life because he feels responsible for the army he lost ten years ago. Mei Lin herself is also ready to do or become whatever it takes to avenge her hometown. By contrast, Luo Mei doesn't seem capable of putting any greater purpose or value above her pride/personal ambition, even if she can act righteous when it doesn't cost her anything.

Her obsession with beating the two princes in spars and archery contests, her constant whining and angst over conversations she had with Prince Jing when she was a child, and the fact she's always styled like a k-pop idol prevent me from taking her seriously, which is unfortunate. She acts and looks like a spoiled princess whom all the most powerful men in the empire indulge by playing soldiers with her.

I wonder if we're supposed to feel this way about her or the production team thought her styling and characterisation would actually project an air of power and competence. In either case, I find her portrayal quite sexist; a female general could/should have a lot more gravitas, just like any other general, or if she's supposed to be flawed and weak, her flaws don't have to be so gendered and stereotypical.

That said, she's a perfect match for the crown prince, who's also immature and driven by personal grievances.

Yeah, which is a premise that could work if you make the FL push back somehow and make the ML repent at some point. Neither element is present here.

First two episodes were pure kino. This is what kdrama should be about! I've missed watching good TV.

"This eye for an eye justice is what we all hope for in the real world where justice can sometimes, if not most of the times, DO not fit the crime."

Please don't spew nonsense on my behalf. I support rehabilitative justice and see zero value in the retributive aspect of prison sentences, let alone violence.

So far it's awesome. It pays homage to the Stranger series in terms of atmosphere, grittiness, attention to office politics, broader themes, visual language, etc. while adding an extra sprinkle of black comedy. I like the direction better than in Stranger 2 as well; it's a bit subtler and doesn't overuse the iconic soundtrack/hit you over the head with reminders that YOU'RE WATCHING SECRET FOREST every 5 minutes. The cast is full of great veteran actors.

This is just good TV, pure and simple. I love it.

(Obviously it would be nice if there was more than one female character, but oh well...)

Do we know if there will be any cameos from Hwang Simok or Han Yeojin?

It’s a “happy ending” in the sense that after almost killing the FL multiple times and using her in all sorts of callous ways that suggest he doesn’t give a shit about her safety or happiness, the ML refuses to let her go when she asks for her freedom, imprisons her in a palace and makes her his empress in the end. But that’s not really a good ending for her and it doesn’t feel like he’s learned any lessons or resolved to treat her differently—he’s simply realized how obsessed he is with her, so he’s decided he can never let her out of his sight again.

This drama has the potential to be good if they can dial down the ML from abusive gaslighting organ-harvesting possessive psychopath to toxic asshole at least. The premise is good and some disturbing assholery/toxic masculinity can add flavor to historical romance for me, but there’s just no reason to root for the main couple to end up together in the novel because of the ML’s relentless cruelty toward the FL. The drama really needs to give him some character development (by which I mean a new personality) to make the ending palatable.

Newsflash, the novel sucks balls because of the pedophilic overtones and nobody wants to watch a romantic drama about a 12-year-old and an 18-year-old falling in love. Shut up.

I really enjoyed the first episode! It’s touching without getting too preachy, and the protagonist is likable.

Nice, thank you so much! It sounds pretty good, so I’m looking forward to it.

Is this getting subbed by anyone?

No, she was.

Not only that, but he/the novel started waxing rhapsodic about her "soft curves" or "delicate features" or whatever when she was like 11. I read the whole thing because the worldbuilding/politics was very good, but the pedo undertones were super disturbing and made it impossible for me to enjoy the romance.

I really hope our heroine will be postpubescent for the majority of the drama...

Me neither… Japan can make great romantic shows, so it sucks that we keep getting this trash instead.

And one of them is her student! In real life, a “poly relationship” between an adult, a second adult and the second adult’s underage sibling should land both adults in jail (and the teenager in therapy, hopefully).