Pros: Acting and ambitious ideas/story. Cons: Everything else.

This is probably one of the most conflicting kdramas I've ever seen. On the one hand, we've got an all star cast and an especially stellar performance from Lee Joon Gi as Wang So/4th Prince (aka THE main ML among all the others), all despite quite a terrible combination of pacing/script/lack of natural character development and directing/editing. On the other hand, we've got a historical era full of Problems TM, mostly revealed through Toxic Familial Relations and power/throne takeovers. While not an expert regarding this particular era, I know enough Asian history to understand what they're trying to present, and those aspects are historically accurate (to a degree).

However, it's hard for me to sit through what with the characters feeling like they're pulled straight out of the type of shojo that I especially dislike: the dialogue and character direction and pacing do not feel organic or natural: you've got strong and abused male lead but you've also got choking and plenty of mistreatment of the FL going on (guy has Zero sense of Boundaries), and there's some attempt at display of vulnerability but also at the same time that doesn't really shine through in a relatable way. All of this equals me unable to ship the main ship of the story (or even the first ship that much, for that matter), as there are not enough proper connection presented. Generally, too much antiship energy going on for the first two ships in the plot. Once I got to the third "ship" (not quite a ship), it was FINALLY a breath of fresh air.

I tried very hard to connect with Hae So. She is extremely sympathetic due to her admirably caring and selfless character. She did her very best to keep everything peaceful, yet at the same time she has zero agency or power to actually do anything. I also love her daughter-mother relationship with Damiwon's Court Lady Oh: their relationship is one of the few places where I really connected to the story and I cried.

(I DO ship her and Jung very much at the end, and felt for them both deeply. I also think they should have kept the ending as originally scripted rather than the final edit.)

Conclusion: I'm certain that there are better historical kdramas out there (full of Greek/Shakespeare level tragedy, bloodbaths, backstabbing, villains-galore ensembles, villains romance, corruption arcs, FL with almost no power/agency, doomed lovers - ugh doomed characters in general/Wuthering Heights vibes - although I will admit I have not yet seen one in the kdrama realm, more in the cdrama realm). I can see where this drama TRIED, and I can understand some of the ideas being conveyed here, but the execution on screen is, frankly, terrible (no fault of the actors). Not sure why this one is so popular among the English speaking kdrama watchers expect for perhaps the shojo manga wave has brushed off on them in a particularly heavy manner.

This has, sadly, turned out to be a tragedy in my kdrama watch history, as I'd wanted to like this so much! If you have a rec that has better execution of similar theme/plot, feel free to comment!

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Utterly Glorious, Must-Watch Brilliant Masterpiece full of Historical Importance - PURE GOLD

"The first English words she learned were gun, glory, and sad endings."

I'm not even sure where to start talking. EVERYTHING about this drama is excellent. It's got it all: Beautiful cinematography (the COLORS, the SETTINGS, the COSTUMES - ALL stunning), a perfect cast, intricate and complex plot/s (absolutely zero fillers - the intensity and suspense is Off The Charts), diverse characters with amazing dynamics, all the while immersing you in the historical setting and times of (the end of) Joseon Korea.

It's a time of shifting allegiances and complex politics and the inevitable shift from the ancient, dynastic/aristocratic society to the brave new modern world of electricity, trains, and guns. Not to mention the shift of power from the Joseon royals to colonialist, imperialistic Japan.

Love the fact that there are so many various nations and languages presented here in their original languages and cultures. The cultural crossroads being presented is flawlessly done. Not to mention the fact that characters from essentially all walks of life/all classes/backgrounds you can imagine are represented in their own right. All of which make for some extremely interesting and fantastic relations on-screen.

Probably the most beautiful and rewatchable historical kdrama ever. I love it so much that I want to imprint it in my mind and relive ALL the moments (actually I had rewatched many episodes twice already). Absolutely wrecked me with how solid it is. I love each and every one of the main characters: all very relatable and all very heartbreakingly REAL and ICONIC in their respective ways. There's family, friendship, bromance, companionship, brotherhood, (slow-burn and honestly THE MOST romantic) romance/s, and heartwarming and funny banter to balance out the seriousness of it all: it doesn't pull any punches in its intensity and realism.

Some may complain a bit about the pacing: I actually like it for what it is because the slower, more drawn-out scenes allow me to reflect back on previous, more fast-paced scenes and information. And also I think it's a great opportunity to ponder about what the characters are thinking (but which they're not saying aloud). No minute feels wasted here.

I've seen the other two Kim Eun Sook and Lee Eung Bok team-ups - GOBLIN as well as DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN - and those are great. Yet this is a Whole New Level in yet another completely different genre.

The more I think and reflect on this show the more I love it and appreciate its brilliancy and exceptionalism. I feel honored to be able to journey alongside these beautiful people.

Definitely the gold standard for historical dramas. I will never get over it.


"The steps we took resembled who we are.
The article one wrote instead of a will. Opium that burned through one's broken body in the amount of the life he had left. The Korean flag that was given to a man who was forever a foreigner.

Will our final destination be somewhere between glory and a sad ending?
Maybe we just didn't know how to stop. Or perhaps, we had no reason to stop. Maybe it was love of our own country."

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Solidly Paced, Binge-Worthy Suspense; Groundhog Day but More Intense + EXPLOSIONS

I'm not sure where the 15 hours went. It's wonderful to see a promising premise executed well via the smart plot and especially the actors. Extra points for the flawless production.

The plot is multifaceted and increasingly layered yet still SOLID. I especially appreciated that the main leads are given respective agency and how they COMPLEMENT one another's strengths and personalities in their attempt to solve the mystery and trying to prevent the explosion(s). Have already added more from Zhao Jing Mai and Bai Jing Ting to my to-watch list.

Even the villains in the story are given proper backstories and I appreciate the fact that they were not justified but still give a very logical (yet tragic) explanation.

One possible critique point for this drama is that I thought the head detective was portrayed in a way that I can only summarize as somewhat misleading. Perhaps I was reading into things but I think that could have been delivered better. However, I realize that perhaps there's a lowkey point being made here about the heroes here having to rely on themselves to dig deeper and investigate in order to solve the problem instead of on the system. If that is the case then it's one I appreciate well.

Definitely a binge-worthy drama through and through - perfect for those looking for a smart time loop story!

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Good balance of humor and the serious things in life, full of focus on female friendship and family

I love the beginning and ending quarters for sure (the preciousness and wholesomeness and chaos and fun All on Overload and I'm here for it).

It's pretty quiet/laid-back/domestic/slice of life, not too intense, and I honestly would have been happier if Li Wei (FL) and Yin Zheng (ML) had more screen time together (yup, especially in that middle section, which felt a bit slower without them ^-^). But, as it is, this is a very female-friendships-centered plot, and not as much on the main couple's romance for most the show.

LOVE the delicacies and foods and aesthetics (so cozy and healing), very cute and sweet main ship, all the side ships are also either sweet or bickery spicy sweet. As far as romances go, it's a bit rare as it focuses on both parties in the relationship pretty much equally, which is lovely to witness.

As far as HEA happy endings go, this deserves a 10/10 for that.

Appreciate the story's main thematic (essentially) commentary on the whole harem/concubines situation - which also enabled me to feel and understand the inner court's women of historical times more. However, the plot felt a bit dragged on as it didn't offer quite as many twists or interesting things as I would have preferred in the middle section especially (who am I kidding though, I was likely suffering from pretty bad hangover from lack of Li Wei+Yin Zheng dose lol).

Also love the VERY diverse set of personalities and ships/couples, as well as their respective developments. I liked all of the (good :D) main AND supporting characters by the end!

Needless to say, all the acting's top notch. I've put more of Tian Xi Wei's and Bai Jing Ting's cdramas on my To Watch list because they're each such great main leads.

Good balance of humor and the serious things in life for sure. =) If you want a comfort watch full of (esp female, but also the brothers/princes/young lords) friendships and family, this is for you.

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UTTER PERFECTION

Everything is perfection in this one! Mindblown by the intricate and tight plot and the relatable as well as diverse set of characters+personalities. Superb acting. The cinematography and color palettes are extremely detailed and en point, making for a beautiful visual experience. I especially appreciate that the ending is not rushed. Adding to the rewatchables list.

The bond between the sisters is especially applaudable; the male characters supporting them are also extremely competent and respectively likable. (And, let's be honest, that chemistry between Oh In Joo and Choi Do Il? OFF THE CHARTS.) The villains are developed and complex as well with their respective backstories. Simply perfection: a must-watch!

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