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The firefighter is heading off to find Hyun Soo because "the deal is not over". Agree on the other things. Also, maybe her fiance is the 'body-shifter', right? I missed the "we know what he looks like now" the first time I watched it...could also be for the 'body-shifter'...

Because before it was very straight forward that the monsters are always the enemy and that is not really the case ever and not as interesting. People were so conflicted about the "gangster" killing the pedophile-serial killer it was a little ridiculous...
Also, when the gang leader spelled it out - that the group was a whole is relatively weak but many people are alive - really painter the picture for me how many people Hyun Soo saved but being hurt in their place getting provisions.

Just re-watched it fully for the second time...thought I could pace myself this time but instead binged it in one night again - went to sleep at 7 in the morning (watched for 9.5hrs)...still amazing! Hope a second season happens because the story is interesting and new.

(Waiting for more/all episodes so I can binge it)...

Has a happy ending but Emperor dies...

Looking good...

Loved the web of scenes and acting of the cast of this drama. However, was disappointed how anticlimactic the death/win over Qiu Zi Liang was, when that was the main point of the story itself - to restore power to the Emperor. Also, the fact the Emperor died seems unnecessary - the whole subplot was added with the sole purpose of the dying as not to have an interesting/good ending for the characters instead of bringing anything to the story. This was not a last stand against an unsurmountable enemy where one can only die to save someone else of buy time for reinforcements. Qi Yan was a warrior but in the end dies like a character with a chronic heart condition... (which was already Rouling's elder sister) With so many twists and turns during the drama the ending was lazy.

I am so tired of dramas where the main romance couple is separated by death - at least let the both of them die. I get a headache from the crying and dejection for at least that one night/day....

Does Cheng Yi's character die in the end of the drama??? I cannot take his deaths anymore!

The Long Ballad was insane - binged it for 3-4 days while sleeping ~3-4 hours and watching some during work hours. Was like a zombie...after finishing there was withdrawal indeed - watching countless MV's and cuts... Probably will re-watch in the future fully with a clearer head!

This drama was insane - binged it without skipping. The acting and really everything is flawless. While the story may be predictable in retrospect there is suspense and unexpected turns while watching - so maybe not that predictable, perfectly paced also. (Don't know what else to say - literally at a loss of words...)

Thank you - very good explanation

Anyone figured out how much time the storyline of the drama spans?

Really loved how the plot and main heroine mature throughout the plot - as her uncle is good for the state she abandons the idea of revenge at all cost and works towards peace and good of the people. Not a one-dimensional story or characters - really loved it (finished for three/four day and wan to re-watch). Also, she is very smart and capable, however it is natural that a general who's equally smart and has more experience to best her. Initially, she has the air of youth - knows everything, etc. but later matures as she gains life-experience.
Also, loved how the main characters didn't die, which sometimes seems like an overbearing Chinese-drama trope.

This looks good - hope it's going to air soon.

When is this 'expected' so far to air?

In such an oppressive system (of bullying), deserting is almost the natural conclusion for one to survive. The people shown running away are not spoiled, rich brats, as they would have maybe an easier time in the military as in civilian society. In the first/second episode, it is shown quite obviously in at that party.
Anyways, toughening people up and building camaraderie through hard training is much different than squashing the spirit and dignity though bulling. Don't get what the army brass, thinks in not helping stop abuse among soldiers - after all wouldn't an abused soldier think only about killing their enemies - with only problem - their enemies being fellow soldiers. I guess this is the best way to create unrest and make an army ineffective...

Not only that, the biggest problem is that it is a system of abuse not just a "few bad apples" when one wants to change it they are punished or thrown out.

He shot himself in the head but was unlucky and didn't die instantly, which was even more sad and terrifying.

This was insane - when is the next season coming out?!
Really heartbreaking, people deserting due to abuse and then continue to be abused outside or are brought back as criminals. And then nothing changes and the institution lies...instead of addressing the problem accordingly, and then resulting in worse situation because of lack of action. The ones who did the right thing are punished and those who did wrong proceed as normal.
When there is a problem, if it is not solved, it continues to fester and later is worse.
Recently, watched a documentary about a gay female soldier who was raped in the US military and the army didn't do anything, her rapist continued "life as usual" without any punishment and later she killed herself after not being able to take seeing him anymore. Her dream was to be a soldier. ...
Just don't get it, people go to genuinely serve and the army allows all kinds of degenerates to get away with anything. ...