For me, the series finale is what cemented it into the classic it is today. Shakespeare could not have thought of a more devastating ending. It was tragic and glorious at the same time. And I loved every minute of it.
I'll admit I got interested because I was fangirling with Kim Nam Gil since watching the Fiery Priest. And after reading that his character Bidam was the secret weapon to the success of this drama, I gave it a go. The casting was on point from the leads to the supporting actors. I mean did Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones get any lessons from Lady Misil? I swear they are so similar that I loved to hate them both. The perfect antagonist that would make you shed tears when they die.
And of course there is my tragic, ruthless, cunning, naive yet very clever Bidam. Although he appeared late around episode 20 or so, he stole the show the minute he walked out of a cave, barefoot and dirty, yawning past Deokman and Yusin without a care in the world. Right then I knew why he was the reason the series was extended from 50 to 62 episodes. He was the breath of fresh air that made you step back from the drama and exhale. How dare he look so hot with splashes of blood on his face!? He's so unpredictable that he kills as he pleases and doesnt care about royalty and all that bull. Yet, like a duckling he imprinted onto Deokman and her purpose and dreams became his. Overnight, it seems that he did a 180 degree turn from a carefree swordsman with no allies to a powerful politician backed by equally powerful supporters.
And so the romantic part s-l-o-w-l-y begins.
Deokman and Bidam met at a point where both their lives where in a mess. Maybe the reason why they found comfort in each other. Deokman took her sweet time choosing between Yusin and Bidam, but when she did, oh my poor Bi-Deok heart! How can a romantic scene be so emotionally charged with just a look, a smile and a hug!? I was so proud when Bidam finally won the Queen's heart. I was screaming with joy when she confessed she loved him and eventually announced their engagement. You'd know theyre destined for tragedy with their family background and all and yet you cant help but hope and pray that they will finally get their happy ending.
I found myself mentally preparing for the finale because I knew it would be a heart wrenching ending. It was sad. So sad. I was already crying the moment Bidam drew his sword to get to his Queen while counting the steps as he get near her. I was sobbing uncontrolably when he fell dead just 5 steps before her after whispering the words she most wanted to hear. I hated Deokman and admired her at the same time. How could she stand watching him die like that? Why did she not fight to save Bidam like she did for Yusin? Why did she gave up on him? But then she suddenly fell right beside him. Looking at his dead, bloody eyes before loosing conciousness and eventually her will to live. Although Im a self confessed sucker for tragic endings, this one is on a different level that it migjt take me a while to move on 😭