zen_zest
This review may contain spoilers
Stop comparing to S1!
So much criticism from comparison to S1. Seriously, both seasons are great for different reasons. S2 is the perfect closure and the progression of the S1 plot.
First of all, though I miss Jung So Min, Go Youn Jung is perfect as soul-shifted Jin Bu Yeon. I had to double check if it's the same actress who played Naksu in S1 because she really looks/acts like a different person as JBY (as she should be). She cannot be Mu Deok again because Mu Deok's memories and servant's identity are gone already. She cannot be sword-wielding Naksu again because she's no longer in the original Naksu's strong body. To me, the female lead character is the combination of Cho Yeong/Naksu/Mu Deok/Jin Bu Yeon. Wanting her to go back to the assassin Naksu phase is not fair to the original Jin Bu Yeon whose body and powers the female lead has 'inherited' (so to speak). Both in S1 and S2, Jang Uk loves... this combined essence of the female lead,... not separate Naksu nor Mu Deok. One nice subtlety is... though JBY also develops friendships with the crown prince and Seo Yul, this time it's more on equal footing.... compared to Mu Deok's friendships as a servant.
Also, why are people questioning Uk's loyalty. He admits to his feelings for JBY only in Ep 7. Before that, it's all angst (which I love for S2). If you accept that JBY is the natural progression of the female lead character, you'll more than welcome Uk and JBY relationship. Uk in S2 is no longer flamboyant; he is now kinda typical brooding hero with a massive chip on his shoulders.
I do agree that the moment Uk realized the truth about JBY was a bit underwhelming. But I understand the direction. At that point, he already loves that woman, his love is not gonna change, but this revelation will only hinder their future together. Hence, Uk would feel more conflicted than happy about the truth at the moment.
I do want to see more on the display of JBY's divine powers. She could call the rain after the defeat of the fire bird etc. All in all, I felt 10 episodes is too short. Acting 10/10! Chemistry 10/10! They could just fill it with more fluff, make it 16 episodes, and I'd happily watch.
First of all, though I miss Jung So Min, Go Youn Jung is perfect as soul-shifted Jin Bu Yeon. I had to double check if it's the same actress who played Naksu in S1 because she really looks/acts like a different person as JBY (as she should be). She cannot be Mu Deok again because Mu Deok's memories and servant's identity are gone already. She cannot be sword-wielding Naksu again because she's no longer in the original Naksu's strong body. To me, the female lead character is the combination of Cho Yeong/Naksu/Mu Deok/Jin Bu Yeon. Wanting her to go back to the assassin Naksu phase is not fair to the original Jin Bu Yeon whose body and powers the female lead has 'inherited' (so to speak). Both in S1 and S2, Jang Uk loves... this combined essence of the female lead,... not separate Naksu nor Mu Deok. One nice subtlety is... though JBY also develops friendships with the crown prince and Seo Yul, this time it's more on equal footing.... compared to Mu Deok's friendships as a servant.
Also, why are people questioning Uk's loyalty. He admits to his feelings for JBY only in Ep 7. Before that, it's all angst (which I love for S2). If you accept that JBY is the natural progression of the female lead character, you'll more than welcome Uk and JBY relationship. Uk in S2 is no longer flamboyant; he is now kinda typical brooding hero with a massive chip on his shoulders.
I do agree that the moment Uk realized the truth about JBY was a bit underwhelming. But I understand the direction. At that point, he already loves that woman, his love is not gonna change, but this revelation will only hinder their future together. Hence, Uk would feel more conflicted than happy about the truth at the moment.
I do want to see more on the display of JBY's divine powers. She could call the rain after the defeat of the fire bird etc. All in all, I felt 10 episodes is too short. Acting 10/10! Chemistry 10/10! They could just fill it with more fluff, make it 16 episodes, and I'd happily watch.
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