Post by ajk on Jan 12, 2020 3:22:45 GMT -5
This one sure didn’t start out well. Brought back flashbacks of Jang Bogo in EOS, being the same kind of wussy-boy who can’t show any sort of spine when it comes to women. We know why WG’s father had second thoughts about the marriage, but does WG have any independent thought of his own about it? “I asked for an answer.” Yes she did! And all he can say is “There is nothing more we can do right now.” UGGGHH. “You are not the man you used to be.” Used to be? When has this guy been a man yet?
But after we got away from WG it turned into an interesting angle for a couple of reasons. One is Jongkahn, with his apprehension over WG, using this as an opportunity to stick it to him by stealing his woman. An early sign of what I worried about, the bottleneck becoming too powerful. “Lord Kang’s daughter is the only maiden fit to [be] the empress.” He knows that how—-because he’s done an extensive search? No he has not. Plus Eunbu’s almost menacing talk to the lords about erasing the engagement from everyone’s memory...those two guys could turn into something scary.
And the other is the almost desperation among so many of the advisors about the need for an empress, just because that’s the way it’s always been. This is a completely different kind of monarchy, with a monk on the throne, and you’d think they’d look at things a little differently and accept that some things won't be the same as in the past. But no they’re immediately wanting to get what they’re used to. You wonder how much this could hamper Goongyae going forward as he transitions from antiestablishment to establishment.
“Do not refuse. We can judge her suitability.” Geez you can see the dollar signs flying through Park’s brain! That was almost creepy.
Goongyae didn’t even know that his two top guys are out of town? Yikes. The bottleneck again.
“Extravagant palace, pretty woman – it seems you all want me to indulge in worldly indulgence. Have you no better things to discuss? It is troubling enough that we are building a fancy palace when our people are suffering in hunger! Are you out of your minds?” I loved that. He’s still true to his beliefs and the way he told them all off made for a terrific scene. And then later on, his wanting to go to Geumsung: “I must do the decent thing. That man saved my life once.” Good for him...but more evidence that it won’t be easy for him in the new job.
“We should be thankful that they have spared our lives.” Poor Misaeng, what a raw deal. You just wonder where the kid is, or if it’s even still alive.
So actually this turned into a pretty good episode after all. The only other issue after the beginning was more of the already-too-much foreshadowing and putting WG on a pedestal. It’s just taking the air out of what comes later. Those three warriors throwing themselves at his feet and gushing about his virtue, and the triumphant music swells to a peak, I mean, come on what have we seen him do to merit having that kind of adulation heaped upon him? So far he’s just done what his dad told him to do and certainly hasn’t shown himself to be anywhere near the impressive kind of figure that Goongyae and Kwon Hyun are. I’ve harped on this before so apologies for that, but it still isn’t getting any better.
Only one narrated text:
But after we got away from WG it turned into an interesting angle for a couple of reasons. One is Jongkahn, with his apprehension over WG, using this as an opportunity to stick it to him by stealing his woman. An early sign of what I worried about, the bottleneck becoming too powerful. “Lord Kang’s daughter is the only maiden fit to [be] the empress.” He knows that how—-because he’s done an extensive search? No he has not. Plus Eunbu’s almost menacing talk to the lords about erasing the engagement from everyone’s memory...those two guys could turn into something scary.
And the other is the almost desperation among so many of the advisors about the need for an empress, just because that’s the way it’s always been. This is a completely different kind of monarchy, with a monk on the throne, and you’d think they’d look at things a little differently and accept that some things won't be the same as in the past. But no they’re immediately wanting to get what they’re used to. You wonder how much this could hamper Goongyae going forward as he transitions from antiestablishment to establishment.
“Do not refuse. We can judge her suitability.” Geez you can see the dollar signs flying through Park’s brain! That was almost creepy.
Goongyae didn’t even know that his two top guys are out of town? Yikes. The bottleneck again.
“Extravagant palace, pretty woman – it seems you all want me to indulge in worldly indulgence. Have you no better things to discuss? It is troubling enough that we are building a fancy palace when our people are suffering in hunger! Are you out of your minds?” I loved that. He’s still true to his beliefs and the way he told them all off made for a terrific scene. And then later on, his wanting to go to Geumsung: “I must do the decent thing. That man saved my life once.” Good for him...but more evidence that it won’t be easy for him in the new job.
“We should be thankful that they have spared our lives.” Poor Misaeng, what a raw deal. You just wonder where the kid is, or if it’s even still alive.
So actually this turned into a pretty good episode after all. The only other issue after the beginning was more of the already-too-much foreshadowing and putting WG on a pedestal. It’s just taking the air out of what comes later. Those three warriors throwing themselves at his feet and gushing about his virtue, and the triumphant music swells to a peak, I mean, come on what have we seen him do to merit having that kind of adulation heaped upon him? So far he’s just done what his dad told him to do and certainly hasn’t shown himself to be anywhere near the impressive kind of figure that Goongyae and Kwon Hyun are. I’ve harped on this before so apologies for that, but it still isn’t getting any better.
Only one narrated text:
Sworn brothers. Wang Guhn secured these strong and brave men to his side. Yu Gumpil and Neungsan are speculated to have been a few years older than Wang Guhn. But it remains uncertain since their birth records are not found. However, these three were the most notable among many of Wang Guhn’s loyal subjects; hence this depiction has portrayed them together in this fashion.Great piece of narration, telling us that things were presented to us this way but it’s only our best guess. Certainly do appreciate the honesty.