Post by ajk on Mar 5, 2022 4:24:57 GMT -5
A terrific episode. One of the best. Everything it touched on worked well, and suddenly the whole heir-apparent issue went from being an annoying distraction to an asset.
The only bit of silliness was right at the beginning. The first three monks walk right past the border guards with nothing more than a friendly bow, but the fourth guy gets stopped for questioning. No explanation. And then within two minutes after he walks away, the guards’ boss tells them to go find the guy—and they can’t. They even know exactly which direction he’s going, and it’s not like he’s a speed-walker, but he vanishes on them. With security like this, Koryo must be crawling with spies!
And if the guy hadn’t been around for thirty years, why would you expect the guards to even remember him...I won’t beat on this any more, it just was an awkward opening. At least it was written awkwardly, but give big credit for filming a whole scene at the port docks with lots of extras just to introduce the monk to us. Visually it was beautiful.
click for full size
WG: “There are two things that the public looks for in their government. One is to know that their hard-earned tax is being put to good use; two is to know that indeed the law of the land is righteous and worthy of their trust. The civil officials must be cautious in their decisions so as not to cause public resentment.” Some of these council meetings we see in historicals are more like sermons, aren’t they? The guy on the throne tells everyone to work hard and be good boys and they all dutifully nod and bow and agree.
Doyoung: “I am keeping a silent scorecard. Those who interfere with my son’s ascension to the throne must be banished once he takes the throne.” Well there you have it, she’s always been on the annoying side but now she’s simply awful.
WG: “Why do you raise your voice for this?” The council meeting scene—it was really, really well done. Writing, direction, even the light touch of the music accenting the tension, it was outstanding. Maybe the best one of the series, at least for Koryo. And now we see why they've been giving us annoying little doses of this issue even though it seemed like it was unnecessary. Turns out it's necessary.
Suin: “How can you look at a nine-year-old child and say he is fit to be the future king?” THANK you.
Won Kukyu: “People of Naju are salt roasters and people of Chungju are common farmers.” Well ain’t his nose high in the air!
Yu Geumpil: “Most of the elder statesmen are from Paesuh as His Majesty and I am. They could not be pleased with the idea of the next emperor being of Naju or Choongju origin. We need to assuage their fears somehow.” That was the wisest thing anybody said in the whole episode, with the possible exception of Suin. Hard to believe this is the same guy who launched his own military attack without orders and got routed.
Wow when did Doyoung’s attendant become such an astute political analyst? That was darned good the way she reasoned it all out. And yet we don't even know her name yet, after all this time.
You couldn’t help but be impressed by the way WG talked to his eldest son, the way he asked the right questions and made the right decisions. He handled the whole thing extremely well—in fact this was arguably the most impressive showing he’s made for himself since becoming emperor.
Even the ending was good. Left us with nothing more than a big question that we can’t yet see the answer to, and that was that. Nothing more than that needed if that’s where the story has to stop at. Terrific episode.
.
The only bit of silliness was right at the beginning. The first three monks walk right past the border guards with nothing more than a friendly bow, but the fourth guy gets stopped for questioning. No explanation. And then within two minutes after he walks away, the guards’ boss tells them to go find the guy—and they can’t. They even know exactly which direction he’s going, and it’s not like he’s a speed-walker, but he vanishes on them. With security like this, Koryo must be crawling with spies!
And if the guy hadn’t been around for thirty years, why would you expect the guards to even remember him...I won’t beat on this any more, it just was an awkward opening. At least it was written awkwardly, but give big credit for filming a whole scene at the port docks with lots of extras just to introduce the monk to us. Visually it was beautiful.
click for full size
■ Kyungbo...He was a disciple of Dosun. His secular name is Kim Kwangjong. He entered priesthood at Buin Temple in Mt. Palgong at age 19, and moved to Oakryong Temple in Cholla Province, becoming Master Dosun’s disciple. He also studied in Hwaum Temple of Mt. Walyu, Muyum of Mt. Sungju, and under Master Bumil of Gulsan Temple. He returns to his homeland in 921 after 30 years of study in Tang China where he inherited the teachings of Jodongjong in Muji and made a name for himself.
WG: “There are two things that the public looks for in their government. One is to know that their hard-earned tax is being put to good use; two is to know that indeed the law of the land is righteous and worthy of their trust. The civil officials must be cautious in their decisions so as not to cause public resentment.” Some of these council meetings we see in historicals are more like sermons, aren’t they? The guy on the throne tells everyone to work hard and be good boys and they all dutifully nod and bow and agree.
■ Wang Guhn knew and understood human nature better than anyone. And he had a keen eye for what the public wanted and thirsted for. During this time of war and instability, priority was in giving his people purpose and meaning. He instilled this upon his officials and launched a project of temple restoration to provide hope for his tired people. Ove five hundred temples were built or restored at this time. Furthermore, he ordered high monks to promote cultivation of monks and placed them across the state under the name of the emperor, strengthening his power and unifying the people. This was in stark contrast to his predecessor Goongyae, who had used religion for self-righteous idolatry.
Doyoung: “I am keeping a silent scorecard. Those who interfere with my son’s ascension to the throne must be banished once he takes the throne.” Well there you have it, she’s always been on the annoying side but now she’s simply awful.
WG: “Why do you raise your voice for this?” The council meeting scene—it was really, really well done. Writing, direction, even the light touch of the music accenting the tension, it was outstanding. Maybe the best one of the series, at least for Koryo. And now we see why they've been giving us annoying little doses of this issue even though it seemed like it was unnecessary. Turns out it's necessary.
Suin: “How can you look at a nine-year-old child and say he is fit to be the future king?” THANK you.
Won Kukyu: “People of Naju are salt roasters and people of Chungju are common farmers.” Well ain’t his nose high in the air!
Yu Geumpil: “Most of the elder statesmen are from Paesuh as His Majesty and I am. They could not be pleased with the idea of the next emperor being of Naju or Choongju origin. We need to assuage their fears somehow.” That was the wisest thing anybody said in the whole episode, with the possible exception of Suin. Hard to believe this is the same guy who launched his own military attack without orders and got routed.
Wow when did Doyoung’s attendant become such an astute political analyst? That was darned good the way she reasoned it all out. And yet we don't even know her name yet, after all this time.
You couldn’t help but be impressed by the way WG talked to his eldest son, the way he asked the right questions and made the right decisions. He handled the whole thing extremely well—in fact this was arguably the most impressive showing he’s made for himself since becoming emperor.
Even the ending was good. Left us with nothing more than a big question that we can’t yet see the answer to, and that was that. Nothing more than that needed if that’s where the story has to stop at. Terrific episode.
.