Post by ajk on Mar 19, 2023 12:52:39 GMT -5
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Apologies but it just had to be done.
This episode was wonderful. At least the majority of it, everything with the overthrow concluding. As good as anything we’ve seen in the series. Loved it. You can accept that it happened exactly this way. Production was terrific and the psychology in the writing, how everyone was reacting and behaving, very believable. The journey to Geumsan Temple, that in particular was outstanding, what a terrific sequence.
The guy playing Shin-guhm was another highlight. Last time I wondered if we’d see any more of the hesitation or discomfort SG has shown previously about how this all was going to happen. And we sure did. A mixture of complete confidence in what he’s doing and a lot of regret and discomfort for how it had to be done. He came across as a thoughtful, more complex person than he used to be.
Empress, to Madame Kobe: “Wretched wench...Did you call yourself empress dowager?” Well that was unnecessary, rubbing her nose in it. Come on Mrs. KH, you’re better than that. You’ve won, show some class.
To her husband: “I watched the destruction your father’s dotage caused. You inherited his folly. It was my duty to support the revolution for the future of this kingdom. You brought this on yourself.” She sure was smug about it but you can’t argue with her, she’s spot on.
And so, Kyun-hwon was deposed from the throne of his own making by his son. Historical records depict this moment like this: “Kyun-hwon was in bed when he heard loud cries from the palace garden. Upon inquiry about the noise, Shin-guhm replied, ‘Warriors, rejoice as I, the eldest of your sons, have come to replace the wintry king who brings disorder to the kingdom.’ Soon after, he sent his father to Geum-san Temple and had Padal and 30 other warriors guard him.”
SG: “I will ascend once I have required full acceptance and understanding of the people.” Wow who saw THAT coming! Certainly nobody in the court. More of him being thoughtful and even showing some decency and virtue. And to get a surprise like that, surprises are so rare in these historicals and this was a good one.
Shin-guhm’s revolution was a success, but he did not ascend to the throne right away. He needed time to justify his actions and win acceptance of the public and the regional lords. So he cautiously turned down the throne and acquired only the real power.
Shin-guhm to a disgusted Yaesul: “Isn’t it your wish to crush Yu Geumpil of Koryo?”
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HA! That was hilarious. And something more that showed SG as being up to the job. He knew exactly what button to push to try to get Yaesul to come around. That’s what effective leaders do.
Then we finally got over to Koryo...and wasn’t it sort of a disappointment? Bekjae has been the far more interesting story for quite a while now.
“Royal advisor, your astrological forecast is truly amazing.” UGH!! Why? Somebody please explain why the writers refuse to let this go. These are not goofball writers; they’re smart people and respect history. All of the gushing about how brilliant the astrologer is...there must be an explanation for it but it sure isn’t helping the series, quite the opposite.
But otherwise a top-tier episode. And if this is the last we see of Kyun-hwon, he went out on a high note. Excellent work by the actor, and a character that rose to Goongyae’s level by the end.
