Some annoying stuff in the early part of this episode, but most of the rest of it was terrific.
We start off and the timing problem picks right back up. The palace is full of attendants who for some mysterious reason stayed around to get themselves killed. They’re all shocked that the place is being invaded and their lives are in danger. Made no sense.
But that’s in contrast to the shots of the commoners being marauded, which were absolutely necessary and were well done. That part of it made perfect sense.
“That envoy from Goryeo! Was it you again!” OK that was very funny...but if you think about it, of all of the possible people who could have been riding that horse with the robe on, why at that moment would Xaio possibly think of the old man Gamchan? No reason at all. This is just more pushing the Gamchan character into the story and it’s already getting annoying.
(click for full size) Ugh. Yang Kyu’s party talking about how dark it is and what an advantage they have, it would be a lot more believable if it didn’t look like this. Come on director person, that was embarrassing. There’s nothing wrong with showing us some darkness.
(click for full size) But once we get into the Gwakju takeover, good heavens how well was that done. The whole thing, just wonderful. Every aspect of it was terrific. Yes a little too TV-friendly but you can forgive that when it’s this good. I mean, the shot of the old woman pounding away on a Khitan soldier with a stone, completely overcome with emotion, talk about a picture says a thousand words, what an image. The chase scene at the end with the three perfect arrow shots, overdid it there for TV. But even that redeemed itself. “Did you lose them?” and Wang just wordlessly rolls the head at him. Thunk. God that was funny. This was maybe the best sequence in the series so far.
(click for full size) Yeah, seriously! What’s the deal, he didn’t even send a messenger to tell his wife to go south? Maybe I missed something there but it seemed like he didn’t even think of her at all, and that’s not consistent with what they’ve built up around the two of them so far.
Another inadequate map, and shown only for a few brief seconds. Not helpful. Are they afraid that giving us a good look at a proper map would make people change the channel? Starting to think maybe that’s the explanation.
“I cannot bring myself to eat. I failed the people.” “Have some food so that you can regain your energy. And do not contemplate the idea of leaving me behind all alone ever again.” What a terrific scene. Bravo. Highlight of the series.
And another excellent one with Ji Chaemoon and Hwangbo Yu Eui. Writers had a strong workday on this episode.
The flight south was well done too. And they made sure to always show the attendant carrying the royal seal, that was a nice touch. Good thinking there.
I do wish Yang Kyu would lose the Batman cape. Plus it still looks as fresh as the day he got it. Enough of that.
Oh good grief, it’s Gamchan again? Now he’s at Seogyeong? Do we really need him here at this moment? Yang Kyu had it covered perfectly. “Then return at once and send his body to Seogyeong. We will believe you then.” There ya go! That’s all that need be said. An unnecessary twist to end an episode that had some of the best stuff in the series so far. Much more in line with some of the extra-good earlier episodes. Very encouraging.