Welcome to the Open Thread, everybody! Thanks for becoming a member of in on this group watch of this very particular present! ❤️
As I discussed in my announcement put up, these are my notes, precisely as they seem on Patreon.
ZERO SPOILER POLICY
We shall be adopting a ZERO SPOILER POLICY for this Open Thread, apart from occasions which have occurred within the present, up up to now.
This consists of, however will not be restricted to, how characters &/or relationships develop, later within the present.
The spoiler tags don’t work in e mail notifications, due to this fact, please take notice that WE WILL NOT BE USING SPOILER TAGS FOR THIS OPEN THREAD.
We have to defend the harmless! 😉
With out additional ado, listed here are my reactions to this set of episodes; have enjoyable within the Open Thread, everybody! ❤️
My ideas
Episode 5
E5. All in all, this felt like a extremely stable episode.
Not solely do we now have boatloads of depth from San (which is completely the factor that’s hooked my fangirl coronary heart), we get an unveiling of emotions, a uncooked second of vulnerability shared by our OTP, and, we even have a transparent laying out of political motive, that’s underscoring our story. I’m properly impressed.
To start with, I very a lot recognize that Present explains so clearly, why there are individuals in opposition to San changing into King.
In spite of everything, on the floor of issues, he seems to be a super candidate. He’s a mannequin pupil, and he’s critical, devoted and passionate. What extra might one ask for in a King, proper?
However as Head Courtroom Woman Jo lays out for us, in her dialog with the Second State Councillor, the issue is that San seems to be an awesome deal like his father, Sado, who had gone mad earlier than his loss of life, and left a path of destruction and bloodshed behind him.
And, the prevailing worry, is that San will prove like his father, and change into mad. It’s admittedly a horrific notion, to have a mad particular person in possession of absolute energy, so I can see why San’s detractors are so anxious to depose him.
After all, they don’t know whether or not San will truly go mad like his father, however provided that it is a time when little is known about psychological well being and genetics, I can perceive why this worry is such a robust and deep-rooted one.
I recognize this layer of context an awesome deal. It informs us so effectively, of the kind of atmosphere by which San has been struggling to thrive, all these years.
Regardless of his finest efforts, there may be nothing he can do to vary the truth that his father had died a madman, and there may be nothing he can do, to show that the identical received’t occur to him. That provides such a depth of pathos, to San’s scenario, doesn’t it?
This whole scenario lends lashings of plaintiveness, to San’s rising emotions for Deok Im, I really feel like.
It’s coming into focus in my head, that within the midst of all these conflicting expectations of him, and the burden of his standing and obligation, his reference to Deok Im is the one one the place he’s felt in a position to be himself, with out the luggage that comes together with his title of Crown Prince.
I’m very pleasantly shocked by how trustworthy San is, about his emotions, not solely to himself, however to Deok Im too.
Definitely, different individuals are sitting up and taking discover too, due to how San goes to nice lengths to guard Deok Im, like he does on the gibang home, when she’s caught tailing him.
Deok Ro, for one, is fast to verify in with Deok Im, to attempt to discover out what San’s emotions are, in direction of her.
What a impolite awakening it’s for Deok Im, to understand that nobody actually cares how she feels about San; solely San’s emotions are deemed essential, as a result of he’s the Crown Prince, and he or she, a mere Courtroom Woman.
Additionally, can I simply say, the extra I see of Deok Ro, the extra repulsive I discover him.
He comes throughout as such a hypocrite, all genial smiles and easy phrases on the floor, however snide, disdainful, and ruthless, each time he exhibits his true self. Blech.
I believe one of many causes I dislike him a lot, is due to how he pretends to be sooo good and gentlemanly and thoughtful, when he’s truly bought no consideration in any respect, besides relating to his personal agenda.
I kinda love how labored up San will get, when he realizes that Deok Im’s following his mom’s orders, and that’s why she’s trailing him. His righteous indignation, that he’d assumed her loyalties have been to him and never another person, smacks of a way of betrayal.
What strikes me as attention-grabbing, is that this sense of betrayal isn’t the easy betrayal felt by a grasp who’s been betrayed by a servant whom he’d assumed to be loyal.
This betrayal feels far more private, and vibes like that of a jealous lover, who’s simply now realizing that the affections he’d assumed have been his, have been truly for another person.
Kudos to Lee Jun Ho for his portrayal, as a result of I do really feel like that’s the one factor that’s giving this scene the vibe of the betrayal felt by a jilted lover.
All the pieces on the web page reads like a simple sense of betrayal felt by a grasp. And but, in experiencing the scene, San’s emotions come throughout as deep, uncooked and really, very private.
Tee hee, that Deok Im’s reply is so effusive and stuffed with reward, that San offers her the suspicious aspect eye, and asks if she’s simply sucking as much as him. Pfft.
Although she says she’s fully honest, her solutions undoubtedly strike me as being extra theatrical and dramatic than her true emotions warrant. 😆
I’m suitably amused, that San’s reward of books, which he sincerely thinks of as a reward, is obtained by Deok Im as punishment. HA. Simply goes to indicate how effectively San is aware of a lady’s – or at the very least, this girl’s – coronary heart, eh?
What I like most concerning the scene, is how San is so spontaneously frank about how he feels concerning the time he and Deok Im had shared within the library.
Clearly, he hadn’t been planning to speak about it, however when it comes up in such a tangential method, he simply.. articulates it so naturally, with none seen hesitation.
“Just a few moments in the past, even once I stated I might have you ever killed you weren’t fearful. Now I do know why. To you, I’m nonetheless the gyeomsaseo from the previous.
I nonetheless marvel why I pretended to be a gyeomsaseo. At first, I noticed no must appropriate you. However as time handed, I misplaced the need to inform you. That’s as a result of… the moments we shared within the library have been particular to me.
The moments we have been collectively there, I believed you have been captivated by me. However I’m unsure anymore. Did I captivate you?
Have been you… actually captivated by me? Or was it…. that I used to be captivated by you?”
Swoon.
I can see why Deok Im could be dumbfounded, to the extent that she’d drop the books.
To my eyes, San truly seems disenchanted that he doesn’t get any indication from her, of her emotions, and I believe that’s why he leaves her so abruptly, and tells her to make her personal method again to the palace.
I do love that regardless that San leaves Deok Im in such a moderately unceremonious method, we discover out later within the episode, that he truly heads straight to his mom’s residence, to ask her to not name on Deok Im once more.
Once more, Kudos to Lee Jun Ho, as a result of the best way this scene is performed, it does really feel like he’s being protecting of her, moderately than of his rights as her grasp.
One other scene that I cherished, is the one the place San spots Deok Im in her ceremonial apparel for the Courtroom Women’ coming-of-age ceremony (which is principally marriage apparel, as a result of the coming-of-age ceremony is handled as a marriage of types, for them), and, alarmed that Deok Im’s gained the favor of the King, and due to this fact getting married to him, legit breaks right into a run. A run!
How undignified, for a Crown Prince to interrupt right into a run, and for a Courtroom Woman, no much less. It’s no marvel his attendants elevate their eyebrows greater than slightly, on the break in decorum.
BUT, how swoony, that San would throw decorum to the wind, when he’s gripped by the thought that Deok Im is perhaps getting married to another person (his grandfather, gasp!).
The way in which he grabs her arm and asks her so urgently, why she’s in wedding ceremony apparel, is simply very intense and uncalculated, and due to this fact, very melty. 😍
On hindsight, I can see why Princess Hyebin would set issues up, to attract a agency official line between San and Deok Im.
In spite of everything, if he’s distracted by emotions for a court docket girl at a time when everybody’s scheming to depose him, that’s simply not a superb factor.
It’s a logical, prudent factor to do, and but, my coronary heart nonetheless dropped for each San and Deok Im, when all of it shifts into focus, and San realizes what’s simply occurred.
As at all times, I like Deok Im’s response, which is to give attention to how they ruined the one day that’s truly hers, and made her really feel nugatory, not on the truth that Princess Hyebin’s nipping any romantic prospects between her and San within the bud.
I can’t assist however love Deok Im’s sense of self. 🤩
I’m coming to the conclusion that the King’s extra shrewd and sharp than he lets on, however can be topic to spurts of irrationality and delirium. I imply, his response to the “proof” that’s introduced in opposition to San, actually vibes like a crazed rampage.
Poor San, I discovered it laborious to look at him get roughed up, yelled at and slapped, and it’s much more poignant, to understand that that is principally an occasion that’s been patterned into his rising up years.
The scene the place Deok Im reads to San by way of the closed doorways is good and comforting in itself, however the best way this scene continues, after the King leaves, is an entire different stage of uncooked and susceptible.
I like how Deok Im asks if San is okay, and the way she manages to indicate that her main concern is his wellbeing, moderately than the orders that she receives.
The way in which San solutions her by way of that door, with tortured breaths, a tightness in his voice, and tears nonetheless making their method down his face, is so gutting. Kudos to Lee Jun Ho another time, as a result of I used to be gripped by San’s each breath and each phrase, on this scene.
It’s bittersweet to see how trustworthy San is, with Deok Im, on this very susceptible second, and the way understanding Deok Im is, with out San having to say very a lot.
I like that in Deok Im’s query, “Do you bear it as a result of you don’t have any different selection?,” there may be an unstated assumption that San has chosen to bear this for a motive.
And I like San’s ardent, heartbreaking reply,
“I maintain again to achieve my goals, and I bear it to get what I would like. I do know what ache is. And I understand how many others are additionally struggling. I’m the Crown Prince of this land. In the future I’ll have the power.
With that power… there are such a lot of who I can assist. I’ve so many plans in retailer for the longer term. Have you learnt? As for you… simply keep by my aspect. That’ll be sufficient.”
He’s so tortured, and he continues to permit himself to remain on this scenario the place he’ll proceed to be tortured, for a better good and better function. 😭💔
How transferring, and the way worthy, of a future King.
How completely daring of Deok Im to open that door, in defiance of the King’s orders, in an effort to pledge her allegiance to San:
“There’s something I need to inform you, my lord. It’s what’s in my coronary heart of hearts. Till the succession day to the throne, My lord could relaxation assured that I shall be a loyal assistant and protector. I consider my lord will obtain his ends.”
“I’m merely a court docket girl, however I’m your servant. I’ll stay by your aspect till the very finish as your loyal servant. Till the day life leaves me for you, my lord, I shall help and defend you.”
Augh. That is many instances deeper and extra heartfelt than the primary expression of allegiance we hear from Deok Im on the prime of the episode. This time, her coronary heart is all in, and it’s clear to see, from her gaze.
How important, that as she makes her bow to seal her promise, one final tear escapes from San’s eyes.
This gesture by Deok Im is clearly reaching him at his core, and, in a world the place it seems like he must query the loyalties of so many individuals round him, this feels profoundly treasured.
Episode 6
E6. Ooh, issues are getting breathless up in right here, and I’m so right here for it. Muahaha.
I don’t know what it’s about this present; the unabashed employment of the smoldery male lead, which, in concept, sounds a bit old style by way of Hallyu traits (like, the intent smolder was the hallmark of 2001’s Lovely Days, for instance), doesn’t land old style to my eyes, in any respect.
Perhaps it’s simply coz my eyes are so busy making an attempt to course of the hotness that’s Lee Jun Ho’s smoldery depth 🤩 that my mind doesn’t have the wherewithal to consider drama norms and traits. 😂
I actually, actually like how Present is teasing out the rising connection between San and Deok Im.
The rising mutual belief between them, and the rising mutual appreciation, is simply very nice to see.
Like the best way Deok Im applies herself to serving to the Crown Prince have his confinement orders lifted, and the best way San entrusts her with this job, regardless that, logically talking, she is however a low-ranking Courtroom Woman with out energy or affect.
And she or he does it! Huzzah!! She actually is brighter and extra proficient than most individuals understand.
I truly actually like that Deok Im’s solutions to the Queen’s riddles, develop into attention-grabbing and thought-provoking, regardless of being completely different from the usual “appropriate” solutions.
Not solely is the Queen astute to note Deok Im’s eager thoughts and refreshing view of the world, she’s additionally fast to faucet on Deok Im’s smarts, by placing that cut price together with her.
Plus, Deok Im’s reply, that the Crown Prince views the Queen as a mirror, is such a sensible one.
I’ve to say, it gave me nice satisfaction, to see the Queen take Princess Hwawan down fairly a couple of pegs, at that silk ceremony.
I imply, Search engine marketing Hyo Rim’s doing an awesome job of constructing Princess Hwawan catty and spiteful, plus, it’s so clear that Princess Hwawan’s truly doing this on function, in an try and steal the Queen’s thunder, at a ceremonial occasion that’s particularly carried out within the Queen’s honor.
It seems like punishment that’s well-deserved, and it’s much more satisfying, to know that it’s all due to Deok Im, that the Queen even has this info, with which to take Princess Hwawan down from her excessive horse.
I discover it ironic that Deok Ro is the one who notices Deok Im’s expertise, moderately than the San, although it is sensible that San would belief Deok Im, the place Deok Ro doesn’t.
Subsequently, it’s Deok Ro who catches on, that Deok Im’s behind the Queen’s involvement within the lifting of San’s confinement orders, whereas San himself remains to be at nighttime, assuming that there are different components concerned that he’s not but conscious of.
I do love that regardless that San believes Deok Im’s viewers with the Queen to be a bust, he nonetheless thanks her for her assist. And, do I detect a measure of enjoyment, as San says the phrases, “since you are my particular person”?? Eee!!
The way in which he smiles, as he hears the stammering discombobulation in her voice, at his pronouncement that she’s his particular person, is discombobulating to me. Excuse me whereas I squee. Once more.
Eeee!! I simply love that he’s amused by her, y’know?
I discover the King very attention-grabbing, in how he receives the Queen’s phrases, persuading him to carry San’s confinement orders, after which proceeds to fake in court docket, that he by no means confined San to start with.
He comes throughout as forgetful and barely unstable, however that is clearly an act on his half; a present to get round outright lifting San’s confinement orders – by pretending that there by no means have been any, to start with.
This makes me marvel what else the King has pretended to not have stated or performed, or pretended to not know, all this time.
Later within the episode, when he tells San that someday, when San is King, he’ll totally perceive his grandfather, makes me assume that there’s a lot that the King manages, whereas pretending to not know issues.
On the similar time, the brokenness in San’s gaze is unmistakable.
Clearly, he’s been deeply wounded by the best way the King’s handled him, all these years. I can think about that a big a part of that, has to do with the King’s unhinged outbursts, the place he beats and torments San.
I actually can’t assist questioning what these are about, if the King isn’t truly loopy on any stage. Why would a sane man do that, to his personal grandson, whom he loves?
It’s nice to see San again in motion, and again in his blue dragon robes, after having been in confinement for therefore lengthy.
That second when he walks out of his quarters, and his eyes seek for Deok Im, says rather a lot. He may need all of his servants’ full consideration, as they congratulate him, however he simply needs to know that Deok Im is there.
And when she does seem, and their eyes meet, that spark of connection is unmistakable, and fairly thrilling to witness.
His gaze speaks of contentment and satisfaction, whereas hers speaks of pure pleasure. He’s simply glad to see her, and he or she’s simply glad that he’s okay, and out of confinement. I like it.
How cute, although, that it’s San who’s left in a state of bemused bluster, as Deok Im quickly informs him that the Queen wish to retain Deok Im for slightly longer.
Aw. He needs to see extra of her instantly, however he can’t have his want. Poor San.
How cute, that he mutters to himself that he hopes the Queen doesn’t hold Deok Im completely. I suppose he should have a way of how worthwhile Deok Im’s presence is, if he even entertains that thought?
Ugh. Plainly each episode, Present offers me a motive to dislike Deok Ro slightly extra. This episode, it’s how he acts in direction of Deok Im, after she helps his sister acquire entry into the palace.
I imply, at first he appears nice sufficient, and I even really feel a stab of compassion for him, when his sister talks about how he’s by no means had a pleasant new official gown, as a result of their household can’t afford it.
However then, the best way he tells Deok Im to keep away from his sister, feels so pointless and hostile, virtually.
From the best way he asks his sister whether or not she likes the palace, I’m getting the concept he intends for his sister to enter the palace as a Courtroom Woman, and he’s already planning use his sister for his private acquire – and that doesn’t contain any kind of bond with Deok Im.
I’m guessing that Deok Ro’s eventual purpose is to come back in opposition to San, and he’s doubtless frightened that if his sister and Deok Im are pals, then that may compromise his sister as a safe channel of intel.
All that’s FINE, I suppose, as a result of I suppose you select your purpose and take your gamble with it, however the method by which he manhandles Deok Im, and intimidates her, is simply extraordinarily distasteful to me.
Pfft. Of COURSE San sees Deok Ro grabbing Deok Im’s shoulders and will get the incorrect concept, after which terrorizes his servants by being in a foul, dangerous temper as a result of he’s stewing in jealousy, ha.
And of COURSE the skittish maids pounce on Deok Im and get her to complete drawing San’s bathtub, as a result of they know that she is most in a position to navigate his moods.
And of COURSE that results in Deok Im coming upon San, bare-bodied and glistening, sitting in that bathtub. Ahhhh!!! The stress within the air is killing me.
I like how he acknowledges her voice, together with her single uttered syllable, in response to his order to work shortly and go away.
I like his shocked, discombobulated expression, as he processes the truth that, 1, she’s proper there in entrance of him, and a couple of, he’s solely half clothed. Hee.
It’s SO CUTE, that he’d ask her to show round, in order that he can put his gown again on. Is our Crown Prince feeling slightly shy? It’s lovable. 😍
I like how San tries to behave regular, however shortly offers in to the burning want to query Deok Im about her shut encounter with Deok Ro.
Oh ho! That is undoubtedly jealousy that I’m seeing right here! I like how Deok Im solutions so confidently, with quiet hearth, that Deok Ro’s been harassing the court docket girls, and San ought to reprimand him as an alternative of questioning a helpless palace maid. Ooh. I like her.
Ah, San is so stuffed with bluster, as he blurts, “I don’t care concerning the different court docket girls. The one one I care about… is… my particular person.”
A lot awkward hyperawareness, on this second. 🤩
After which there’s how San will get as much as assist Deok Im with the bucket of water, and actually throws Deok Im off-balance, by the ability of his glistening abs.
HAHA. 😂 I like it. It’s hilarious, and I’m lapping this up with the goofiest grin on my face; my inside teenager is totally delighted, I inform ya.
After which, as San rises to his ft, his hand on Deok Im’s waist, and simply seems to be at her, the whole second feels suspended in time, whereas they each wrestle to control their breathlessness.
Guh. All that pressure feels so thick, I really feel like I can hardly breathe too. 🫠
Subsequent Open Thread shall be up on: Saturday, 27 July 2024!
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