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 publish, these are my notes, precisely as they seem on Patreon.
ZERO SPOILER POLICY
We will likely 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 shouldn’t be restricted to, how characters &/or relationships develop, later within the present.
The spoiler tags don’t work in electronic mail notifications, subsequently, please take be aware 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 11
E11. Woof. This turned out to be fairly the tense hour of drama! It was exhausting, however in a great way, as a result of even after the episode is over, I really feel like I’m nonetheless kinda on the sting of my seat – despite the fact that I do know San will survive this in some way.
That’s good storytelling, sure?
This episode, I’m struck by how steadfast each San and Deok Im are, in their very own methods.
San is steadfast in his loyalty in the direction of his grandfather. Even when Grandpa is raging in his dementia, and even when San’s personal security is in query – even when his very life is at stake! – he doesn’t as soon as waver in his resolve to remain true to his grandfather.
I discover that basically admirable and shifting, actually.
He’s actually prepared to danger dying, by placing himself in his grandfather’s palms, despite the fact that Grandpa isn’t fairly in his proper thoughts, and may put him to dying, on a whim. It offers me chills, desirous about it.
The best way San is swift to place himself between that red-hot iron within the King’s palms, and his personal mom, is completely shifting as properly.
By the method of elimination, the King concludes that the offending dishes should have been served by Consort Hyebin, and is able to strike her with that scorching iron. In actual fact, he really does transfer to strike – and that iron is just stopped, by San’s naked hand.
Accck!! I discovered it so arduous to look at San seize that iron rod, so fearful for the security of his mom, whereas the intense warmth from the rod sears into his flesh. 😭😭😭
I’m so, so impressed with Junho’s supply of this second. I can completely imagine that San is bodily nearly buckling from the ache, whilst he struggles to say the phrases, that his mom shouldn’t be the one who had offered the offending dish, and that he’ll settle for the punishment as a substitute.
Guh. So painfully good. 😭😭
I’m not impressed by Deok Ro’s plea, for San to overthrow the King, however I’m not shocked that that is his method both. He may make strategic sense, however he persistently fails to fulfill San the place it issues: San’s coronary heart.
San is completely dogged in wanting to guard his mom, whereas persevering with to honor his grandfather, and I’m totally moved by this, whilst my coronary heart breaks for him, for having to undergo this, by way of no fault of his personal. 💔
That scene the place San imagines Deok Im holding his hand, and tenderly wrapping the bandage round his hand, is so poignant, to my eyes.
San is so lonely, on this second, the place it appears like your entire world has instantly began to come back crashing down on him, and all he desires, is the consolation of Deok Im by his aspect. 😭
The truth that by way of all of this, San and Deok Im lengthy for one another, not for any fluffy romantic causes, however for the starvation of solidarity, in order that they are often subsequent to one another, by way of this calamity, is so touching.
On Deok Im’s aspect, I’m touched by how steadfast she is, in striving to assist San when he’s in hassle, despite the fact that her means are restricted.
From attempting to get that ointment to him, to looking for the “Doc of Reality,” to persuading the Queen to talk on San’s behalf, she is so zealous and tenacious about wanting to assist San, even when the obstacles earlier than her seem insurmountable.
I really like that zeal and resilience about her.
Additionally, this episode, we lastly get some stable perception into why Deok Im doesn’t want to be a royal concubine, despite the fact that she loves San.
She will see the ache and indignity of getting to help a royal harem type of association, and would moderately not topic herself to that heartache.
I can perceive that. I imply, it’s fully comprehensible that she wouldn’t wish to share the person she loves, with 100 different girls.
Deok Im’s perspective, of caring for herself first, and defending herself first, despite the fact that her coronary heart could be invested in San, is absolutely attention-grabbing to see. This model of self-love and self-awareness is kind of aspirational, I really feel like.
There’s some suspension of disbelief required, I believe, round the truth that the tattoo on Deok Im’s shoulder is a part of the puzzle, for the place Crown Prince Sado had hidden that Doc of Reality.
This is able to imply that in tattooing Deok Im, her father had already had the arrogance that Deok Im can be intently associated to the palace, when the clues can be wanted. He couldn’t have recognized then, that she would develop into a court docket woman, proper? That appears like a fairly large danger?
If she and her brother had not approached Consort Hyebin for assist, once they have been little, there was each risk that they may have gotten assist from another variety individual, and grown up some place else, distant from the palace.
Nonetheless, I’m prepared to roll with it, for the sake of our story.
On one other be aware, I discover the Queen a really attention-grabbing character. Generally, she strikes me as compassionate, and at different instances, she strikes me as shrewd to the purpose of being calculative. Maybe that’s the reason she’s capable of survive within the palace?
On the one hand, the best way she confronts Princess Hwawan and takes her to process is kind of thrilling, as a result of somebody must get Princess Hwawan to get up and see issues extra clearly.
And however, the best way she sneers at Deok Im for not having any bargaining chip with which to strike a deal, strikes me as moderately callous.
I assume the conclusion I’ve come to, is, the Queen is an efficient individual to have in your aspect, however don’t rely on her loyalty, if you happen to can’t safe it with a very good quantity of bargaining chips.
The ultimate stretch of the episode, the place San is summoned to obtain the King’s judgment, is so heart-in-my-throat tense.
It appears like such a missed alternative, that San is unable to listen to from Deok Im, her findings in regards to the Doc of Reality, as a result of he can’t afford to be late for the summons that the King has issued.
However the best way he seems at her, and tells her to not tremble; that he will likely be again quickly, is so tender.
San doesn’t even have the reassurance, on this second, that every part’s going to be okay, however he assures Deok Im anyway, and I really feel like he’s drawing a very good quantity of consolation, simply from having the ability to see her, earlier than dealing with the King.
I’ve to admire San for talking up earlier than the King, in such an surprising method.
“I used to be improper.” … “To go away you… alone… within the darkness. You’re affected by important sickness. You’re not such as you was. You aren’t properly anymore. To this point, everybody has paid court docket to you and ignored your sickness. You… fought it alone painfully.
I ought to have taken care of you… and guarded you. Nevertheless, I didn’t. Why did I not do what I needed to do? Now that I look again, I’ve discovered the reply. As a result of I bore a grudge in opposition to you. As a consequence of a deep grudge, I didn’t wish to do something for you.
Nevertheless, now I notice… how infantile it was… to carry a grudge in opposition to you. It was an extravagance I might have… solely as a result of I used to be alive. You have been an enormous tree… that protected me… all of your life. Now, I’ve misplaced the tree, and my life is in peril.
For the primary time, I want I nonetheless had it, and miss it, so I’m begging you now. Please belief me. Please defend me. As you’ve at all times achieved, please accomplish that. Your Majesty.”
Augh. A lot uncooked honesty, and so sincerely steadfast, on the similar time. It’s so lovely, actually.
Sadly, the King doesn’t react properly to San’s plea, and as a substitute focuses on the Dongdukhoe identify checklist that the Central Council Supervisor presents as a treasonous group shaped by San.
Ack. Nooo.
I’m so relieved that Deok Im manages to persuade the Queen to talk on San’s behalf, by presenting the potential advantages from the Queen’s standpoint. Such fast, shrewd pondering, on Deok Im’s half!!
I simply hope that the Queen makes it in time, to cease the King, as a result of the place we depart off, he’s from brandishing that sword at San, and I can’t assist feeling nervous for San’s security. 🙈
Episode 12
E12. Augh. This present is so stable; I actually, actually prefer it – and I say that, even earlier than making an allowance for my newfound fondness for Junho.
I do know I’ve talked about being spoiled for sure scenes whereas attending the fan assembly, however I’m not even mad about it.
In actual fact, I’m surprised to understand that despite the fact that I’ve already seen a very powerful little bit of San’s outcry to the King, as I watch it once more this episode, in context, I discover it simply as shifting, as if I’d seen it for the primary time.
Lee Deok Hwa’s and Junho’s performances are each nothing in need of arresting.
Lee Deok Hwa is dramatic, theatrical, and moderately unhinged; fairly Shakespearean, as a few of you’ve famous.
He actually instructions the display as if he’s commanding a theater stage. His supply is unhurried, and there’s a sure rhythmic ebb and movement about it, that makes it fairly mesmerizing.
Because the King’s delirium turns into extra clear, the horror, grief and heartbreak turns into more and more clear on San’s face as properly.
Guh. The depth of tortured emotion, bottled up for therefore a few years, now spilling out in waves of determined, uncooked grief, is as spellbinding as it’s heartbreaking to witness.
The best way San ekes out the phrases, with shivering breaths, by way of his tears, is so heart-in-my-throat plaintive but highly effective, on the similar time.
“I’m not Father!” … “I’m San. I’m San, Grandfather. Have a look at me. Only for as soon as, please have a look at me, not my father. I’m San. I’m San, Grandfather!”
After which, later, when the King asks, “Are you San?,” the best way San solutions brokenly, by way of his sobs, “Sure, Grandfather,” is so stuffed with grief and reduction, in a single.
Actually, actually properly achieved.
I really feel like I’ve simply watched two masters spar with one another. I’ve mentioned for a very long time that Junho’s an excellent actor, however this scene actually elevated my impression of him. He possesses extra depth and vary than I’d imagined, and I’m suitably dazzled.
Once more, I’m actually taken with how steadfast San is, in his resolution to honor his grandfather.
Even on this second, when the King’s dementia is in full power and he’s nowhere close to lucid, San continues to plead with him to stand up once more, to make his closing resolution; that even when the King chooses to kill him, he’d moderately obey, than watch Joseon fall into chaos due to the King’s incapacity to rule.
AUGH. San’s unrelenting faithfulness and loyalty, even when it means risking his personal life, is so shifting to me.
He simply won’t take the route of a revolt, even when the King isn’t lucid on his throne, and that’s so.. honorable of him, contemplating that different kings in historical past had staged revolts to realize the throne, for a lot much less.
I can’t assist however discover that the best way Deok Im approaches the King, is considerably just like the best way San approaches him, in that, she continues to belief within the King’s means to perform, and keep in mind.
She doesn’t inform him the place the Doc of Reality is, despite the fact that she’s deciphered the clues that time to its hiding place. As an alternative, she tells him that he already is aware of it, and asks him to recollect – which he does.
Ahh. This is likely one of the explanation why San and Deok Im make such a compelling OTP; they’re on the identical web page relating to a very powerful issues, and this, with out even having to debate it beforehand.
What a grasp transfer by the King, to summon Princess Hwawan, and instruct her handy the royal seal to San, together with her personal palms.
In doing so, the King is mainly commanding Princess Hwawan to acknowledge San’s legitimacy as the longer term king, and to submit herself to his authority.
Ahhh. A lot which means, in a single single gesture.
It’s no surprise Princess Hwawan rails in opposition to it for therefore lengthy, earlier than she offers in to her father’s royal command. I can’t assist however really feel a flash of satisfaction, that Princess Hwawan has to submit so publicly to San, ultimately.
The scene within the backyard, the place San finds Deok Im ready for him, is so stuffed with tenderness.
The best way she reaches for his hand, so gently, as she tells him that she’s been ready in hopes of seeing him, and asks how his wound is; the best way he seems quietly moved, as he tells her that she’s the primary individual to have requested about his wound, despite the fact that he’s talked with a whole lot of individuals.
The best way he says that he knew she can be there, if she felt for him the identical means he feels for her; the best way she demurs, however his gaze is so quietly, insistently plaintive, as he holds her hand, and tells her that he’s made up his thoughts, and can inform her how he feels about her later, and listen to from her how she feels, too.
The air between them feels so wealthy and so thick with unstated, steadfast emotion; I really feel barely giddy from all of it.
Head Courtroom Woman Jo killing herself in entrance of the King is moderately dramatic, however it feels becoming for her character, really.
She’s made revenge her function in life for therefore lengthy, and he or she so deeply desires to have significance within the King’s eyes, that she’d moderately kill herself in entrance of him, than die quietly someplace distant, despite the fact that the King is prepared to spare her life.
Welp. I assume Head Courtroom Woman Jo bought her final want ultimately, to die within the palace. Though, it certainly wasn’t within the method that she’d initially hoped for.
On the similar time, her phrases, that it’s silly for a court docket woman to like a king, have an ominous type of taste to them, contemplating the stations of San and Deok Im, as our OTP.
I’ve to admit that I’m not tremendous clear on the place San’s dialog with Princess Hwawan’s adopted son Baek Ik is coming from.
The best way Baek Ik is speaking, it appears Princess Hwawan’s obtained a dying sentence, and he’s pleading with San to permit him to die in her stead.
However.. Princess Hwawan hasn’t obtained a dying penalty, so far as I can inform..? Is he asking to die in her stead, anticipating that she is going to do one thing in opposition to San, that can warrant the dying penalty..?
I did discover his backstory poignant, although, significantly when he expresses his gratitude to Princess Hwawan, for being his mom.
For a moderately minor character, I’ve to say, I discovered his emotional farewell with Princess Hwawan fairly shifting.
She’s given him so little, actually, in the best way of motherly affection, and but, he’s so dedicated to her, to the extent that he’s prepared to die in her stead. I discover myself instantly extra keen on him as a personality, than I’ve ever been, to this point.
What a strong scene, because the King dies in San’s arms, after giving him his final phrases each as King and grandfather. And, what a really poignant contact, to have San’s father’s spirit there, because the King tells him that he’s stored his promise, simply earlier than respiration his final.
What strikes me most in regards to the scene, nevertheless, is San’s response to the King’s passing.
Holding his grandfather in his arms, San cries, and brokenly asks how he might depart like this; there’s resentment blended together with his grief, but in addition, craving and anguish.
It’s heartbreaking and delightful, as San whispers, by way of his tears, “Grandfather, please come again. I’m… too scared and frightened… to even breathe. Please come again. Come again. Grandfather.”
Oof. Such uncooked love and honesty, and such.. lovely brokenness, too, on this second. 💔
I’m so glad that San takes this time to simply maintain his grandfather, within the wake of his passing. He doesn’t hurry to name in anybody; he simply.. sits and holds him, and pours out his coronary heart to him, and it’s so.. brokenly lovely.
Later, as San approaches the throne, on their lonesome, I’m struck over again, by how steadfast and sincere he’s, within the face of his new kingship. His voiceover says all of it:
“The King is answerable for every part. Till now, when issues went improper, I simply needed to prostrate right here and blame you. The world was… that simple and easy.”
“Now my sky has crumbled and disappeared. I’ve develop into the brand new sky. It’s breathtakingly… scary and fearful. I’ll by no means… cover or run away. Any more, every part… is my accountability.”
I really like that the place one other ruler may need delighted of their new energy and authority, San regards it as a heavy accountability that he’s scared of, however refuses to draw back from.
He’s so upright and steadfast (it’s the right phrase to explain him, and I can’t discover one other), and I really like him for it.
We quickly see, although, that within the 3 years that go, San is so wrapped up in his duties, that he doesn’t have time to pay Deok Im a lot heed in any respect.
And whereas my coronary heart is somewhat unhappy at that, I additionally discover it fairly romantic, that regardless of this, San’s coronary heart for Deok Im doesn’t waver, within the least.
In our closing scene, it appears to me that San’s continued to like Deok Im (steadfastly!) all this time, despite the fact that he doesn’t have time to speak to her or spend time together with her.
He’s simply been ready for the proper second, to proceed the place he’d left off beforehand, in desirous to make her his consort.
The best way he brings it up at first, sounds moderately severe and official (although I have to say, that ginger-feeding second has fairly the understated sensual contact about it 🤩).
Nevertheless, the extra he talks, the extra I detect nuances of closeness within the timber and gentleness of his voice, significantly when he says, “I wish to hold you by my aspect. Not as a court docket maid, however as a lady. What I’m saying proper now… is that I would like you to be my consort.”
However, it’s as Deok Im walks away, that San drops the decorum, and addresses her by identify, “Deok Im-ah. I wish to be household with you.”
My subs say, “I wish to make… a household with you,” which may sound moderately.. suggestive, however analyzing the precise Korean dialogue, I believe it’s extra correct to translate it as, “I wish to be household with you.”
Both means, that is San, placing apart all decorum and simply laying his coronary heart naked, as San dealing with Deok Im, moderately than a King dealing with his court docket woman, and it makes my coronary heart wobble.
There’s a lot earnestness in his eyes; how can Deok Im’s coronary heart not waver..?
Subsequent Open Thread will likely be up on: Saturday, 17 August 2024!
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