Finally!

Spoiler-free

I am watching a KOREAN drama, a historical nonetheless! Not exactly the statement of the century, I know! However, watching MotW reminded me that although I have more than 100 dramas under my belt, I am consuming entertainment that was never meant for me!


Here comes MoTW stating at the beginning of each episode that its characters are completely fictional bearing no resemblance to reality. Given the magical element of the show and my ignorance of Korean history, I take the note to heart and completely miss out on the fact that the Kings and the Queens not to mention the male lead bear the names of real historical figures who truly existed once upon a time in Korea! Just like that, I completely miss the fact that the show isn't just a stand-alone fairy tale, it's a fantasy woven into an authentic historical background. If I were a Korean citizen, I'd probably have easier time following the royal affairs at the palace. If I were Korean, I would've had the slightest idea about those yellow talisman and their powers...Heck if I were Korean, I wouldn't have been missing tons of hints lost in translation...

Episode 5 was not the smoothest transitional episode, but perhaps I went overboard with my impatience. After all, the show never spoon-fed us events the way all other shows does. From its pilot episode, MotW always teased us first, then slowly offered more. There were never clear cuts, but always a space for the audience to guess and make their own conclusions. Moreover, this intricate story love its mystery while playing with 3 main plot lines: Black Witch and Master Taoist's (which was always eluded to and is slowly being exposed via flashbacks- well used flashbacks if I might add), Yeon Hui's and Joon's... I believe here's the point where the three plot line will finally meet. Technically, episode 6 could've been the first episode, but we would've messed up on the efforts the writers made to introduce all the characters and their lives...

On another note, episode 6 marks the return of the ticking clock, the urgency, the feeling that, for our main leads, life itself is a watchful hostile creature waiting for their slightest mistakes to destroy them...Do you know how drama-villains always seem like fools which downplays the whole plot? Not in MotW! The villain in this drama is so powerful, so far-ahead that I'm not sure the poor leads will ever have a chance against her. It's pretty frustrating to watch them receiving blows from episode one! That's why I was very excited for Yeon Hui's decision at the end of this episode- the decision that many of you hated! Yes, that's the way girl! Take control of your own life!

To me, Yeon Hui was the less interesting, the less developed character in the show, but I'm hoping that everything would change now. Enough with introductions and let the real game start!

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Better.

Flashbacks. Sighs. We're only 6 episodes in . . . there is no need for them. Especially to be that long. The only flashback that should have been was a look into the Shamaness and Hyun Seo's past. Which ended up being exactly what I thought it would be. Even if Hong Joo, the shamaness, had a typical story her performance of villain is well worth it.

Things got a little better for the characters. Connections coming back. Though I cringe as to why Seo Ri would step out of their again! I get the curse flared up, but still. Now it looks like Poong Yeon is going to be shelved already! And I'm really curious about him and his apprentice! Darn it.

The show has already taken back two deaths and now it's just killing off random people. The impact of "no on is safe" lost a little of it's mojo. Does that mean a certain twin will come back later on down the line? I'm still curious who the masked red robes is, as I'm pretty sure it's not the King or Hyun Seo. If it is that some bad directing of time tables.

The falling scene finally happened! And sadly I was more annoyed by what lead to it with Seo Ri. So that thrill was taken away. Not to mention how annoying the previews look. I'm really hoping the next episode will up the writing and ex-na the flashbacks. The series is too short and definitely not far enough along to need flashbacks. Maybe a flashback voice over for impact.

Sigh. I've decided to stick this one out, but I really hope things shape up.

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