dangermousie: The thing I love the most about this gorgeous drama is how dark and ruthless it allows

dangermousie:

The thing I love the most about this gorgeous drama is how dark and ruthless it allows its male lead to be. Too many protagonists of period shows feel like modern people playing dress up or, at best, idealistic “best selves.” Think of the wonderful Red Sleeve and Junho’s character. He felt period, yes, but he was genuinely an A+ human being even if some of his attitudes (polygamy, class) were not ones acceptable to modern people.

Lee Joon’s character OTOH? He’s a magnetic monster. And I love that. He’s a period King, trying to claw his way out of powerlessness and being controlled by the ministers into what he views as his right - absolute rule. Yes, yes, he does want to help the people and he vibed with the peasants, he’s not a villain. But he’s also not a hero - his belief that he is superior and designed to absolute rule because of his blood is on part with Charles I and why wouldn’t it be? He’s a period royal! I love that.

Not just that but except for his wife (and possibly another person or two), there is nobody he is not willing to sacrifice for his goals; once again how else would a King be back then, but usually dramas would not put them into an environment where they make this choice.

The way he pretended to be poisoned (to his beloved as well), just so as to unleash the horrifying Queen Dowager and let her become a full-fledged monster so he’d have the excuse to put her and the rebellious nobles down (those she hasn’t herself murdered in her fits that is) is brilliant and terrifying and I love it. He is not that different from Jang Hyuk’s minister (except JH was able to sacrifice his beloved woman back way when and the King has not.) They are willing to wade through blood for their goals secure in their unassailable rightness - Jang Hyuk for power of nobility and the King for royal authority.

And the thing that I love is the drama does not give the viewer an easy out by portraying Jang Hyuk’s faction as neglecting peasants and stealing their stuff so that the King becomes a righteous champion; nor does it portray the King as terrible and nobles are right. This is a power struggle between the powerful, the fight between absolutism and feudalism (yes I realize it’s Korea but I am using somewhat analogous terms I am familiar with; apologies) and honestly the average people are not going to be better or worse whichever faction wins.

This is so beautifully period and I love it!