peperomia

Many viewers on MDL seem to be enjoying it so far. Some comments say it has the feel of an old school wuxia which is up my alley. I am familiar with Jin Yong's works because my dad was a huge fan. Have seen a similar adaptation of this one with him before so I will need to find the time to check this one out. I don't know anyone from the cast though except Lin Yu Shen. He was great as Yang Xiao in Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre. I do recognize Peter Ho, Leanne Liu and Ray Lui from the older dramas that my mom used to watch. Hope it's good!

WTH’s death was devastating and unfortunate. From the first episode, my impression of the Cheon family reminded me of the Lee family in Stranger/Forest of Secrets (aka Hanjo Group). Particularly, WTH made me think of Lee Chang Jun. Both were former prosecutors who married into corrupted chaebol families, leading them to make a domino effect of questionable choices. However, through their expressions, one can tell they were struggling with their conscience and the core essence of their selves, which I think makes it interesting to debate in one's mind whether they are truly “bad” characters. Another similarity to me is both saw the hope to do good in other characters. Lee Chang Jun saw this in Shi Mok. WTH saw this in JHJ, even in Moon Bo Kyung. With WTH, I was looking forward to his character evolve with the storyline, but since he’s gone, I am hoping we will get to learn his backstory through flashbacks. Such as, was he “good” at one point in time, but a choice led him on the wrong path and there was no turning back? As far as CNN, I believe she panicked and killed him because she knew he found out her secret. She suspected that he was going to turn her into the police (instead of it being about her brother’s crimes). Her distrust in him likely stems in part from his supposed affair with JHJ. The truth is he liked JHJ, but that was it. To be honest, I am not certain that his feelings for JHJ were truly romantic, but he found a sense of comfort in her. Anyway, when CNN finds out that it was not a full-blown affair as the photos suggest, would it have made a difference in her decision to kill her husband? Would she feel any sorrow, regret, or remorse? Or, is her goal to take over TJ Group most important and nothing else matters? I really want to know… She had a moment of grief for WTH at his office. In a conversation with Michael Cha, she admitted she felt love for WTH in the past. The photos likely changed all that and influenced her decision to have the abortion. I am curious to see how she will reflect on her choices in the end. If I could have it my way, I want WTH to be her regret.

Wow, episodes 7 and 8 were so good! Even though I despise what Cheon Na Na is trying to do OJH and done to WTH, she is killing it as a villainess - so manipulative and unpredictable.

This flashback was funny yet so sad for DC at the same time. They didn't get married. I agree that she should have been understanding of his position as a detective. So, if she realized that she wouldn't be able to accept this part of their marital life, it's better she didn't marry him. Any chance she’ll appear again? - - - - - - - - The bus driver was enraged upon learning of his sister’s suicide leading him to finally confess to the serial killings, except Jung Hee Ju. He said someone else killed her. We were introduced to the butcher who seems to be CSW’s henchman. Could he have killed JHJ? Grandpa handed over photos taken of his granddaughter with WTH to DC and JH. The photos don’t appear to be scandalous to me, but still compromising as they give an impression that they could be more than just boss/employee. DC told grandpa not to jump to conclusions that they had an inappropriate relationship because the photos could have been manipulated. Grandpa explained (via flashback) that when his granddaughter visited him at his shop, he gave her a package addressed to her that he had received there. When she opened it, she was startled by the photos and hid them behind a frame. Grandpa said he knew his granddaughter well and that her expressions didn’t lie. Whatever their relationship may be, I wonder who sent those photos to her. Were they meant to threaten her? The upcoming episodes should be good. I want to know more about WTH. Who is he really? I'm sure the detectives do too.

Same! This is the best part of the show for me. I liked that it was a team effort in nabbing the bus driver. You have a good point here. Because DC tends to be emotionally reactive, I think that’s why Eun Hye chose to reach out to JH instead and why JH hasn’t told DC yet. I do agree that DC and his sister should know about the situation. I sense that she’s still adapting to the idea that their family. I think she’ll eventually get there and realize it’s best (and okay) to share her burdens with them. On another note, I liked that she befriended grandpa. He doesn’t have any family left either so it would be nice if they became friends as well. This part was confusing because the way he was talking to his sister was incoherent. From what I understood, he blames her mother for seducing his father. Not sure if he also blames her mother for his father’s death, but he attributes his difficult life to it and the mother/daughter leaving for the U.S. I know, right? I asked myself why the sister would seek him too. She told JH that she came to Korea to trace her roots and wanted to see her brother for the last time because she wasn’t going to come back. I assume she found out he’s a killer from meeting him again (she didn’t know before). She’s keeping silent due to guilt and believing his outcome is her fault. I got the impression that the siblings have different mothers as well. From the flashback, the brother believed that Na Na’s mother was after the family money. Originally, Na Na was probably not interested in TJ Group, but after her mother died, I get the impression she’s in it for revenge and to stand up for herself (as opposed to her mother who gave up on her life). Yes, WTH in the middle of their strife makes it an interesting mix. I don’t think she married him out of love either. Maybe her father arranged their marriage and she agreed to it to please him (as part of her plan). The father does seem to trust WTH more than his kids. The kids know this too. I like the actors playing the brother and WTH. I first saw the brother, Choi Dae Hoon, in Beyond Evil which he impressed me there. I know WTH, Jung Moon Sung, from Hospital Playlist. Very cool that he took on a serious/darker role. I don’t know the actress playing Na Na, but she’s doing a good job here. I haven't seen ep 5 yet, but most likely will watch it with ep 6.

I just got around to watching ep 3 and 4.

Happy 2-Year Anniversary, Janghaven! Dramas from this past year: Through the Darkness (I highly recommend only if it is your kind of genre.) Dramas of all time: Six Flying Dragons Mr. Sunshine Stranger / Forest of Secrets (Season 1) My Unfamiliar Family Reply 1988 Prison Playbook Hospital Playlist Navillera Move to Heaven Mine as well for exactly the same reasons.

Agree...it will be a slow reveal so it should be good. Yes, he was JH's former boss/senior. I believe JH suspects he's corrupt, but he's keeping cool about it until he has concrete evidence. I love how calm and collected he is. He's a good balance to DC who is more sensitive/emotional. Me too. My heart hurt quite a bit when she told her husband that. Should be interesting to find out why she is cold like that and why her health is in poor shape.

I'm not complaining, but I was looking forward to it as a weekend drama. Since the subbed episodes fall on the weekdays, I will be on the slow-side on watching it. I do enjoy it so far. There's that familiar feeling of the duo that is just puts a smile on my face. He seems to be still carrying guilt from what happened with Eun Hye's father in the first season. He fears that he will put another innocent person behind bars which is causing anxiety in the field. I feel bad that he's struggling with this, but at least it's pushing him to prove Kim Hyeong Bok's innocence and to find the real culprit (and truth)...which I believe there is more to it than meets the eye. I agree. I believe he was made to be a scapegoat and do think there's ties to TJ Group. Call me crazy, but the family dynamics in TJ Group remind me a bit of Hanjo in Stranger/FoS. Corrupted chairman/father. Underlying sibling strife between the daughter and son. I don't think the daughter should be underestimated. There's also something off with son-in-law, Woo Tae Ho. Why did his senior, the Blue House secretary, say that he's the informant? Hmmm... Edit: Coming back to give my thoughts on what abs-oluteM said here: So I think Woo Tae Ho seemed to be quite affected by the death of his staff. Hmm is the girl more than just a staff for him? But anyhow , I doubt she was part of the serial killing victims- which probably explains why the actual killer went back there to leave another victim to send a message that the last victim wasn't his doing. I can't tell if she's more than just a staff to him yet, but he seems to be quietly lamenting over her. I also don't think she's a victim of the white dress serial killings. There are definitely hands in trying to cover-up TJ Group's secrets by tying her to the serial killer. Looks like the cover-up is coming loose though as the continuing serial killings are going to unravel everything bit by bit.

Am I the only one who can't find the first episode with subs? I was really looking forward to it this weekend. Sigh...

Totally agree...I do think there is enough material for a season 2. I was perusing around Twitter and saw this post about it. Not sure how true it is, but I'm keeping my hopes high! I also saw this photoshoot of the 4 friends. Looks like it was for Bazaar. They look good! Alright! I will try to check out the GD2 thread later. Extraordinary Attorney Woo seems like a great story. I will look it up!

@abs-oluteM What a coincidence…I also just finished it! I’ve been busy so it took me over a course of 3 weeks, but I think I enjoyed it more taking my time to watch it. The vibe is different from the recent police/detective dramas I’ve seen which were mostly dark and heavily centered on the procedurals. I loved that it highlighted the close-knit team and the many degrees in the relationships between the chief, seniors and rookies. The chief seemed to be the rock of the station, but so were the seniors and rookies to each other. @40somethingahjumma, I agree the best part was the mismatched pairings of the si-fu and tu-di. Da Wei and Chen Xin Cheng was my favorite too. I adore all the characters (minus Xia Jie’s mother), but if I were to pick one…Chen Xin Cheng would have to be my personal favorite. He came across as a little prickly at first, but as the story unfolded, it was clear he had a heart of gold. The way that he cared about Da Wei, his daughter and the people in the community touched me. He went above and beyond his duties to help Xiao Li get her life back on track. I also appreciated that there was humor too…mostly thanks to Da Wei and his mother. It’s understandable where he may gotten some of his personality from. LOL. But, my gosh, the last episode was such a cry fest! It was so heartbreaking all around, especially for Jian Jun’s wife and daughter. The tragedy reminded me of Xia Jie’s backstory which was unfortunate, but I know the sacrifice of police officers is not something uncommon. The only comforting part was the welcoming back of Jian Jun to the force and I know his comrades will look after his family in his place. Also, Yang Shu…it was nice to see his return. When he and Da Wei embraced each other, I almost lost it again. Does anyone think there could be a season 2? Even chances may be slim, I am hoping so! Nevertheless, it was a memorable cast, and I will definitely take note of them in their next projects. (I am drama-less now. Good Detective 2 may be my next watch which I am excited for.)

I watched 19 and 20 together. I thought it ended well with Dong Seok and his mother’s story which was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. One of my biggest fears in life is regret. Especially when in dilemmas, the question of “Will I regret it or myself?” often crosses my mind. Given how stubborn Dong Seok was, I tried to keep an open mind with what he would decide to do with his mother so I was comforted that he was able to reconcile with her in time. I was glad that he said everything wanted to say to her and when he did, I liked that she didn’t make any excuses. She admitted that she was a “crazy” mother. It’s too bad that it took a terminal illness for mother-son to mend their relationship, but given their history, I thought Dong Seok did his best for her by checking-off all of the things she wanted to do. So did his mother by cooking him his favorite meal before she passed away. I really hope mother-son got some closure in the end or at least, were able to leave/live-on with less regret. A few other things that I liked about the last few episodes were... Jeong Jun’s parents accepting Yeong Ok. I was really touched by their immediate acknowledgement that it must have been hard to lose parents and needing to look after a sibling with special needs. So sweet of his mom to serve her the first drumstick and the dad telling her to just be comfortable at their home. I can see where Jeong Jun gets his kind/good heart from. Seon Ah seems to be in a healthier place. Since she was able to take Yeol to Jeju, there must be more trust between her and her ex-husband. It’s great that they are able to amicably workout co-parenting. The 2 halmonis' friendship. Loved how they were each other's rock throughout life's hard times. It was so sad not to see Ok Dong next to Chun Hee's at the market anymore, but it seems like her memory will be honored by Chun Hee and Dong Seok together. I will admit that this drama wasn't always the easiest to forge on every weekend because it was heavy most of the times, but I am glad that I finished it. I thought the stories stayed true to that life can be tough even painful, but there must be a way for us to find happiness in it and truly live... I liked that the drama gave us that hope and encouragement at the end. Good to know that you love OG so far. I've heard many great things about it. I'll have to check out the thread when I start it. Oh, you're going to watch Insider too. I am really excited see KHN and LYY. I hope it's good and doesn't get overly complex.

@mademoiselle I’ve been behind with dramas. Just caught up to episode 17. I am happy to read that Man Su will be okay because tears kept strolling my face for halmoni and Eun Gi. I was really touched with how the whole community came together for them, especially Dong Seok’s mom and Eun Hui. The village boats lighting up in the night to form the 100 moons as a prayer for Man Su was very touching. (Same as you, I was wondering how as well, but it was a clever thought.) I’m going to try to be caught up tonight and watch the finale tomorrow. This is going to be so heartbreaking , but it looks like Dong Seok and his mother will reconcile in time. I hope Jeong Jun's parents will accept Young Ok. To be received by family is so important for a healthy relationship. Oh, Ordinary Greatness is next on my list. I also plan to start Insider at some point.

I was so devastated about Han Pu. I knew he was going to die when he said he wanted to become her general and he did 5 years later. The novel was different...I'll put it in a spoiler. Yes, I agree with you here. This is why I support them giving up their power. HFX and BFX are truly who they are so I am happy they will live happily this way. After nearly losing BFX a few times, I think HFX clearly knew that she was his real world. My understanding is HFX only wanted power to protect himself and to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. Only when peace was achieved and Huang Chao proved to be a trusted ruler did he turn it over to him. Before he did, I really liked that he asked BFX what she thought first. When she agreed with him, then he handed the scroll to Huang Chao. Re: the 10 years, don’t mind me…I am the odd one out. I know almost every viewer was upset about it. I believe some viewers were hoping that the drama may finish with the couple ruling the world together versus handing it over to Huang Chao. So, I am guessing the drama put a time stamp on his life to further support the couple’s reasoning for choosing life in peaceful seclusion. They do seem very happy living life in the mountains. Wished we got to see more of it. I get what you mean... When I stop and really think about it, I believe Yongzhou and Qingzhou will be fine united under Huang Chao as he promised them, but as individual states, would their fathers have accepted it? Furthermore, what about the royal family bloodline? At the very least, it would have been nice to see Feng Chang become king of Yongzhou.

Yes, the father did say that he needed face for Yongzhou, but I thought it made sense for him to think this way. He also followed up that by saying when people were trying to overthrow him, it was HFX who saved him. He trusts him and his abilities to ascend the throne. I don’t think it was just so BFX wouldn’t outshine Yongzhou. I am all for HFX to marrying purely for love, but it was unrealistic given the difference in their status. It would’ve been a nonissue if BFX was still just a princess, but the Qingzhou ministers wouldn’t have approved the marriage proposal if HFX didn’t match up to their queen. The father’s decision allowed them to be equal status and equal rulers. Either way, drama could’ve chosen to follow the novel as to how HFX became king or they could’ve had the father drag out his reign to his death. Whether it is out character or not, I liked that the father voluntarily turned over his power to his son instead. He can’t make up for his poor decisions in the past, but at least, he can do his best to treat him and BFX better. I couldn't see the video in the spoiler in my region, but the heartbreak I was referring to was about Han Pu. I was dreading this part, but YY, ZLS and the teenage actor playing Han Pu did an excellent job with this scene. Also, this tragedy made me understand the fury in BFX, especially when she flew toward the cannons. By the way, when BFX was injured by the cannons, HFX called out to her as “Feng Xi”. It reminded me that in the novel, he called out to her as “Xi Yun” instead. After her identity was revealed, HFX in the drama continued to refer to her as BFX whereas in the novel, he switched to referring to as FXY. I remember in ep 25, HFX couldn’t believe that BFX was jealous of a mere name (FXY) – she was not a different person. BFX or FXY, she is the same. Anyway, I like that she is always BFX in his heart which was why I didn’t really mind how it chose to reveal her identity. In the novel, HFX only had a month to live before he was treated. It wasn’t specific if he was fully cured afterward so how many years that he had left in the novel was unknown. (There was less than one page about it.) To me, the fact that he still had white hair meant that he wasn't fully cured in there either. It is sad that they only have 10 years, but they could’ve died so many times, so I see it as a blessing that they can cherish the time they still have together in peace. Furthermore, who knows what other miracle cures they may encounter in jianghu in the next 10 years. Keeping the 40 episodes limit in mind, I didn't mind the choppy editing toward the end. I would say that I only wished they shortened the Yongzhou family drama in the middle to accommodate more of the story in the back end because I really enjoyed it. The combo of the wuxia and state politics was what I originally signed up for. Nevertheless, I am pleased with how HFX, BFX and Huang Chao worked together to fight against YWY and how they emphasized that it in the end, it didn't really matter who ruled the world as long as the war stopped and the good of the people were at heart. The trust and promise between each other for peace was a good ending to everything.

@IpohBanana My gosh, I loved these two episodes! They really showed how the couple can be total fierce in battle yet so sweet when the timing is right. Re: the wedding, I was happy that they had their own private time first the night before. I really enjoyed the ceremony too. All the ministers, including Feng Chang and FQW, were so elated for them. It was nice to see that after everything the couple has been through together to get to this point. Not that they truly desire to rule, but since they are fated to, I thought the court's support during the ceremony was meaningful. However, I think my favorite part of everything was Lord Yong voluntarily abdicating the throne so that his son could be equal with BFX, Queen of Qingzhou. When he announced this at the altar, I smiled when one of ministers said these two were a match made in heaven. I thought this reference paired well with their pendants from the Yue Lao (Deity of Romance) who is believed to unite couples destined to be bounded together with a red thread of fate. It also reminded me of the thread that HFX could not cut-off at Mount Wu and instead said to let it (BFX) be bounded to him forever. I also really liked that it was FQW who went to Qingzhou to deliver the marriage proposal. I laughed when BFX asked her, "May I know who this this lucky girl is?" and when FQW said it was her (lordship), she nodded and smiled. I can't believe she purposely circulated novels about their love story as a strategy to gain support for their marriage. LOL. Sigh...the finale is tomorrow. I think there will be heartbreaking moments, but the ending will be good. I am surprised Huang Chao still hasn't figured out YWY's true intentions yet, but I agree with you that it seems he does have the interest of the people at heart. When BFX gave him a chance to withdraw from the battle now or lose more people, he chose the former which I was glad about that. Also, HFX doesn't seem to believe Huang Chao would be a part of YWY's masterminding. I am excited to see how this part will conclude!

Yes! I was happy to see Seon Ah come to this realization and for her ex-husband to recognize that she's getting on the right track to getting better. When he told her that he wouldn't appeal when that day comes, I felt it was his way of encouraging her. After all, a child needs his mother too - a healthy one. It is good that they're amicable now and opening the door to co-parenting Yeol one day - regardless of who has legal custody. I am indifferent about Dong Seok and Seon Ah getting together so we'll see what happens... I just really liked that their teenage connection allowed them to support each other in their adult lives again. I was hoping her advice to him about his mom would click with him, but sadly it has not. I am curious to see how his story with his mom will wrap up. I only know Lee Byung Hun from Mr. Sunshine. It took me awhile to get used to him here. LOL. I was not expecting the show to purposely not let us in on it. I was like...wait...what?...I can't hear what she's saying. LOL. My original guess was an ex-lover, but since she said it isn't that or a child, my current guess is a sick sibling too. I had a difficult time following Eun Hee and Mi Ran's story. All I can tell is their relationship seems a bit toxic to be friends for that long, but not really be friends.

I really liked ep 35-36. If only the progression of FLX as heir to Yongzhou and BFX as FXY in Qingzhou would’ve happened 10 episodes ago, the drama would have lived up to its title much better. I had faith that BFX would reunite with her father, but I wasn’t sure if she would be able to see her brother once more. It was comforting to see her father’s dying wish was fulfilled. Right before he passed, I was glad he also received closure that she never resented him for putting politics before family, but she had always regarded him as their pride. How her brother died was upsetting. I too hope she finds out YWY was behind this cheap shot and avenges for him. I am still firmly holding onto the notion that HFX knew of her identity long ago and am not wavered by how the drama chose to "reveal" it. If he didn't know all along, the things he did for her, especially the treaty in Liangcheng, wouldn't make sense - even YWY knew that. I am too. I love BFX's wardrobe in Qingzhou. She looks amazing in her royal gowns and military attire. Yes, but I am curious if Huang Chao has any clue yet. It seems so to me so I wonder if he will choose his own path to ruling the world or follow YWY.

@IpohBanana I watched ep 33-34. I am glad I read your post before I started typing away. Your view is much more positive than my initial reaction...which is good. LOL. Needless to say, I was disappointed it turned out HFX had submitted to his father in ep 28 without having some kind of trust worked out in the background. I don't know... It feels like the story didn’t give his character proper justice. You have a point that the father must have acquired karma from somewhere to have a filial son like HFX. Despite everything, I do have tremendous respect for HFX for never once abandoning his father. The father better treat HFX and BFX really well from now on. I actually wondered this too, but I won't be hopeful that we'll get any. LOL. By the way, FQW looked amazing in her fight scenes. I love how they wrote her character in the drama. I saw the trailers for ep 39-40. It does seem like the last battle will be a mix between Jizhou and the Locust and Cricket Army. Hmmm... I am curious how Huang Chao and YWY's own desire for world power will work out between them. I agree HFX’s tone toward BFX seemed serious than usual. I assume it’s due to the war situation which looks intense. I know how it ends in the book, but I am looking forward to know how the drama will wrap up everything. ====== Has anyone seen this OST MV that is focused on the couple? There are few cut scenes of them from the remaining episodes. ZLS looks so gorgeous at the wedding. I love how their wedding gowns are similar and matching each other. To be honest, I feel the drama became a bit messy shortly after Mount Wu, but I've enjoyed it because I love the leads and their story.

After thinking about it some more... YWY is the true villain so you have a point that the final battle is likely between his secret army. At some point, I would think Huang Chao will figure out that YWY has been fooling and using him all along so we will see where Jizhou stands in all of this. I don't know if the word "agreement" is the proper word to define what's going between HFX and his father, but before the punishment was carried out, I do think HFX gave a proposal to his father through a letter and after some thought, his father considered it subject to some tests he'll put HFX through to prove he does not have ulterior motives with the Fountain Abode. When his son's loyalty became clear to him, he released the Tianshuang Sect and from what I understand is meeting with FQW who is HFX's trusted aide. I feel like the king is getting outside intel from her - such as about the rebellion. Last, the king's talk with the queen seemed like he is aware of what they're up to (assuming mother and son are in cahoots). Letting her know that Feng Ju will be his heir felt more like setting up trap to me. But, we'll see...

LOL. Yeah...I figured it was wishful (over)thinking. Here are my thoughts on some of your thoughts of ep 31-32:

@abs-oluteM I agree... Based on Seon Ah's handling of her son with the father, the outcome of the custody battle was the appropriate decision. Reuniting with Dong Seok is indeed good for her. If he was not by her side, I think she wouldn't be able to cope and would've made rash decisions about living life without her son. He seemed to have talked some sense into her about depression being a viscous cycle. If she does not try to manage her illness and try to enjoy life for the sake of her son, he may turn out the be like her. I hope not just having custody, but the well-being of her son, is her motivation to get better as well. I look forward to more of Jeong Jun and Yeong Ok's story too. Based on the preview, it looks like Seon Ah and Dong Seok will get romantic. Eun Hee's best friend, Mi Ran, will return to Jeju and be introduced into the story.

I noticed this too, but at the same time, I got vibes that the king has his own plan in mind. Also, it seems HFX understands why his father distrusts him at the moment so he needs to jump through hoops to prove his loyalty and eliminate all suspicions. If there is more to what happened in ep 28, I think it will be revealed when the rebellion happens in ep 34. ====== By the way, when BFX said she would take HFX on a tour of the Tianshuang sect and he said he would like to see the place where she grew up, any chance they were really talking about Qingzhou instead? (They do like to talk in circles. LOL.) Maybe it's wishful thinking on my part. I would love for her father to meet him.

@IpohBanana Looks like HFX fighting skills are still quite good, but I understand what you mean about his inner force. Sigh. I have a difficult time believing that he lost it or at least permanently. A part of me thinks it’s temporary or maybe he can’t let people know that he still has it yet. We’ll see…I hope there’s more to it, but you’re right…there is the Sacred Jade Moon orchid flowers that has inner force that could be a factor in getting it back. Regarding HFX knowing about BFX's real identity...