And with the 2nd episode it lost me. Now it’s just old-school makjang and even the batshit insane gleefulness couldn’t get me through. The second female lead’s ridiculous scheming is… ridiculous.

7
7

    But the thing that really lost me is how one-note most of the characters are. Typical of makjang, they’re mostly just drama archetypes. And the Emperor makes very little sense to me. It shouldn’t bother me because of how exuberantly-silly the whole thing is determined to be. But I can’t imagine being able to watch 16 episodes of it.

    3
    1

      24 episodes. God, it’s a 24 episode season. Definitely dropping it.

      2
      2

        Oh, hell no. I was waiting to see if the crazy went back to fun, but no way could I make it through 24 episodes of makjang politics. Not even if it’s satire.

        4
        1

          I made it to the point where the Dowager Empress tried to give the second female lead cement shoes like some mafia boss and the Grand Dowager Empress stopped her and then the second female lead smirks like “Oh yeah, this was all part of my plan!”.
          Yeah, nup.

          3
          0

        Most dramas drastically change directions midway through the series. So I’m expecting the silliness turning to serious at some point.

        0
        0

    2FL and empress dowager competing in such over the top ways for the emperor’s love and time is probably my favorite thing!

    2
    1