The last scene – where it was made absolutely clear that Haru and Danoh are indeed reusing lines and re-enacting scenes from the stage in “Flower”, here in the shadow in “Secret” – was heartbreaking. Rowoon acted that scene beautifully, the tears in his eyes even though he smiled happily, silently, conveyed everything it needed to.
Perhaps as manhwa characters, they have no free will. Everything they say, do and think has been allowed to them by the writer in another story. Even Mr. Squid said it, whatever scenes on the Stage that they changed, were also drawn that way by the writer. In other words, it may be that they *think* they’re changing scenes, but in reality, there’s no such thing. It’s not possible.
This raises painful existential questions about our reality too. Do we or do we not have free will? I’ve never been big on the idea – we’re born with constraints on our will: our personalities, our health, our families, the opportunities available thanks to our economic circumstances, education, even our gender and the colour of our skin dictates what we’re taught, what we internalize and how “free” our will is. The laws of physics, the perceived linear flow of time.
At most, we are free to try and make ourselves feel better about things – which is what Danoh seems to be doing now. I’m sad to see her this way, but I get it. I’d love it if the show could end on a hopeful note but suddenly I don’t see how.
not really.. true for us too.. because that also leaves the opportunity of these folks uttering those dialogues on their own.. out of their own volition
I kind of agree with this, but I don’t think ‘frustrating’ is the word I would use. I adore this show and I found this today’s episode and last Thursday’s episode very beautiful. But I have this itching desire to get answers, to find out how things will end, and to see Haru and Dan-oh (hopefully) get a happily ever after.
A few points (was going to post on my fan wall, but I think you’ve said a lot of what I wanted to say, so I just want to amplify a few things you’ve written if that’s okay):
1.) I actually think there is still an even mix between Dan-oh’s perspective and Haru’s perspective. It just seems like there is more from Haru’s side because before we were only getting Dan-oh’s perspective, whereas now we’re getting a good bit from Haru’s perspective.
I also agree that the writing gives two plausible reasons for increasing inclusion of Haru’s perspective. The first, as you noted, is because the force pushing for change has shifted from Dan-oh to Haru. the second is the fact that Haru has lingering memories from Flower. Since the last little bit of the drama seems to be focused on the connection between Flower and Secret, it makes sense that we get more from Haru’s perspective because he’s better placed to reveal or at least contextualize the connection.
2.) I am curious about Kyung’s arc too. I’m not sure what its point is, other than creating a measure of symmetry (as far as we know, in Flower, Haru’s character was quietly in love with Dan-oh and suffered while Kyung was with her; what we’re seeing now is a reversal of that dynamic).
3.) I commented about this last week, but this entire story is pregnant with a sense of tragedy. I agree with you about the ending; in all likelihood, this show will end sadly.
4.) I just wanted to specifically echo your comment about Rowoon. He’s been amazing for a while, but he was especially great in episode 10 and in today’s episode.
5.) I don’t know how to feel about the reuse of lines. One aspect of it is, as you say, heartbreaking. The fact that even this measure of self-definition and freedom might be illusory is a very difficult thought for these characters and for viewers (or, well, it was a difficult thought for me). At various points we’ve seen these characters struggling with accepting the limits of their freedom in a world that is completely beholden to the whims of a (frankly kind of cruel) chaka. But, if these characters really are reusing lines, then the sense of futility becomes overwhelming.
On the other hand, I think there is some hope. Some of what has been said in the shadows is a repetition of what was said in Flower. But there are differences. For one thing, we see in this episode that Haru had a line which was spoken by Dan-oh in Flower. Additionally, Dan-oh’s gratitude about the stars in this episode is directed at Haru rather than Kyung. This, to me, suggests a measure of freedom after all. And I think this was part of what made Rowoon’s crying scene at the end important imo. He knows something is awry, but he’s happy that she’s happy and he’s happy he’s the one receiving her love this this time.
You are awesome! And I really agree with so much of this. I’ll comment first on pt 1. my only issue is that it’s a deliberate decision on part of the show’s writers / manhwa writer to have Haru remember right? Danoh could have remembered it instead, so I don’t count that as a mitigating factor for the shift in story telling perspective. You’re right though – it only recently shifted. Has been Daonoh for quite a while.
3. “Pregnant with a sense of tragedy” made me cry. And yes, is very apt.
5. I have hope too! It’s such a sweet show at the end of the day. Surely it won’t become a tragedy??
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greenfields
November 6, 2019 at 6:23 PM
#ExtraordinaryYou, Ep 11 Comments contd…
The last scene – where it was made absolutely clear that Haru and Danoh are indeed reusing lines and re-enacting scenes from the stage in “Flower”, here in the shadow in “Secret” – was heartbreaking. Rowoon acted that scene beautifully, the tears in his eyes even though he smiled happily, silently, conveyed everything it needed to.
Perhaps as manhwa characters, they have no free will. Everything they say, do and think has been allowed to them by the writer in another story. Even Mr. Squid said it, whatever scenes on the Stage that they changed, were also drawn that way by the writer. In other words, it may be that they *think* they’re changing scenes, but in reality, there’s no such thing. It’s not possible.
This raises painful existential questions about our reality too. Do we or do we not have free will? I’ve never been big on the idea – we’re born with constraints on our will: our personalities, our health, our families, the opportunities available thanks to our economic circumstances, education, even our gender and the colour of our skin dictates what we’re taught, what we internalize and how “free” our will is. The laws of physics, the perceived linear flow of time.
At most, we are free to try and make ourselves feel better about things – which is what Danoh seems to be doing now. I’m sad to see her this way, but I get it. I’d love it if the show could end on a hopeful note but suddenly I don’t see how.
FantasyRoSeong!
November 6, 2019 at 6:48 PM
Only if I could like the post two thousand times, sigh!
greenfields
November 6, 2019 at 7:11 PM
Thank you! You saying that made me feel like you did like it 2000 times <3
alasecond
November 6, 2019 at 7:38 PM
But my point is, isn’t vocabulary and emotional understanding for each character limited to what they have heard EVER..
meaning, their own dialogues and what other characters speak..
that really limits and increases frequency of one may utter?
greenfields
November 6, 2019 at 9:43 PM
And that’s why it’s so heartbreaking.
alasecond
November 6, 2019 at 10:00 PM
not really.. true for us too.. because that also leaves the opportunity of these folks uttering those dialogues on their own.. out of their own volition
amruta1009
November 6, 2019 at 7:45 PM
That show is so frustrating. How will the show even end. What even is going on? I want answers.
Maq
November 6, 2019 at 8:29 PM
I kind of agree with this, but I don’t think ‘frustrating’ is the word I would use. I adore this show and I found this today’s episode and last Thursday’s episode very beautiful. But I have this itching desire to get answers, to find out how things will end, and to see Haru and Dan-oh (hopefully) get a happily ever after.
greenfields
November 6, 2019 at 9:42 PM
Like Maq, I’m not frustrated with the pace of the show. Only that I wish I’d waited to binge it later! 😊
Maq
November 6, 2019 at 8:12 PM
A few points (was going to post on my fan wall, but I think you’ve said a lot of what I wanted to say, so I just want to amplify a few things you’ve written if that’s okay):
1.) I actually think there is still an even mix between Dan-oh’s perspective and Haru’s perspective. It just seems like there is more from Haru’s side because before we were only getting Dan-oh’s perspective, whereas now we’re getting a good bit from Haru’s perspective.
I also agree that the writing gives two plausible reasons for increasing inclusion of Haru’s perspective. The first, as you noted, is because the force pushing for change has shifted from Dan-oh to Haru. the second is the fact that Haru has lingering memories from Flower. Since the last little bit of the drama seems to be focused on the connection between Flower and Secret, it makes sense that we get more from Haru’s perspective because he’s better placed to reveal or at least contextualize the connection.
2.) I am curious about Kyung’s arc too. I’m not sure what its point is, other than creating a measure of symmetry (as far as we know, in Flower, Haru’s character was quietly in love with Dan-oh and suffered while Kyung was with her; what we’re seeing now is a reversal of that dynamic).
3.) I commented about this last week, but this entire story is pregnant with a sense of tragedy. I agree with you about the ending; in all likelihood, this show will end sadly.
4.) I just wanted to specifically echo your comment about Rowoon. He’s been amazing for a while, but he was especially great in episode 10 and in today’s episode.
5.) I don’t know how to feel about the reuse of lines. One aspect of it is, as you say, heartbreaking. The fact that even this measure of self-definition and freedom might be illusory is a very difficult thought for these characters and for viewers (or, well, it was a difficult thought for me). At various points we’ve seen these characters struggling with accepting the limits of their freedom in a world that is completely beholden to the whims of a (frankly kind of cruel) chaka. But, if these characters really are reusing lines, then the sense of futility becomes overwhelming.
On the other hand, I think there is some hope. Some of what has been said in the shadows is a repetition of what was said in Flower. But there are differences. For one thing, we see in this episode that Haru had a line which was spoken by Dan-oh in Flower. Additionally, Dan-oh’s gratitude about the stars in this episode is directed at Haru rather than Kyung. This, to me, suggests a measure of freedom after all. And I think this was part of what made Rowoon’s crying scene at the end important imo. He knows something is awry, but he’s happy that she’s happy and he’s happy he’s the one receiving her love this this time.
greenfields
November 6, 2019 at 9:41 PM
You are awesome! And I really agree with so much of this. I’ll comment first on pt 1. my only issue is that it’s a deliberate decision on part of the show’s writers / manhwa writer to have Haru remember right? Danoh could have remembered it instead, so I don’t count that as a mitigating factor for the shift in story telling perspective. You’re right though – it only recently shifted. Has been Daonoh for quite a while.
3. “Pregnant with a sense of tragedy” made me cry. And yes, is very apt.
5. I have hope too! It’s such a sweet show at the end of the day. Surely it won’t become a tragedy??