Kolorful Palette: Riches to rags [Maids]

14 January 4, 2015April 8, 2017

by Fanderay

Initially I was hesitant to feature this drama due to the recent fire and the tragic loss of a staff member. I thought it might be disrespectful to discuss the show itself, but after some thought I realized that if it were me, I would never want someone to ignore a project I had worked on, and instead would hope that as many people as possible had a chance to enjoy it. It’s possible that the script coordinator herself would feel differently (I hope not) but I did very much enjoy the first episode and the importance of her contribution isn’t lost on me. Particularly with a sageuk, organizing a script and ensuring continuity would be no easy task, and that’s the sort of thing that can make or break a drama.

Production on Maids is scheduled to continue, although it will be some weeks before we see another episode, in the very least. In the meantime, I thought I’d give a quick overview. Our heroine In-yeop, played by Jung Yumi, is a noblewoman who is forced into a life of servitude when her father is labeled a traitor. We see her trying to run a household without her parents and desperately trying to discover any news of her father (whom she hasn’t heard from in months). She is snobbish and not particularly likable, but she is also easy to empathize with (largely due to Jung Yumi’s excellent acting). She has been raised in a life of privilege but her world is crumbling around her; it’s not surprising that she lashes out. I can’t imagine that she’ll transition to life as a servant very well, but I think her tenacity will ultimately serve her well. Our hero Moo-myeong, played by Oh Ji-ho, is a head servant, and they’ll have a loveline.

What has me really excited about this drama is the split focus between both sides of the class equation. Although the tone of Maids is different, it intrigues me in the way that Downton Abbey does. It’s fascinating how different the various perspectives among classes can be, and the interplay between servant and master can be surprisingly intricate. So many sageuks focus on kings or key political characters, so it’s also a nice change of pace to enjoy a story that is primarily about characters and their comparatively normal lives.

This scene that I drew is right from the beginning of the episode when In-yeop is being quite literally dragged to a life of servitude, and reality is sinking in. Jung Yumi does a great job of selling In-yeop’s desperation, and although I wasn’t super keen on her playing the lead initially, I’ve completely changed my tune. I think a lot of mainstream Korean actresses are almost too likable for this part, and their fall from nobility wouldn’t be as dramatic. She doesn’t come across as despicable, but she does come across as proud and stubborn and in need of some personality rehab. In-yeop is the type of person I want to see grow because it’s clear that she’s conflicted about her bad decisions and that she ultimately has a good heart. I’m actually looking forward to her downfall because I can’t wait to see how she develops.

The heroine’s reaction to becoming a servant felt very realistic, but I always think that such scenes offer up an interesting perspective on human nature. She’s acting like she’s been given a death sentence, and yet she’s spent her entire life surrounded by servants without feeling much sympathy for them. If she truly felt servants’ lives were worse than death, she’s kind enough that she should have been more empathetic. Is her fear actually of living such a life, or is it simply the humiliation that’s too much to face?

Thinking such thoughts is a big part of what makes me enjoy dramas like this, although I also never tire of pretty scenes, tangled relationships, and excellent scoring. Despite the horrible circumstances I can’t say I’m disappointed to see Maids continue (it also feels like the right thing for everyone involved, at least to me). I don’t know when we’ll end up seeing Episode 2, but I for one will be patiently yet eagerly waiting.

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1 aznative

January 4, 2015 at 12:07 PM

I'm glad you chose to write a review of this series and I agree with your motivation. I will certainly be "tuning in" when the production resumes. My heart goes out to the family and co-workers of the lady who lost her life.

Your painting is a lovely tribute.

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2 revlow

January 4, 2015 at 2:28 PM

Beautiful painting. I'm glad you shared it with us.

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3 ultramarineblue

January 4, 2015 at 3:02 PM

^second the beautiful painting comments. I would also like to send my condolences to the family. I will also be tuning in for this drama.

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4 Quiet Thought

January 4, 2015 at 4:16 PM

Whoa. Peasant life in Kdrama is like peasant life in English dramas. The peasants have a lot more sex than the nobles, and they get pregnant a lot.

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5 Quiet Thought

January 4, 2015 at 4:20 PM

It is slightly ironic that our first glimpse into the sexual exploitation of slaves is some middle aged woman putting the moves on the studly--and not vaguely lower class-sounding--Oh Ji Ho. I remember how shocked some commenters were on being reminded that the sister in 'Josun Gunman' was almost certainly raped or sexually exploited on being sold into slavery. Regardless of her age, as that's how slavery works in most cultures.

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6 growingbeautifully

January 4, 2015 at 4:27 PM

Oh Wow! I commend you Fanderay. This work of art is really beautiful. It looks like a photograph and not a painting.

I was at first thinking that the show not go on, but life does have to continue even in the midst of grieving. I agree that it is better to remember and honor the person and her work than to bury it. In the process, we are also not disregarding the hard work and expense that has already been laid out by the crew/team and ensure that the remuneration due can be paid out too.

Once again, lovely piece of work!!

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7 Quiet Thought

January 4, 2015 at 4:41 PM

'Rizzoli & Isles', a low-budget American show, suffered the suicide of one other major co-stars. He was apparently subject to fits of depression. The series ran the three episodes he'd already filmed, then went back to shooting after a planned hiatus and announced that the character had been killed in a car accident.

Life--and a profitable TV series--must carry on.

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NoDaMe

January 4, 2015 at 7:37 PM

Oh yeah, I remember when that happened. I used to wstch the show but dropped it before that incident happened. The guy that died seemed so nice on the show...I remember him having really nice eyes (random I know)

its always quite sad when something like this happens but I believe its better to be remembered for doing something I loved rather than igoring the work completely...but that is just my opinion.

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8 whitewire

January 4, 2015 at 7:52 PM

Maids is the only real good drama that stuck to me right now. Probably because it's just Ep. 1. But really, the premise had my heart. And MAIDS, that Ep. 1, I was truly craving for more!!!

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9 lovekdrama

January 4, 2015 at 11:18 PM

i'm hoping the series will continue because like everyone says, it was a really intriguing first episode. a handful of interesting characters here.

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10 Newbie

January 5, 2015 at 2:46 AM

A wonderful painting. Thank you.

I'm glad Maids continues. Not because it was the one show I was really looking forward to, but because the work of all those people hurt by this tragedy will not be in vain. I hope, they come out stronger and will create a memorable, great show in memoriam of their colleague.

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11 Quiet Thought

January 5, 2015 at 3:08 AM

That painting makes an awesome backdrop on my PC. Striking without blotting out all the icons.

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12 mary

January 6, 2015 at 12:02 AM

Thank you for this, and for the news that the production is working on continuing the show.

Not knowing much about art, I was wowed by how "realistic" your other posts were (can't differentiate from screencap). With this post, I see now how something can be not exactly the same but still very beautiful in its own right. :) So thanks for showing me that too.