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Posted by eric_r_wirsing Wednesday, September 14, 2016

[Drama Review] 'Scarlet Heart: Ryeo' - Episode 7

AKP STAFF
Seohyun, IU, Lee Jun Ki, Z.HERA

SCARLET HEART: RYEO -- EPISODE 7



Life imitating art

Now we see how exactly Hae Soo is punished for sabotaging her marriage -- she's made a court lady, which is maybe a step up from a gisaeng. She learns makeup, literacy, medicine, etc. She is a prisoner in the palace, though. She can never leave...

This is almost a plot device for character development. I like how she gets to know the other princes. But it seems like she gets more of a chance to hang out with our royal family than when she was free. It's cool to get to see how these guys act, and we get more insights into who they are. Prince Yo is proving to be as much of a jerk as his mom, Queen Sinmyeongsunseong, tricking Prince So into removing his mask as a birthday gift to Prince Eun (Prince So did promise Eun *anything* but it was Yo who gave him the idea).


The scar makes him ugly? Yeah right.

The love lines are taking shape finally. I got the feelz when Prince Wook gave Hae Soo the bracelet. I'm torn. Prince So is supposed to end up with her, right? Then why is it that he treats her coldly and is standoffish even? Wook is a lot more the love interest than So. He's kind, gentle, obviously cares for her a lot, and they do things couples are supposed to do. So thinks about her, but he doesn't really give himself. Maybe it's because his family hates him and the scar makes him feel ugly and unworthy?

Remember that we were promised more idols? We got more idols! Z.Hera plays Park Soon Deok, who strides triumphantly into the capital with her father Grand General Soo Kyung. Yes, that's a bearskin, and yes, everyone is freaked out by it. I like her already.


Being in this drama might be a difficult burden to 'bear.' Yeah, I know. I'm bad.

The other idol is Seohyun of Girls' Generation fame. She gets indignant with Prince Baek Ah when she catches him with his sketchpad, drawing people affected by the drought. She's Woo Hee, and a couple generals refer to her as "Your Highness." Yet she's dressed in common garb and talks contemptuously of a "betrayer." Hmmm...


Her face has conflict written all over it...okay, not literally

I thought Kim San Ho's performance was awesome as the Crown Prince beleaguered by eczema. It was interesting to see the normally calm, collected Moo being driven berserk by his itching. And the makeup? Wow! I've never seen as severe a case as he had! Of course, when Hae Soo tries to heal him, she's driven away by his attendants. Remember, the Church burned Galileo for being right. But later he shows an affection towards her as her remedies work. It's a testament to Kim San Ho's abilities, to show so many different sides of himself and remain believable.

The tone of this installment was a lot lighter than the others. I kind of like those episodes, because there's a whole lot of character interaction and you start to care about the people. It's a little hard to get into the family squabbles and possible deaths of people you don't know, so this is a good thing. Besides, we need a little levity because I'm sure this is going to get a whole lot darker again soon.


"Party in the hizzouse!"

I'm totally hyped for this drama. I wasn't sure what to expect (plot's not that original) but I'm pleasantly surprised. We're a third of the way in and I haven't been any major problems yet. I hope it continues to keep up this level of excitement and wonder. It'd be a shame for it to crash and burn with such a strong start. What do you guys think? Like the new additions to the cast? Why or why not?

Score

Plot........................8
Performance.........8
Pacing...................8

OVERALL............8.0


  1. Seohyun
  2. IU
  3. Lee Jun Ki
  4. Z.HERA
  5. SCARLET HEART RYEO
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