Better

This episode definitely picked up. While Episode 1 was too cheesy and didn't have much going on, this one was filled to the brim with emotion and intrigue.

I'm really excited for the political side of the story. Usually politics drags dramas down and they end up boring, but I have a feeling that this drama won't be like that. I'm interested to see how the Queen plans to use the Hwarang if the King himself is among them, and her advisors want the King to give his blessing for the project.

Ban Ryu and Soo Ho, of course, bring their A-game in this episode, being petty and picking fights for no reason at all. Han Sung also makes his first appearance in this episode.

Moo Myung showing off how cool he is at Okta was actually pretty cool. Something still doesn't feel quite right about his character, though. I also really liked when Moo Myung and Mak Moon are sitting in the forest, injured, and Mak Moon's dad shows up. This scene is very emotional, and it was a nice touch. I almost prefer this over Mak Moon living happily ever after with his family (as terrible as that sounds).

I hope they expand on Moo Myung's illness. I want to know what it is, especially since it seems pretty erratic, and the doctor suggested that it might be deadly. That's going to be a useful plot device later, and the writer better not lose it.

The final scene in the archery shop is sort of cool. It reminds me of when Korra is trying to learn airbending in "The Legend of Korra". Everything feels awkward though, even though everyone is doing pretty okay with their acting.

All that matters to me right now, though, is that the story is progressing and is interesting. I have confidence in the cast and their acting capabilities.

(Quick Note: Why would Moo Myung try to kill King Jinheung if he clearly saw the man riding on the horse coming to attack him and Mak Moon? He should at least have half a mind to tell the King from the man who really attacked them. At the same time though, with Moo Myung's mysterious illness, maybe he didn't see the man on the horse well enough to discern him from King Jinheung.)

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