After the opening episode, I was left disappointed by the poor editing and camera choices - I am a technical nerd, forgive me - and found the acting and writing to be “hammy”. The writer, Jo Yoon Young, had struggled to convincingly introduce the characters and background. The humour wasn’t totally spot on, although it had its moment. However, those thoughts simmered after a strong second episode that was able to interject life and humour into all the characters, and while there are some minor things, such as the So’s eye being covered up by make-up and the we are led to believe that no one else would’ve had the idea to, especially when it was stated that cosmetics were popular of the time period, the story did progress and effortlessly turn a comedy ensemble into a true tragedy - one that I expected to see in the first place. Continuing on with plot developments that I found flawed, I didn’t think that the 3rd Prince Yo’s fake death was necessary. It felt like a cliff-hanger to draw ratings rather than proper development. Self-imposed exile sounds much better to me; realistic, also.

As for the positives of the drama, it is a strong, gripping experience. It lulls you into a tale of romance and brotherhood but soons into a tragic tale of palace politics, for all involved. The first half of the drama was absolutely crucial for both setting the stages for what was to come, giving each prince a clear motive for each and every action throughout. Unfortunately, despite almost every one of the brothers trying not to fulfil the history of the King needing to kill all male rivals, that tale was inevitable (almost). Honestly, I’ve seen plenty of sad dramas but some of the deaths were tragic, even for my cold eyes. What was the most crushing? Honestly, it might have been the Crown Prince’s. He was the prince that the drama showed the least of but he was a tragic figure, plagued by illness (natural and otherwise) and the way he died was…well heart-breaker. Most of them were, but something about him really touched me. Of course, we may talk about the finale. A not so surprising death was Hae Soo’s. It was fitting of the drama and quite frankly, a needed one. I can often struggle to finish shows, not for any reason but it is a habit of mine. Often, I’ll wait for days or weeks before I do but the last episodes did their job of hooking me as a viewer.

Lee Joon Gi got snubbed at the 2016 SBS Drama awards for his nominated award but Kang Ha-neul won his. I won’t say who deserves what but the acting of the two does warrant praise. Lee Joon Gi was able to be the dark hero - murderous and vengful to the end but I was taken away by Kang Ha-neul’s silent anger. It radiated off the TV screen in such an intense way. Plus, his chemistry with IU was stronger than Lee Joon Gi’s in my opinion. Not that I disliked theirs. And his relationship with Park Shi Eun’s Lady Hae was perhaps the strongest of the show. IU’s acting seemed to get mixed reviews but I think hers was good. Likewise to Lee Joon Gi and Kang Ha-neul’s characters, her character changes to a more reserved one. IU is cheerful and full of life in the first half, in the second she has grown into a true Court Lady, stoic, full of grace and pride. Her acting suited the character. So I don’t see her as a weak link. The weak link was Byun Baek Hyun’ Eun but no one really cared when he was a wonderful bright spark. One that you missed when he was gone.

Would I watch it again? Yes. Absolutely. Not immediately, give me time to breathe. It’s one of those dramas. But I will.