Three Musketeers nixing follow-up seasons?
by javabeans
I can’t say that I’m surprised, but it’s still a bummer to hear that Three Musketeers may very well not get any more seasons, after being hyped up as a three-season, multimillion-dollar blockbuster project for tvN.
According to a recent interview published by one media outlet, a source with the production stated that Season 2 was essentially dead in the water, and that “the actors know that a Season 2 will not happen.” It’s a stronger declaration than we’ve been hearing so far, which has been wishy-washy at best. (Frankly I think we all know it’s not going to happen, but producers are unwilling to put the nail in the coffin and are holding out for hopes that are growing increasingly unlikely.)
Consider, for instance, what was stated a week ago when a rep with CJ E&M said that the production is still talking about a second season. Initially the station announced producing it in early 2015, but those plans have since been postponed and while talks continue, they have not resulted in decisions. With tvN’s energies focused on its mega-hit Misaeng and the drama to follow that, Heart to Heart, they won’t have the time to put into Three Musketeers till after that, which pushes it to mid-year at best.
The manager for one of the cast members affirmed that at the outset, some cast members were contracted for the first season only, while others were contracted for all three. Thus the latter actors were told that it would create no problems if they committed themselves to other projects, essentially releasing them from their Three Musketeers obligation, if unofficially.
Soon after that story hit the net, there were, of course, statements made countering the claims, stating that there was never any decision to stop production or nix a second season. However, I do notice that if you’re reading the direct quotes closely, it’s quite possible that everything is technically true without contradicting that initial story. The newer claims assert that there were no official decisions made, that Season 2 has not been cancelled (outright), and that the actors and crew all still hope for a Season 2 to happen.
The general understanding is that the low ratings were the biggest reason for the change in plans. Certainly tvN hoped that Three Musketeers would be a runaway hit and justify the price tag—and when it was being planned, that didn’t seem unreasonable to hope for, because tvN was churning out hit after hit and ratings seemed like they were only going to keep climbing. Of course, that streak didn’t last, and while the drama’s 1% ratings weren’t terrible, they were much lower than the producers wanted.
I suspect the producers were prepared for this possibility before Season 1 ended, and at least wrapped up its main storylines by season’s end. As someone who thoroughly enjoyed the show, I’m glad that at least we got to have closure for the biggest points. There were certain threads left open, of course, to serve as bridges to future seasons, but the basic story of the rookie guard Dal-hyang joining up with the Three Musketeers was fulfilled in a satisfying manner, and I’m content enough with that.
I don’t think it was a bad idea for tvN to have experimented with the multi-season idea, although it proved just how much riskier it is to make that kind of commitment before your show has established itself. Well, maybe the next case will be a more successful outing… although to be honest, I would really not mind if Korean dramas stuck to their one-and-done structure to series. Complete stories are a beautiful thing!
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Tags: sequels, Three Musketeers
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1 Xxvxx
December 9, 2014 at 3:08 AM
Say it isn't so!!! Many many of us will be devastated - considering how we are such big fans of the drama.
Brb mourning for my Crown Couple
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Mawiie
December 9, 2014 at 6:36 AM
*Sobs with you!!* But at least (???) we won't be seeing evil MR trying to seduce the king and put our Crown Couple into perilous situations? *goes look for Crown Couple MVs for better days*
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Georgie
December 9, 2014 at 12:47 PM
She maybe the reason drama won't continue... What is she a devil cat who cannot be killed... People get tired with that after a few times bouncing back alive. Although we do like the actress who plays her...
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nomad
December 9, 2014 at 6:38 AM
Joining you in mourning…I read this at the start of my day, and it completely bums me out *tears*
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4D
December 9, 2014 at 7:15 AM
How upsetting. It was one of the things I was really looking forward to next year. And the setup for the next season looked so fun!
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jandoe
December 9, 2014 at 11:22 AM
"Brb mourning for my Crown Couple"
Where you at? Let me head over to your corner to cry with you T____T
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januaryrein
December 9, 2014 at 6:57 PM
I'll bring a hankie T __T
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2 Gillian
December 9, 2014 at 3:08 AM
Still.. patiently waiting for season 2! T^T
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eny
December 9, 2014 at 5:57 AM
i really love three musketeers, i only love 2 sageuk in 2014,its empress ki n the three musketeers, sometimes rating is tricky, good show get low rating n average show get huge rating
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LJH
March 15, 2015 at 12:50 PM
I agree with you there, Nine: Time Travels Nine times, Healer, and this drama, are typical examples of very good shows getting low ratings. Ah sometimes I don't understand Korean audiences. I'm so sad that this drama is axed....NOooooooo :'(
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3 shinayame
December 9, 2014 at 3:11 AM
Noooooooooooooooooooooo.
I did have a gut feeling about this that I tried SO HARD to ignore so I'm not really surprised, but noooooooooooooooooooooo.
Well, if this isn't going to happen, could Lee Jin Wook and Yonghwa may be consider signing another drama together? I so want to see them play hyung dongsaeng again...could the drama gods please make this happen?
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4 bjharm
December 9, 2014 at 3:14 AM
will I always had trouble with the idea of one of the small fish getting any actor to agree to three years contract, more so if the first year went will and they become semi hot and the bigger fish like KBS start offering roles, or even a shot at a movie.
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5 Lulu
December 9, 2014 at 3:44 AM
UM .. does this mean there won't be a season 2 for Liar Game? That show was below 1% on average.
I'm going to cry now.
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SelenaJane
December 9, 2014 at 4:00 AM
I think that there are still hopes for liar game season. Although the ratings for LG are lower than TTM, the production cost for LG is much lower than TTM. Historical drama is always expensive for the settings, props and clothes and for TTM, there are a lot special effects which further raise the cost. And I do think that the cost for LG is lower than average modern drama because it does not have many settings. One game venue can last for one or two episodes.
But i'm really disappointrd that no more seasons for TTM. Great story. Great actors. It's my second best drama after Misaeng this year.
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jangmi77
December 9, 2014 at 5:46 AM
Well, at least with LG the actors themselves seemed confident that the show would get a S2. I think it's still up in the air though unfortunately. If the show was in a different timeslot it would have done better ratings-wise. I really hope tvN will give it a chance :/ I suppose it depends how much $$$ they get for exporting it to Japan.
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Shalini
December 9, 2014 at 11:02 AM
Hopefully tvN will take the massive volumes of comments and pleas bombarding their page seriously! Saeguks are always a hit or miss as production values are pretty high for them and low ratings and popularity can lead to problems (Take Faith for example). But Liar Game was definitely one of the lower budget dramas this year (and incredibly scripted ones!), plus the actors were assured of a second season, so I'm pretty confident that it'll all work out!
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6 ys
December 9, 2014 at 3:56 AM
I am not satisfied with the last episode of Three Musketeers but it was ok as I thought I can see more in season 2..but now..(T_T)
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houstontwin
December 9, 2014 at 12:35 PM
That's exactly how I felt. The final episode was very inconclusive and unsatisfying. I also comforted myself that continuing resolution would follow in the new season.
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eny
December 9, 2014 at 6:19 PM
i really satisfied with the last episode some dissappointed because miryung not dead, i think the confrontation with miryung is the most interesting conflict in TTM that's why they keep her in next season, there's no good drama without conflict
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7 Yuna
December 9, 2014 at 4:14 AM
I can't believe it! How can they betray the viewers this way?! Granted it did not have bigger ratings like Misaeng, but it was pretty decent overall and, who knows, the rating could increase in the next season.
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8 nobody
December 9, 2014 at 4:16 AM
Not surprised at all & to be honest, i'm not sad about the decision since the ratings were really low. Drama was just a bore.
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ahsaem
December 9, 2014 at 4:48 AM
Apparently, you already knew your thoughts didn't matter, nobody.
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nobody
December 9, 2014 at 4:57 AM
Well, my thoughts seem to be a big deal for you since you just replied to me. Not that smart heh? ;)
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changhyun
December 9, 2014 at 9:21 AM
Unfortunately I have to agree with you. I got bored of the drama quickly and YJH just doesn't do it for me with his acting...he's improved for sure but still not great.
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calililly
December 9, 2014 at 5:31 PM
well i do agree with nobody...it was just an ok drama, but honestly i didn't continue watching after the 1st episode... f
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4D
December 9, 2014 at 7:25 PM
I was bored with the first episode but it picked up for me later on. I think that's a lot of the rating issue...it didn't start of strong. The best episodes were later on.
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9 Delphine
December 9, 2014 at 4:22 AM
:'(
So sad, I really liked that drama and there was so much potential for a season 2...
sadsadsad...
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10 Fun-Lugha
December 9, 2014 at 4:24 AM
So ur telling me God's Quiz, Vampire Prosecutor and TEN have been consistently churning out the numbers hence the multiple seasons? (Wait a minute they are all OCN innit? Maybe OCN dont bother with ratings much?!!) Interesting!
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jangmi77
December 9, 2014 at 5:51 AM
The ratings were better for those 3 shows than TTM's 1% average I think. VP and Ten were pretty consistently over 2%. Not sure about GQ though.
OCN do care about ratings as well. Both OCN and tvN are owned by the same conglomerate (CJ E&M).
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11 Chandler
December 9, 2014 at 4:30 AM
Oh.
Well, I'm sad. Like really sad. This was one of my favorite shows this year and I loved having this guarantee for more, because, that way, I knew I'd have at least one solid show to look forward to for the year, when everything else is, more or less, a gamble. And I was so looking forward to where the story would go next season!
Damn...It'll take me awhile to get over this news. In fact, I doubt I'll ever really get over it. I spent too much time wondering about all the things they could do next season and got attached.
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4D
December 9, 2014 at 7:18 AM
I'm the same in that it was one thing I could "count on" for next year. I do think the show had a slow start and perhaps did not pick up as many viewers but I was hoping word of mouth might help pick up numbers for the next season....plus they already have the costumes and such now. *sigh*
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12 kyl
December 9, 2014 at 4:31 AM
NOOOOOOOOOOOO was my initial reaction. I'm sad there will be no more seasons because where would I get my smirky Lee Jin-wook and his princess dose? I thought the ratings were not that bad....wasn't it around 1.5-1.6ish? If TTM is axed....then I'll be looking forward to the writer's next project. But still :(
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13 Plus 9
December 9, 2014 at 4:49 AM
I don't know why but Dramas nowadays in korea don't get high ratings (except the family dramas for weekdays or weekend I think). After You From Another Star no drama got a 20%. For cables, yes, Misaeng is a mega hit. But if Misaeng aired in 2012 or 2013 it can go up to 15%. Well still hoping for the season 2.
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karecity
December 9, 2014 at 10:29 AM
I think Empress Ki was the only other weekday hit this year.
Everything else has been struggling to hit 10%. I think this year saw the most number of major flops that consistently get less than 5%.
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PeepsLeAwesomePotato
December 9, 2014 at 12:22 PM
Because nowadays, it's easier to watch online. No need to huddle in front of the TV and watch commercials while waiting for the first telecast. You can even watch dramas on trains now.
Also, there are more channels, like tVN, OCN... etc.
And there are overseas shows to watch on the internet.
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houstontwin
December 9, 2014 at 12:47 PM
I watch everything online and subscribe to a few different sources for both American and international dramas. It's too bad that online viewership isn't assessed (or valued) by the networks. Don't they profit when they give rights to sites like dramafever or hulu?
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calililly
December 9, 2014 at 5:33 PM
well you can't compare with misaeng because misaeng is on cable TVN vs You From Another Star was on a major broadcast channel...if you don't pay for cable, you don't watch so misaeng can't go to 15%...but if you include online views which major ratings don't include, it's a different story
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14 Mandy
December 9, 2014 at 4:54 AM
Nooooooo!!! I was looking forward to it. The ending leaves me in limbo as it is sort of complete yet to be continued.
On a side note should I abandon my hopes of Season 3 of Vampire Prosecutor???Pleeeeeease!
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15 museofmanymasks
December 9, 2014 at 4:58 AM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! This was a really solid effort and I was looking forward to the show getting even better. I actually converted family members with this drama! What about the age old bromance (Seung-Po!)?! And our royal couple were just falling in love! WHAT ABOUT INGGULDAI?! *Rocks back and forth in corner* Can we start a prayer circle or something? Even if we have to wait a little longer, that's better than not having one at all...
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tiadebella
December 9, 2014 at 6:27 AM
^ This. All of it. With you in prayer!
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16 Madame Kim
December 9, 2014 at 5:07 AM
Ok I'm officially devastated. I was waiting for Season 2 so much. Damnittttt
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17 whimsy
December 9, 2014 at 5:11 AM
Oh my... this is like VP3 all over again. :'( I hope the project pushes through. I want to see some more sweet & cute Crown Couple scenes.
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18 Wag_a_Muffin
December 9, 2014 at 5:12 AM
Well, rats.
and curses.
I really enjoyed that show.
But from this I will learn not to lose my heart to a drama that promises a "possible" future. (Really, that is something that drew me to Korean Dramas in the first place. The fact that they aren't open ended.)
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19 Sugarcandy
December 9, 2014 at 5:13 AM
TTM is such an amazing drama
i just wanna cryyyyyyyy
why TVN why........the second season could have reached high rating
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20 zisel
December 9, 2014 at 5:27 AM
So sad ... after season 1, I was patiently waiting for PDH (Yong Hwa) to appear on my screen again ... really miss PDH so much and would love to see his adventures with the musketeers (& many others), as well as how this country boy becomes a general. Was hoping YH will sing an OST for this drama in the next season ... so sad.
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21 jinsel
December 9, 2014 at 5:29 AM
This isn't confirmed is it?
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22 atz
December 9, 2014 at 5:30 AM
they can't do this!!!NO!!!!!!
They were well scripted and filmed really well. The acting over all was very impressive.
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23 lovelynfun
December 9, 2014 at 5:47 AM
Dear TVN, I want a 'Answer Me 1999' !
Thanks. ^^
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Cray
December 9, 2014 at 6:05 AM
Me Too!!!
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24 wackycashew
December 9, 2014 at 6:01 AM
Awww... I was really looking forward to more growth in Park Dal Hyang as he continues to serve in his role to the Crown Prince. Not to mention more bromance with the 3 musketeers as well as developing the relationship between the Crown Prince and Princess now that he knows his feelings for her. Definitely one of the best dramas of the year.
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25 korini
December 9, 2014 at 6:03 AM
Sniff! I knew that the announcement of the three series undermined the show. Everyone thought: I'll watch season 1 a little before the season 2. It's a shame because it was the only fully fun drama of the year.
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26 Adal
December 9, 2014 at 6:32 AM
Bummer!
I really looked forward to season 2. It'll still go down as an out and out favorite of mine. Rollicking good fun.
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27 Katigie
December 9, 2014 at 6:35 AM
Nooooooo!!!! So well written, acted, and so stylishly filmed! Got other US friends hooked on this. I can certainly see that the expenses were high--some of those shots, wow!--but this is a heartbreaker. Could a Chinese pick-up change their mind?
On the bright side, Yong Hwa should now be recognized as a fine actor with comedic, action and poignant facets. I've always found him convincing, but his former roles didn't have enough scope. Here's hoping good scripts will come his way again--soon!
And I'm still hoping for seasons two and three--surely they wouldn't want to waste those lovely clothes...
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Yan
December 9, 2014 at 5:38 PM
I am going to miss PDH ... YongHwa is such a fine actor.
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28 modestgoddess
December 9, 2014 at 6:36 AM
One of the best dramas of the year. It is a shame the ratings were so low.
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modestgoddess
December 9, 2014 at 6:41 AM
I wish they'd just given us a 16 episode season of 2 episodes a week. I wonder if the 1 episode a week wait turned people away.
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jinsel
December 9, 2014 at 7:22 AM
i'm sure the 1 episode a week made ppl lose interest... they could have possibly forgotten to tune in after a whole week and subsequently just forgot about the whole show. :( i hope it's not finalized yet and the airing date is merely postponed.
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korini
December 9, 2014 at 9:45 AM
Exactly! That's part of the problem and I do not understand why a network experiments with once a week show for twelve weeks and three seasons while expecting huge ratings. That's incomprehensible to me. Though TVN is kinda losing its mojo joggling with genres and dramas that really belong in different networks (Valid Love is obviously a JTBC drama in theme -infidelity-lovetriangle-marriage).
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iamdeb
December 9, 2014 at 11:41 AM
I was confused about that too, especially with the large budget for the show.
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29 dafuqwhat
December 9, 2014 at 6:38 AM
joining the chorus of NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
While it have its flaw, it was so good! Good story, good sense of humour, good cast, and I finally like Yong Hwa.. Why universe waee
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30 judepps
December 9, 2014 at 7:09 AM
Andwee!! So devastated to hear this news..ive been waiting like forever for season2 and suddenly they'll gonna end it this way? As if airing once a week hasnt been a torture in the 1st place..TTM is a good drama to be wasted just because it didnt pick up in the rating...and their expectations. Wonder if airing schedule* once a week* contributed to low rating. If they aired twice a week i think its not impossible for the ratings to pick up..There are a lot of people whom i knew that couldnt tag along with the airing pattern, and chose to let the season 1 end before marathonibg it..so i guess if they'll try twice a week airing there might be some improvements with teh rating..I hope they will consider every possible moves before finally closing its curtain for season2.. I really love this drama and its a shame not to do a season2. Whoa! Please bring back my Dalhyang! T_T
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31 Milaiski
December 9, 2014 at 7:10 AM
No!!!!!! My Lee Jin wook supply. How about the crown couple? Seung po! He has nit memorized his kids names yet!! No!!!! Just no!!!
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32 mintiefresh
December 9, 2014 at 7:13 AM
:( :( :(
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33 owl 🦉 🫰
December 9, 2014 at 7:40 AM
Along with everyone else I am pretty disappointed. There's no accounting for ratings taste, I guess. You would think that an established story with universal appeal that has been interpreted in another culture with a dash of artistic license would have no problem gaining followers. The cinematography and costumes were delightful and the cast killed it. I am such a sucker for holding out for the possibility of a go, pleez tvN ...
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34 yeonu
December 9, 2014 at 8:01 AM
Noooo I'm sooooo sad... I loved this show and was so excited about a second season. Please just make a second season or i'll hate you TVN grrr
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35 nuna
December 9, 2014 at 8:02 AM
They cant stop now! The show is not done. Story is not complete! Give us the musketeers!
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36 crazyahjummafan
December 9, 2014 at 8:23 AM
I'm devastated! Really loved this drama! Loved the bromance, the royal couple, the swashbuckling actions and the fun! Then of course, there were Lee Jin Wook and Yong Hwa. It was all that the 3 musketeers was supposed to be! Was looking forward to it next year! Sad, really sad. :(
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37 Kavitha Ravi
December 9, 2014 at 8:36 AM
Seriously this is just disappointing.... I was looking forward to season 2.....they have left some loose ends I would like for them to be addressed also i was looking forward to the romance between sohyeon and the bigun sigh they were adorable.....now Im just bummed....
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38 Mandy
December 9, 2014 at 8:57 AM
Oh no! I kinda expected them to at least have another season and then decide against the third. But ratings always have a huge say in the final decision so I guess it's not all that shocking. It's unfortunate though. I thought it had a lot of potential to continue on. Now I wish it was just an ordinary 16 or 20 episoder so all the lose ends were tied and we got a settled ending.
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39 Gwinna
December 9, 2014 at 8:57 AM
Well, that's annoying. They shouldn't promise three seasons if they're not going to follow through. TTM wasn't an amazing drama for me, but it was a solidly entertaining one, which is still more than I can say for most dramas. Definitely an unpleasant piece of news to wake up to.
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40 CaroleMcDonnell
December 9, 2014 at 8:59 AM
ah gee! They should've given it a chance!
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41 Auntiemame
December 9, 2014 at 10:39 AM
Perhaps, they should identify what went wrong to bring in the low ratings and fix it for the 2nd season.
Won't that be the more logical thing to do, instead of ditching the entire concept?
Is this a case of throwing out the baby, along with the bath water?
Oh, well, what do we know? We're ONLY the viewers . . .
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42 aysha
December 9, 2014 at 12:14 PM
I am looking forward next season. Plz considers our hops
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43 omgtv
December 9, 2014 at 12:45 PM
I'm so bummed. This totally ruined my day. PLEASE DRAMA GODS! I BEG YOU! DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN!!!
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44 revlow
December 9, 2014 at 2:21 PM
So we're not going to get the back story of An Min-Seo in drag? Darn.
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ffiza
December 9, 2014 at 8:33 PM
Now that you remind me of that pretty Anh Min-Seo, I'm so sad... He's my favourite musketeer
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45 Laya is totally not a BOICE or a Primadonna noona
December 9, 2014 at 2:33 PM
NOOOOOOO! I was so looking forward to this T___T
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46 Rainbows & Unicorn
December 9, 2014 at 4:20 PM
i really hope that there will be another season. this isn't fair at all. why lead us on all this time if they weren't going to make a second season?
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47 Beanfan
December 9, 2014 at 6:02 PM
I just started watching TTM, and while I think it could definitely have been improved in some ways, I guess it IS the kind of story that would definitely work over multiple seasons. Maybe that's why it felt kind of slow to me? Perhaps it deliberately took it's time, thinking it would have a longer time span to tell it's story?
I didn't know there was to be a 2nd or 3rd season in the first place, so I'm not experiencing any disappointment per se. But I was kinda wondering why the action scenes seemed to be so...leisurely? Like, many galloping, running and fighting scenes seemed slower than necessary. Maybe a better soundtrack might've conveyed the speed if, say, the actors couldn't ride at full gallop, etc.?
A'way, I was watching purely to get my Lee Jin-Wook fix.. Hopefully, even if he doesn't star in a 2nd season, he'll star in another drama soon! I disliked the crown princess when she played the 2nd lead in Feast of the Gods, but she's been pretty likable in TTM.
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48 twentyonebuds
December 9, 2014 at 6:22 PM
NOOOOOoooooooo......
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49 januaryrein
December 9, 2014 at 6:46 PM
waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh T_T
I've been hearing about this since Monday and Im so
sad that we'll never see season two or three..
I just hope they make a decision soon..
#fighting
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50 Nmwe
December 9, 2014 at 7:04 PM
I am a big fan of TTM and I really really liked it. Why won't they continue with season 2 when the story is there and actors are great??? If they allowed this series to be readily available to view in major website, it might help with intl popularity of the show. I had such a hard time trying to find a site that will let me watch this show with sub.
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