Six Flying Dragons: Episode 47

173 March 15, 2016March 15, 2016

by HeadsNo2

It’s time to buckle your seat belts and gird your loins for an hour that takes no prisoners, and one that does so with aplomb. This kind of episode is the reason we watch and love sageuk, and for this show especially, it’s the kind of episode we’ve been tuning in week after week for. Powerful, stirring, brilliant—you name it, Six Flying Dragons is it. If the last three episodes carry this kind of momentum forward, then we’ll all be emotional messes by this time next week. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

SONG OF THE DAY

TVXQ – “Catch Me” [ Download ]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

EPISODE 47 RECAP

While Bang-won charges Jukryong and his men to take care of Bang-ji, Jung Do-jeon receives news that King Taejo is still not well enough to join them on their expedition. Instead of delaying the date again, Jung Do-jeon is to lead the armies to Pyeongyang, and the king will join them when he’s feeling better.

Bang-ji, meanwhile, gets an ominous feeling about Yeon-hee and sets out to find her. She’s still on her way home, a bright smile on her face as she holds the amulet Bang-ji gave her—the same one that Grandma originally gave to him.

She ends up heading back the way she came, and meets Bang-ji halfway on the road. She runs up to him and throws her arms around him, before removing the amulet from around her neck to place it around his. He’ll need it more than she will.

“Make sure to come back alive,” she cautions him. Bang-ji takes a step forward in answer, then leans in for a kiss. It leaves Yeon-hee slightly shaken, but she takes heart in his promise to come back alive. Nothing else needs to be said.

Boon-yi goes down into the weapons storage shed to find it empty, which means that Bang-won has already put his plan into motion. She finds Grandma there too, who immediately takes Boon-yi by the hand and pleads forgiveness for both her and Moo-hyul.

But of a more pressing concern is Bang-won’s plan, which Grandma says is supposed to take place this very night. Both Gab-boon and Boon-yi’s scribe overhear this, and both go to save their masters—Bang-ji and Jung Do-jeon, respectively.

In tears, Grandma swears that Bang-ji is supposed to stay safe tonight, that Moo-hyul promised her he would be. Bang-won has no quarrel with Bang-ji, only Jung Do-jeon.

Without a clock or the aid of the sun, Bang-won has six incense sticks to mark the passage of time instead, with the plan being that Bang-ji must be lured away from Jung Do-jeon before the last of them can burn out.

On their way to their task, Jukryong and his monks encounter Yeon-hee and her guard, the leader of the Hwasadan warriors. She tells Yeon-hee to run while she takes care of Jukryong, though Yeon-hee won’t leave her behind.

She even manages to stay one of the monks by using her hairpin as a weapon, but the Amazonian proves to be no match for Jukryong, who makes short work of her. As Bang-ji heads toward the sound of clashing swords, Yeon-hee finds herself face to face with Jukryong—and two very sharp swords.

Jukryong is waiting for Bang-ji when he arrives, and tells him where he can find Yeon-hee. Ah, so this was their plan to lure Bang-ji away all along.

Ha Ryun joins Bang-won as he waits for that final incense stick to burn out, and presents him with what sounds like a fictional account of the events to come now, but it’s what will become true historical record in the future.

In it, the account tells of how Jung Do-jeon plotted treason against the royal family, and how Bang-won raised a righteous army to stop him. Then it tells of how Jung Do-jeon will die, only after running from his fate, kneeling before Bang-won to beg, and eventually being beheaded by Bang-won himself.

Bang-won likes this story, and sets out to make the events detailed within come true as soon as Jukryong delivers word that Bang-ji has gone. He and his two older brothers, Bang-gan and Bang-gwa, begin marching with their armies toward Officer Nam’s vacation home to find Jung Do-jeon.

But Gab-boon gets there before they can to look for Bang-ji, and in the process, warns Jung Do-jeon about the army Bang-won has raised. Bang-won’s forces are at the gates before the guards can prepare, with both brothers calling upon their favored soldiers to lead the charge.

Moo-hyul gets to roar his signature “Warrior Moo-hyul!” line as he advances ahead of the army, sword at the ready. The guards in the courtyard are swiftly dealt with, which leaves Jung Do-jeon and Officer Nam little time to escape before Bang-won reaches them.

Bang-ji catches up to the party holding Yeon-hee hostage, led by none other than Scholar Jo Mal-saeng. Yeon-hee doesn’t care about her own life, and tells Bang-ji that this is all a scheme to lure him away from Jung Do-jeon—regardless of what happens to her, she wants him to go and save him.

In Officer Nam’s courtyard, Bang-won looks at the carnage unfolding dispassionately, while elder brother Bang-gan gets more hands-on with guard disposal.

Moo-hyul makes a significant kill in Shim Hyo-saeng (Bang-seok’s father-in-law), and it’s eerie when he yells out the name of the fallen. It’s so that Bang-won, who has individual slips of paper written with the names of those he wants dead, can hear and burn Shim Hyo-saeng’s slip. One down.

As more names pour in, Bang-won burns their papers accordingly. It’s a bloodbath of epic proportions, and Bang-won even takes to smiling as he burns more and more names. He only has two left now: Jung Do-jeon and Officer Nam.

Bang-ji is faced with a terrible choiceeither leave her to her fate and save Jung Do-jeon, or leave Jung Do-jeon to save her. A great warrior he may be, but he won’t be fast enough to save Yeon-hee should he try, and Jo Mal-saeng knows it.

So does Bang-ji, who drops his sword immediately. He can’t leave her, even though that knowledge brings Yeon-hee to tears. But then, in the ensuing silence, she seems to come to a decision.

Her expression stills, and she looks Bang-ji in the eyes as her own lips soften into a smile. She says his name—his real name—as a single tear snakes down her cheek. Then, she leans into the blade being held at her, and slits her own throat.

All this happens before Bang-ji can even react. The second the soldiers lose their bargaining chip in Yeon-hee, they scatter, leaving a wide-eyed Bang-ji to stumble over to Yeon-hee’s prone form.

She’s still alive, but barely, and his hands can’t hold in all the blood pouring from her mortal wound. “It’s not your fault,” she whispers, the same way she’d once told him when they were children. “Remember… this is not your fault…”

In her last moments, she makes sure to add that Bang-ji shouldn’t think of this as being due to his inability to protect her. He can protect her dream instead, so with her final breaths, she tells him to go to Jung Do-jeon.

Yeon-hee goes limp in his embrace, with tears still wet on her cheeks. Bang-ji trembles as he tries to gather her more tightly in his arms before letting out a heart-wrenching sob. Then he just cries and cries.

With all Officer Nam’s resisting forces dead and Jung Do-jeon still nowhere to be found, Bang-won takes his army to the office of military affairs. Despite the small hiccup with Jung Do-jeon, everyone still has a job to do. At his daughter’s urging, Daddy Min goes to complete his task of convincing Jo Joon over to their side.

Likewise, Bang-gwa pays a seemingly congenial visit to Ji-ran, though he’s there on Bang-won’s orders. He’s to wait for further orders on what he’s to do about their father’s sworn brother.

Sa-kwang comes upon the mass of bodies at Officer Nam’s, noting aptly that the air is thick with the smell of blood. Meanwhile, it’s another massacre over at the military affairs office, one which Jung Do-jeon and Officer Nam have managed to escape by following Gab-boon into hiding in Sungkyunkwan. But Sinister Minister Woo hears everything while lurking nearby.

Boon-yi heads over to Hwasadan to find Yeon-hee, but finds the remnants of a massacre instead. She runs into Jukryong among the sea of bodies, and even with a sword held to her throat for the billionth time, she boldly asks what he’s done with Yeon-hee.

“She’s not in this world anymore,” Jukryong replies, as if he were commenting on the weather. Boon-yi can’t help the immediate grief that floods her, and finds at least a small measure of relief in Jukryong’s admission that they didn’t kill Bang-ji.

But in a strange display of magnanimousness, Jukryong decides to let Boon-yi go. When asked why, he explains that it’s complicated, which likely means that he doesn’t want to piss off Bang-won by hurting one of the women he loves.

Bang-ji makes it to Officer Nam’s house long after the armies have gone, finding only dead bodies in their wake. One of the men speaks, but is only able to tell him that Jung Do-jeon escaped the attack by Bang-won before he too becomes just another corpse.

Bang-won’s plan is going smoothly, but he knows just as well as Ha Ryun that their ultimate success or failure rests upon their ability to find Jung Do-jeon. They’ve got the palace surrounded in the meantime, but they’re counting on King Taejo not feeling well enough to confront their armies in battle armor, lest their men lose their morale.

Despite all that Bang-won has done, Jung Do-jeon can’t help but be a little in awe of his once-pupil’s deviousness and meticulousness in cooking up this grand scheme. He knows what Bang-won intends to do, and knows that his plan will fail if he can’t kill either him or Officer Nam.

All they have to do is hold out the night, and find a way to get to Sukjeongmun (the Northern gate) before morning. If they can make it there and rendezvous with their Liaodong Expedition army, they might just be able to stop Bang-won. More importantly, only one of them needs to make it to the gate.

Bang-won gets a surprise visit in the form of Sinister Minister Woo Hak-joo, who asks for nothing in return for telling him that Jung Do-jeon is hiding in Sungkyunkwan.

Even Bang-won is taken aback by this unforeseen kindness, though Minister Woo makes it clear that he still despises Bang-won. But just for tonight, he hopes that luck will be on Bang-won’s side in catching Jung Do-jeon.

Before Officer Nam and Jung Do-jeon part ways, the former stops to deliver the latter a formal bow. They both know that this could be their last time seeing each other, so Jung Do-jeon has to ask, “What did you believe in to follow me the way you have?”

He knows he’s flawed, and not particularly likable, which is what causes Officer Nam to smile broadly. “I didn’t have a particular reason,” Officer Nam explains. And then, sheepishly, he says it was because of a nickname Jung Do-jeon had in Sungkyunkwan. Jung never heard it because no one wanted him to, but his nickname was, simply, “Dummy.”

And because of that, Officer Nam thought he and Jung Do-jeon would get along well. Even Jung can’t help but laugh at that, but the levity doesn’t last long. “Following you has been my honor,” Nam says, his tone grave.

“Thank you, truly,” Jung replies, along with a more lighthearted warning that if they survive this and see each other at Sukjeongmun, they’ll have to forget this conversation ever existed. It’ll be too embarrassing otherwise. It’s all to hide the tears that spring to his eyes when Officer Nam turns his back. Aww.

Jung Do-jeon can’t even be surprised when he learns that Bang-won is bringing his army to the gates of Sungkyunkwan, and instead, just sits and smiles as he takes it all in.

Bang-won splits his forces up in order to cover all the gates leading in and out of Sungkyunkwan, leaving Moo-hyul to lead a small contingent of his own. But Moo-hyul’s worried about Bang-ji showing up, and sends his men away to cover the main gates while he anticipates which smaller entrance Bang-ji might use.

It’s only when he and his army reach the doors to Daeseongjeon, a shrine in Sungkyunkwan erected to memorialize Confucius, that Bang-won stops. Even though they’ve killed scores of men and broken every rule tonight, charging into that shrine with weapons drawn is just not something Bang-won can do without a royal command.

Ha Ryun is left to stand beside him in utter shock, wondering somewhat comically if they can even call what they’re doing a coup d’état if they have to receive royal permission for it first. But Bang-won ignores him, turning instead to his army as he asks them to call out in unison for Jung Do-jeon to come out.

Either Jung Do-jeon will, or he’ll escape out the back, in which case Bang-won has soldiers waiting. There’s a kind of madness lurking in his gaze as he informs Ha Ryun that this is all as it should be—they’re making history, and to do that, Jung needs to fulfill his narrative purpose by running away.

Instead of escaping, Jung Do-jeon takes brush to paper to write a message to Bang-won, which he has the village ajusshi deliver. Even as the soldiers outside call for the “Traitor Jung Do-jeon” to come out on Bang-won’s command, they stop with one hand motion from Bang-won.

Bang-won doesn’t quite know how to process the letter, giving it to Ha Ryun to read instead. Poor Ha Ryun is again put in a situation where he has to be the bearer of bad news when he reads aloud: “Be silent. I will be out shortly.” Hah.

It takes Bang-won actually reading the letter himself for him to believe it, and he breaks out in hysterical laughter. “Everyone, be silent!” he yells to the soldiers. “My teacher says he needs time!” Ha Ryun’s expression tells us he’s worried about Bang-won’s sanity, while Bang-won’s expression is an intense, unreadable mixture.

Jung Do-jeon gives the village ajusshi one last task, in delivering a letter to his brother. The ajusshi gives him a formal bow and thanks him for everything, vowing on his life to make sure the letter reaches its intended target.

At long last, Jung Do-jeon begins his trek outside. Sungkyunkwan students who’ve been awoken by all the ruckus wait for him outside, and his last bit of advice leaves them all in weeping messes on the ground: “Even if many things change tomorrow, I hope that you all will not.”

Bang-ji shoots through one of the smaller entrances into Banchon, only to come face to face with Moo-hyul, who’s been waiting for him. The realization hits him like a punch to the gut, and a tear escapes as he tells Moo-hyul that he has to go save Jung Do-jeon. “Move aside.”

“Bang-ji-ya,” Moo-hyul almost whispers. “I will ask you a favor for the first time: Please, go back.” But when Bang-ji draws his sword instead, Moo-hyul’s face falls even as he draws his own sword. This battle is inevitable.

Bang-won has to hide his disappointment when Jung Do-jeon emerges from the gates rather than running away, though he affords his old teacher a bow of respectful acknowledgment.

So when Jung Do-jeon asks to take a walk, Bang-won acquiesces, and his army stands aside. They follow at a close distance though, as the two men take an otherwise seemingly easy stroll through the empty alleyways of Sungkyunkwan.

To Bang-won’s question about why he didn’t run away, Jung Do-jeon answers simply, “Because there is no need to. The nation you and I seek to make is, truthfully, the same. So what difference does it make if I achieve it, or you do? It is only that my way has been broken, so I am simply stepping aside. Since you know my idea and design better than anyone, I am sure you will do a good job.”

Bang-won takes a few steps in silence, then clearly tries to get some sort of rise out of the placid Jung Do-jeon by announcing that he won’t carry on with the Liaodong Expedition. Jung just nods knowingly: “That is for the ones who survive to decide. The living will ponder and think it over for themselves, and usher in the new era. Should the dead usher in the new era?”

They stop then, and turn to each other. Jung Do-jeon has tears in his eyes and a rueful smile on his face as he adds with some finality, “I am weary, Bang-won-ah.”

Bang-won draws his sword in silence, and Jung Do-jeon has one last moment of internal realization before Bang-won drives his sword through his belly. His robes grow wet with blood as he slowly crumples to his knees, just in time for Boon-yi and Gab-boon to see.

Jung Do-jeon’s head lolls, his chin dropping to his chest where he kneels. Bang-won drops his sword, still wet with Jung Do-jeon’s blood, as he looks at the shape of his former teacher. Though he still kneels, Jung Do-jeon is dead, and Bang-won only calls for Ha Ryun to strike from the record the part about Jung Do-jeon running away.

And with that, Bang-won walks away, brushing straight past Boon-yi as if she isn’t there. Each step he takes triggers another memory of Jung Do-jeon, dating all the way back to when he first saw him lead the protest at the capital gates, to when he first came upon the map of New Joseon in the cave, to when Jung had explained the basic tenants of the new nation he planned to create that sounded all so exciting.

What he remembers most is the moment Jung Do-jeon took him in, when he was lost and just looking for a cause to believe in. But in the present, he has only Jung Do-jeon’s name written on a slip of paper, a name which he then drops into the flames.

COMMENTS

Powerful. This whole episode was exceptionally well-shot and choreographed in order to milk every ounce of intensity it could from every single frame, and to that I say: Bravo. Even without history in the mix, this kind of major character death is one that can’t be taken lightly, and Six Flying Dragons definitely gave that pivotal moment all the due respect and fanfare it deserved.

Though Jung Do-jeon hasn’t made it easy for us to like him as of late, it was hard not to see his graceful acceptance of his fate as a sort of recompense for all that he’s done. Granted, we wouldn’t have expected any less of a dedicated Confucian scholar like Jung Do-jeon, but he managed to outdo himself here. Despite his differences with Bang-won, he’s no fool, neither is he a villain. And so what he got was a hero’s death, even if it was at the hands of our story’s proverbial hero.

The interesting thing about the way Dragons handles Bang-won is that, while it clearly has anointed him as the main protagonist, it doesn’t try to hide his evil deeds or bloodthirsty nature from us. Even in this hour when he started to come off a little unhinged, he was still firmly grounded in everything we’ve come to expect of him so far. Everything he did was rooted in who he is, and how his journey has brought him here. We can understand even if we can’t necessarily sympathize, yet somehow, we always end up doing just that.

So the fact that he could kill Jung Do-jeon without the powers-that-be trying to flip the tables or make a stance on who’s necessarily right or wrong was actually something I really, really admired, but it’s not really a sentiment I feel able to get across in words as well as the show did in action. Because in the end, neither man really is more righteous than the other, since both have ideas that are dangerous in their own respects. Jung Do-jeon knew as much, which is likely why he felt a strange sort of peace when his time came. He knew that Bang-won wasn’t going to dissolve the nation he worked so hard to create—and as for the issue of kingly power, there’s always Hidden Root.

And while I don’t quite understand why Ha Ryun would cook up a record of history that hadn’t happened yet, since as a strategist he must know how things don’t always go according to plan, I’m sure he came to regret it the more he saw how negatively it influenced Bang-won. But it was comforting in the end that Bang-won was gentlemanly enough (despite killing the man he once idolized) to preserve what he could of his honor as it would be recorded in history. The dangling thread that was Bang-won’s sanity this episode would’ve surely been pulled had Jung Do-jeon actually ran away, so in a way, Bang-won has Jung Do-jeon to thank for that too. He actually has Jung Do-jeon to thank for a lot of things, and so do we.

So rest in peace, Jung Do-jeon. You too, Yeon-hee.

173

Required fields are marked *

1 Cutesoprano

March 15, 2016 at 8:12 PM

you know how may times I visit dramabeans just to read the recaps of six flying dragons?ahahahaa..
so sad it will be end by next week..
thanks for recap headsno2

Required fields are marked *

2 SBC

March 15, 2016 at 8:16 PM

Refreshed so many times today! Thanks for the recaps! I just cannot get enough of this drama.

Required fields are marked *

3 little-muffin

March 15, 2016 at 8:17 PM

SO AWESOME. I've said this week after week and I will keep saying it, SFD is SO AWESOME.

This episode reminds me a bit of episode 25, where there's no daylight. I love it when the team dares to take it slow and just make one episode fully dedicated to one thing. You cannot rush the ending to a great man and I'm glad JDJ (or Kim Myung-min in this matter) got a satisfying honorable closure.

And once again, Yoo Ah-in gave an amazing performance.

This has got to be the best sageuk I've ever watched. Hands down.

Required fields are marked *

nomad

March 15, 2016 at 9:24 PM

+alpha!!!

Required fields are marked *

magnolia

March 15, 2016 at 9:45 PM

Agree!

Required fields are marked *

Adal

March 15, 2016 at 11:21 PM

Me too!

Required fields are marked *

Cutesoprano

March 16, 2016 at 1:04 AM

agree..SFD is sooooooo AMAZING..!! Yoo Ah In's acting is top..

Required fields are marked *

4 kookicookie

March 15, 2016 at 8:17 PM

Is it just me or can anybody else not see the review. In other news so many casualties this episode!!

Required fields are marked *

kookicookie

March 15, 2016 at 8:19 PM

of course once I post my comment my computer decides to work...

Required fields are marked *

5 Rach

March 15, 2016 at 8:18 PM

Gah! Thank you for the recap! I've been refreshing for whole day for this recap haha.

I've only been reading the recaps but I think I'll start watching this when everything is subbed and finished airing. My love for Yoo Ah In wasn't enough for me to start a 50 ep drama, but Yoo AhIn AND a good story, I'm in! Also when will MooHyul get his dragon status !! And I wonder what'll happen with BoonYi since she's a fictional character! Only one more week to go

Required fields are marked *

azzo

March 16, 2016 at 12:01 AM

I think Moo-hyul is gonna get his dragon status when he kills CSG, I want to say more but I'm afraid it'll be considered as spoiler so I will comment when heads posts episode 48 recap!! can's wait!

Required fields are marked *

azzo

March 16, 2016 at 12:02 AM

can't**

Required fields are marked *

Kaoren

March 16, 2016 at 1:24 AM

I'm still hoping he'll learn from CSG, if only because of what we've seen so far:

CSG > LBJ >= Moo-hyul.

No idea if Moo-hyul could fight on par with LBJ (I've seen Episode 48 too, so I'll leave it at that), but at this point in time, I still don't quite see him overtaking LBJ though I could be wrong (and maybe he takes a level in badass and self-confidence!)

Required fields are marked *

As3beaniebean

March 16, 2016 at 1:46 AM

I think Moohyul will get bis title when Bangwon 'gives' him to Sejong later (maybe in last episode). Because the actors are spotted filming in Lee Do (Sejong)'s room.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 2:15 AM

I hope it's going to be Song Joong Ki but they will need to bring back Baek Yoon-Sik (King Taejong) from Tree. YAI looks way too young to be Joong Ki's father even with the beard on.

I'm guessing it would be the child version of Lee Do.

PeepsLeAwesomePotato

March 16, 2016 at 2:43 AM

@Kiara: I was wondering about the possibility of them maybe doing some drama magic by turning Yoo AhIn waaaay older and Song JoongKi waaaay younger and put it about 5 years before Lee Do ascended the throne since I've seen that magic done on Kim MyungMin in King of Dramas until I found out that Yoo AhIn is a year younger than Song JoongKi. Hah!

I will respect their makeup artists and clothing co-ordinator if they do manage to pull it off.

PeepsLeAwesomePotato

March 16, 2016 at 2:45 AM

I mean, "respect forever and a lot"

I already respect everyone involved on this brilliant production.

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 4:19 AM

@Peeps
It'll make my day to see Song Joong Ki and YAI together again on screen. If they can age YAI with makeup it would be awesome.

I'm doubtful because they should've said something already if Song Joong Ki would make a cameo appearance.

PeepsLeAwesomePotato

March 16, 2016 at 4:57 AM

I knowwwwww... plus Song Joong Ki is currently recovering from several injuries from shooting his own drama but as Signal taught me -- everything is possible as long as one doesn't give up.

*delusionalcuckoo*

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 2:10 AM

I hope there is a more justifiable reason for Moo-hyul to fight Sa Gwang like why Bang Ji had to kill Gil Tae-Mi . Just because he needs a dragon title is not good enough.

Moo-hyul never beat Bang Ji based on Tree. I thought their fight today would explain why Bang Ji kicked his ass and let him live in shame but come to think of it Bang Ji doesn't know that it was Moo-hyul's idea to kidnapped Yeon Hee to lure him away from Sambong.

*sigh* Moo-hyul-ah. Glad he survived but if Bang Ji were to kill him he has a justifiable reason to do so.

Required fields are marked *

Kaoren

March 16, 2016 at 2:16 AM

Oooh, thanks! I've never seen Tree, so this helps me contextualise the things I've seen. (I'm definitely planning on watching it, but I'd like to watch it after SFD so it flows better for me.)

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 4:21 PM

After watching episode 48, Moo-hyul admitted that it was his plan to use Yeon Hee to lure Bang Ji away from Sambong.

I love Moo-hyul to pieces but I am taking Bang Ji's side here. If he didn't mean to get Yeon Hee killed then he shouldn't have done it. He underestimated Yeon Hee's loyalty to Sambong.

I'm glad he got smarter in Tree lol.

little-muffin

March 16, 2016 at 12:13 AM

Actually I don't think Moo-hyul will ever get his dragon no 6 status. It will be a bit weird if he suddenly get one now, after more than 40 episodes waiting for it.
But I hope he'll at least get a proper title at the end, something like 'Moo-hyul, Joseon Greatest Warrior' maybe?

Required fields are marked *

Sun

March 16, 2016 at 12:43 AM

But everyone else got theirs!

Though I have to agree with you, it feels weird to give him the title only now, cuz I thought the dragon titles are given based on the importance of their roles in establishing a new nation aka Joseon. But years have passed and even one of the dragons has died since, giving Moo Hyul the dragon title seems...a bit unfit for the frame of the show now?

Required fields are marked *

Kaoren

March 16, 2016 at 1:22 AM

I'd also agree it might be a little weird, but I suppose it depends. If he gets his in a really kick-ass scene, e.g. beating down LBJ or CSK, then maybe it'd look semi-okay. At least, honestly, if Moo-hyul gets a moment of epic badassery, I'd be more than willing to overlook the fact that the title is coming so late.

To be fair, it might also make sense if he gets it at the very end when LBW takes the throne (which is one of my personal suspicions, as I think they'll tie it back to the dragon theme with a chyron for LBW: 'King Taejong, Third King of Joseon' or something like that.) But I have no basis for this; just personal thoughts.

Required fields are marked *

MagMag

March 16, 2016 at 1:44 AM

That's right they can't leave Moo Hyul out, otherwise this show should be Five Flying Dragons + One Warrior!

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 2:21 AM

It does feel weird and the anticipation is not the same anymore. Episode 25 was perfect for it or the one when he accompanied Bang-won to Ming.

There's only 2 eps left and I hope that's enough to cover the 2nd strife and Bang-won ascending the throne as Taejong.

Required fields are marked *

As3beaniebean

March 16, 2016 at 1:50 AM

gosh I replied to the wrong post
I think Moohyul will get his title when Bangwon ‘gives’ him to Sejong later (maybe in last episode). Because the actors are spotted filming in Lee Do (Sejong)’s room.

Required fields are marked *

erratic

March 16, 2016 at 7:55 AM

I think Lee Do will be the 6th dragon. O.o

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 9:44 AM

LOL. How about just baby dragon.

Required fields are marked *

6 wonhwa

March 15, 2016 at 8:26 PM

Extraordinary. Most shows picks sides. This one lets the characters play out their roles as complex human beings without demonizing or whitewashing. It gives each moment and person their due, in all their terrible, painful, unvarnished glory.

Required fields are marked *

earthna

March 15, 2016 at 11:10 PM

Oh tell me about it. This drama is all about grey areas. There's no picking sides.

Required fields are marked *

Laura

March 16, 2016 at 5:41 AM

The writers are so good in psychological point of view. They built not two dimensional characters but three dimensional characters.

Required fields are marked *

7 PeepsLeAwesomePotato

March 15, 2016 at 8:33 PM

Fantastic episode but... Err Mai Gat, I clutched my pearls when YeonHee chose to visit Hades. The way she did it was so horrifying! Calling his name and keeping eye contact while she carried it out... !!!! Gurl, who were you trying to traumatize?! Oh, maybe just the (second) love of your life. And me!

And all this time I thought she just stabbed herself in the abdomen to go off. No wonder Tree's BangJi is that bitter and lost.

Required fields are marked *

SBC

March 15, 2016 at 8:38 PM

Horrifying and strangely beautiful.

Required fields are marked *

PeepsLeAwesomePotato

March 15, 2016 at 8:53 PM

Yes, yes it was. But in this episode of BangWon demanding people's blood, the while episode was.

YeonHee just went one step above by being so goddamn traumatizing. That's all I keep thibkung after this episode!

Required fields are marked *

Jeanie

March 15, 2016 at 10:35 PM

Same sentiments. Wow, that was haunting! When I saw that ghost of a smile on her face, I thought "No, she couldn't be thinking.. " ..and then she went with it! And it was cool how she went out. It was on her terms.

Required fields are marked *

Kween Ramyeon

March 16, 2016 at 2:35 PM

And that little thin wail that Bang Ji gives just after she goes... it broke my heart.

Required fields are marked *

helios

March 15, 2016 at 9:50 PM

Omg the way Yeon-hee slowing moved out of the frame as she slit her neck was so eerie - it gave me chills! And the smoke floating behind her too. Everything about that scene was shot and acted so well. Props to Jung Yoo-mi.

Required fields are marked *

Kaylie

March 15, 2016 at 10:21 PM

The PD has definitely outdone himself for the directing in this scene!

Required fields are marked *

jta

March 15, 2016 at 10:41 PM

yes! the music and cinematography gave me goosebumps

Required fields are marked *

Dezzy

March 15, 2016 at 10:43 PM

+1 I didn't have extremely strong feelings about Yeon Hee in past episodes. But the combination of my surprise and her facial expression, and the way the scene was shot... It ended up being the most memorable part of an episode absolutely packed with action and violence. That's how you film a swan song.

I'm a bit disappointed with Boon Yi's role the past few weeks. I get that she wants to remain neutral, but I miss the kick-butt girl with goals and her own sense of agency. Now she seems to just be set in place to react to Bang Won and Bang Ji's decisions.

Required fields are marked *

PeepsLeAwesomePotato

March 15, 2016 at 10:53 PM

Her life's not in danger, so why would BoonYi kiss ass?

BoonYi is like the ordinary commoner - they don't stir up trouble until it corners them. Survival is #1. That's her own goal.

Required fields are marked *

ashura

March 15, 2016 at 10:27 PM

*spoiler*

I wonder what makes Bang Ji go away (knowledge from Tree) all broken in the end. Would it be he kills Boon Yi by accident while she tries to protect Bang Won from him?

Required fields are marked *

honeylime

March 16, 2016 at 12:26 AM

No kidding, I was thinking about this possible scenario too.. and if that really happened, it'd be the last major blow for both Bang Won and Bang Ji.

Required fields are marked *

erratic

March 16, 2016 at 9:08 PM

Maybe that's when they will reveal Ha Ryun's facial reading of Boon Yi. O.o

Me and with my preoccupation with that reading. Haha!

Required fields are marked *

earthna

March 15, 2016 at 11:14 PM

SFD just makes Tree so much more awesome. Seeing this gives me more insight about the Bangji we know in Tree. I just dismissed him as a loner and he was guilty about stuff that he couldn't do so he decided to stay away. This scene, however, just breaks my heart. Puts so much more layer to Bangji. I said I would wait until SFD's over but look at me already at episode 3 of TWDR now...

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 2:29 AM

I wonder why they did it differently from the flashback in Tree where Yeon-hee actually stabbed herself.

Required fields are marked *

PeepsLeAwesomePotato

March 16, 2016 at 2:33 AM

Because they like traumatizing people and the way she went in Tree was too mild. (This is a production that dedicated whole episodes to blood extraction in a manor!)

Required fields are marked *

As3beaniebean

March 16, 2016 at 3:39 AM

and, if I'm not mistaken, Yeonhee's death in Tree was told in Moohyul's POV where in SFD Moohyul isn't even on the scene when she died. So maybe the writers sort of make Moohyul know that YH commit suicide but dunno how.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 4:43 AM

I like SFD's version better even with the no so smooth transition to Tree.

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 12:30 PM

*not*

nomad

March 16, 2016 at 7:37 PM

I agree with you Kiara, I like SFD version better even if it means not such a smooth transition to Tree.

Required fields are marked *

8 jta

March 15, 2016 at 8:53 PM

Wow. This might be the most intense episode yet. So many deaths.

Am I the only one questioning whether Yeonhee truly loved Bangji though? Although her dedication to the cause is admirable, she probably knew how soul-crushing and guilt-inducing it would be for Bangji for her to die like that in front of him. It seems like in the end, she never really viewed him as more than Jung Do-jeon's protector and chose him over Bangji.

Required fields are marked *

PeepsLeAwesomePotato

March 15, 2016 at 8:55 PM

Her first love is the cause and by extension, Jeong DoJeong. BangJi is her second love, which, even if he was second, she still does love dearly.

And YeonHee has always been so OTT.

Required fields are marked *

magnolia

March 15, 2016 at 10:00 PM

So true even when facing death Yeon Hee was soo... OOT. I feel like riding a roller coaster anticipating Sambong's death but this Yeon Hee made a sudden stop for my ride which was quite annoying... Am really sorry Bang ji but her hairdo was OOT as well.

Required fields are marked *

PeepsLeAwesomePotato

March 15, 2016 at 10:58 PM

Not really. I loved that scene. Traumatizing as it may be. And roller coasters are meant to be unpredictable.

YeonHee's hair isn't that over the top, given the dress code of that era. If anything, it's already less crazy than normal.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 9:21 AM

Agreed. The Yeon Hee from the flashback in Tree had the same hairstyle except she had part of it down in this drama.

I assumed she was a concubine in Tree because her hair was all raised like a married woman.

I'm glad they got to explain it here.

Saya22

March 15, 2016 at 9:13 PM

You're not the only one! I for one never bought that she was ever in love with him! YH was in love with JDJ.

Required fields are marked *

nomad

March 15, 2016 at 9:26 PM

I agree with you. I think YH was resolved in knowing she could never marry JDJ (class and all that). She loves Bang Ji too, but not nearly as much as she loves JDJ.

Required fields are marked *

Adal

March 15, 2016 at 11:31 PM

I think YH's decision to end her life was dumb and proves that she loved JDJ a lot more than she ever loved Bang ji, after all, her life was not really threatened and they weren't trying to kill her. Otherwise, she would've stayed still and used this opportunity to break away from politics, and live a simple life of a commoner with Bang ji. I really hate what she did to him. Knowing their history, that no matter what she says he will forever be scarred by his inability to protect her twice, and now she's dead. Selfish, selfish woman!

On an emotional note, I had really began to dislike YH, ever since she betrayed the woman who took her in from the streets and raised her, so I don't mourn her death at all.

Required fields are marked *

Laura

March 16, 2016 at 5:43 AM

What made wonder all this time was Yeonhee was trained as an assassin but this drama never showed her true skill as a true assassin. She could have killed them all.

Required fields are marked *

Kaylie

March 16, 2016 at 8:32 AM

Yeah the most we got to see was stabbing with her hairpin. I'd have expected more from a Hwasadan top spy.

helios

March 15, 2016 at 10:12 PM

In the end, I think YH chose herself and her dream over her tentative love for BJ. JDJ happened to be the vehicle through which her dream could be achieved. She probably gave up any notion of love and settling down long ago, only living by the 'me first' principle.

Required fields are marked *

tt

March 15, 2016 at 10:20 PM

YH loved Bang Ji, but she sacrificed herself for the dream that she wanted to achieve for the country, which Jung Do-jeon represented. I've seen comments saying she's JDJ's woman based on Deep Rooted Tree, as if she's JDJ's lover, but the writers never took that route in Six Flying Dragons. She follows JDJ as a leader, but there was no romance between YH and JDJ in this drama. JDJ wanted YH & BJ to get married, remember?

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 2:43 AM

Exactly. It ties in with Tree and explained why she was known as Sambong's woman. It wasn't in a romantic way but out of gratitude and respect. She said herself that Sambong gave her a reason to live.

Her romantic love was always Bang Ji. She treats him differently in a romantic way. Made him clothes like she used to when she they were young etc. What she did for Sambong was different. It was mostly spy/intelligent work.

Some characters sacrificed love for whatever dreams they have including Bang-won. Why are we always so hard on the women?

Required fields are marked *

Miyu

March 24, 2018 at 5:35 AM

I do not think she actually followed Sambong because of her dream, that was her reason but in truth she followed him because he gave her reason to live. If you will compare her to the rest of Sambong's followers, they are also willing to die for him but at the same time they are also willing to live because they wanted to keep the dream they shared with him even after Sambong is gone. But YH can't. She doesn't love Sambong romantically but he hold the most part of her heart because he was her savior, the one who gave her hope and dream. What she was trying to protect wasn't the dream but the man who gave her reason to live.

Required fields are marked *

Mer

March 16, 2016 at 3:32 AM

It actually makes sense that she would choose the cause over being with Bangji since she pretty much died on the day she was raped. The only thing that brought her to life was JDJ dream. She probably did not even think that she will be meeting Bangji again and when she did she knew her priority. Bangji being JDJ bodyguard and having seen him all the time got them closer again but in her mind theres probably no future with Bangji if it doesnt happen when JDJ's dream country is fully realized. She had love before in the old Goryeo but that didn't save them from tragedy. So what is loving him going to bring them if they love again in a country she probably was thinking would be another Goryeo?

Required fields are marked *

9 mido

March 15, 2016 at 8:54 PM

I think this is the first time that i am commenting on this drama, i am still on 28th episode, but i never gave up to hang with this recaps. thank a lot for recapping this drama.

i am not in to 50 episodes dramas, this is the second drama i am watching after empress ki.

i know nothing about korean history, but this drama is awesome, well written, and well acted. i love all the cast, and ost as well. this drama includes everything, pain, separation, love, happiness, power struggle, betrayal, and more.

i started to watch this because of yoo ah in and shin se kyung. but i fell in love with byun yo han. heis so superb with his bang ji's character.
i am downloading this drama, so i can watch it when ever i want. 100 times :)

Required fields are marked *

10 PeepsLeAwesomePotato

March 15, 2016 at 8:59 PM

BoonYi is not just untouchable through association to BangWon. If JuKryong comes for her, he'll have to deal with a ruthless prince in the form of BangWon, the best swordsman in the three kingdoms in the form of BangJi AND his own leader, aka BoonYi's mother! If he touches her, he's signing his own death cert.

BoonYi is one powerful lady by association.

Required fields are marked *

nomad

March 15, 2016 at 9:27 PM

I've never thought of her that way, but how true! She's admirable in her own person too, though.

Required fields are marked *

PeepsLeAwesomePotato

March 15, 2016 at 9:51 PM

Of course she is. She's the girl who burned down a whole rice shack and is the leader of an entire village in a world taken over by men.

But her relations just make her that bit more untouchable.

Required fields are marked *

11 autleaf

March 15, 2016 at 9:07 PM

I kept visualizing different possible ways how JDJ's death scene would be like (eg. with vengeance and anger etched on his face, ranting etc. etc) even up to the point of wondering how Kim Myung Min would approach the scene in discussion with the PD (yeah, I'm that detailed...). So I am glad that the actual scene is so apt, sensitively written and directed, in some ways surprising but stayed true to the struggles of both characters, JDJ and BW. That scene is a masterpiece in itself.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 3:01 AM

I love the fact that he died smiling and on his knees like those Goryeo Generals of old. It's a sign of one proudly died serving their their country to the end.
He was smiling because he knew that everything that he worked for (beside Liaodong) would be left intact no matter who is ruling the country.

Ha Ryun's version of the history was written on the Annals of King Taejo. If there was anyone who would mess with the history books it would be Ha Ryun lol. It's not surprising that Bang-won told him that he should write the annals for his father.

Required fields are marked *

12 Saya22

March 15, 2016 at 9:12 PM

this is hands down Yoo Ah In's best drama to date! SFDs has made my top 5 historical kdrama list along with Empress Ki!

Required fields are marked *

13 Kaylie

March 15, 2016 at 9:21 PM

Ahh I've been waiting for the recaps for this episode. Thanks Heads, it gave me the chills reading it.

Sure I've been waiting for the moment that Jung Do-jeon dies since the last few episodes, but when it finally comes, oh god they really do make it an epic one. That final scene between Jung Do-jeon and Nam Eun left me crying. Dummy number 1 and 2. Ahh.

Bang-ji's anguished sobs in this episode haunts me. I can't bear to look into his eyes when Yeon-hee died, and then when he faced off Moo-hyul too. Why is life so terribly cruel to the man with the simplest wish in life? )':

We've all known that Jung Do-jeon and Yeon-hee will die, so there's no surprise in there, but I'm glad that the scenes were shot it in such a hauntingly beautiful way that we'll always remember them.

Rest in peace, Jung Do-jeon and Yeon-hee.

Oh, time to bid good bye to the Boon-yi and Bang-won ship too. I think Bang-won has officially past the point of no return.

Required fields are marked *

14 erratic

March 15, 2016 at 9:38 PM

I am crying as I am writing this comment. Six Flying Dragons is one of the most emotionally stirring kdramas I've seen, bar none. At this point, the line between being the antagonist and the protagonist is blurred in both cases, and you can't help but feel for them both. Also, the little people who get trampled on in the bout between the two dragons played such big roles that you feel their pain, too.

I knew Jung Do Jeon's death would be epic. It was.

I knew Yeon Hee was going to do that. From the last episode. There was no other option. Als, the monk letting Boon Yi go? He doesn't want either Bang Won or Bang Ji tearing him a new one.

My God. I don't think I could bear watching Bangwon seize the palace.

Required fields are marked *

15 Lisa Purba

March 15, 2016 at 10:05 PM

"Powerful, stirring, brilliant—you name it, Six Flying Dragons is it." -- Agreed fully and completely, Heads!

My goodness what a super awesome episode! Biting my nails again during the show and heart beat so fast! Kill Bang Won is going nuts and he's got so many expressions in that one hour. Yoo Ah In, YOO are awesome!

Do you all notice big bro goin nuts too? Bangji drove me nuts as well! He should have saved poor Sambong *cries* (Sambong's letter though.. I laughed hard) I love Kim Myung Min's serene smile. He looks handsome! Great actor, I'm gonna miss him *sobs*

And then Bangji-Moohyul *cries* Yeonhee..though I hated you a wee bit some episodes back... *cries*

All the dragons were so awesome in this episode. Just 2 more episodes to go! *cries*

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 3:07 AM

I'm actually surprised that Kim Myung Min agreed to be a part of SFD after the brutal shooting of Admiral Yi. He carried that show for over 100 eps. I hope he had a good experience here because I'd love to see him in more sageuk.

Required fields are marked *

Lisa Purba

March 16, 2016 at 12:38 PM

I would love to! I''ve watched his modern dramas before, but I'm a lot more impressed with him in sageuk (my first time watching him in sageuk). I shall see his other sageuk dramas.

Required fields are marked *

Jeanie

March 16, 2016 at 7:55 AM

Lol at big bro Bang-gan shouting "Ya, who is this jerk?" during the siege so that he could inform Bang-won of the name of the guy he will be killing.. and the ensuing "Bang won-ah, this jerk is Lee Geun!" followed by a hearty, and quite creepy, laugh.

Required fields are marked *

Lisa Purba

March 16, 2016 at 12:40 PM

IKR! He was an endearing thug :D Why did the PD keep him away for a long time? He should have been there from the beginning for some comic relief :p

Required fields are marked *

16 Gehrel

March 15, 2016 at 10:06 PM

I liked that in his last moment, Jeong Do Jeon recalled back to his words to Jeong Mung Joo. Two best friends died in the hands of the same man, all accepting of their deaths, with different results. Just magnificent in a morbid way.

Side note on the lighter side ... Ha Ryun comes off as more adorable-like in his armour. Seriously. Like he shouldn't even be near the battlefield.

And it's strangely sexy the way Bang Gan called out to Park Po, must be the manic berserker glint in his eyes, the mace and the accent. I didn't think Bang Gan could be sexy until the "Park Po-yah!" call. My eyes see you, Bang Gan, you sexy beast.

Required fields are marked *

Kaylie

March 15, 2016 at 10:18 PM

Hahaha I definitely saw the blood-thirsty beast in Bang-Gan in this episode, just not so sure about the sexy part. This show has never shied away from blood and violence but this blood-thirsty smashing of heads brings the show to a whole new level. I'm quite surprised the Korean authority didn't demand censoring of such scenes since kids are watching as well.

Required fields are marked *

Sun

March 15, 2016 at 10:47 PM

I had to look away when he smashes those heads..It was just so gruesome.

Required fields are marked *

Lisa Purba

March 15, 2016 at 10:28 PM

LOL. After uncle Ji Ran, Bang Gan is my second fave beast :D

Required fields are marked *

PeepsLeAwesomePotato

March 15, 2016 at 11:05 PM

Sexy?! Ehh... That guy is the Joseon version of a chest-beating jock, that's for sure.

Everyone uses a sword and cleanly slice people in half but no, Lee BangGan is a special snowflake and he has to use a mace and splatter the most blood, ha!

I agree that HaRyun is no battle-field person. Also, is the lighter colour in his two-toned eyebrow enroaching the territory of the other colour? Is that a measure of BangWon's influence in middle-ages Korea?

Required fields are marked *

Gehrel

March 15, 2016 at 11:42 PM

I'm guessing Ha Ryun's eyebrows are prematurely aging with all these killings happening.

Or better yet, the measure of Bang Won's insanity meter?

Required fields are marked *

Laura

March 16, 2016 at 5:46 AM

LMAO. Haryun seems getting pressed the further Bang Won's insanity goes.

Required fields are marked *

17 magnolia

March 15, 2016 at 10:12 PM

what CSaKwang doing there? does she want to take a revenge or make an ally with sambong or...?

Required fields are marked *

Lisa Purba

March 15, 2016 at 10:18 PM

I'm wondering too... it's so random

Required fields are marked *

moony

March 16, 2016 at 12:33 AM

You will get the answer in the next episode. Looks like she is going on a rampage next week.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 3:17 AM

Against who? She killed Young-Gyoo already. The ones that persecuted the Wangs were Sambong and Taejo.

Is she going to blame Moo-hyul or Bang-won for the weapons being at Banchon?
I thought it was weird that she saw Moo-hyul crying and she just left without saying a word.

Required fields are marked *

Kaylie

March 16, 2016 at 4:09 AM

When she said 'the owner of the shed' I had a chill running down my spine, wondering if she'd kill Moohyul's granny. Please no.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 4:49 AM

Now you are on to something. I'm nervous for grandma. If she kills her Moo-hyul will definitely kill Sa Gwang.

moony

March 16, 2016 at 5:24 AM

Seems like she will also be going after Nameless? She will be the wild card in their fight with Bang Won.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 5:51 AM

This is unpredictable. I like it.

SBC

March 16, 2016 at 6:59 AM

They showed her hearing that Sam Bong was the cause of the King's agenda, and he is now dead, so it seems to me that Nameless will be her main target.

Who she will see as the owner of the shed is worrisome though, agree...

Required fields are marked *

18 azzo

March 15, 2016 at 10:17 PM

I was so nervous watching this episode, I knew we were going to see Jung Do-joen die but my heart! This show is AWESOME!

I am weary Bang-won ah! and there I was in tears! I really cried when Bang-won drew his sword and drove it into Jung do-jeon, I was thinking " His your CHANTIGUR!" and then they show us the flashback and my heart goes CRACK!

Bang-won burning the names, his hysterical laugh and his mad eyes gave me shivers and I love it!

Bang-ji, my bang-ji, he sobbed so heartbreakingly I was a mess! He can't listen to Moo-hyul's favor when Yoen-hee's dying wish was for him to protect her dream (JDJ), I don't want them to fight but I know it's just inevitable! I love them both and I just don't wanna see them hurt, bleeding and crying! I feel like a protective mama! Hands clasped and praying hard, be safe!

I honestly started watching the show only for Byun Yo-han, I became a fan when I watched Misaeng and I'm glad he brought me here, all actors are doing a great job and this show's become one of my favorites.

Thanks Heads for the recap and now I'm off to watch ep 48!

Required fields are marked *

wanni

March 15, 2016 at 10:27 PM

I also watched bcz of BYH, he has good screen time in next episode, he is awesome there.

Required fields are marked *

Kaylie

March 15, 2016 at 10:47 PM

Me too! I loved Byun Yo-Han from Misaeng and started watching SFD, then I was so glad I did because it's so good, whether it's the acting or the directing and cinematography

Required fields are marked *

19 Lisa Purba

March 15, 2016 at 10:17 PM

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 3:21 AM

It's too bad that the history's version is different. I think it was biased enough for writers to end Sambong's life differently in all the dramas of this era.

Required fields are marked *

crazyahjummafan

March 16, 2016 at 3:36 AM

What was history's version?

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 5:26 AM

In short. He was called evil and a traitor. That's why no one talked about Sambong until the later day historians reevaluate the history.

Ha Ryun's version of the history was what was written on the Annals of King Taejo.

It stated that Sambong ran and hide after they (Sambong, Nam Un etc) were found drinking and laughing at Nam Un concubine's house.
Bang-won found him hiding at the neighbor's house and Sambong begged for his life. He died there and not at Sungkyunkwan like it showed in the drama.

So, the writers managed to use both, a short version from the annals and today's historians version.

Required fields are marked *

nomad

March 16, 2016 at 7:47 PM

Thank you for sharing...I'm glad that the writer uses both...I'd have hated to see Sambong pictured in this drama the way the way the annals recorded it. It really wouldn't have befitted Sambong in any way.

sunnyxshin

March 16, 2016 at 8:10 AM

That was the moment that had me tearing up. So ever graceful.

Required fields are marked *

20 earthna

March 15, 2016 at 11:08 PM

In the end, Bang Won still somehow lost. Sam Bong didn't run, no excuses, didn't blame Bang Won for anything. He accepted his fate and just let everything go. It must be a disappointment and a relief at the same time to Bang Won. Sambong is still the man he respected. I agree that he'll probably lose himself if Sambong actually ran away or begged for his life. Well, at the end of the day, nobody really wins in the war.

Superb acting from everyone this episode. I feel like I'd be overwhelmed to tears if I were filming as one of those soldiers and watching Kim Myungmin and Yoo Ahin acting beside each other. Oh gosh. I can't even imagine how surreal that would feel.

Thank you for the recaps, Heads! 3 episodes left.

Required fields are marked *

21 PeepsLeAwesomePotato

March 15, 2016 at 11:09 PM

If this drama's PD paired up with Signal's PD, I wonder what the result would be.

Or maybe that would be like pitting Jeong DoJeong against Lee BangWon... ._.|||

Required fields are marked *

earthna

March 15, 2016 at 11:18 PM

I still think it's a little bit of a shame that Jang Tae Yoo is not directing this. I'm watching Tree for the nth time and I'm reminded again how awesome his directing is.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 3:24 AM

I agree. Jang Tae Yoo did a pretty awesome job in Tree. The beginning of SFD was frustrating without him and how he pays attention to details.

Required fields are marked *

asdfasdf

March 16, 2016 at 10:30 AM

Eh, Jang Tae Yoo was very lacking when it came to the fighting scenes, slow-mo everywhere. I like Shin Kyung Soo's style more, since this show had much more action in it.

Required fields are marked *

earthna

March 16, 2016 at 11:20 AM

I agree about the fight scenes. Although they're a lot different from fight scenes in Tree. I like the JTY's slow mo better though. And he made the flying thing not so cheesy to me.

Required fields are marked *

22 Adal

March 15, 2016 at 11:19 PM

For me the most interesting part of today's sad episode, was the decision to let Boon yi live (I half expected her to die in this episode, since there's no mention of her in Tree) which Jukroung describes as "complicated for various, various reasons" ). I interpreted this to mean:

1. He knows that Boon yi is Bang won's beloved, and he would hate to piss off Bang won by unnecessarily killing off the woman he loves;

2. No one wants to take on Lee Bang ji. And Ddang Sae would be out for blood if anyone touched his sister;

3. I think Jukroung knows that Boon yi is the daughter of Nameless, by killing Boon yi, he would awaken the ire of his mistress;

4. Banchon is supposed to be neutral in politics, and by killing the head of Banchon, he would be inviting all sorts of trouble to his organization when things calmed down (though I don't think this counts for much in his reckoning).

5. As I was thinking about all these things, it struck me that Boon yi is the only person who is literally protected by all sides of this fraction . In Chess, she would literally be the King piece, protected by every other piece. Ironic, isn't it?

I thought it was pretty significant, the way the camera slowed down Bang won's stride, as he walked past Boon yi, after he killed JDJ, as she stared at the scene in shock. I still don't fully understand what it was supposed to convey. That Boon yi no longer has any influence on Bang won, since the worm in his ear has taken over???

Required fields are marked *

Laura

March 16, 2016 at 5:50 AM

In my interpretation, Boon Yi is the manifest of a moral ground in this drama. At the time when Bang Won walked past Boon Yi without any expressions, he ignored his moral ground.

Required fields are marked *

23 Xingii

March 16, 2016 at 12:05 AM

This episode had everything I needed in life ngl.
I was so stunned afterwards. My mind crumbled lol.

Yeonhee's death scene will be in my memory for my entire life it was so overwhelming O_O beautifully directed though so the impact was like equivalent to getting punched in the face.
I'm actually glad that what was depicted in Tree was totally different to what we saw here, so it came as a shock (despite knowing that she was a goner from the start)
This scene was so emotionally raw & also strangely intimate when she smiled at Bangji and looked him in the eye for the final time. /sob T__T
I'll be honest and admit that i have not praised Jung Yumi's acting that much all series (I like her a lot but the other cast members just stand out more I guess) but her final moment was HER BEST MOMENT. Amazing. She did great.
Ofc Byun Yohan broke my heart. :') He always does. Damnit.

Bangwon BURNING NAMES as they were dying!!! was hardcore creeptastic. Yoo Ah In constantly bringing the chills and goosebumps with his scenes!

Not ready for Bangji vs Moohyul (covers eyes lalalalalalalalalalalalala deniallllllllllllllllllll)

Kim Myungmin was incredible. RIP Sambong.

Can't believe there's only 3 eps left. Man....

Required fields are marked *

24 moony

March 16, 2016 at 12:30 AM

What an episode, it was blood and gory and yet so poignant. For all the bloodletting, the most chilling moment was during Bang Won's murderous roll call as he impassively burned the papers with the names of Jung Do Jeon's dead allies.
Was so frustrated with the behaviour of Jung Do Jeon and company earlier, like just get off the moral high horse... but have come to view it more as a clash of political ideology in the recent episodes. It was touching to see the people's respect for him as he calmly prepared for his impending death.
And Bang Won's flashbacks... deep down he was a little boy who wanted to be recognised by his idol. Sadly, it was not to be as he was slowly consumed by his dark side. Jung Do Jeon and he were two brilliant individuals with the admirable dream of improving the lives of the common people when it would have been easier to turn a blind eye given their privileged backgrounds. What a shame, it could have been the Joseon dream team had they ironed out their political differences.

Required fields are marked *

Kaoren

March 16, 2016 at 1:02 AM

If LBW had been king and JDJ prime minister, what could they not have done?

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 3:36 AM

Sambong and King Sejong would have been my dream pair. I wonder what Joseon would've been like.

Required fields are marked *

Kaoren

March 16, 2016 at 6:56 AM

Could I persuade you to revise that to Sambong, King Sejong and Moo-hyul, at least?

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 9:49 AM

It's too bad Moo-hyul is fictional :(.

heholo

March 16, 2016 at 9:35 AM

Have to JDJ and LBW. One to handle dirty works and the other for politics

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 9:48 AM

That would've been perfect!

crazyahjummafan

March 16, 2016 at 3:39 AM

I totally agree! 2 brilliant genuises! Sharing the same vision. So sad!

Required fields are marked *

25 Reba Wechoki

March 16, 2016 at 12:35 AM

this show has had me vacillating between love and hate for the two main characters. Now when Jung Do Jeon died i was just so sad yet a few episodes ago I was on the bandwagon that was baying for his blood. The distaste I feel for LBW while still rooting for his team gives me an idea of what the character Moo Hyul must be feeling. As for Yeon Hee her death only impacts me in how sad it makes Boon Yi and Bang Ji,remember how she was all for killing LBW in the earlier episodes when he was in jail? I have not gotten over that and her smug and superior attitude just steadily got worse over time,may she RIP. I have a feeling Bang Ji is about to rain mayhem on LBW's plans

Required fields are marked *

moony

March 16, 2016 at 4:06 AM

Same here, love how the two main characters are not strictly black or white. One key difference between them is Bang Won's "the end justifies the means" mentality, really any means... while Jung Do Jeon is more restrained.

Seeing Bang Won's journey to darkness, I do understand what caused his transformation. Plus Yoo Ah In is doing such a stellar job in conveying the character's inner conflict and vulnerability. Still I can't condone his actions.

Yeon Hee through her interactions with Bang Jim in recent weeks looks more humanised. Really annoyed with her hypocritical and high handed behaviour earlier. Ultimately the cause and her idol worship of Jung Do Jeon took precedence over her love for Bang Ji. For all of Bang Won's faults, he was still the best person to realise Jung Do Jeon's vision. Yeon Hee would have been better off leaving with Bang Ji to lead a peaceful life away from politics as what she advised Bong Yi before.

Looks like poor Bang Ji will end up the biggest loser. He won't be winning the fight with Bang Won and Boon Yi may be caught in the crossfire.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 7:18 AM

Jukryong and his minions are going to pay for Yeon Hee's death.

Required fields are marked *

26 Kaoren

March 16, 2016 at 1:13 AM

The previous episodes of SFD have on occasion, made me really hate JDJ and I don't know why (contextual portrayal?), because the moment I take the time to reflect once episodes are over, I realise that the differences between him and Bang-won are really, really small but critical.

Anyway, obviously I didn't have that problem during this episode. His death was truly magnificent, but I take some quibbling with the subs when it was airing where I am. "It is only that my way has been broken, so I am simply stepping aside." makes, IMO, far more sense that JDJ claiming that his path was the "wrong" once, which had been staring at the screen and going 'Wtf?' since that makes (to me), pretty much no sense. As an acknowledgement that LBW has won the game, however...

I think I just felt sad during the whole episode. People who could've been awesome together, or good friends were turned against each other: JDJ versus LBW (I know this isn't new, but we're really seeing the human cost today), and Moo Hyul thrown up against Lee Bang-ji.

And of course, Banchon becomes part of the battleground, which puts into mind the proverb about ants. Dear Muiiya chorus: sometimes it's both politics and the sword. Especially when LBW is concerned...

Required fields are marked *

Kaoren

March 16, 2016 at 1:14 AM

*wrong one.

Whoops. Typo.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 7:29 AM

It's easy to misunderstand Sambong especially when viewed from a 21st century point of view.

I thought they went a little too far into the villain territory with his character a few times where it felt like he was totally bipolar in my opinion.

I can't complain about the ending after he said "I'm tired Bang-won-ah". I thought it was appropriate enough for him to call him Bang-wom-ah since they have been working together since he was young. (Historically they didn't) but it fits this drama.

Required fields are marked *

27 Jeanie

March 16, 2016 at 2:09 AM

"Powerful, stirring, brilliant—you name it, Six Flying Dragons is it."

This. So much emotions watching this episode. Yeonhee and JDJ's send off scenes were wonderfully (horrific yet poetic and haunting as well) done. Bravo to the entire team and to these amazing actors. I trust it will be a wild and exhilarating ride to the end.

Yoo Ah In, you continue to amaze me. Brilliant!

Required fields are marked *

28 apheengs

March 16, 2016 at 2:29 AM

I have been waiting for you comments about the episode and everyone else's reaction because I just can't take it alone anymore. The episode was executed on point that it was depressing myself of all the emotions it had struck me. I just want to share the scenes that had either gave me chills, a huge pang in my heart, and relief.

a. Bang Won's burning of names as his army kill those persons. Damn, that's just metaphorically evil. I was having gooesbumps the whole time. It's enough to murder your victims, but execute it with a garnish? aghhh, it's psychotic. Though I have to understand, that it may be BW's channel of pain. (Just maybe?)

b. Yeon Hee's Death - I have to say that she is selfish to do that to Bang Ji but I can't blame her. Bang Ji's love is just an extra prize for her. The main prize is her dream a.k.a JDJ's nation. And yes, the scene was horrifying that if I were BJ, I wouldn't be able to sleep without having nightmares of YH slashing her throat for the rest of my life.

c. JDJ's Death - From the moment BW called out JDJ's name, I was already spelling out BARBARIC in my mind. I don't refer to BW killing JDJ. But how the writers presented the death to us. From the letter telling BW to keep quiet and he'll be there, to JDJ marching to his death along the SK students and their (BW & JDJ) final chitchat and walk. It was horrifying to the point that it will haunt you in real life.

d. Boon Yi and Bang Won - I was always rooting for these two. I have always admired their love for each other. A love that does not judge. But the JDJ death scene where BW passed by BY with a blank expression on his face just broke my heart. It saddens me that a love like theirs will be destroyed or probably it has been destroyed the moment BW swung his sword. No matter how evil a person's acts are, he should not be deprived of love and redemption. And to some extent and at some certain point, Boon Yi is Bang Won's redemption.

Kudos to the SFD team, you have been doing a great job since Day 1! And Yoo Ah In, hands down to your acting. He's definitely one of the best actors of Korea right now!

Required fields are marked *

Kaoren

March 16, 2016 at 2:44 AM

a. I saw it as an evolution of his tree-chopping when he was younger. Instead of planting trees, now he writes their name on slips of paper (unless the paper came from their trees? o.O) and burns them.

Required fields are marked *

bashful

March 16, 2016 at 3:07 AM

The page book burning scene is very similar to a scene in "Queen Insoo" where the chief architect of Seno's rebellion Han Myung-hoi (he is the nameless Milbon person in Tree whose name is revealed at the then end).

Prior to the rebellion, Han Myung-hoi compiles a book of all of Sejo's enemies and under a pretence invites all the ministers and nobles one by one into the palace. As each person entersd and go in, Han Myunh-hoi looks at the book - if they are to be spared or are Sejo supporters, he tells them to take the right door. But if an enemy, they are told to go to the left door or are taken there where they are slaughtered. A very powerful scene.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 3:48 AM

I love Queen In-soo. Top of my favorite sageuks.

That scene was brutal and the dead bodies piling on each other. It reminds me of Bang-won killing the ministers (Taejo and Sambong's supporters) in Tears of the Dragon.

Required fields are marked *

bashful

March 16, 2016 at 5:54 AM

I agree - that and "Cruel Palace" as well. "Six Flying Dragons" is also very good but "Queen Insoo" remains my favourite.

Reba Wechoki

March 16, 2016 at 3:22 PM

He scared me in that scene.His expression was similar to that of a person having an ecstatic religious experience. Those papers were replacement for the trees. He couldn't very well lug huge trees around on his murder spree. What vexes me is I still want him to win.

Required fields are marked *

29 cheliwel

March 16, 2016 at 2:30 AM

YAI needs to get every award out there in S.korea right now. His performance has been on another level. It's like he's been possesed by King Taejong's spirit. It seems with every kill BW has lost himself -kinda like Voldermort. I didn't think I could ever watch a 50 episode saeguk but the story, directing and the cast have made it impossible to stay away from this drama.

I expected YH and JDJ's death but it was still heartbreaking to watch. BJ has been missing for the most part during the last few weeks so I'm glad there's more of him this week. I don't think YH loved JDJ romantically. In the series, it was always portrayed as a boss/worker relationship. I think YH and BJ's relationship could have been better written but I want to believe that YH did love BJ. The problem was she loved the cause - which JDJ stood for more than she loved BJ. I think even if YH had lived and BJ decided to leave all of the politics behind, YH would have still left BJ.

Required fields are marked *

30 genkibaka

March 16, 2016 at 2:40 AM

Now, I can start campaigning for KMM to be in Park Kyung Soo next drama. :D

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 3:56 AM

Wow you read my mind. That would be awesome! I kept wanting him to be killed off earlier for that reason lol.

Park Kyung Soo haven't written a bad drama and KMM needs to flex his acting chops in a modern drama. His last few dramas was nothing to write home about.

Required fields are marked *

31 mido

March 16, 2016 at 2:43 AM

Can anybody tell is bang ji going to die, i don't want see him die. i am still on 28th episode, i haven't watched tree, no idea whats going on.

Required fields are marked *

Kaoren

March 16, 2016 at 2:45 AM

I have not watched Deep-Rooted Tree, but everyone else in the comments who has watched it have said that Bang-ji will survive because he appears in DRT. You don't seem to have any reason to worry.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 3:38 AM

Bang Ji will not die here. He died in Tree.

Required fields are marked *

32 Mer

March 16, 2016 at 3:39 AM

Did JDJ become greedy? Did he choose Bangseok because Bangseok would be easier to mould into what he wants? Or he knew that LSG is probably going to die early and he will be in charge of Bangseok? I mean if his view is that it doesn't matter if it is him or Bangwon to make his Jeoson dream come true then why did he not choose him to be crown prince in the first place? He probably would have been able to stir him to the Liaodong conquest if he only chose him to be part of it as crown prince. His actions towards Bangwon over and over has turned Bangwon into a henchman it is so sad.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 4:06 AM

Sambong's choice as crown prince was Bang-won. Taejo's choice and final say was Bangseok. I thought the writers made that clear already.

He was asked to protect Bangseok and educate him too. What was he supposed to say to the king? No I won't do it?

Bang-won was a grown man and intelligent enough to make his own decision. He wanted the throne and he did what he must to get it.

Required fields are marked *

moony

March 16, 2016 at 4:18 AM

Jung Do Jeon's earlier choice was Bang Won but it became anyone but him once he killed Poeun. Still even if Bang Won were made the Crown Prince, he won't have accepted Jung Do Jeon's political model of the king as a figurehead. Without a compromise in beliefs, they would still be set for a showdown.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 4:37 AM

That's true but he has been blamed for choosing Bang-seok over Bang-won like it was his decision to make. That was the king's decision and Taejo already made up his mind before he announced it.

Required fields are marked *

33 sunnyl

March 16, 2016 at 4:03 AM

What an episode!
Bye Jung Do-jeon. I was not interested in JDJ even when I was watching the drama Jung Do-jeon with awesome Jo Jae-hyun(Punch). But My bias Kim Myung-min playing JDJ made me look him up (wiki, etc).

Unlike his rigid and righteous revolutionary idealist image, Jung Do-jeon was said to have flippant, careless personality. One time He went outside with non-matching left and right shoe on (His palace appearance in ep1 was accurate?). When his servant called him out on it, Jung said "Doesn't matter. When I ride a horse, people on the right side only see my right shoe, and people on the left side only see left shoe." and kept going.

On the other hand, his uncompromising character resulted in having bad relationships with other government officials, which also prevented him from having his position restored when he was exiled. As We have seen in early episodes, he was on Ming friendly team, which pissed off Lee In-gym in power and ended up being sent into exile. This must've been hard on his family. While he was in exile, his wife sent him a letter.

His wife: "You are only interested in reading books, and never care if there is rice or not in the morning, so there is not even one bag of rice in the house. Children filled the room cry for food at every meal time, and cry saying they are cold on cold days. As the person in charge of the household, I barely get by using every means, while I was expecting you will succeed someday and bring honor to this family since you study so hard. But instead of bringing honor, you disgraced the name by disobeying the law, and ruined the family by being sent into exile. We became a laughingstock. Is this really a life of a Wiseman?"

JDJ responded: "You are absolutely right. My friends in the past were closer than my siblings, but when I became like this, they all left me like wandering clouds. This is because we were connected by circumstances, not by appreciation, so I don't blame them. But husband and wife is something you can't change once joined, so I believe your accusing me is not because you hate me, but because you love me. Since a wife supporting her husband is like a subject supporting his king, you worrying about house affairs and me worrying about the country wouldn't be any different. I simply stick to my principle. Success and Glory are only given by Heaven, not by a man, So what do I worry?"
(Golly, I feel sympathy for Mrs.Jung.)

Required fields are marked *

sunnyl

March 16, 2016 at 4:03 AM

Even after his exile, Jung lived wandering around for 4 years (ep 1). That is when he observed people dying due to difficulties and starvation and realized the need for a revolution. However his inflexible attitude toward others never seemed fixed. At the beginning he was friendly with his teacher (Lee Saek) and studymates, but became enemies when they objected to founding Jo-seon (like we saw in the show). Lee Soong-in, once JDJ's fellow scholar, was beaten to death in his exile by a person sent by Jung. It is said that Lee Sung-gye wanted to save him just by sentencing beating, but Jung schemed with Nam Eun to have him killed. This incident was investigated and accused after their deaths. Some mention that the reason he killed Lee Soong-in was because his literature talent was better than Jung. Also When his teacher Lee Saek was to send to JaYeon Island (as his exile), official Hu-Joo said no one lives in the island, and Jung said "I meant to push him to the sea when I said to send him to the island." Eventually Lee Sung-gye thought it was too much and sent Lee Saek to a land exile.

History describes that Jung was overweight having big stomach. He also described himself like 'Cheek is full and have big stomach' in his writing 'Answer to a farmer'. Annals recorded- when Jung Do-jeon escaped to his neighbor's house on the fateful day, the owner outted him to Bang-won saying "A person with a big stomach hided in my house." Then again Kwon Geun(Jung Mong-joo's scholar who went to BW's side in ep 44) said "His warm and solemn looks reminded of looking up a mountain, and if you get closer, you feel like you sit in the spring wind. His face is rich and his back is straight, which shows there are warmth and niceness inside." (too bad we can't know-I read his portrait was drawn much later)

According to Seo Gu-jung's book, one day Jung Do-jeon, Lee Soong-in and Kwon Geun talked about things making them happiest. LSI said writing a poem in a quiet room in the mountain is the happiest moment for him. KG said reading a book sitting by a beauty with a heater on the warm floor is his happiest. And Jung said "On the day of first snow, riding a horse in leather clothes, going hunting in the plain along with a yellow dog and blue hawk." He might have had some military talents, writing battle formation books and leading the military training himself (no record he went to a war). Lee Sung-gye who was expert in the warfare even approved Jung's military stratagem. Also Bang-won asked a military officer he appointed to be in charge of military training if he remembers the strategy he learned from JDJ, and told him to teach as he had learned.

Required fields are marked *

sunnyl

March 16, 2016 at 4:04 AM

Some think JDJ persuaded Taejo to appoint his young eighth son Bang-seok as the crown prince. But they say no- what's recorded was that three ministers-Jo Joon, Bae Geuk-ryum, JDJ actually had the idea of having the eldest prince, or the prince with the most merit as crown prince, but Lee Sung-gye insisted on his decision so ministers gave in, and Bae Geuk-ryum recommended youngest son to be the crown prince. It seems that JDJ had special relationship with Lee Sung-gye. Record says when Jung felt sorry for Lee Sung-gye, he sobbed like a baby regardless of where he was. Even after Lee Sung-gye became the king, Lee referred himself 'Song-heun Gusa' to JDJ and wrote him letters and stuff. After moving to the new capital(Hanyang), during the celebratory party when 'MoonDukGok' which was written by JDJ was performed, Lee told Jung, "Since this is your song, you have to get up and dance." JDJ got up and danced (We had this scene), and Lee even made Jung to take off his shirt for more fun.

Per Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, JDJ's last moments were pathetic. He begged BW,"Jung-an Gun saved me before, so wouldn't you save me this time too?" But BW said "You are BongWhaBack/the highest position in Joseon, but still wanted more? Why you committed such treacherous acts" and killed him. But it also recorded When JDJ's son Dam said "Don't you think you should go beg Jung-an DaeGun today?", JDJ turned down saying "I betrayed Goryeo already, so if I betray and switch the side again, wouldn't I feel ashamed?" Interesting thing is that his crime was not being a traitor, but scheming against royal family (caused strife among royal family members, and tried to eliminate them). It looks that Bang-won's JDJ elimination was just for political reasons, because his family members were spared, even though they turned slaves etc. for a few years.

JDJ had 4 sons-Jung Jin, Young, Yoo, and Dam. Three sons were killed trying to save their father, but eldest son Jung Jin was saved because he was away on a business trip. He was demoted to a navy soldier (for 9 years) and JDJ's wife became a slave. However a few years later Bang-won restored Jin's status, giving a government position. Bang-won also continued to apply most of JDJ's policy. Why BW restored JDJ's son's status is not clear. So even if JDJ couldn't get his station reinstated for 450 years, his offspring enjoyed noble class status for generations.

Required fields are marked *

sunnyl

March 16, 2016 at 4:05 AM

JDJ being treated like a traitor was official stance, but public sentiment was somewhat different. The publication of 'SamBongJip' describing his ideology was not prohibited. The one who did editing and writing the first sentence was Bang-won's ally Kwon Geun. Heo Gyun during Gwang Hae's reign referred JDJ as great Wiseman in public (Ended up being executed because of his ideas. He is famous as the writer of Hong Gil Dong). The king Youngjo (Dongyi's son) and Jungjo (Isan) praised him. His status was officially restored under King Gojong when Daewon Gun re-built the GyungBok(king's) palace. They had to recognize JDJ's accomplishment because he was the one picked the location, and designed the palace.

Thanks Kim Myung-min for great job!

Required fields are marked *

sunnyl

March 16, 2016 at 4:09 AM

And Bang-ji got me teared up.

Show has been nothing but awesome, but my one complaint is that we didn't get enough of the other 5 dragons' story for a while. Than again, you paying the actor that much, you might as well get your money's worth (and he's been certainly money's worth).

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 6:00 AM

I wonder how they managed to mess with the annals if it was so restricted.
I guess it could happen while they were compiling all the historaphers notes. It had to be revise a couple times before the final draft.

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 6:36 AM

Sambong had his fare share of bloodshed even if he didn't kill people by his own hands.

I remember reading about his physical description and thought that he might have looked like King Sejong. They were geniuses but not good looking men. I laugh at the pot belly description and how Bang-won knew that it was Sambong with no doubt.

Kim Myung Min made him looks good in this drama.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 4:56 AM

Lady Choi and Lady Min both have my sympathy. Their husbands put the country and their ambitions first over family.

Required fields are marked *

34 Huskergirl

March 16, 2016 at 5:54 AM

Why does Ha Ryoon still look surprise at everything Bangwon does at this point? Or is he incapable of relaxing his face? Also, I still don't get why Bang Ji supported Sambong in the first place, is it because of YoonHee and Boon Yi? I feel like he never really brought into Sambongs idea and just kind of tag along. Now that YH and Sambong are dead, will it make sense for him to keep fighting ?

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 6:11 AM

Bang Ji just wanted Goryeo to end. Seong-gye made him a part of his people by giving him a new name. His family's name. He then assign him as Sambong's bodyguard.

I think Bang Ji stayed mostly for the girls and his duty to guard Sambong came after. That doesn't mean he believes in the world Sambong was creating.

He was always a realist and sees the noble /yangban/upper class for what they really are. They'd use people and discard them when they are no longer needed.

Required fields are marked *

earthna

March 16, 2016 at 11:26 AM

Well, every time I think Bang Won won't get any worse, he surprises me so I don't blame Ha Ryun. Plus he's hella funny. lol

Required fields are marked *

35 Laura

March 16, 2016 at 5:58 AM

What a breathtaking and heartbreaking episode! Kim Myung Min and Yoo Ah In are two great actors of their own generation. I hope we can still see Kim Myung Min (Sambong) in Lee Bang Won's dream for the last 2 episodes, like this Show did for Hong In Bang.

Next week we'll bid farewell to this awesome drama, I feel so down thinking about it now. Oh, Show how I love thee!

Required fields are marked *

36 CaroleMcDonnell

March 16, 2016 at 6:18 AM

I love this writer! The little thing he does to make the story work! Of course Minbon/Milbon will go awry. And he shows that awryness to JDJ. And to us. Such a well-rounded honest writer. And honesty is often what I miss in some dramas where the ramifications of some character decisions are not shown or acknowledged. This drama never forgets a ramification, which is the key to great plotting and to writing an organic story.

I seriously don't know what I'll do after this drama ends. Greatness, when it leaves, leaves a great vacuum behind. Thanks so much for recapping this. And your comments perfectly sum up this unsummable up consummate sageuk.

Required fields are marked *

wonhwa

March 16, 2016 at 6:51 AM

I agree. So many writers steer clear of messy, ambiguous characters and stories. This writing team is diving right in, and the results are riveting. I will also miss this terribly when it ends.

Required fields are marked *

37 THUMMAR

March 16, 2016 at 6:39 AM

Finally episode is ending with Mu-Yi-Yi-Ya song. Bang won is best again and love to see him in this episode.

A bit disappointed about Moo-Hyul as he still didn't get his dragon title; and I think now for remaining 3 episodes nothing will be done regarding this.

Cheok Sa-Gwang is back and I think now there will be a big fight between her and Moo-Hyul and he will kill her. This is just I think, may be this will not happen.

Next episode Bang Won is going to kill Crown Prince, and salute to Director and Writer for this awesome series. Just 3 more episodes remained and I will miss my hero Yi Bang Won.

Required fields are marked *

38 Cotton Candy

March 16, 2016 at 9:57 AM

This is seriously annoying me. Yeonhee killed herself for Jung Dojeon's sake and for the cause she believes in, and people are only ranting about how evil and selfish she was for traumatizing Bangji. WTF If a man had done the same thing, everyone would be crying and saying how admirable, yet tragic the entire situation was, but people only hate on Yeonhee. People try to write fully fleshed-out, flawed female characters, but these women only get hated on. No wonder writers are afraid of writing complex female characters. They're scrutinized so brutally and put down for the human mistakes they make while the men are pitied and fawned over.

Yeonhee has made mistakes and she has acted cruelly because she is a human. Bangwon has done worse things than her, but he is still loved while she is hated. This is why we can't have good female characters. If they step outside the confines of a kind-hearted, always perfect character mold, they will get hated on for every single little thing.

You were flawed, real human character until the end, Yeonhee. Kudos to you.

Required fields are marked *

Kaoren

March 16, 2016 at 10:10 AM

I have to admit, I really don't understand where the hate is coming from. I don't really see it as selfish. She didn't kill herself for her dream--she killed herself for a dream. It is a dream she had, which makes it hers, but it is by no means selfish: the Joseon that JDJ and LBW had both imagined was a far better place and I can't really see how it's selfish to want to lay down her life to protect the man who mattered to fulfilling that dream, simply because the guy who was supposed to guard JDJ cared too much about her to do his job. (My younger self would've been frustrated with LBJ. Now, not so much.)

That being said, Yeon-hee is a bit like a lesser JDJ for me in SFD. I can intellectually understand and appreciate what they're trying to do with the character but during the episode itself, so much happens for me to hate them. So full disclaimer, this is still coming from someone who does not like Yeon-hee. But I think it's unfair to consider her selfish.

Required fields are marked *

moony

March 18, 2016 at 3:11 AM

SFD is filled with strong female characters, no one hated Boon Yi for not supporting Bang Won when he was under siege from Jung Do Jeon. I don't think viewers not being too depressed over Yeon Hee's death should be turned into a misogynistic issue.

Yeon Hee gets less sympathy than Bang Won as there is considerably less airtime to explore the inner workings of her character. We have seen her Machiavellian side when she egged on Jung Do Jeon to let Bang Won die in prison so that Yi Seung Gye would join their side. She urged Boon Yi to leave politics on the pretext of being concerned for her wellbeing when her genuine worry was that Boon Yi helping Bang Won would be a threat to them. If only she had applied the same advice to herself...

For Yeon Hee, it turned from following the cause into a deep devotion to one man. She was left speechless when Moo Hyul called her out on why only Bang Won's dream is seen as greed. After all Jung Do Jeon and Bang Won shared the same vision but for that one difference of the monarch vs PM model. I doubt that finer distinction really mattered to her. Ultimately Jung Do Jeon was more important to her than her own life and her future with Bang Ji. And that was her choice...

Required fields are marked *

39 Aldotsk

March 16, 2016 at 11:46 AM

49th and 50th episode rumor that as history indicated, it'll be Bang Won manipulating his brother Bang Gwa to become second king then to overthrow him and purging any last Do Jeon's ideals left. According to history, Bangji and Moo Hyul is alive until late Tae Jong (Bang Won) and Moo Hyul lives on to become Sejong's royal bodyguard

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 12:58 PM

Bang Ji and Moo-hyul did not exist in history. They are both fictional characters created by the writers based on the Tree novel.

According to the annals it was Bang-won who asked his father to crown Bang-gwa as the next king. Bang-gwa chose Bang-won as crown prince (who actually wield the real power). He abdicated after 2yrs (probably to save his life).

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 1:18 PM

Moo-hyul - character from Tree with deep Root novel.
Bang Ji - writer's creation.

Required fields are marked *

asdfasdf

March 16, 2016 at 1:53 PM

Lee Bang Ji was in Tree as well, he was Chae Yoon's teacher, and Moohyul in Tree talks about how he only lost once in a fight and it was to Bang Ji.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

March 16, 2016 at 2:42 PM

I am aware of that but Bang Ji's character is not from the novel that Tree was based on.
HE was created by the writers just like the rest of the swordsmen in both series. Moo-hyul was an eunuch but the writers made him a swordsman in the drama so it's safe to say that Tree the (2011 drama) was based loosely on the novel.

(Tree with Deep Root (the novel) was written by Lee Jung Myung who also wrote Painter of the Wind novel).

There was also another "Tree with Deep Root" drama by MBC 1983. I'm not sure if it was based on the same materials or not.

THUMMAR

March 16, 2016 at 5:17 PM

Hello Kiara, Do you have any idea about upcoming Monday-Tuesday drama "Jackpot", just after the SFD, starting on 28 March? I am curious to know about it. It gives feeling of Warrior Baek Dong Soo.