Moonlight Drawn By Clouds: Episode 17

446 October 17, 2016October 17, 2016

by javabeans

We’re in our final two hours! I am simultaneously looking forward to the ending tomorrow and a little loath to get there, partly because it’s been a pretty awesome ride that I’ll have to say goodbye to, and partly because I still don’t know how we’re going to get to where we’re going in the time we have left. Today is jam-packed with events, both of the momentous nature and the small meaningful kind—and also moments that are, in line with this drama’s forte, small but feel momentous. Grab a kleenex or two, settle in, and get ready for a roller coaster of emotions. *grabs armrests*

EPISODE 17: “An ending on behalf of a beginning”

All hell breaks loose at the interrogation, moments after the order is given to execute Ra-on. The disguised rebels turn on the soldiers, while Byung-yeon turns his sword on the prince, holding the blade to Yeong’s neck.

Minister Kim orders the soldiers to capture all the rebels, but with Yeong’s life in danger, the panicking king screams at everyone to not take any action. Head Eunuch Han orders everyone to step aside and clear an exit path, because preserving the prince’s life is the priority.

The rebels free Hong Kyung-rae and usher him and Ra-on away. Yeong whispers, “No,” looking on with teary eyes as she leaves with them. Ra-on sends back an anguished look back at Yeong, and then is pulled away.

When they’re safely out of the courtyard, Byung-yeon turns back to the prince and re-brandishes his sword, causing everyone to tense. As he looks at Yeong, one big tear rolls down his cheek, and we flash back to a conversation they’d had recently:

Yeong had stated his intent to find out what Baekwoonhwe, the rebel organization, was all about, and also to figure out what the wall is that is getting between him and his people. Byung-yeon had said that the nation Yeong is trying to make will be over that wall, and had said he wanted to see it. Yeong had replied smilingly, “In order for that to happen, I’ll need your help.”

Now as Byung-yeon holds his blade to Yeong’s neck, he asks him to forgive the offense: “The world that Baekwoonhwe hopes for and the Joseon that you dream of—I believe that they are not different. Over that wall between you and your people, the nation you will make—I wish to see it.” Byung-yeon smiles through his tears, and Yeong’s face takes on an alarmed look.

Then, reinforcements pour in and point arrows at Byung-yeon, who starts to step back. Urgently, Yeong tells him not to retract the sword: “The moment you do, I will lose you.”

Byung-yeon closes his eyes and seems at peace with his fate, but Yeong orders him not to take back his sword. Byung-yeon replies through more tears, “I cannot obey that order—I am sorry.”

Yeong watches in horror as Byung-yeon drops his sword, and immediately is struck in the chest with an arrow. Then another in the leg. Yeong calls for a halt, but a soldier slashes Byung-yeon with his sword, and Byung-yeon topples to the ground, mortally wounded.

Yeong forces his way past the soldiers and kneels by his dying friend, cradling him in his arms and gripping his hand tightly. He tries to force down his sobs and smiles down at Byung-yeon, telling him, “Do not forget. If I only had one person in the world that I could trust, it would still be you.”

Byung-yeon says, “Thank you for trusting me.” He reaches up with his hand as though to wipe Yeong’s tears, but before he can, his hand falls slack and his eyes fall closed.

In a flashback to the lantern festival, we see Byung-yeon at a distance from Yeong and Ra-on, who watch their lantern float up into the air. Byung-yeon sends his own wish up into the sky: In the last moment, that I may be only a friend. Oh god, I’m a mess. A blubbering mess.

The rebels, still dressed in soldiers’ uniforms, lead Hong Kyung-rae to the palace gates, where the guards eye them suspiciously. But Head Eunuch Han arrives to show them an official pass, and the guards open the gate.

The rebels are halfway through when the pursuing soldiers catch up to them, shouting for the rebels to be stopped. Fighting breaks out, and as half of the rebels hold them off, Hong Kyung-rae and Ra-on are led outside. Head Eunuch Han closes the gates on them, saying that he’ll buy them time—and although Ra-on and her father are loath to leave him behind, they’re compelled to hurry away.

The eunuch is slashed across the back as he starts to close the gate, but he marshals the last of his strength to stab a soldier who tries to follow the fugitives. Then he shut the gates closed, and Ra-on and her father witness the scene sorrowfully before they’re whisked away on horseback.

Eunuch Jang and Yoon-sung intercept the palace servant who’s wheeling out Byung-yeon’s corpse, and bribe him into leaving the body with them (as a criminal, he wouldn’t get a full burial). Yoon-sung breaks down in tears as he looks down on his friend, grasping his bloody hand…

And then, that hand ever so slightly twitches. Omo omo. Yoon-sung registers the motion with shock, then hope.

One month later.

The prince’s retinue gathers outside his door in the morning, awaiting permission to enter… which they don’t receive because the prince is not in his chambers. He’s outside the palace, having left his dragon robes behind.

Currently, Yeong sits stone-faced in a gisaeng house, watching a gisaeng dance while another pours him a drink. She notes that it’s his first time in this establishment, but Yeong’s reply is cavalier—he doesn’t remember, since he’s often drunk these days.

At the palace, the king confirms with a displeased court that the prince has missed yet another session. The prime minister argues that he is taking his regency too lightly and indicates the stack of scrolls in front of him, which are calls for dethronement. The king dismisses that prospect, but Minister Dumb pipes up that it’s necessary, and that he poses a danger to the state.

At that, Minister Jo retorts that the prince did not endanger the state, and accuses the ministers of linking the prince to Baekwoonhwe’s actions without any proof, and inciting the scholars at every chance. The prime minister presses on, though, insisting that the prince has lost all support and spends more time at gisaeng establishments than at his official duties. He argues that it’s time to dethrone the crown prince and name a new one, in order to set the government aright.

Dumb and Dumber chime in, and the rest of the ministers join the plea. Minister Jo is vastly outnumbered, and the king looks cornered. (Not that that’s difficult, as he seems to have taken up residence in that corner.)

As Yeong leaves the gisaeng house, he hears a familiar voice and turns to see the queen’s eunuch, Eunuch Sung, heading inside. Hm. That gets him thinking.

The prime minister visits the queen to inquire after the baby prince, and she answers a bit nervously that he’s in fine health. The prime minister is pleased, and says that he will soon be made the new heir. The pronouncement excites the queen, although her reaction is dimmed by the memory of Yoon-sung’s threat: that her discarded daughter is still alive.

Byung-yeon is alive, thank goodness, though not quite recovered from his brush with death. Yeong visits his friend and watches him sleep, wondering when Byung-yeon will finally be able to answer his greeting.

Yeong sits there for a bit, then tucks him in and leaves—and moments later, Byung-yeon’s eyes briefly open.

He’s been entrusted to Teacher Dasan’s care, and Yeong asks if he will be okay. Teacher Dasan says that the injuries are healing, and supposes that his prolonged sleep means that Byung-yeon is merely preparing himself to see Yeong.

Yeong asks if he has heard from Ra-on, but Teacher Dasan has not. He asks if Yeong is disappointed, and Yeong says no: Thanks to Teacher Dasan, he’s been keeping busy playing a game of “catch the tail.” It sounds like he’s on a hunt to find a lead (“tail”) that’ll take him to the head, and he explains that he’s keeping a close eye on all the comings and goings at the Kim clan: movement of money, land documents, people.

Teacher Dasan reminds him that merely stepping on a tail doesn’t mean the hunt is over, and that the prey can always cut the tail off to run away. Yeong takes in that warning, then says that he is making good progress with his preparations and advises Teacher Dasan to prepare to “fill a large hole” in the political scene.

Trembling in fear, Eunuch Sung reports to the queen that Yoon-sung is likely telling the truth about the discarded princess, having gone to the gibang to confirm the story in person. The queen is fraught with panic.

Yeong encounters Prime Minister Kim in passing, who tells him that being dethroned needn’t be a terrible thing, and that there are princes who have enjoyed life afterward. Yeong plays along, and says that it sounds appealing, but for one thing that holds him back: “You, Prime Minister. With you left in government, I do not think I will be able to leave it.”

Ra-on surprises Teacher Dasan by dropping by, having heard that Byung-yeon is here. She’s relieved to hear that he’s improving despite not having woken yet, and speaks to him in a cheerful voice, urging him to wake before too much time has passed.

Ra-on’s mood gets more pensive as she asks what the palace is like at the first snow of the year, thinking with a heavy heart that it must be quite pretty under a layer of snow. And then, Byung-yeon’s voice cuts in, “It’s beautiful.”

Dryly, he chides her for being as talkative as ever, and Ra-on lights up in relief, overjoyed to have him back. I feel that feel.

Yeong sits outside the building Ra-on and Byung-yeon used to share, recalling the happier times the three of them had spent there. At the sound of footsteps, Yeong looks up in anticipation… and then sees Ha-yeon and deflates.

She asks if he’s disappointed that it’s her, and he replies that he was merely surprised. She admits to nursing hurt feelings recently, after finding out who it is that Yeong loves. She supposes it’s too much to want more after insisting that she’d only become princess as part of a deal, and informs him that she will honor her original intentions.

“I may not be able to console you as she could,” Ha-yeon says, “but I will remain as your helper in keeping your position as crown prince. Because the person who can be at your side through the end is me.”

The queen summons Yoon-sung and asks how much longer he will interfere with her and her son, given that Yeong will be dethroned soon. Yoon-sung says warningly that he has restrained himself thus far because of their blood tie, and adds that he’d thought she’d at least want to see her child once. In a steely voice, he tells her to confess her actions, calling this his last act of mercy.

And outside the door, the prime minister turns around to leave, having heard the exchange.

Yeong receives a report from Young Master Jung, who confirms the capture of the man who organized the attempted assassination plot. Yeong heads out immediately.

The complaints against the prince’s unseemly behavior mount, and the ministers press the king about his removal—although notiably, the prime minister is quieter than usual. Just then, Yeong is announced at court, and when the king asks if it’s true he left the palace incognito again, Yeong readily confirms it. He’s surprisingly flippant in the face of their outrage, saying that the reports are accurate, and that he visited gibangs and gambling dens.

As scandalized murmurs break out, Yeong adds that a good king must listen to what his people are saying; he can’t hear anything by staying in the palace. Therefore, he spent his time listening to the citizens’ words.

Minister Dumb asks if those citizens were gamblers and gisaengs, and Yeong confirms it, asking if there’s a problem. The ministers burst out into another round of appeals to dethrone Yeong, and the king feels as trapped as ever.

But Yeong doesn’t look worried, and says that he understands their concerns, but feels the desire to share some of the interesting tales he has picked up from making the rounds at gibangs and gambling dens.

At the same time, the queen visits the gibang where Yoon-sung took her baby, and asks the madam to see the child. The madam wonders at the queen’s interest before gasping in shock, guessing at their connection.

Then it’s the queen’s turn to be shocked when the madam informs her that the baby was taken away earlier today, by someone claiming to be from the palace.

Yeong scatters drawings of men’s faces on the ground, telling the ministers to look closely to see if any trigger recognition. Minister Dumb asks why all the drawings show men with their eyes closed, and Yeong replies, “Why do you think? Because they are all dead.”

The Kims look particularly worried as Yeong deduces that they were killed to silence them—yet even so, there was a wealth of evidence left behind to connect the dots. He announces that he’s found out who’d gathered the men, paid them off, and organized the attack on him. Minister Dumber stammers that they already know the rebels of Baekwoonhwe to be the culprits, but Yeong snaps that they can just ask for the answers directly.

He calls out for the witness to be brought in. A disheveled prisoner is dragged forward and set before the court, whereupon Yeong asks if the mastermind is in this room. The man looks around at the ministers’ faces, and answers in the affirmative. Haltingly, he points to Dumb and Dumber as the ones in charge.

The royal investigator confirms that the payments doled out to the assassins originated from Minister Dumb, and produces secret ledgers as evidence. Yeong presses the prisoner again to identify who ordered the assassins and blamed their actions on Baekwoonhwe. The prisoner confirms again that it was Dumb and Dumber.

The irate king asks the ministers for a response, and Minister Dumb proclaims his innocence in ever-feebler (and ever-falsetto) exclamations. Yeong orders that they be imprisoned and interrogated, and their full crime exposed.

They are dragged out of the room, and then Yeong levels his hard stare on the prime minister. In a flashback, we revisit the conversation when Teacher Dasan had warned Yeong that stepping on a tail would not guarantee a successful hunt. Yeong had asked what he needed to do to prevent his target from cutting tail and running, and Teacher Dasan had replied that a target with an overly large body would be difficult to capture all at once: “First the right arm, and then the left. Until you can cut off the head, you must not let down your guard.”

So now, Yeong trains his eyes on his final target. After the court session is over, he speaks privately with the prime minister to show him another drawing of a face. This time it’s a woman, and Yeong explains that a court lady recently died, having just given birth to a child that disappeared. He asks the prime minister if he isn’t curious to know what happened.

The queen returns to the palace, and is struck with horror to see that Ha-yeon and a court lady have a new baby in their care. Her daughter.

The queen’s hands shake as she receives a visit from Ha-yeon, who tells her that the prince asked one of his court ladies to temporarily watch over the baby. She found the child so cute she’d asked to be allowed to take her for a while, and shows her to the queen, who merely stares, frozen and afraid.

Yeong visits Byung-yeon again, this time awake, albeit too uncomfortable to meet his friend’s gaze squarely. When Yeong asks why Byung-yeon slept so long, Byung-yeon replies, “I must have been too ashamed to face you.”

Yeong reminds him, “You protected me and the woman I love. More than anything, I thank you for returning to us.”

Byung-yeon says that Ra-on sometimes comes to tend to him, and Yeong replies, “When all preparations are complete, I will bring her back to my side. I will make it so she can be as before, laughing, chatting with me, and being happy. I am nearly there.” He suggests that the three of them return to the palace for a drink when the time comes.

The two friends smile at each other, and around the corner, Ra-on listens with a smile on her face.

The prime minister cuts right to the chase when he visits the the queen, asking why she is so intent on enthroning a child who isn’t of royal blood. The queen insists that she gave birth to the child, and the prime minister just tells her that everybody believes that, and must continue to believe it. “If you are unable to do that,” he warns, “you will not be able to avoid death.”

He starts to get up, but for the first time, the queen pulls rank on her father, referring to him formally by title and ordering him to sit. She asks if he thinks he will be safe, because just as he has a tight hold on her lifeline, she has one on his.

She warns that he may have managed to raise her up from her lowly origins as a gisaeng’s daughter, but that is itself a disgrace to the Joseon royal family. (Presumably, he would be punished if that news came to light.)

The prime minister finally looks something less than smug, and he warns her to shut her mouth. The queen tells her father that if he means to mess with her, he had better be prepared to handle the consequences.

That night, as they look up at the moon, Yeong and Yoon-sung reminisce on their childhood together, trading bittersweet recollections: Yoon-sung envied Yeong and always felt that ultimately, he was a vassal, while Yeong was always longing for friends.

Yeong wonders, “Is that why we could only amount to this much? You, Byung-yeon, and me. Why is it that we cannot but fight?” Yoon-sung admits to always wanting to flee his grandfather and his family, “although you may not believe it.”

“I believe you,” Yeong replies, explaining that he has also felt the desire to throw away things he couldn’t. “I will do what I must do,” Yeong adds. Yoon-sung nods, telling him to do what he believes is right.

“But, I worry that you may be hurt,” Yeong says. Yoon-sung says, “I worry too—that I may want to protect my family.” They turn to look each other in the eye, and Yoon-sung continues, “But no matter what happens, there will be no reason to feel sorry—either for you, or for me.”

Prime Minister Kim sits alone in his room, thinking back eight years ago to the day he’d had a face reader look at Yeong from afar, and heard that the prince’s face spoke of an early death. Moreover, one of his companions had an “unusual energy”: a good nature, a strong spirit, and the face of a good king. That boy wore a hat bearing the image of a crane, and we see that he’d been speaking of Yoon-sung.

Now, the prime minister thinks to himself that if the Yi royal lineage is to be disrupted, they may as well put a “proper” owner on the throne. And just then, Yoon-sung arrives in accordance with his summons.

As the court ladies brew medicines in the courtyard, a shifty-looking figure hovers in the background…

That night, Ha-yeon visits a tired Yeong as he sits up reading, and brings him a tonic meant to help with fatigue. The court lady tastes it first, and then Ha-yeon serves it to the prince.

Yeong starts to drink it, just as Ha-yeon looks at her hand and notices something—a discoloration on her silver ring.

Alarmed, she grabs for the bowl and tells him not to drink—but it’s too late. He’s already taken a mouthful.

Across the city, Ra-on thinks of Yeong cutting loose his eternity bracelets, sending its beads scattering everywhere.

As Ra-on touches the spot on her wrist where her bracelet used to be, Yeong’s eyes widen and a pained expression crosses his face.

He starts to keel over slowly, and falls to the ground with a thud. Unconscious.

COMMENTS

This show is going to be the death of me. I was an ugly-crying wreck when Byung-yeon died (he didn’t die, technically, but boy did the show kill him off beautifully anyway), and now they’ve gotta go and put Yeong in danger? I don’t believe for a second that he will die this way—there would be rioting if the production killed off Park Bo-gum!—and yet, there’s nothing like a late-game poisoning to remind us all that this was the way that the historical figure died (suspected poisoning at the age of twenty), making everything feel just a bit extra unsettling. Then again, he’s also supposed to have fathered a child by now, so I suppose we can take solace in this drama’s intentional historical inaccuracy.

Byung-yeon’s death scene was an emotional highlight of the episode, and the show did a good job of not making it feel like a cop-out when he didn’t actually die. Or maybe I’m just so relieved that he’s not actually dead that I don’t care why he didn’t die as long as he didn’t. It feels a bit like getting to have our cake and eat it too, because he got his glorious send-off, which felt right, and then also got to survive, which also felt right.

That gorgeous farewell with Yeong was in many ways more stirring than anything a romantic heartbreak could have wrought. It felt earnest and pure, capturing two friends caught between greater forces and unable to do anything about it but to wish in their last moments to be the best friend they could to each other. Personally, I don’t believe that Byung-yeon drew a sword on Yeong as a diversion, or as a noble sacrifice meant to save Ra-on and Yeong; I really do think he was carrying out his role as a member of the rebels. The acting performance, with all its heartbreaking nuances, supports that reading, and doesn’t quite fall in line with the diversion/sacrifice explanation. But even in that moment, I don’t believe he switched allegiances; it seems to me that he was always trying to honor both of his loyalties. He would never have harmed Yeong, and in effect chose to die rather than carry his role in the rebellion any more than was necessary.

That made it feel especially poignant later when Byung-yeon was feeling shame and guilt toward Yeong after his recovery, and Yeong was the one to read protectiveness and sacrifice in Byung-yeon’s actions. I love that Yeong has such strong faith in his friend to believe the best of him regardless of what he said. And when we saw that his most earnest wish was to be a friend in his last moments, it drove home that his loyalty never broke.

Ra-on really took a backseat today, which was a little disappointing, but I suppose we had too many other important storylines to address to cram in everything. I appreciated having an episode more focused on the three friends, because they form such a perfect representation of the conflict at large, but injected with heart and soul, to make their dilemmas and crisscrossing fates and loyalties really come through in the emotion. I actually wish the show had focused a bit more on the three friends throughout the entire show, but at least we have episodes like this one, where they speak openly and communicate. Even if that means they remain on opposite sides, despite their hearts wanting them to be on the same one.

I was relieved to see a return of shrewd Yeong, the one who plays things close to the vest and gets everything prepared quietly while his opponents relax. It was clear (to us, at least) that he wasn’t just carousing out of recklessness, but I like that he used that impression as a tool to gain information without arousing suspicion. And I was thrilled that we saw again how perceptive he was, getting to the baby first and tucking away his trump card before the other side even knew to be worried. Whenever Teacher Dasan is involved, I always find myself breathing a bit easier about wit and smarts winning over pure power.

I’ll admit to being a little nervous as we head into our last hour, because we have a lot of ends to tie up and I (1) want the conflicts resolved to reasonable satisfaction and (2) also want to be able to bask in the satisfaction for longer than a minute as the show ends. But we’ve come this far, so what’s one more hour of putting myself at these producers’ mercies? Here’s my heart, Moonlight, beating and bloody and hopeful—now just don’t break it, please.

446

Required fields are marked *

1 Anh

October 17, 2016 at 8:29 PM

Heol
The scene of BY and Yeong, heart wrenching. Yeong knew why BY did that, and Yeong ordered BY to not withdraw the sword. I was screaming BY-ah. That bromance scene, BY in LY arms. And BY wish also come true, they still friend. And the scene btw LY and YS as well, I bet YS told LY about the baby and BY hiding at Dasan. Why can’t they all be friends??

Hmm, was the med poisoned or was it the bowl that poisoned? If the med is poisoned, that mean the silver spoon is not silver, and that court lady gona be poisoned too. Im not too concern about Yeong, he will survive. Im more curious about who’s behind. The queen? Minister Kim or someone else?

And goodbye eunuch Han, there were times I doubted you, but you just proven yourself that you loyal to Baekwon and your friend, HGN.

Now Yeong has cut off Dumb and Dumber, who will he attack next? The queen? Since surely, the queen also hates her father. Or will he be able to dig the secret from Princess YeongEun? And surely, he will reinstate Dasan back to the court now that there’s vacant position.

Idk how they will arrive at the ending, but I think the ending will be something like OTP together, Yeong still CP or maybe King, there will be a scene LY,BY and RO drink together at Jahyeondang (maybe YS as well?), Kim clan got wiped out, become commoners, Big Kims get beheaded, the rest exiled, YS becomes a wanderer or artist, queen dethroned, also have scene of RO sneak out of palace to be love counselor and continue to write romance , and Yeong be her biggest fan. HY probably stripped off her title due to poison(?) and return home?

Why do I feel like Minister Jo has more faith in Yeong than his own father, the king? Well, the right things that king did this ep were fainting right after BY got stabbed so BY got chance to escape and holding out the CP dethronement long enough for Yeong to dig up evidence.

And hwang chiyeol Because I miss you hit the damn feel on so many level, not just missing RO, but also BY and the time they were together. Im so gona dl the full song now that it’s released. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqINiiyzc88

One more night to go, fellow beanies and moonlighters, brace yourself. Can we reach 25% for the finale? Since ep 17 is 23.3% already.

Required fields are marked *

2 Catgirl

October 17, 2016 at 8:29 PM

Its here!

Required fields are marked *

3 kayak

October 17, 2016 at 8:32 PM

After the audience and team Crown Prince scream and cry because everyone's beloved guard Byeong-Yeon died, cut to:

Sister: He's alive? Is that even possible?
Me [not giving one damn bit about reality]: Well, the Prince survived massive blood loss and didn't succumb to septicemia so...yes.

Also:
1. Huzzah! Ra-On finally remembered how to be inconspicuous.
2. I want so badly for BY, Yoon-Sung and the CP to be friends. We get so close to them being the Three Musketeers, but it feels like that may not happen. It may be cold comfort, but each has acknowledged out loud that they want that friendship but palace politics and family ties keep getting in the way.
3. There are now more candidates for characters who might not make it to the end (Baby Girl Lee, Ha-Yeon, Yoon-Sung). I don't want anyone (well I'm okay with the Prime Minister and Dumb and Dumber falling off the nearest sageuk cliff) to die, but don't you dare touch Bo-Gum/CP!
4. This show has been so great at not showing its hand right away (ex: the conversation between CP and BY that ensures CP knows BY would never betray him), and in that sense I almost admire how much the Queen has been underestimated by PM. I would not be surprised if she poisoned CP to frame Ha-Yeon so she could get at the baby.
5. For those of you who can envision the alternate universe where Ha-Yeon and CP would work out (you know, with totally different actors), I believe that show would begin somewhere in that conversation between HY and CP in front of Repentance Hall; there was a brief look where he registered her loyalty. But I also want an ending that has him laughing and enjoying drinks with BY, RO and pretty please YS, so let's all just interpret that brief look as gas.
6. Crossing fingers that all things will be tied up in a satisfying way!

Required fields are marked *

4 Viki

October 17, 2016 at 8:33 PM

Just finished the ep a moment ago. OMG! PLEASE DON'T ___!!! WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN TOMORROW?! MIRACLE PLEASE HAPPEN!

I'm so buying this drama if tomorrow ends up a happy ending. I love this so much, even with the letdown of last week's episodes.

Required fields are marked *

5 Sancheezy

October 17, 2016 at 8:33 PM

1st there is so much possibility
- The Kim's poison him, reason: he finally uncontrollable and they have the newborn prince,
they can't prosecute the Kims if they killed CP now since the Kim is the grandfather of the next King in line
- The CP sacrifice himself to get out of the palace and tied the Kims
- The writer doesn't want to alternate history

The show actually doesn't really complicates but the execution is sad,
I get the idea and I knew what gonna happen but it still sad, just like the happy days,
If you somehow enjoy angst, like the opening of Secret, you'll love how they executed the episode imo
and for the poisoned, I think we saw this coming, when I think about it, they literally talk about the fate reader, they tried to attack yeong and talks about changing the owner of donggeungjon.
Also what best to keep viewer than this cliffhanger,
I seriously enjoying this, it feels good and really hurt that I don't mind cause it will end today,
like having a vitamin shot, it hurt but it gonna be over tomorrow

and the rating is 23.3%,
it's the last week . . .
let's party!!!

ps; Chi yeol has a very sad voice, it's the sorrow after you cry and the sadness inside,

Required fields are marked *

6 pinkfluff99

October 17, 2016 at 8:34 PM

You know what historical Kdramas need? Poison Control Center. Yunno, that number to call whenever you do anything that could harm yourself.

Would save much more time than merely shaking someone who's been poisoned.

Also, there needs to be more security especially in terms of food.

Required fields are marked *

7 celine

October 17, 2016 at 8:37 PM

Kim Hyunggggggggg!! You gave me a freakin' heart attack in my 20s! You owe me money for all the Kleenex I used! Lots and lots of Kleenex! Thank you for being alive. One more episode. Hold on and don't you dare die.

Bromance ruled this episode and I am not complaining. The very strong friendship between BrOTP is as beautiful as the romance of OTP. Glad we got wonderful moments between Yeong and Kim Hyung.

As for Yeong, DON'T YOU DARE DIE AS WELL! In fact, no one dies except for the baddies! Pleaseee

Required fields are marked *

8 stuffed

October 17, 2016 at 8:37 PM

'Now, the prime minister thinks to himself that if the Yi royal lineage is to be disrupted, they may as well put a “proper” owner on the throne.'

Can anyone explain this to me please? I'm a bit lost. I know that this is going to be brought up again but is what many of you guys had suspected earlier really true? What does this scene mean???

Required fields are marked *

9 LucyLo

October 17, 2016 at 8:38 PM

Even when I had caught a glimpse of a spoiler that revealed BY dying and still being alive later, I too ugly-cried when I saw him die... and then shed some tears in his reunion with CP. All this emotion better have a royal payback - like the size of the queen's scary bulging eyes and more - with Ra On coming back in full force and many moments of lovey-doveyness between her and CP. It better happen!!

Required fields are marked *

10 Ira

October 17, 2016 at 8:42 PM

Yeong to Kim Hyung: If I could trust only one person in the world, that person will be you.

Kim Hyung to Yeong: I wish that in my last moment, I could just be your friend.

Me: *wailing*

Apparently we're looking at the wrong love triangle, folks! It has always been RO-CP-BY all along!!

Now I can forgive the writer for the disappointment of last week, because this time the angst is finally back to be a good legitimate one. And finally a payoff!!! How I miss thee!! Though I hate the writer a tiny bit for trolling us about BY's death, but I am thankful that the bromance is still going strong. As much as I hate being trolled, I can only accept her trolling us about Yeong getting poisoned, or else...... I doubt that the writer will kill him (like javabeans said there'll be riot in korea of the writer did that), but stop hurting my puppy!!!

Also love the whole convo between Yeong and YS. Although I am sad that my wish to see their friendship to be truly mended may never happen (thanks to Kim Evil), I love the respect and acknowledgement between them.

And gosh, HY! I have always liked her, but this episode made me adore her so much more. Such strength amidst all the heartbreak. Hers is indeed an unfortunate case of bad timing. If not for RO, CP can easily fall for her since she is such an awesome young lady who has both the spunk and grace worthy of her crown princess status. In an alternate universe, I can totally see her and Yeong kicking ass left and right like nobody's business. I am very angry at Kim Evil for using her to do his horrible deed. I hope nothing bad will befall her and her family.

Btw, how come nary a peep is said about Eunuch Han death? Surely someone that close to the king was found to have ties to the white cloud society meant quite sth. It's not that I want another scene of the weak king going all more paranoid, but I scratched my head a teeny bit for this.

Required fields are marked *

11 maryxiah

October 17, 2016 at 8:42 PM

Warning: long comment ahead.

First thing first, thank you Lee Seo-won for bowing out of Moonlight and giving Kwak Dong-yeon a chance to grace my screen and kill it with his portrayal of Byung-yeon. Didn’t think I’d come to care so much for Byung-yeon as a character because I wasn’t impressed with the whole handsome-manly-oozing charisma bodyguard thing he had in earlier episodes. But man, he grew on me so much, like Yoon-sung and Ha-yeon. I honestly didn’t think Byung-yeon would die in today’s episode. I thought he’d have run off with the rebels and only suffer minor injury in the process, I guess I was naive to think he could've escaped from all the guards. That being said, I just wasn't mentally prepared to see Byung-yeon get slashed across the chest, I was so convinced he had died! Props to the show for making me believe for a second there he died. I was a mess when he thanked Yeong for believing in him.

I'm sure we all have some misgivings with the way this show handle the latter arc of the story, but I couldn't help admiring this show for being so amazing at withholding info that could be told in later episodes, weaving the past and present seamlessly in ways we could relate. So imagine my surprise to see Byung-yeon make an appearance on the wishing lantern scene. We know all the lantern wishes came true, so I find comfort seeing Byung-yeon's wish fulfilled. While he may have been part of the rebels, I feel like his friendship with Yeong has never taken a backseat because of that, and we’ve seen him put Yeong above the rebels on a several occasions. I’m glad Yeong later confide in Byung-yeon that he understood Byung-yeon was saving him and the woman he loved, what a great way to relief Byung-yeon of all the guilt he’s been carrying. It’s evident that Byung-yeon couldn’t bear to look at Yeong in the eyes, even refusing to wake up from his sleep when Yeong came by, until Yeong promised to reunite with him and Ra-on later in Jahyeondang. Gosh the way his face lights up when Yeong said that poke a hole in my heart. Jeoha, you really have a way with your words, I wish I was your woman.

Also, I was pleasantly surprised to see the king pulled through in critical moments. I was mentally clapping my hands when he ordered everyone not to move a muscle with the sword on Yeong’s neck. And the fact that he stood firm in spite of the ministers’ insistence to dethrone Yeong. I get that the king is so weak and useless at times, okay maybe all the times, but I can’t help having a soft spot for him, maybe because he’s such an important person to Yeong and one of the reasons why Yeong had to rise up and above to protect the people he loves. So when he did that, I totally felt his love for Yeong. I don’t doubt it before, but I’m happy to see any sign of affection from him. I’m actually quite turned off to see dysfunctional father-son relationship in sageuk, all for the sake of the throne. So I’m pleased that Moonlight didn’t go there.

Required fields are marked *

12 Luna

October 17, 2016 at 8:44 PM

its here its here... pfiuuuuuuuuuh finally!!!

Required fields are marked *

13 cingdoc

October 17, 2016 at 8:44 PM

Oh My Heart ????
So many blood and tears...
I know everyone else will talk about the episode so I will just talk about some interesting things I noticed :
1) I had a eye rolling moment when I saw what I will called a " typical" patient in a hospital room scene. Our poor Kim Hyung is laying there unconscious and instead of a hospital air purifier next to him ( in a modern hospital), we have a ( I assume) a herbal pot brewing and yet have that miraculous steam going, LOL.
2) I'm going to chalk it up with it being the end of a " perfect" drama ( for me) but I think the editing team has slipped. Little things like omitted scenes that we saw in the preview. There was no scene of Mom telling Ra On about Kim Hyung and yet Ra On mentioned that fact to Teacher Dasan. The other one was CP telling Kim Hyung that he's preparing a big event so that he, Kim Hyung and Ra On can live happily ever after. In the preview, Ra On had a voice over about her waiting for him after he has done his preparation and come back for her.
I know it's little minor things but yeah... when the drama is so good, the little misses become glaring.
STILL, MDBC is still one of my all time favorite. I might not have time but only 1 drama but I'm glad that I spent it with all of you Moonlighters.CP and Ra On FIGHTING!!!!!

Required fields are marked *

14 osmanthustea

October 17, 2016 at 8:48 PM

Finally. Last week was so draggy that I started wishing the plots would wrap up soon, and I'm so glad that Show is finally badass again. Maybe Ra On and Yeong need to stay apart meaningfully to work on what matters in the interim. So much better than the endless push-pull last week.

I would pretty much have believed that Kim Hyung died, since it's not unusual for supporting casts to be sacrificed towards the end... and I'm glad that he managed to survive, just barely. The fact that it's only through sheer luck that YS noticed he was alive, made it more believable.

but it was soooo gut wrenching. I've already watched it raw last night but watching the subbed version still made me well up. /=

The only reason I'm not dying from the poison scene is because... he can't die now, right? Blind faith. And the hope that he had poisoned himself to give himself more room to ensnare the Kims.

Oh and I sort of applauded the Queen this time round. For finally standing up to the PM. She's a bitch, but I think it's also cuz he made her that way.

Required fields are marked *

15 michykdrama

October 17, 2016 at 8:56 PM

I must admit that I experienced a few unexpected emotions during the episode-

First, disbelief that they actually really killed Byung Yeon. I was too shocked. I just kept saying, "Wow... they actually went there. They really killed him!"

And then, I really burst out laughing when his finger twitched- because, they didn't! He is alive!

And anyone else cheered when they saw Teacher Yoda? XD Super happy he is back to give advice to Prince Yeong again.

But my favourite person this episode, other than the leads and Byung Yeon of course, was undoubtably Eunuch Jang. He who acted as mother hen to Prince Yeong, accepting of scolding on his behalf, and willing to help Yung Sung say his "final goodbyes" to Byung Yeon. Love him!

Also, so many moments to be happy over this episode because the Kims FINALLY failed in silencing someone who was going to expose their nefarious plans. And I love it when Evil fights Evil, like the Queen pulling rank on Premier Kim. I for one hope that he gets backstabbed by Dumb and Dumber, or they all stab each other in the back. And where is sweet little mute Princess? I hope she appears next week!

Anyone else Very Very worried for Yung Sung? I really hope they won't kill him off... because there is all this talk of death.... and somehow I doubt all three of them can cheat death (since Byung Yeon and Prince Yeong each had a mortal wound to recover from). And Ha Yeon too- I hope nothing happens to her... I worry because she is caring for The Baby, and now that Premier Kim know who that baby is... I worry for both of them.

I'm ready for the final episode Show! Bring It On!

Required fields are marked *

16 Elisabeth Ho

October 17, 2016 at 8:57 PM

Lol. I die. I haven't been reading the screen caps on that much. Couldn't resist today. I could totally tell javabean's writing. The tone of voice, the dramatic play by play. Hilarious. I miss reading your screen caps! Thank you for taking the time and effort to bring your readers insightful and comedic relief to such a dramatic storyline!!!!

Required fields are marked *

17 chaeyeon

October 17, 2016 at 8:57 PM

PD!! WRITER!! DON'T YOU DARE KILL YOONSUNG..
HE'S BEEN SAVING EVERYONE'S LIVE
WHILE HE'S NOT APPRECIATED ENOUGH..
OMG.. POOR HIM.. POOR HIM... T_____T

Required fields are marked *

18 UmbrellaMan

October 17, 2016 at 8:58 PM

Lesson learned, do not watch this show while eating. I was sobbing uncontrollably into my fajitas. He's dead! *blubbering mess*
(ノД`)・゜・。...no, he's not dead! *tears of joy* ＼(*T▽T*)／ ...wait...did I just ball my eyes out over nothing?!? (⇀_ ⇀)

Right from the moment the show started I knew that Byung-yeon was going to die. That was such a gut wrenching scene. Am I glad that he is alive? Of course! But, there is something very powerful and dramatic that we are missing by his death not being final. Damn you show for playing with my emotions!
( ･`⌓´･)ﾉﾞ

And that darned cliffhanger. Why?!?

Required fields are marked *

19 maryxiah

October 17, 2016 at 9:01 PM

Had to comment on this before I forget again, doesn't Byung-yeon's hairdo post recovery reminds anyone of Rurouni Kenshin from Samurai X?

Required fields are marked *

20 momosa

October 17, 2016 at 9:01 PM

Ah, my heart can't take it, I have stopped watching a couple of episodes back not because I don't like the cuteness overload, but knowing in history that this prince died young. I need to know the endgame before re-watching again, and it has got to be a happy one...please.

Required fields are marked *

21 teeruksamur

October 17, 2016 at 9:01 PM

I might have refreshed Dramabeans since 6pm to see if the recap is up! Thanks javabeans, now I my viewing experience is complete, for the time being anyway.

Everything in this episode is so beautiful and heartbreaking, from the tiny facial nuances on Crown Prince's face in every scene, to the pure and sweet loyalty of CP and BY's friendship. Like everyone, I don't mind that we didn't get scenes between CP and RO because the bromance (which has always shined) needed their focus. I hope we get another bromance scene between CP and YS. Then of course, I hope more scenes with RO too.

I don't know how they're going to fit everything in the last episode, but I still have faith that we've put our hearts in the right hands! Squeeze away Show!

Required fields are marked *

22 cricketbell

October 17, 2016 at 9:10 PM

Kim hyun scenes were everything. I ugly cried for him and was in disbelief that they went there.

My unexpected fav moment was when the evil queen went in on her father. I love when the evil folks turn on each other.

The CP that I love came through this ep. I want a proper send off where I am bursting with satisfaction.

Required fields are marked *

23 hunneybunny

October 17, 2016 at 9:10 PM

Man this episode was so satisfying! I was yelling in my head "IMPLODE IMPLODE" during the queen vs Minister Kim scenes lol.

One point though - I got the vibe that the older gibang lady was actually the queens mother. We know that she's the daughter of a gisaeng, and she seemed embarrassed/ashamed of the lady, while the lady seemed hesitantly caring/worried about her, and looked hurt when the queen snapped at her. I felt like the queen contacted her mom just to get the information she was after.

Required fields are marked *

24 JoyCB

October 17, 2016 at 9:12 PM

Are they pulling a Romeo and Juliet for a happy ever after?

My ending:
Yoon Sung becomes king, Yeong leaves the palace and lives as a regular citizen with Ra On, Byung Yeon continues to have gorgeous hair.

Required fields are marked *

25 slvr1

October 17, 2016 at 9:16 PM

Just wanted to point out a quick thing the recap may have missed. The Gibang madam whom YS entrusted the baby to- is the Queen's mother.

She affectionately tries to ask the Queen how she's so thin after childbirth, is it because her mother didn't take care of her- when the Queen retracts her hand angrily.

Required fields are marked *

26 kimchikay

October 17, 2016 at 9:17 PM

This is going to be interesting because from what I know of the ending of the novel/story, it's actually another *important* character who dies….for sake of not spoiling, I won't say the name but I wonder if they'll keep that the same or not because Byung Yeon's death trolled me so much…..

I'm so ready for the ending though….the last few episodes have been so draggy…gimme all the action and badassery PLEASE. Also, please don't let CP and Ra On get together in the last 5 minutes of this drama because I'm so done with their long distance relationship.

Required fields are marked *

27 Shari

October 17, 2016 at 9:17 PM

Comment was deleted

Required fields are marked *

28 Luna

October 17, 2016 at 9:18 PM

Oh dear...
now i'm starting to worry for YoonSung's life...
Please dont die....

#SaveYoonSung

Required fields are marked *

29 monchers

October 17, 2016 at 9:21 PM

Sooo I spent most of the first part of the episode screaming via SMS to my friend, "DON'T KILL NINJAAA NO NO NO NO!" and so many variations that kind of message. Yes, we were screaming at each other via SMS. And yes, we call BY, "Ninja." Suits him, somewhat.

Not so much OTP moments in this ep, but loved the last look between CP and RO when she was being taken away. So powerful, meaningful, and true. *sighs* Not complaining also as it was a bromance episode, focusing on the friendship/s of the three (CP, YS, BY). My heart.

Last episode tonight -- echoing Javabeans, please don't break our hearts!

Required fields are marked *

30 Hangummy

October 17, 2016 at 9:23 PM

Thank you for the great recap! I've been re-loading dramabeans' page since this morning lol XD
When I see the scene between Kim hyung and CP I was literally screaming "no!!!!!!!!" And my sister was so surprised that she thought something was happened to me (lol, I was loud)
I'm really glad that Kim hyung is alive (thanks writer-nim!) Because my one last hope is to see Raon, Yeong and Kim Hyung chatted happily like that time when they're drinking together and this time Yoonsung will join them (maybe Hayeon can join too? But I'm afraid it will break her heart to see Yeong and Raon).
And I believe that they won't kill Yeong because they promised a light-hearted saegeuk, and I don't think that my heart will be light when I see our crown prince died.
Btw, I was laughing so hard at this -> "Not that that’s difficult, as he seems to have taken up residence in that corner." :))))

Required fields are marked *

31 Ugtas

October 17, 2016 at 9:25 PM

Yoon sung! You're the man!

Required fields are marked *

32 4drama

October 17, 2016 at 9:25 PM

I was shocked when BY dies few minutes of the show, I watched it raw and basically only catches few words, but I was like, NO, NO don't kill him, it's too early!! I totally lost it, I felt a pull of being in hell and heavens open up a glimmer of hope with a slight twitch of his hand. Beautiful episode, I didn't mind RO taking a back seat coz they gave us lots of feels with these three friends, even HY, I loved that the second leads in this drama support the main lead and not an annoying and convoluted character. How amazing that this show gave us characters that we root for, having different choices but in the end, one ultimate goal

Required fields are marked *

33 Sarai

October 17, 2016 at 9:27 PM

I know I was not alone in the shock, horror, and grief at Byung-Yeon's death scene. I was screaming at him not to drop his sword! Please no! How did this character totally steal my heart? I can't pinpoint when it happened, but Byung-Yeon notched himself deep in emotions and thoughts.
It's amazing how a character, with his loyalties on such seemingly opposite sides of the "wall", really presents the most devotion and conviction of all the characters. There is no question, this is a man who does what he believes is right no matter the outcome. It's inspiring.
When he fell, I'm not even kidding, I stopped the episode and sobbed, literally sobbed. I couldn't believe it. Then when Yeong and Byung-Yeon had that final beautiful moment of friendship... When he repeated that line that no matter what - Byung-Yeon was always the person he trusted more than anyone - it was so heartbreakingly beautiful that I sobbed some more. What a wonderful example of righteous, unadulted friendship. I've always thought that friendship is the purest and rawest form of love, because it's the only love where one doesn't "expect" anything from the other person. Unlike romantic love which requires reciprocation (with expectations and desires) to be fully realized and enjoyed... friendship demands no further action than being there, being present, in the moment with your friend. Simply being friends is the ultimate reward.
Gosh, I was crying so much, but that scene was so captivating and powerful.
The truth is I then cried again out of desperate relief that Byung-Yeon wasn't dead. Thank you, God! lol
I really enjoyed this episode and can't wait to see how all the loose ends are tied together. Fingers crossed for a most happy ending!

Required fields are marked *

34 ObsessedMuch

October 17, 2016 at 9:34 PM

Grabbing a place before I get lost! So much to say, but sadly I am in office! :(

Required fields are marked *

35 kakakash

October 17, 2016 at 9:40 PM

After rewatching Byung yeon's dying scene, I can't believe I cried AGAIN.

I'm so with you in that I don't even care why Byung yeon didn't die...I was just so relieved and happy that he didn't. That whole exchange, along with Byung yeon's watery smiles later on when listening to Yeong talk about them three having drinks together, they were beautiful ??.

I think precisely because Byung yeon's intentions were never to get in the Prince's way or harm him outright was he able to make that decision in the final moment to draw the sword on Yeong, in order to allow the rebels to walk away. Like you said, he never intended to harm Yeong. And as the show progressed I think his understanding of his own loyaties matured on at least a subconscious level, that he never really had to choose one side over another, so long as he did what he felt in his heart was right. Although on the surface, his aggressive action still pained him hence his guilt. Hmm I think I'm saying the same thing as you Javabeans.

Bromances totally stole the show this episode. It was so good! *goesbacktowatchByungyeon'swateryeyedconversationwithYeong*

Required fields are marked *

36 wackycashew

October 17, 2016 at 9:42 PM

Thanks for the recap, JB!!

Wow, what a packed episode! My heart must have stopped when seeing BY breathe his last. I was ready to shake my fist and yell nooooo though a tiny glimmer of hope inside made me hang on and saw that finger twitch... Whew!! I really really love the friendship between these three friends, and especially between Yeong and BY. That moment when Yeong held BY and BY thanked him for his trust was outstanding. Like you said, it was a great send-off, and we didn't mind that BY managed to survive.

I heart astute Crown Prince!! So glad to see Yeong putting those Kim's in their places. Just gotta take down the prime minister now!

I also liked how RO tended to BY, being her chatty self in holes of getting BY to wake up and respond!

Yeong at the end!! Nooooo! Stop doing that to my heart!!! I know he'd be OK somehow since he didn't drink that much and he can be saved in time. But man, too many chest-pounding moments today.

RO and the crown prince need to reunite ASAP! Just one ep left!! Make it good, Show!!

Required fields are marked *

37 ck1Oz

October 17, 2016 at 9:46 PM

Too emotionally exhausted because of all the emotional investment in this drama.

It's up to episode 17 and I am still not cursing at the ineptitude. The hero continues to be awesome and the dramatic moments continues to be dramatic. I continue to wanting to kill the villains especially PM Kim.

Beautiful show- I have total faith the last 5 min won't be a waste of my time. Am already preparing to download it on 720p for my collection.

The CP is one of the most intelligent and rational male leads I've seen. Well that... and it's Park Bogum. I wasn't even a fan after R1988 or Cantabile Nodame and the other murder drama but after this.... yummy yummy boy :-)

Required fields are marked *

38 coby

October 17, 2016 at 9:54 PM

Phew! I thought they will kill Kimhyung. I cried last night already but reading about it makes me teary-eyed (if only I'm not at work)...

Required fields are marked *

39 junah

October 17, 2016 at 10:08 PM

i will be minority here. last night episode doesn't feel like the drama I fell in love in the 1st place. time jump, fast pacing, packed/rushed resolution, poison on hero ??? the magic I've got watching this drama, with all twist and turn, full of originality and new idea, has gone. I am not surprise CP being poisoned . but if the writers choose to follow the novel, it just ruin the surprise element this drama seems to have before. I just raised my eyebrow on the ending. Like, really ? Is this the same writer who gave me unforgettable eps 6 ? I will watch tonight episode without so much anticipation and hope. sad ending or happy ending, seems not matter anymore. sigh.

Required fields are marked *

40 Zore

October 17, 2016 at 10:09 PM

Am I the only one who can no longer stand HY? I used to empathize with her, but she is getting on my nerves. I dislike people who have false modesty. I prefer people to openly show their desire and go after it, whether good or bad. On the one hand, she presents herself as self sacrificing for the sake of the crown prince but passively implies I am/going to be your legal wife and crown princess, isn't your duty to love me. Especially since I am self sacrificing and all. All she really is doing is acting on a one-sided love that she was told will not be reciprocated and realizing that she is in over her head. She is preoccupied with her side of the equation without sympathizing with the fact that two people in love, as opposed to her one- sided, cannot be together because of circumstances out of thier control. When she found who Lee Yeong loves, it had to be about how she felt about it, without sympathy for the person She supposedly love. She either resign herself to the deal she made to have the position and not the man. Or admit she wants the man too and openly pursue him now. And she really needs to stop appearing when Lee Yeong is reminiscing about Ra On. That does not endear her to me. When I was watching the scene she appeared while Lee Yeong was reminiscing, I was scream "go do some embroidery if you have nothing better to do" than appearing in that moment.

Required fields are marked *

41 Le__Ssy

October 17, 2016 at 10:13 PM

I really really really thought they killed BY!

Required fields are marked *

42 celine

October 17, 2016 at 10:22 PM

I actually like that there is still a lot going on here because if things get resolved by EP 17, then we only have EP 18 full of fluff and I think that would be an overkill. As much as I love YeongOn, I like the conflict surrounding them, especially Yeong's struggle to make things right in the royal court and build the nation he envisions. On the other hand, I wouldn't want a mere 10 minutes of couple happy times in the finale. Half an hour would be fine. hihi

Last week I was worried with how things will be resolved and how the loose ends will be addressed, but somehow after watching this episode, I felt more at ease. The events fell into place and the connections were made among dethroning Yeong- fake baby Prince- hidden baby Princess- Queen- Yoonsung- Premier Kim... things seemed to have been aligned. It's not perfect, but I like how it all unraveled here. And yes I love Yeong's tactics and for once Minister Dumb and Dumber were not feeling high and mighty and Yeong put them in their place. I would have liked to see some of these developments in the previous week, but I firmly believe that the writer is really going for full on dramatic impact in the finale; hence, we have all these scenes here and probably more tomorrow.

Overall, I like this episode. We got so much heart from this one which this show truly does well. And there are tons of payoffs, so yey! On to the final hour we go!

Required fields are marked *

43 t13ndoank

October 17, 2016 at 10:40 PM

Because it is Byeong Hyun-ie, though he was pierced and stabbed and slashed, he is alive.

If it is someone extra, the person might just be kicked in the leg, but he would automatically fall to the ground and die. That's the rule.

Required fields are marked *

44 redfox

October 17, 2016 at 10:45 PM

I won´t watch until I know they will tie up everything neatly. that does not just mean Yeong and Ra On together but all that I mentioned before: what is the role of Princess and Little Princess, what about Ra On´s rebel father and her mother etc.

or I might not watch at all because it has become too difficult. I just can´t.

Required fields are marked *

45 lizzieb

October 17, 2016 at 10:59 PM

I shouldn't even be here 'cause of course my midterms are scheduled this week, but there's nothing like a good cry to make me relax in between review sessions.
I feel that just like last week's episodes, there'll be elements in finale week that I might not initially be satisfied by, or even be sure of how much I like them myself at first watch. But I suspect I'll only grow to love those elements the more I think/talk/read discussions about them and the show as a whole, and the more I rewatch it in the future.
I was always one of those who wanted epic bromance, but I get the feeling that I'll actually be preferring the show's take on this sort of quiet, poignant, still badass but not conventionally satisfying, bromance among our 3 moonlight musketeers that is actually still epic in its own way. I do still would have wanted more of that throughout the show, and still there will be elements I know I won't ever grow to appreciate, like lame king whenever he's especially useless, the freaking perpetually smug look on PM Kim's face plus his minions. But I like that even as I'm saying goodbye to the show, I'm not really saying goodbye. I not only will look back on this show, and this whole live watch experience, fondly but I'm really happy knowing that I will also have a lasting connection to it, that I can revisit and remember things in a different light, with a different perspective and realize my love for MDBC can only grow stronger. I know it will. I offer my heart to you as well now, show, it's yours to fill or burst. Know that you'll literally be killing a dream of mine if you choose to break my heart and that you'll also be killing a puppy or two(!!!) in the process (who does that?).
Big thanks to JB and to you beanies.

Required fields are marked *

46 michykdrama

October 17, 2016 at 11:00 PM

Second last set of gifs are up!

So sad that we will be saying goodbye to this Wonderfully Show so soon! ? Im not entirely sure I'm ready yet.

https://mydramalesslife.wordpress.com/2016/10/18/moonlight-new-beginnings-episode-17/

Required fields are marked *

47 mehungie

October 17, 2016 at 11:10 PM

The ratings went up for this episode? Me, personally, I probably won't be watching this episode again any time soon. I'm here for the cute, but unfortunately the cute had to take a backseat to plot in this hour.

Nevertheless, this episode was a beautiful tribute to Byung Yeon's character, a well deserved applause for his unwavering heart.

The highlight for me was the flashback scene of Byung Yeon slipping a laugh at Yeong. Because he could. At that moment, Yeong wasn't a Crown Prince, Byung Yeon wasn't a servant, and Ra On wasn't a convict. We miss those times too, puppies. Thankfully I can always go back to a happier episode for that scene.

Another great moment was when Ra On came to visit Kim hyung. Ra On didn't have a lot of screen time today, but boy was each of her appearance meaningful. It was a nice touch to have her, out of everyone, be the one who could lead Byung Yeon out of his "coma," just by being herself.

We've seen time and time again how Byung Yeon physically came to Ra On's rescue, be it for her safety or for her puppet show. It's always her who had to thank him or apologize for troubling him. It felt a little one-sided.

What is left unsaid though, is how she had mentally "saved" him: she showed him a way of life he never had, she gave a purpose to his loyalty.

I bet Byung Yeon is jealous of Ra On, in an admiring way, of her blissful ignorance. This is the girl who unknowingly trash talked the Crown Prince to his face. The girl who dared to, not just touch, but bite His Highness. The girl whose childhood is no less traumatizing than Byung Yeon's, yet she still managed to live so colorfully, probably because she was unaware of her identity all the while.

Byung Yeon never could bring himself to hurt that innocence. We had to secondguess where his loyalty lied at times: Is he with White Cloud? Is he with the Prince? But we always knew for sure: he was determined to protect Ra On. His whole life, he acted on orders from one party to another, but the moment he found out Ra On's identity, he started doing things his own way. He knew all too well the implication of having to live with that kind of secret. Even knowing that White Cloud would keep Ra On safe, he'd still rather let her free.

Now this chipper girl came to talk to him, even when he was hiding behind his injury. In her situation, it would have been understandable to cry, or to curse at life. Yet she couldn't help but bringing up brighter thoughts: the day when Kim hyung wakes up, the snow blanketing the palace roofs and grounds.

Byung Yeon probably couldn't bear to let her sit there in disappointment. Once again, he welcomed her invasion. Once again, she saved his soul.

Required fields are marked *

48 Quillene Petite

October 17, 2016 at 11:19 PM

Whoa! What a mind-blowing episode! It looks like our heroes were all business in today’s episode.
BY’s sacrifice was heart-wrenching and I was thinking that there was no way he could get out of this alive. Either he would be killed or rot in prison for treason. I was screaming … Noooooooo!!!!!
YS’s character has taken on a beautiful arc to show what a real politician does. It does look like he has indeed taken a leaf out of his grandfather’s book and played his cards right all along. He is a principled young man. From the time they were kids, he already knew what place he would like to take along the prince’s side. He is truly a great artist in this sense in that he doesn’t paint in grays like his grandfather but black and white and vivid colors both literally and figuratively. I am just fearful that he might just die in the hands of his grandfather. I hope I am wrong.
Yeong’s spunk and shrewdness is back! Yay! Now that we’re left with the matter of poisoning, I do hope that they get to him in time.
Ra On’s love for both BY and the CP has never been in question. I just hope that she isn’t relegated to the weeping maiden at this stage.
This show has masterfully shown how to do flashbacks and has exercised perfect restraint in keeping the show tight.
Though there are still many questions that linger, I am both fearful and hopeful for the end. Fearful that it would do a Romeo and Juliet and hopeful that it would keep me in a happy bubble and provide the sweetest romantic ending a love story ever could.
Being a K-drama newbie, I am keeping all appendages crossed. T’is my first sageuk after all.