I loved this drama and the ending was expected for sure. The only thing I would have changed would be that I think it could have ended in 24-28 episodes. (RARE for me to say because I watch ALL the 70+ dramas hahaha) BUT I feel like tighter writing from episodes about 18-32 could have been helpful. A lot of what happened after the Crown Prince's situation was kind of unnecessary and drawn out and even the scenes leading up to that starting at the "Hunting Grounds" episodes were kind of almost skippable. cut the last 12 episodes into 6 and the drama would have been much better. Not only that, but, the ending wouldn't have been as "surprising"? to some watchers... the hope was drawn out too long/over and over again only to have it dashed in the end. (imho) Tighter writing would have avoided that problem and maybe the same ending would have been a bit more acceptable and expected.