There is no doubt that this show is a Honey Lee starrer. She carried the show from start to finish. It is described as a historical comedy, and it would have worked better if they leave out the political intrigue. Please allow me to explain.

Lee Hanee is all singing and all dancing in this series. Her comedic timing is spot on. She is very animated and dominate most scenes. She is a refreshing take to the typical Joseon female roles. Mr Queen is another show which has a similarly lively FL. I’m totally onboard with her adventures.

The introduction of the ML added some spice to the preceding. At first it was a love-hate relationship, but it soon swings towards love-love. It was lovely to watch them dance around each other initially and then dance in sync in the later episodes. However, there is next to no skinship. Very proper, indeed.

Unfortunately, revelation of a political plot started many years ago did the show no favours. I understand the event was pivotal, but its revelation is very convoluted. While the viewers soon work out the basic plot, our leads are led down the garden path multiple times. We must sit back and wait for the show to catch up. The original fun adventures of the FL grind to a halt and the romance plot also suffers. I won’t mind if the political intrigue was novel and impactful, but it boils down to the cover-up of a heinous crime.

As I watched the story unfold, I can't help but ask why it took so long for the final act to begin? 15 years is a long time. Seriously, the FL suffers daily under the thumb of a domineering mother-in-law but she never falters. I get that she lives in hope that her brother is still alive but it feels laboured.

Another thing that boggled my mind is the boldness of Left State Minister. I get that he is the classic courtly antagonist but they usually have strong backing from other officials and possibly aligned with some dynastic family. Yet, other than some faceless lackeys, he seemed to be just a self-righteous lone wolf. He confronted the King again and again and thumbs his nose with impunity. Where is his power base? There are several expositions in the final chapter, but it feels like the cart is pushing the horse. Yes, it closed out the narrative, but it feels ham-fisted and self-serving. I'm also surprised that none of the evil-doers are sentenced to death. This is very lenient for Joseon justice.

As if to reinforce my view, the introduction of the FL’s husband is a breath of fresh air. It really added some much-needed levity to the increasingly depressing proceedings. I have strong second lead syndrome.

As I mentioned before, the FL is the star of the show and her acting abilities are on full display. The ML is handsome and a good match. All the performances are solid. Some of the support characters are a bit cartoon-y which feels a bit jarring when the going gets tough for all concerned.

I really wish they focus more on the romance and comedy side and give the political subplot a lighter touch. The writer-nim seems to have a two way bet but still lost by a nose.