Things are really problematic now and it looks like Hae Soo’s premonitions are coming true. And with that, tensed thinking about what will happen, welcome to another edition of The Couch Potato / It’s called Hallyu!As always these are episode recaps but there are synopsis and expectations, mid watch review, finale predictions and spoiler free reviews on Moon Lovers : Scarlet Heart Ryeo! Just click the link to check them all out!
As always these are episode recaps but there are synopsis and expectations, mid watch review, finale predictions and spoiler free reviews on Moon Lovers : Scarlet Heart Ryeo! Just click the link to check them all out!
As always my commentary will be in bold italics.
Episode 16
Eun’s wife fights bravely but is eventually killed as Eun comes in and gets shot by an arrow by King Yo. As they aim the fatal blow, Wang So defends Eun and his wife but gets shot anyways. A dying Eun begs Wang So for a gift , to kill him so he can go with his wife than be trapped here. Wang So obliges and kills Eun whose last moments have him stretching out to his wife. Stop it, this is too much for me to bear! Wang So laughs maniacally and cries and Hae Soo realises this is her vision , but the context was entirely different. I guess her visions can’t be stopped anyways.
Everyone is shocked at the couple’s death and Wang So tired of being a dog who does his master’s bidding decides that he will be the King of Goryeo. Hae Soo’s next vision incoming.
Later that day realising Hae Soo left him a letter with Eun’s escape meets her. He however says he can’t keep this up anymore and leaves. This episode is. The next day Wang So is gifted land and sent to oversee the construction of the new capital which he obliges without resistance.
Prince Jung meanwhile leaves to work on the borders but doesn’t forget to call out his brother, King Yo’s crimes. King Yo is seen to have a sort of hallucination of Eun and his wife and decides to make some sort of offering to appease the ghosts. What’s the point after you cut then down like that?
But before Wang So leaves its revealed that he’s planning to be King with the General. The general knew this and was waiting for what Wang So would be willing to do. Wang So leaves and Hae Soo decides to wait for him. Sigh.
Two years later
Jung visits Hae Soo although she was expecting Wang So. Baek Ah and Woo Hee are also still together.
King Yo meanwhile seems to have gone crazy fearing ghosts while his mother pressurisea him to make Jung the Crown Prince. He doesn’t listen and is lost in his efforts to ward off the ghosts. Meanwhile, Wang So has returned.
The King is angry that the construction not the fortress is being delayed as Wang So claims lack of manpower. But Woo Hee his spy reports that Wang So is delaying it purposefully which King Yo sees as him eyeing the throne. Woo Hee interrupts his thoughts to ask about their deal – her people would be sentenced to slavery if the taxes aren’t paid which is why they’re working to death now- how is the King going to hold up their promise. I don’t understand whose side she’s on and how much Baek Ah knows.
The King and Prince Won try to shoot an arrow when they observe Wang So and Hae Soo meet to test how much Wang So is on their side. Naturally he saves Hae Soo and gets grazed and accused for his loyalty.
Wang So leaves but his cut gets worse and he’s ill and with Baek Ah’s help Hae Soo meets him and tends to him. He soon wakes up and mentions how much she waited for him and whether he loves her. He turns, embraces and kisses her and the two spend the night together. I’m happy for them but I know this means something bad is coming.
And the news arrives that the King has officially lost it and this is a time seen for Wang So to claim the throne.
Hae Soo asks if he really wants the throne and is surprised to hear him say, yes. (All this time he would say he never wanted it). He says he understands now that things can only change if he is a king and not a dog on a leash, and the episode ends.
Episode 17
The episode starts from Wang So saying he wants to be King. Hae Soo just makes sure to tell him that he must not harm his brothers which Wang So agrees. I really hope so.
One Year Later
The King is very ill and Wang So is ready with a revolt outside a now locked palace. The Queen Mother begs King Yo to abdicate his throne to Jung before it’s too late and he FINALLY realises his evil mother. She’s the worst. His mother is sent away and he walks towards Hae Soo blaming her for everything – starting from covering Wang So’s scar. Hurry up, Wang So!
When Wang So is about to barge in with his forces , Princess Younghwa, seizing the opportunity let’s him in.
The King starts coughing up, ill and writes a decree stating that Hae Soo will decide the next king. Great. He dies as he finishes writing and Wang So barges in. He reads the letter and tears it up asking Hae Soo if she read it, to which she says no. The Queen mother comes in to see her dead son and Hae Soo hails the new King – Wang So. Wwaaaahhhh I’m getting goosebumps!
Hae Soo looks on proudly, no longer a court lady and decides to help Wang So be a good King without bloodshed. Something tells me that won’t work.
Wook is upset and didn’t attend the coronation as he was planning to be King after bringing down the traitor, Yo. Princess Younghwa however asks him to back her up as she will become Queen. I have a bad feeling she will succeed.
Wang So is plagued by troubles from the previous occupants of the room. He has Hae Soo literally live with him although she tries to leave to avoid any talk going around. Woo Hee warns her to be careful as the spot for the next Queen is open – Hae Soo is in danger.
Soon rumours start plaguing that Wang So lied about the throne being abdicated to him when King Yo had a son. Wang So quells all the rumours and warns that is is considered treasonous to say so.
The minister responsible for spreading such rumours is nervous and decides to bring down Woo Hee, the spy to save himself. But she manages to kill him before that. Baek Ah is oblivious to the double life his girlfriend leads as he starts to plan their wedding. They find ir ironical that both their families have harmed each other in the previous generations but here they are, planning to marry. Something, my drama senses tell me this won’t work.
Meanwhile the General retires now that Wang So is King as he has terrible memories of the palace. Wang So tells Hae Soo he’s lonely – the General left, Jung seems to think he stole the throne, and Baek Ah treats him formally. He reveals the letter the King wrote had no name which is why tore it up and took up the responsibility as it may lead to more blood shed. Hae Soo says it was the right decision, and that she won’t ever leave him. Awwww these two.
The Court ladies are being freed and Hae Soo’s old handmaiden, the spy is freed. Prince Won wants her to stay as a spy but she wants to be freed. Hmmm, we totally forgot about Prince Won.
Wang So is plagued any another problem as his mother and Jung don’t swear allegiance to him. Wang So needs to do something fast to earn the support of the clan ASAP.
Despite all the problems Wang So and Hae Soo discuss their couple things. Wang So agrees to resolve the thing with her handmaiden and also tells her a doctor would come to check her as she may need to bear children soon. LOL, so fast. Hae Soo is shocked as they’re not married yet, and Wang So is all but ready to marry at that moment.
The doctor visits and relays the news – her knees which were tortured may lead her to not being able to walk in some time, and her heart palpitations have affected her heart and body and she doesn’t have long to live. Whut. Whut. THIS is what they planned to end the show with? Oh nonono.
Hae Soo can be seen next by the prayer stones wishing for just ten more years.
Prince Jung visits hee and warns her that Hae Soo may end up just being one of the women of the King which she never wanted. Jung tells her if she ever wants to leave the palace he will take her. Aahhhh Jung.
The next day Wook proposes Princess Younghwa in marriage to the King as a political power merger. Princess Younghwa visits Hae Soo and relays the same thing – she doesn’t mind Hae Soo being around but her son will be the next King. Wang So denies the proposal stating he has promised marriage to another – to which Wook replies – that woman is scarred and not fit to marry the King. You evil, evil Wook. I don’t even recognise you anymore. You’re even worse than Princess Younghwa.
Episode 18
Wang So and Hae Soo are both reminded of the political issues in marriage and guess what happened.
As soon as Princess Younghwa is now Queen Younghwa she talks to Wang So about eliminating Hae Soo but he asks her to stick to her duties only. Sigh the smug smile on Queen Younghwa’s face made me sick. But I guess we knew this would happen. This is so painful. This ending better be worth it.
Soon enough Wang So declares many royal decisions which includes Jung being banished to his maternal family. The Queen mother’s health is failing and only Wang So is seeing her but all she can ask for is Jung. Hae Soo realises the situation and passes Jung the message and requests Wang So to see his mother before she dies. He angrily denies. This feels like a bad omen. The Queen Mother eventually dies in Wang So’s hands after refusing to take any food, water or medicine from him. Jung is only allowed a small visit before being banished again. Hmmm, with great power, comes great consequences, at least in this case.
Wang So next confronts Prince Won and he blames all the mercury planning on Wook and Hae Soo’s handmaiden. Hae Soo next sees her beloved friend and handmaiden deac from torture outside the Damiwon as a reminder to the remaining court ladies from the King. Ouch.
Wang So later tells her that she was spying on Hae Soo all this time which led to the Crown Prince’s, Eun’s and his wife’s death amongst many.
Hae Soo is shocked and understands but then receives a letter written by his old friend. She was a small girl begging on the streets and then taken up by Prince Won as a slave and taught to read, write and work. She eventually loved Prince Won, although he obviously never returned that affection.
Painfully, Hae Soo realises the only mistake she made was that she was born a slave. That night Queen Younghwa reminds the King of his duty to give her a son. Ugh.
That night, Hae Soo asks Baek Ah to deliver a message to Jung that she accepts his offer. Baek Ah doesn’t understand but agrees to deliver the message – but we know what it is -shes leaving. Sigh. I just don’t have anything to say anymore.
Now that we have just two episodes left and just a single season that means only one thing – it’s time for finale predictions! As you all know the real finale is during the second last episode and the final episode stands more as a conclusion. So click the link to check out the finale predictions!
Episode 19
Hae Soo is firm on her decision to leave while Wang So begs her and says she can’t and plans on giving her an official concubine title. Queen Younghwa meanwhile takes up Wang So’s offer – to abandon her family so her son can be the sole heir of Goryeo. She’s like Queen Mother Pt. 2.
The people from Woo Hee’s province are revolting and the King suggests a peaceful solution. The people beleive it to be lies and continues. Baek Ah is forced to head the rebellion to quash rumours that So favours Baek Ah especially since he had Woo Hee convert to a noble woman for their marriage. Woo Hee and Baek Ah spend a night together too.
Jung arrives and accepts Hae Soo’s plea for help from Baek Ah. Baek Ah decked in armour is about to leave when he sees Woo Hee at the ledge of the palace. She jumps off as Baek Ah watches. Although he runs down she dies in his arms as she makes her final act for her people. What the hell is happening.
Baek Ah tearfully blames the King although Wang So never intended for such actions. Baek Ah tearfully bids farewell and leaves. Looks like Wang So is truly alone.
Queen Younghwa now having related her decision to the King, has the bedchamber set up to bear his children. Sageuks are just so complicated. I understand the norm of those days but it makes us go nuts watching it. Everything is just a power move for everyone, no one has any feelings or remorse or is not allowed to if they have.
Wook gifts a hawk the next day which when opene is dead. Wang So asks if Wook is cursing the King, which is treasonous. The next scene has Wook’s mother begging Queen Younghwa to help her brother. She of course informs her mother that she has abandoned hee family. I’m speechless at this point.
Hae Soo intervenes and convinces Wang So that the worst punishments Wook can get is be confined life long than be killed and Wang So agrees.
Jung arrives for Hae Soo and mentions how he got a decree from the Crown Prince when he was King to marry Hae Soo and wants to take her. Wow. Wang So naturally disagrees until he hears that’s what Hae Soo wants. Hae Soo says they must abide by the last Kings will in order to not create problems but Wang So won’t have any of it.
Queen Younghwa realises the huge mess this is becoming and asks Wook for help.
The next day Wook mentions that he and Hae Soo were promised to marry each other from long ago. (Wang So was oblivious to this all this time by the way, he always thought it was Baek Ah throughout the series). Angered, Wang So and Hae Soo finally break up and she leaves. Hae Soo says a final goodbye to Hae Soo and mentions Jung will take good care of her.
This episode is so fast, so much happened and they’re all so painful that I have a headache now. But I must find out what happens in the end!
As Hae Soo leaves, we are left with this internal monologue –
If I had not met him, I would not yearn for him. If I did not know him, I would not think of him so much. If we had not been together, I would not have to disappear. If I did not treasure him so much, I would not have so many memories. If I did not love him, we would not need to throw each other away. If we had not crossed paths, we would never have been together. Perhaps, if I had not met you at all
Hae Soo’s internal monologue leaving the palace, Moon Lovers : Scarlet Heart Ryeo – Episode 19
Wang So clutches the wedding robes Hae Soo never used and breaks down.
Episode 20 (final)
Wow, we are at the final episode! I for one can’t beleive what all things happened in this set of episodes! I don’t know whether to accept a happy, sad or bittersweet ending. I don’t have my beta for a happy ending, I’m hoping it’s a bittersweet ending.
Hae Soo and Jung have a secret marriage for formalities. Hae Soo spends her days but clearly hasn’t forgotten Wang So as she builds a sculpture of him as well as look at the copies of the poem he wrote to her. Jung realises a spy is nearby and acts all lovey-dovey with her. Wang So of course receives the news from the said spy and clamps up and says he never wants to hear about those two again. Ouch.
In between all this Hae Soo is pregnant (I’m not entirely sure of it’s with Jung or not). The pregnancy and the child’s birth is kept completely secret with him requesting the birth to be reported as stillborn. Hmmm…does that mean..is this child Wang So’s? Hmm. I’m not sure.
Hae Soo feels more ill and requests the letter to be delivered to Wang So to see him one last time. However on seeing Jung’s handwriting on the envelope Wang So ignores the letters thinking it’s from Jung. My heart can’t take this any longer people.
Eventually Hae Soo dies in Jung’s arms waiting for Wang So.
The news of Hae Soo’s death shocks Wang So and finally prompts him to open her letter professing her unwavering love for him. He breaks down. I broke down too.
A desperate Wang So rushes as fast as he can while we hear this internal monologue that will send anyone to tears –
I still love you in the rain, when you tossed everything aside and stood by my side, when you threw yourself in the path of a flying arrow for me, I became unable to forget you for the rest of my life. The opposite of “to love” isn’t “to hate” but to throw away. That we threw each other away.. I may need to think of that. I miss you, but I cannot be close to you. Hoping we will meet again, I will wait for you everyday.
Hae Soo’s letters to Wang So, Moon Lovers ; Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Episode 20
Wang So arrives but it’s too late and Jung has cremated her. A broken Wang So takes her urn and leaves. Jung who truly loved her breaks down as Baek Ah holds him. We never mentioned him, but Jung was one character who struck true to his sword. Kudos to him. He’s one of my favourite characters.
Few Years Later
Prince Won is sentenced to death by poison as his final scenes show him reading the letter Hae Soo’s handmaiden left to him. I don’t want to talk about him too much, I seriously hate him.
Wang So ia reluctant to meet his son even on his birthday as he knows how he and his mother will be later. I hope you’re happy Queen Younghwa.
Wang So visits and bumps into a little girl. Jung, her father comes in and Jung claims the little girl is from his latest marriage, although Wang So notes the child is too.ols for that. He suddenly notices Hae Soo’s hairpin and realises that it’s his and Hae Soo’s daughter. My heart is breaking. Jung immediately falls and begs Wang So as Hae Soo never wanted a palace life for her and Wang So lifts Jung’s ban so they can visit the palace. I repeat my heart is breaking.
The astronomer retires and Baek Ah comes in to inform that Wook, is now dead, and he’s leaving forever. Wang So walks back alone to the palace and turns as an eclipse covers his face. Where is this show going to??!!!
Suddenly Hae Soo wakes up in the modern world after a nightmare of the Goryeo era she has ever since her one year coma from drowning. Nononono they can’t say this is all a dream?!???? Ieufndjdjdnnsnskekke!!!
Hae Soo seems to be working in the cosmetics industry but has recollections of her life in Goryeo. She finally notices a portrait of the rain ceremony and other things she remembers in detail finally stopping at Wang So’s portrait alone in the palace and breaks into tears. I cried too.
Hae Soo cries and reads about all his good deeds and is happy he didn’t turn out to be tyrant after all. She cries and calls out his name as he somehow seems to hear her during the eclipse. A monologue mentions how he rubs off his makeup and swears to find her if she is not of this world. And with that, the series ends with a picture of Wang So carrying Hae Soo as her knees hurt. Wait does that mean Season 2? Or that he’s gonna die???!! What sort of ending is this? I feel lost.
Hey everyone, thanks for reading. I’m totally lost and need time to recover but, for more posts on Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart Ryeo, click the link at the top!
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