This is not a rambling formulaic series, this IS a cohesive, character-driven story. It Really ticks me off to read negative reviews from people who only watched one episode, or can't even get the character names right (talking to you, "Decider"). I've watched the 12 episodes available so far. The characters evolve, they are not cardboard cutouts that remain static. The beautiful world is progressively both viscerally and intellectually challenging for those characters, and the viewer follows that progression along with the characters. We know more and more as they know more and more; and so the payoff after the first 12 episodes is very satisfying and sets up big anticipation for the remaining six.
I'm a big fan of Asian drama (typically C or K), and I know very well most of the tropes about harem or CP schemes, fantasy falls and rebirths, empire desires, and fated love stories...both tired and well-done. This is different and refreshing, and Very well done. I felt very "dropped in" to the world of the series. I won't plot it out because it hasn't finished airing yet, and from the trailer of the final 6, this drama will continue to subvert expectations in a good way. But PLEASE, don't believe the reviews of people who didn't watch it.
I'm a big fan of Asian drama (typically C or K), and I know very well most of the tropes about harem or CP schemes, fantasy falls and rebirths, empire desires, and fated love stories...both tired and well-done. This is different and refreshing, and Very well done. I felt very "dropped in" to the world of the series. I won't plot it out because it hasn't finished airing yet, and from the trailer of the final 6, this drama will continue to subvert expectations in a good way. But PLEASE, don't believe the reviews of people who didn't watch it.