American Perspectives: Much Better! Response to "Our Blooming Youth" Ep. 2

I had a rough start with Episode 1 of "Our Blooming Youth" because I felt like I was getting pummelled with the same overused tropes: male lead who is a total jerk(which can work if well written), wrongfully accused female lead (which can also work if well written), minister set on undermining the royal family, usually the 2nd State Councilor; etc.  Needless to say, I wasn't in the mood for a sloppily written, trope ridden fusion 시극.  기황후 and Queen 선덕  have essentially become my quality reference points when it comes to 사극 viewing, and because of that, many have fallen way short.  Those two 사극 are very tough acts to follow.  I wasn't even crazy about the all time classic 주몽, which is probably saying a lot as to just how picky I've become!

Today, I had a better time with Episode 2, as things are coming together.  The Chief MInister's son, who I like to refer to as "Monkey Paw Guy," (he wears a monkey paw on his 한복) is awesome!  He is so delightfully different from everyone else, and is so much fun to watch.  I also think it would be a lot of fun if he was a serious love interest of 민재이, but we already know from the poster, that isn't going to happen.  I wouldn't be surprised if he became my favorite character.  He profoundly admires 민재이, and strongly believes she didn't commit any crime.  He doesn't know that she's literally right in front of him, training as his student, dressed in men's clothing.  Although, her believability as a male is doubtful.  When it comes to cross dressing, 기황후 is my gold standard. 기황후 is like a veteran drag queen, while 민재이 is like a girl wearing her boyfriend's clothes.  It's not necessarily bad, but there's more to making 민재이 a believable male than slapping on a top knot and a men's 한복. 

I do like that 민재이 has investigative skills, and I can't wait to see that develop.

Crown Prince? Right now, he could go either way with me.  At the moment, I think he's a jerk that doesn't deserve the female lead, but I also know it is highly possible that the female lead will eventually melt him like butter.

 

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