[Drama Review] 'Scarlet Heart: Ryeo' - Episode 19

AKP STAFF

SCARLET HEART: RYEO -- EPISODE 19

"No! First 4minute, then B2ST, then Rainbow? 2016 is so cruel!"

While So tightens the reins, things fall apart.

There were a million plot holes here. I'm almost dreading the finale, but let's get to the issues:

Jung's still around, being a source of strength for Baek Ah, as well as taking Hae Soo away. I like Prince Jung since he seems to have a good head on his shoulders. I thought it was interesting that they chose to use him as the barrier to romance, but I think it could have been better played. He's not always around, nor do they seem to be overly demonstrative as friends or otherwise. Unless they're trying for subtlety, it seems rushed. Besides, wasn't Jung exiled?

The ghost of Chae Ryung hangs over everything and ruins Hae Soo and So's relationship. I can understand not wanting to accept that she was a spy, but letting her memory come between her and a guy? That's holding on too tightly. While I'm not happy with her death either (What are you supposed to do as a slave? Defy orders?), but I'm not sure I buy it.

"You missed a spot"

So and Hae Soo's romance is now on the skids, but did we expect anything else? Their relationship has been push and pull from the start, and I'm really not surprised. I've commented before on how they really didn't get enough couple time, and this is the culmination. I think it was largely wishful that they could be together. Now we do have one episode left -- maybe they can patch things up by next episode, but I'm not holding my breath.

I'm surprised Wook is even still around. With the battles he and So had over Hae Soo and the barely restrained jealousy -- not to mention Wook's complicity in putting Yo the Usurper on the throne. One would think him and Prince Won would be some of the first royals executed? Wook just got a confined-to-quarters order, but if So can't truly forgive him, how is he still alive?

Hae Soo is looking forward to blogging about all the palace gossip when she leaves.

And again the show decides to add to the body count. This time with the unnecessary death of Woo Hee. While not a fan of the acting, I didn't see much of a point to her death. Yo is dead, King So freed the slaves; I didn't see much of a reason for her to die. She could have rallied her people and reassured everyone that they'd be full citizens of Goryeo. That their queen was happy, and her marriage to Baek Ah would proceed. But no, that's not going to happen, because this show likes to rip happiness from its characters.

With a single episode left, and everyone dead or miserable, is there hope for an ending that might satisfy? I'm hoping Hae Soo gets back to her own time, and maybe the lessons learned in Goryeo might have some relevance to her life now, though my takeaways didn't seem to have much of a lesson other than "life sucks." Maybe they'll be able to handle that adroitly. There's not much left for Hae Soo, so I can see a clean break with Goryeo. Here's hoping they saved the best for last!