Early Access: Lovers of the Red Sky E2

E2. Well, the thing about this show being more magicky than any other sageuk I've watched to date, is that I have no idea what our story world's rules and limits are. That in itself adds a layer of unpredictability to the watch experience, which I'm not at all opposed to. The limit is basically writer-nim's imagination, isn't it?

I think I ought to get the main thing on my mind out of the way, before talking about anything else. I'm.. still getting used to Kim Yoo Jung, in this role. Maybe it's because she's played the sweet, demure type so many times before; maybe it's because I didn't expect our female lead to be so boisterous; our female lead's outspoken personality is still not sitting comfortably in my mind.

Each time we see Chun Gi say something sassy, or threaten somebody, I do a double take, and I ask myself whether my discomfort is because I'm not used to seeing Kim Yoo Jung like this, or if it's because Kim Yoo Jung isn't doing a good enough job of the role, or if it's because the writing around Chun Gi isn't very good. There's just something that feels little off to my eyes, like Chun Gi's a bit of a caricature at the moment, rather than a fully formed character.

For now, I rationalize that Chun Gi might be overcompensating for her rather sad lot in life, with over-brightness, and a burning need to demonstrate independence and sufficiency. On paper, that works for me; it's just the execution that I'm somewhat perplexed over, for now.

I probably need to see more of Chun Gi before I'm able to come to a conclusion one way or another, so this is me withholding judgment for the time being, and hoping that I grow to appreciate Chun Gi more, as I go.

On the other hand, I am enjoying Ahn Hyo Seop as Ha Ram quite nicely, so far. There's something very languid and measured about the way he plays Ha Ram that I find appealing. His movements in general are fluid and graceful, and those red eyes really do give him an otherworldly sort of vibe.

I don't exactly understand how a blind person can be an astrologer, since he can't see the stars for himself, but I like the idea that he's well respected in the palace, and held in high regard by the King. I also don't get how he's Ilwolseong, the mysterious owner of Wolseongdang and the richest merchant in Guanyang, while also an astrologer of the court. That's quite an achievement for anyone, let alone a blind orphan? I'm really curious to know how Ha Ram accomplished all this, and undercover too.

Besides that, I also really want to know how Ha Ram has all these insights and answers that he offers to his clients. Does he actually have some supernatural powers, or does he just have a really, really good spy network that brings in the information that he needs? For now, it does feel like Show is leaning towards a bit of both, in terms of where Ha Ram's insights come from.

The flashbacks to how his father had been killed, is awful and heartwrenching. It feels horribly unfair and cruel, after all his father had done to help seal the demon in the painting. That's not just biting the hand that feeds you; that's cutting off the hand that feeds you, then mangling  it and grinding its bones to dust.

I don't get this thinking of getting rid of the hunting dog, once the hunt is over. Does no one think that there might be another hunt? Also, have these people no conscience? It's no wonder Ha Ram's on a revenge mission.

I don't have strong feelings about the Princes as yet, but I do think that Kwak Si Yang looks suitably crafty and ambitious, as Prince Juhyang. I'm not surprised at all, when Ha Ram indicates that Prince Juhyang is the one behind the assassination attempt on the Crown Prince. On the other hand, Gong Myung as Prince Yangmyung looks completely innocent and guileless. Of course, only time will tell if that first impression rings true. Maybe Prince Yangmyung's even craftier than Prince Juhyang..?

As for Ha Ram and Chun Gi, there's clearly some kind of supernatural connection between them. Is this because of the spell that Samshin's cast on them as children? I mean, Chun Gi doesn't even need to see him, and she's drawn to Ha Ram's presence behind closed doors, at Wolseongdang. Not only that, Ha Ram appears affected by the moment of connection as well.

And then there's the scene where she gatecrashes his palanquin, and hitches a ride, and her touch on Ha Ram ends up breaking the butterfly seal that Samshin had put on Ha Ram, to seal the demon within him. Yikes. Now it looks like Ha Ram is actually possessed by the demon, thanks to the seal being broken. That's definitely something I had not seen coming, for our male lead. 😳

I have no idea where Show plans to go next, now that our male lead is legit possessed by the big bad powerful demon, but I'm curious to find out.

Next episode notes will be out on: Sunday, 26 Sept 2021!