Cliches, stereotypes and toxic behavior

Secret Garden was a drama I always skipped on Netflix. The synopsis never seemed very appealing to me. But finally I gave it a try because of one reason: Ha Ji- woon. She was very impressing in Empress Ki, tough and cool - and she is as well in this drama. But the rest ...

After 13 episodes my opinion about this drama was nearly made: boring plot, silly body switch and a weird “love story” between the two main leads. I never saw any reason why they would fall for each other. Especially the way Kim Joo-won treats Gil Ra-im is horrible. He chases her even when she said no, some kisses and hugs are forced.

So why I did not dropped the show? One reason: The drama has a few strong and emotional scenes between Gil Ra-im and Kim Joo-won - even though they sometimes doesn’t fit to the kind of relationship both have at this moment. Another reason: Oska. I really loved this character. From the outside he seems to be a selfish and ignorant idol, but inside he has a heart of gold and is such a good friend to Kim Joo-won and Gil Ra-im. And he is fun. The love story of him and Yoon Seul seemed more interesting then the one between the two main leads.

Both reasons wouldn’t had been enough to go on. But the show became better from episode 14. I think turning point is Gil Ra-ims decision to be with Kim Joo-won. From this point on there were no reason for him to chase her. Their love story became less weird, more emotional and cute.

The drama is full of cliches, stereotypes and toxic behavior. But the cast is really good, nearly everyone tries to make the best out of his/her character.

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Powerful story, great actors

Let me start my review with the first thought I had after the last episode was finished: What a disappointing ending. 51 episodes of fights, intrigues,betrayal, death and grief - for this? I don’t need necessarily an happy ending but I hoped for justice for Seung nyang and Ta hwan after all they (and the viewers) had been trough.

Don’t get me wrong. I like the drama. To describe my feelings about it I need a German word: Hassliebe. It means you feel love and hate at the same time.

„Empress Ki“ is an impressive and epic drama. I was addicted from episode 1 on. There was always something that kept me on the line, especially if Seung nyang really will fall for this childish Ta hwan and what will happen to Maha when his identity will be revealed. But there were also times I couldn’t stand the drama anymore and I just wanted it to end. Every intrigue and every fight was followed by another - accompanied by battles, killings and penalties. It was to much violence for me. For the last part of drama I just skipped this kind of scences.

The cast was really great, but the most amazing job (for me) did Ji Chang wook to portrayal the unstable character of Ta hwan between fear, insecurity and delusions. Unlike in other historical dramas this crown prince/emperor is such a weak person who tries to be a real ruler but never overcomes his feeling of inferiority. A special place in my heart has the character Tal Tal. He seems to be the only good person in this show who tries to do the right thing without to care about money, power or vengeance.

My conclusion to “Empress Ki”: a powerful story, sometimes a little bit repetitive, big emotions, great actors and a good but not memorable OST.

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