It probably deserved a higher rating than an 8.5. The story was really good, the acting was not bad. I really enjoyed that we only spend one episode on the background information. The writers didn't drag the history of the characters into 4 or 5 episodes thankfully. This drama was different in the sense that the pace wasn't rushed. The pace was slow but not so slow that it became boring. It was never repetitive or dull. As I'm writing this review I'm questioning why I didn't rate it higher but sometimes it's just a feeling. I do have to say this was one of the better endings I have seen for a historical drama. The ending definitely deserves a 10. It left me feeling satisfied. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to see a really well written drama that takes its' time to create an excellent story.