the worst thing about this is the lack of consistency. s1 and s2 are just one complete 12ep drama that had a whole year between them.

with the way things ended here, the possibilities of a 3rd season is high, but the cliffhanger wasn't as abrupt as s1.

instead of getting any character growth that comes with a seasoned drama, we just had "events" surrounding those characters, they didn't have much base, they were just there for the sake of the plot..

instead of rewatch value we need character depth/development becasue I don't want to reduce the acting mark, but I do think the characters were lacking.
for example, Seo Bi felt miscast or just badly written. she felt too timid, too juvenile, too unfit for a mature strong 40 year old that was also incredibly smart. it came in some of her mannerism, she'd suddenly be too quite in certain occasions as if the writers didn't want her to "steal" the thunder.
Lee Chang was yet another cold/calm/strong prince people followed, and he kinda lacked a bit of humanity? emotions?
they spent so much time building up the queen, and suddenly it was all for nothing.. honestly, what good would another woman's son becoming king do for her? she said "if I can't have it then no one can", but jokes on her, every main character survived, and the son she stole became a king while she died. I kinda thought that would be her at the end but I was disappointed..

I could go actually complain more about the characters, but I'd still watch s3 even if it's just for Lee Chang's bearded look ;p

and honestly, this was like a chain of unfortunate events and battle scenes, so I don't think a rewatch would be necessary..