I had high hopes for this drama ever since it was announced and they got even higher when I first saw the trailer. I'm happy to say that it delivered in every way. The titular Queen is probably my favourite Queen ever from a period kdrama. She was compassionate, smart, loving, kind, just, and ruthless when necessary. She sounds almost too good to be true but Kim Hye Soo brings the character to life in a way that makes you believe she can and does exist.

The palace intrigue was intricately woven and also enjoyable. I had no real idea how things would turn out in the end but once it ended I was left feeling like it was the only possible outcome. I would watch a dozen more episodes of just the Queen trying to manage the shenanigans of her children.