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Marathoned this drama over the past couple of days. I have to say that it was a pleasant change to see Namgoong Min in a different role--other the silly lead male. However, I have to say that the drama is over the top and every "doctor" in this drama should have their license revoked. They exploited their knowledge of medicine for their own selfish needs whether it was for greed or revenge. The drama needed some balance.....a reality check now and then. Side note: It was interesting to see the use of oversized SUVs. I think this is a first for me in my k-drama watching.

@Ignatius, since I didn't watch this drama to the end, my displeasure had zero to do with the ending. This drama is an emotional "hodgepodge". I don't know if SM is supposed to be a psychopath, sociopath, or suffering from CIP (Congenital Insensitivity to pain). All SM's actions seemed like the writer just pulled behaviors out of the air. Which also explains why she had the lead with the maturity level of a 14 year old despite having suffered such tremendous tragedy in his life--tough fighter one moment, weak punching bag the next--not to mention--completely clueless and for the most part only took a surface interest in most things. I could go on and on. I got frustrated with the inconsistencies.

@thistle, thanks for the warning. I tried to give it the good fight and continued on to ep 13, and it has confirmed what I had suspected all along about SM. The writer tried to depict these people as complete unfeeling robots. That's not the case at all. I decided I can't take another second of this drama. A trained detective facing a known killer is not going to have a weapon and not use it. Frustrates me beyond belief. I can't take another second of this drama.

I started this drama because of the high reviews on VIKI, but I have to say, for me, it's disappointing. It's disappointing in that it's not written in any logical sense. I waited until the drama had been completely loaded so I could marathon. I'm on episode 11, and having a hard time finishing it. My issues that keep repeating themselves; 1) The male lead is depicted as either lazy or not smart; but the writer would depict him as very intelligent. Then he's depicted as a punching bag, but later he's shown as an excellent fighter. 2) His personality doesn't fit that of someone who witnessed the death of his parents and raised in an orphanage: always very happy and doesn't take things seriously...can't put clues together to save his life--simple 1 plus 1 type clues. Out of all the actors, he seems so immature when life would have forced him to grown up quickly. He doesn't really have a job and no desire to really support himself. 3) I truly have no idea at this point why the secondary male lead wants LA to be able to read him. It only makes me wonder at this point if he's the one who killed everyone. It makes no sense, IMO, for the "killer father" to have killed those women in the apartment. It only makes sense if it's SM especially in light that a body was found to be his mother that was burned up, his mother had to have an opportunity to get out of the apartment before it exploded, and there was no real reason for the "killer father" to kill those women.....as of episode 11 that I could find. Also, SM is a mixed bag of culprit--maybe good guy--maybe bad guy with lots of secrets. 4) I also think the writer failed in a couple of ways. Just because someone is a psychopath, it does mean they have killer tendencies or can't live successful lives. The mother trying to teach SM the dictionary definitions of "love, hurt, pain, etc." was a little over done. 5) there are so many scenes that had me rolling my eyes....very illogical in nature. I guess I will find out later why the police chief was willing to let an innocent man go to prison and let a serial killer roam the streets. Not sure what real police chief worth his badge would every do such a thing. 6) Our "Psychometric" I guess will finally get his reading abilities down, but at ep 11--it's still ridiculously ineffectively; him finding JI after her being captured by killer father was an act of suspending all realms of believe and logic. The same as when he was stabbed by the killer and had to undergo surgery, but he's sitting in bed eating tons of junk food--really? He and JI "celebrating" in the autopsy room...where is the respect for the deceased; especially one who had died a horrible death and stuffed into a suitcase. I'm trying to muster the energy to finish it this drama, but must give it a pause. I can see where some would find it appealing and really like it.

Well I have to say that episode 16 was very entertaining---loved every moment of it.

@insertusernamehere, All I can say is THANK YOU! I've watched TSOML so many times, I've lost track. I'm addicted to this drama. I start reading the book too, I wish the who book was subbed in my language--English. Thank you again for the translation, I have to say these passages give us a little more insight into our couple. Loved, loved, loved the part of the story you translated. I hope they translate the book into English.

@arcchidus, after having watched this drama, what seems like a 100 times (literally more like 20+......), I actually think she was on his radar long before the river scene--he just never dared to dream or hope that he even had a chance with her nor wanting to cross the boundary of friendship with the young duke. I go back to when he was talking to the prostitute at the polo match. Although, had admiration for Ming Lan and Ms. Yu; however, the things he said pointed more to Ming Lan than to her friend; however, his goal was help find an out for his mistress. Later when he went to angrily speak to Ming Lan after his proposal was rejected, he baited her saying that he should have proposed marriage to her instead..... Not only that, at the polo match there is a clip that was purposeful in that it showed the prostitute in purple taking note of the way Gu Tingye was looking at Ming Lan when she got into the match. We later learn more about this prostitute, she's very good at observing people and know more about what's in their heart than they do. That's why I think this clip of the prostitute was added. It also shows during the match before Gu Tingye joined, how interested he was in watching the match and MingLan play. After Gu Tingye "lost" the match, she even asked him if he was interested in Ms. Yu or Ms Sheng. Gu Tingye said he wanted to make both of them happy. When he later told Ming Lan that he wanted to marry her after their discussion on the river, I don't think those are just random thoughts that come out of nowhere. I actually think in his heart of heart, there was a seed already planted. When he was getting gifts ready for his potential engagement to Ming Lan's friend, he didn't want to part with the kneepads she had given him when they were children. He asked Shitou to keep the knee pads, despite being old and cheaply made. One last thing. When Ming Lan's brother went to visit Gu Tingye, after his father had died and after his argument with MingLan over his mistress, Gu Tingye' mistress came in to offer food, but Changhai told her that the "My Sixth...I've brought him some fish porridge." Gu Tingye waited until after his mistress left and said, "Hey, let me have a taste of that fish porridge." Gu Tingye then said after tasting the porridge, "The culinary skills of your Sixt Little Sister are indeed outstanding." At the river he made ups his mind, but in his heart, I think she's always had a special place there from the time they were children. She was off limits due to his friendship with the young duke and her brother.

@Lmangla, Thanks for the tag. I've been watching in an endless loop The Story of Minglan (one of the best dramas I've ever watched--wickedly intelligent OTP, with a very good storyline and plot). I'm addicted to that wonderfully written drama, so I've been needing something different to watch. I'm starting this drama today. Thank you. I always love recommendations. Not only that, this drama is in my line of business.

@Razberry, I actually could have written your post because everything you said is exactly what I've done and felt. This is truly one of my favorite dramas. There are so many little small things I picked up on each time I rewatch it. There are also scenes where I wished the camera had focused more or given a little more backstory behind an action. For example, I would have loved it attention was given to the fact that each time Gu Tingye rescued Ming Lan, he always took her with him and not back to the group she was traveling with. When he rescued her from the pirates, he took only her back to his camp. When the funeral procession was attacked, he took her back to his army post, not back with the rest of the group. Even when he rescued her when delivering the decree, he made time to spend with he before leaving. He could have had and Shitou take her back home immediately, but he didn't. Gu Tingye wanted to take every opportunity to spend time with her. I also wish we had a little more camera time in ep 25 when after rescuing Minglan from the funeral procession chaos, Shitou arrived and he realized it was "Sixth Miss" at the army post having tea with Gu Tingye, he told him, "We are quite fated with Sixth Miss." The expression on Gu Tingye's face was hilarious--as if Shitou and exposed his secret in front of Minglan. I wish the camera had focused more on him. Just love this drama. I wish I could find another one just like it--good quality writing, with a love story behind it. @valerie savage, agree with you, each time I watch I see something new or I really get the humor that I missed the first time. The fact that he liked her years ago, only truly unfolds in the conversations he had with Minglan and with the guy she used to like. He told Minglan that he wanted to marry her after he rescued her from the pirates. However, when he's talking to her first love, we see that it was before that. He didn't want to come between them--he was determined to support them. I personally, think when he first joined their "school", he was intrigued in Minglan and wanted to know what she was thinking--he remembered how she was as a little girl when he let her win the arrow throw (he did the same thing again years later at the polo match). Her first love only saw the outer facade of her, Gu Tingye saw the deeper side of her. He wasn't surprised by anything she did, because he knew she was capable of so much.

I'm late, but wanted to add mine. @Dhakra, Soo Jin is a woman I greatly admire too. This woman stood up for what was right even if it meant she would go to jail. She also demonstrated to the world that "mother" isn't necessary the person who gave birth to you, but it's the person who loves, cherishes, and protect you; willing to give up their life in order to protect you. There are two other women that are also sited with Soo Jin, Dong Yi and MingLan. If there is still anyone on this thread who have not watched Mother, Dong Yi, and The Story of Minglan, you are missing out on some of the best written, logically written, and very smart women with strong characters.

@faithwalker, I too would love a sequel to see how the sisters are living. This has truly become one of my favorite dramas. In re-watching it, I pick up on little things that I missed before or maybe didn't really let it sink in. I was really surprised that Ming Lan's father decided to kill Molan's mother. At first I really didn't understand why she died or why he didn't morn her death. Re-watching it, I picked up on points I heard but didn't piece together. Ming Lan's father, as observed by Gu Ting Ye, "Loves a clean reputation more than his own wife and children." When Molan's mother plotted by having her daughter have an affair then went out and spread it in the streets, that was a huge strike against her. Then when he realized that she had used that same plot against him (a married man--he brought her home pregnant) and only wanted to be with him because he had money, he then decided that he wanted nothing else to do with her. He had his servant who was skilled at beating people to death but leave no real obvious signs to beat her in such a way that she would die. Molan's mother never told her about marrying for love, it was only about marrying for position--the higher the better. She also never told her to marry someone who will respect her. Molan looked at all those around her and knew the type of man she wanted, Gu Ting Ye also knew the type of husband he wanted to be and the woman he wanted to marry. I really could have used another 5 or more episodes. Truly love this drama.

@nidcha202, I'm going to press onward. I'm hoping that I do have a change of heart regarding Secretary Kim. However, currently it's almost like he's the king incognito--he's giving the orders. The fact that he advised Ha Seon to severe his emotions towards the queen is a mute point now considering that he killed the real king. What is his plans for Ha Seon and the Queen's future--grown old together with no real marriage? Don't get me wrong--I want Ha Seon to be honest with the queen (surprised that she hasn't discovered it for herself). Then every K drama romance has to have their "separation". Looking forward to seeing the scene you mentioned. UPDATE 1 Episode 11: SMH.......the queen .... It's one thing if she loved the King, but she didn't. She didn't even want him touching her until he became a different person (Ha Seon). I can understand feeling deceived, but come on. She had to leave the palace? Isn't the queen supposed to care about the country too? Did she forget that he's the one who saved her father? She's only tried to kill herself two or three times-- for stupid reasons. I personally wanted to push her off the cliff myself...her life appears to have little value. UPDATE 2: Episode 14: One thing I cannot stand is the abuse of children. I will beat a stranger down if i see them abusing a child or an elderly person (i'm not talking about disciplining their child, but abuse). I was in a department store and saw a very young mother cussing/swearing at her small son, who couldn't have been no more than 2 years old. I had an out of body experience I found myself yelling at the mother about not speaking to her child that way (I came back to my senses--the stunned mother didn't say a word, but took her son's hand a walked away at a pace he could keep up with)--I did get looks of approval and thumbs up from those who had heard. I say this because when Secretary Kim, in an effort to get a confession from the Dowager Queen, talked about poisoning her son (her sweet son who loved his brother the king) and his last breath was for his mother--I wanted to reach through the TV and slap his face. If I knew my child had been killed, I would want to exact revenge too. She didn't even begin her plotting against the throne until her child was killed. Case of which came first--the chicken or the egg. The king was awful and deserving of death...the queen doesn't know that Ha Seon is the King. If the old King was alive, I would probably be cheering her efforts on to kill him. UPDATE 3: Episode 15: Sadly, although Secretary Kim pledged his loyalty to the King and even vowed with a bow to serve him, call me a harden heart, but the ending of ep 15 didn't move me, didn't fill me with regret or sorrow. No doubt, zero doubt, that Ha Seon is a much better king than his predecessors (father and son); however, with the help of Secretary Kim, the throne has been stolen. Since all the legitimate offsprings have perished, it's probably for the best that a man of the people has the throne.

I'm playing catch up, so I'm now on episode 10. Still not feeling much in regards to the Secretary. He's so loyal to the real king--a bad/awful person still at this point, he was willing to let Ha Seon die--yeah, yeah, he didn't kill him personally, but he was willing to let the wild lions and dogs kill him. The secretary told Ha Seon that he too prayed (while he was trapped in the hole) that he would survive. I'm thinking as I heard that, "but I'm not going to do anything to ensure you survive." The person who should be the closest to the real king, Eunuch Jo, wept tears of joy when he found out that Ha Seon was still alive; even calling him "Your Majesty". He had seen in the time he was with Ha Seon that he really has a compassionate heart and desire to care for the people. He is the material of a real king. I think the bodyguard also sees the same quality. He's a skilled fighter, he even encourage Ha Seon to run far away because he didn't have the heart to kill him. Then we find out in ep 9 that Secretary LK is truly loyal to no one in my opinion. He wasn't really loyal to the King; instead in his own way he encouraged his bad behavior by silence. Knowing that he's the one that fed poison to the King's little brother just cemented that fact. Yes, I know the little prince had a plotting mother, but the King needed to handle the mother (Dowager Queen)--instead he killed the little brother who believed in him. The little boy ate with gusto because he knew that the Secretary was sent by his brother whom he trusted. The king died by the man he trusted. Ha Seon was left to die by Secretary LK with only thoughts of a prayer. Sadly, thinking that Secretary LK may die in a future episode is leaving me completely dry eyed....my feelings might change by the time I get to ep 15; somehow, I don't see that happening. When the king died, the only thing I felt sorry about was that he died the same way as his father and brother--no last dying happy thoughts...only fear and betrayal. I will not continue pressing onward. This drama sadly for me will definitely not be a re-watch....too dark and no real bright spots. Even the Queen smiling is no real bright spot because her character is blah in the sense that she really doesn't stand out.

I absolutely love historical/period dramas. I'm only on episode 4 of The Crowned Clown and I'm waiting. This drama started so dark for me that I haven't for one second liked the real King. Only with the little insight I have at this point, it was easy to see that the King knew that his son was going to be manipulated and wanted him to protect his brother; however, it's also easy to see that the "bad" people had already gotten to the Crown Prince--he had a female personal servant working against him with Left State Minister Chi Soo; not to mention female assistant was playing "hand games" with the King. He was also addicted to drugs which also fed into his paranoia. After he killed his brother and was willing to kill anyone that spoke out against him--I absolutely dislike him and can't find an ounce of pity for him. Loved the fact that he was being haunted by his conscience of having killed his little brother. Maybe when he's clear of the drugs and hedonism, he may be someone I can pity...not at the moment. As of ep 4, I'm definitely not a fan of the King's/Ha Seon's secretary. Maybe he has a plan that hasn't unfolded at this moment, but he seems to be the worse because he's coming across as a doormat and really not protecting the interest of the king. He really doesn't help guide him, just sits back and let it happen. When the real King gave the order to execute the Queen's father, although he knew her father was being framed, he didn't try to dissuade or even warn the hot tempered young king that he was being manipulated. I was so glad that Ha Seon changed the order. Then there is the Queen Dowager. I don't know how I feel about her. I would want to kill the king too after he killed by baby. However, I don't want her trying to kill Ha Seon--the real King have at him, but not Ha Seon. The main problem with this kingdom is there truly is no real King or governing body worth it's salt. I'm hoping that Ha Seon is the person to make that change. Ha Seon was immediately smitten by the Queen, but at this point I'm wondering, "Why?" At this point her character is so bland and muted, I would love to see some spark out of her--tired of the, 'I'll kill myself to show you my sincerity'. All that being said, the absolutely darkest point for me was the brutal raping of Ha Seon's sister. This drama has been dark for 4 episodes with only two real lite moments (the "fight" scene between Ha Seon and the Secretary and when Ha Seon ran away after seeing the queen). Other than those two scenes the drama is heavy and the romance between the two at this point seems heavy (she's thinking he's the King and falling in love with a fake). I'm hoping the "Good people" begin to shine more as I continue my marathon of this drama, right now it's just dark. It also doesn't have the palace norms that I'm used to seeing in most historical dramas. Update: 2 writer peeves:

I personally thought she did suffer. The writer made it known, by what her brother told her, that even though she got what she wanted, she still wasn't happy; and she wasn't. She only had a title, but no real love from her husband. He then betrayed her in the worse way--with the servants--slaves and then kicked her out. Each of the sisters in this drama reflected the personality of the "mother/grandmother" that raised them. Out of all of these, Molan had the poorest example. I felt sorry for her at the very end, glad that the writer had her realize the "having is not as good as the wanting".