Early Impressions: Hwarang, better than I thought it would be

So, I decided to just go ahead and watch the first two episodes before posting anything because I wanted to make sure episode 2 didn’t turn my initial impression on its head. Thankfully, if anything, it made it that much better.

The promotional materials and trailers for this drama did not give me much hope. The costumes looked too cartoony, the wigs were just awful and it generally seemed all camp and no substance. Goes to show, never judge a book by its cover or a drama by its teaser (unless its Goblin, you can totally judge Goblin by its teaser).

So, 2 episodes in and I am really liking Hwarang, and that is in spite of the fact that I have heretofore had a pretty strong dislike for Go Ah Ra. But the wonderfulness of Parks Seo Joon and Hyung Shik is more than making up for it.  The trailers made it look, in particular, like Park Seo Joon had been miscast, but despite his hair still being pretty awful, I am happy with his performance and his character so far.  And PHS is probably even better suited in his role, which I am also quite taken with.  I’m anxious to get the whole gang together so we can see how it gels.

The heart of the first two episode though was Lee Kwang Soo and I’m sorry to see him go (even though I knew he would). That death scene was one of the most moving I’ve seen in a long time. I cried. I really cried, a lot. I tried not to and the tears still came.

Other elements of note definitely include the directing (a nice surprise), the editing (fine, which is a feat in itself – if I don’t complain about editing, you are doing a GOOD job), and the writing (on point so far). It’s funny when it should be funny, but also has kept it grounded and added gravitas. Not to mention, despite not liking Go Ah Ra, I am enjoying her character so far.

I mean, is this drama Six Flying Dragons? NO, of course not. It’s supposed to be light and fun. But so far is it the hot mess that Scarlet Heart Ryeo was? Decidedly and pleasantly not. We have 18 more episodes to go Hwarang, let’s try not to screw it up!