The series needs more patience than usual

The problem and possible solutions to said problems lie within the premise of the drama. There is just a constant battle for the spotlight between all the subplots the writer(s) were aiming to showcase which in turn just makes the story sometimes seem sloppy and all over the place. I had a concern about this but luckily it was mostly resolved by the end, and the last 3 eps are the best imo.

To start off, the introduction is good, we are introduced to our leads and their background and importantly their first meet post past events. The narrative is well set with us being aware of the basic relationships between everyone especially with our male lead Sajo Hyeon/Akhee who has a split personality. We see the dynamic between his personalities and who prefers what, what their strengths and weaknesses are. Just a heads up for the first couple of episodes there's also a viewer battle/struggle of trying to figure out which personality he is especially when there is a hint to the switch.

Like in most sageuks (I am guessing, 'cause I've only seen about a handful atp), other than the revenge and personality disorder our ML has, there's the coveting of power by everyone around the throne and struggle for control of the throne. And that's where the thrill as well as most of the problems come about. Firstly, we all know Yoong wants the throne and is willing to go to extreme lengths to attain it which is not a secret to everyone but the question is why doesn't anyone do anything to punish/stop him? He just keeps getting a slap on the wrist for it and moves on with life which is a drag and ends up not being interesting. Secondly, I don't understand why Geumhwa (and her dad) wants power because she doesn't even use it for anything other than fight with Consort Myung, so her story is kinda lame but she is getting screen time that's for sure. Plus for someone who wants power she sure yields too much to other people. But imo these both pale in comparison to what they did to Yeon Wol. My girl came for revenge and it only lasted 3eps (and that's being generous) given what Akhee did to her. They messed up her storyline imo. Like she gave up too soon on revenge and she just became the plot driver into figuring out Akhee and Hyeon which doesn't make sense. Like, even if she isn't trying to get revenge anymore, is she going to set the record straight and reclaim her rightful position? (Also, she trained to be an assassin and didn't learn how to swim?)

There's obviously other plots like the late king's struggle with treason, Akhee and Hyeon's battles, Chung Ta and her lack of a backbone. But the exploration of all these plots simultaneously with a lack of direction of the drama are the problem. Rather than wondering what will happen in anticipation of what is to come, you end up wondering what will happen in a state of disbelief of the many things that have already happened. It's more of I wonder what absurd thing they will pull out next episode rather than plot development because there is little to no such thing in this drama. This may make watching feel like a chore rather than fun.

In every episode, the newest plot line takes front and center stage until the thrill wears off then another takes it's place with an occasional visit to pre-existing plots. This works both in favor and against the drama depending on how good the plot is, resulting in a sometimes good and occasionally bad episode. Then there is momentary plot introductions like that one of Eunuch and that palace lady that are unnecessary additions. Like why keep adding more plots instead of developing and better explaining what already exists? For instance, how Yoong and Prince Ga Ron and Co got acquainted to the point that he has influence, or how Akhee is only affected by Yeon Wol, or even the development of Hyeon and Akhee's interactions and dynamic, or how Yeon Wol learnt the things she knows.. but oh well..

All in all the drama is good & the sub plots are decent. They are just not well developed to have a lasting impression. Therefore you need more patience than usual. They did a good job wrapping up the show but imo I would rather it was 12 eps with a fast pacing and hoping for more eps than wishing it was shorter like I am now because mid season it started being a drag.

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What I expected but not really (to be edited until series ends)

I was interested in watching this after seeing the cast cry during the script reading and it had similar vibes to "May I Help You?"(which I recommend btw) so I was interested in seeing how the theme of helping the dead safely move on to the afterlife without having any regrets was going to be tackled. Plus, it being a photo studio was already I guess unique because how are they going to deal with providing such a service to ghost customers when living people may give them issues.

the series has a solid opening. It gives basic understanding of how everything works and still leaves enough curiosity for plot development in future episodes. I enjoyed the stories of the deceased (ep3 was hilarious imo- the aespa cameo you didn't know you needed) and learning more about how our ML's family came to be cursed this way and how FL comes into play in everything especially the link to a ghost from the past. We get to meet all type of ghosts so not every story is the same/similar. Plus, not every ghost has good intentions and seeing how they deal with them ensures the interest in the story is maintained. The side character stories are also somewhat interesting, but I hope they are fully developed by the end of it all.

My problem with the series starts(?)/started(?) in ep7 when the romance plot finally takes off, that's if we can call it that. I am all for FL taking initiative but tbh it was more coercion than positive pursuit. She keeps crossing the line and not respecting his stance. My guy says no she hears try again (just because she felt embarrassed and feels like he is stringing her along which he isn't btw). We are blinded in seeing this because he is also interested in her, but oh well.

I am still struggling to wrap my head around why ML is looking for his uncle when he knows about the family curse but there is still time for clarity.

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When the product does not meet specifications

Tbh, my first reason to watch this drama was Kang Ki Young. He has been very good in support roles and him finally getting a lead role was something I was looking forward to. The other, the title and trailer promised an iconic show. It is unfortunate that what the show promised isn't what the show delivered.

The pilot episode did not disappoint. It was exactly what the show promised a divorce expert who will help you reach your goal by all means necessary because she can relate to her clients. And unfortunately that is where we stop seeing that. Sera is supposed to be a divorce specialist who also want revenge on her ex-husband and will stop at nothing to get back at him and most importantly get back her son. But she only spends less than half the show actually carrying out that revenge because before that she is all talk and no action about revenge. So the show heavily focused on her being a divorce specialist more than the revenge plot. Sure it does come in later but it's execution is just so painfully mid it makes you contemplate why you're wasting time.

Tbh sometimes the acting felt bland. Idk if I should blame the writer or the actors/actresses or both but it just wasn't hitting. There was a period of time during the series where in it felt more like a game show with a new contestant every episode to see how good this divorce specialist team is and nothing else. What I mean is it was just about solving the cases with occasional reminders that btw Sera wants revenge and that was the only thing that served an episode connector. The support cast was not explored in detail, heck even the leads. So nothing much about them other than the plot makes you sympathize.
I mean I guess Dea Ki, Jang Mi and Bom helped make the show interesting sometimes but ?‍♀️

I guess I am glad it was short and it has ended...

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