omg I finally caught up with ep 9... I actually found that this is the strongest episode so far in terms of writing??
Partially because of the historical storyline - I can feel all the tension among the characters - it really drew me in, their character's emotional dilemma are fleshed out - especially in the side characters, notably for Falkon and the king. Like, it was quite amazing to me, because usually side characters are not given this much depth. But in this, it was shown the king's personal, emotional side portrayed which is conflicting with his position as a ruler + for once, Falkon was shown a softer side for his relationship with Lek. They attempted to show this with his r/s with Malee, but it wasn't very convincing (suddenly so deeply in love with her for no good reason?) - he was still an outright, oddly creepy dude until now. He's still largely an awful person. But at least less of a bad character now.
And all these above are all tied in very succinctly just with the conversation Kade and Date had, pondering whether Falkon is a good or bad person. What Date said, should really anchor it: "There're good and bad in everyone. But what is the most important is as long as their bad side doesn't endanger others."
And another level, it's the same for Karakade - and also Date's mum who has been shown to be truly kindhearted and good despite her appearing to be unkind at first. This episode finally solidified my liking for her. She's simply harsh with her words, but she is so soft inside. :') (Date sorta did inherit this trait from her, while also acquiring the gentleness and patience from his father.)
Basically, I'm soooo stoked when stories doesn't reduce its characters to a single black or white. And this is it. This drama has been wildly cute and entertaining, but I was still waiting to see at least this level of sensitivity and skill in writing.
The character writing apart, even though Date/Kade's moments weren't so much in this episode - but whatever there was, IT WAS A++++++ QUALITY. LIKE, Date saying that Kade knows exactly that she is his weakness and she played on that to get what she wants (!!!) + then him telling Kade he would pay for the nets instead + him saying that "I'm not worried for myself, I'm worried for her". It got me all squealing inside like !!
Anyway, the historical part served to enrich Kade's character in some way (but yeah, gotta agree I still skip bits and pieces of it after getting the big picture LOL) - she ponders about her position as a 21st century soul in Ayutthaya - whether can she truly change history? I don't know, but I sorta appreciate the nuance that she didn't jump to conclusions about historical events as if she is superior to all of them there just because she came from the future, as if she could overturn what has happened. It's very alluding to the whole idea that ~we are just tiny specks of dust in the universe~. It's this episode in which the big idea is more apparent to me. While I greatly enjoyed previous episodes, I thought there was just *something* still kinda missing, like a big picture and idea, to tie in and integrate things together. And here we are.
Besides, I'm growing to be increasingly fond of Malee and Janward as individual characters of their own - there's a certain strength and firmness in them which makes them shine on their own. Just particularly in this episode, Malee knows just how to skillfully get Falkon to accede her requests - even despite being forced into a marriage with him, she isn't left weak and helpless in his control. Meanwhile, Janward is smart and observant - for being aware of the kind of dangers her father might face and isn't afraid to speak up (even though she was unable to prevent the tragedy).
It's the same for pretty much all the side characters who feels like they have a life on their own, rather than just accessories to the leads. And again, part of this is attributed to the excellent acting performance too. They played their characters really well. Just as a lot of y'all have said it here, it's the entire drama, the entire cast which made its success today possible. And this is what makes a truly quality drama.
I'm really pleased with this episode. I'm ecstatic. (ok sorry for the long post again. I got too carried away but I have SO MUCH FEELS.)
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Ahhh i like Pope and Bidam so much too