Thanks, GF!

Also, did anyone else notice how Gon only pulled his hand back when Yeo-wool's teacher caught them? His leg stayed around Kang-chi until he stood up. Mmm, do I sense something~? xD

DID I MISS SOMETHING??

Do they give a timeline when YW is going to die. Of course she's going to die. She's human. What are they all worried about. YW had it right before, saying, she wants to live in the present and not worry about the future.

Im very disappointed in the writers with this episode. They are missing the obvious, which is common sense to us viewers. It makes me angry and I hope YW stops him because she should know all humans die someday.

Writers please pull your head out of your ***..and put it back into a wonderful ending.

If I did miss something I would appreciate it if someone lets me know.

thanks in advance

I still love this drama and it is in top 3 so for this year, down from #1, since ep.22 aired.

Thank you GF for the recap, as always!

I remember reading on a blog that LSG had said in an interview that things were going to take a melodramatic turn in GFB (and this was a month or more ago), and I have to say, he was not exaggerating. He had said this around the time they were airing the date scenes between KC and YW (festival of lanterns). I do feel for KC, a whole lot. This is one character who will deserve his HEA (because we know that is coming, right?)

I will start with the questions I have, regarding this ep.

1--OK, the bed scene between KC and Gon, I get that it was for YW's teacher to find them in a compromising position. I didn't understand the need for Gon to strip KC, however. Was it really necessary? I first saw this ep. raw, and because I do not understand Korean, when I saw Gon stripping KC, I thought he was checking him for wounds or something of that nature, since KC had been in fights and had had some traumatic days earlier. And when I saw the ep. subbed, I realized that there was no reason (really) for Gon to do that. There just seemed to be no rhyme or reason for what Gon did (besides the fact that the scene called for the teacher to be extremely shocked at what she saw). I thought the fact that Gon was on top of KC (so to speak) would have been good enough, but maybe that's just me. When men fought in Joseon times, did they disrobe each other as well, in the process? I have never seen that in a Kdrama (an historical one), not that I have seen that many to date, but still... That part felt gratuitous to me.

2--TS still hasn't given a test to KC, has he? I wonder if he will, in the next couple of episodes. I guess we will find out next week.

3--I am still thinking about the shirt CJ brought to KC (since they showed it twice), and I can't help but wonder if we will be told why that shirt got some screen time (twice). Yes, I kind of like to know what happens, even with the tangential themes that do not seem that important to the main plot.

4--When SJ told KC that YW could get hurt, KC figured that he would just heal her (and then we learned that he couldn't). How would that work though, because I assumed that KC would lose his divine abilities IF he became human. Isn't that how it is supposed to work? It's like KC wants it both ways, the divine abilities of a divine creature, AND the ability to become human. Wouldn't his dna (or blood type) change? Or are there some loopholes I don't know about, and that SJ forgot to mention (again...)
I guess though that since the monk said that he can only heal one person once in his/her lifetime, it means that even if KC becomes human, he gets to keep the divine abilities he had before? (ability to heal, to jump high in the air from one place to another, to be extremely strong and fight like he does, a high sense of smell, hearing, sight, etc...) How does that make him human then? (I thought he would have to be vulnerable like humans are, you know, vulnerable to getting sick, dying etc...)

5--I have a question about "bap (sp?)" mentioned by KC as his 1st wish. Viki translated it as "rice," and GF mentioned "food" in her interpretation of it (1st time). Later on though, GF wrote that KC asked for "rice." So which one is it, really?
I am asking because that makes a difference. If KC literally asked for "rice," then YW was right to serve him rice, because technically, that was what he had asked for, and as she said, it was a big effort for her to cook it (and it was expensive for her to cook it, considering all the dishes she broke and teacher Gong's medicine that was destroyed), and so I am with her on that one.
If "bap (sp?)" means "food," then KC was right to expect more food, and not just a vegetarian meal :-). He is still growing, he is 1/2 beast, so the boy needs to eat. When he asks for food, give him food, is all I am sayin'. That whole scene was funny and cute though, I loved it.

6--I really didn't like how SJ doled out the rules in this drama, just willy nilly. Couldn't he have told them ahead of time? (Rhetorical question, I know...)

7--I thought it was interesting when WR went to lie down next to SH, and I was a little curious about that. I always assumed that he would live forever, but I guess he could chose to "die" or "go to sleep eternally." I just didn't think that was an option for him, to be honest. The things we find out, while watching this drama, regarding the gumihos/divine creatures, *SHM*. So, is there a book that lists all their powers and abilities? What they can and cannot do? (That's a rhetorical question of course, but I am still curious...)

Those are my questions, for now... Thanks for reading them, and to whoever attempts to answer one or more of them.

My thoughts on ep. 22...

One of the things I like about KC is how he has always gone to YW when he needed to be comforted (emotionally or physically) or when he wanted to be around someone who would understand him, or at least around someone who would try to understand him (the incident when she passed him by in the Martial Arts School yard was different. KC did look guilty and it looked on the surface as if KC had hurt DPJ). I think KC was playful with her when he thought she was a boy, and he let her manhandle him, however, after he thought he had lost her (ep. 17) and after he admitted his feelings for her (to himself and to her), it has been interesting to me to see how easily he seeks her out, both emotionally and physically. That behavior is of course encouraged by the fact that YW can read him like a book, and that she doesn't beat around the bush when she sees that he does not seem to be doing well. I do love that she does that as well.

I have liked that he doesn't (or didn't, until the end of the ep.) pretend when he is in front of her, trying to act tough or strong when he didn't feel tough or strong. I love it when men are men enough to say or express the fact that they are hurting, angry, vulnerable, afraid, etc... It is actually a good trait and a strength in my book, because tbh, we all feel those emotions, however women are expected to show those emotions, and men, not so much (not manly, I guess). Interestingly enough, KC was the same way with CJ, he didn't really hide how he felt. I do think it is courageous to show how we truly feel in front of people we love and trust, even though in doing so, we are also giving them ammunition to hurt us if they chose to do so at some point. That trait, and how loyal KC is, are two of the qualities that I have really liked about him as a character. I give a lot of credit to LSG for being so immersed in his role, and for showing KC's vulnerable side, not only when he was with YW, but with others as well (LSS, DPJ, his mother, his dad, manager Choi, TS, CJ, etc...).

I think that as KC loses important people to him (Lord Park, his parents, CJ betraying him [then seeing the light], Ts doing the same, the village people doing the same at some point, then rallying around him), we understand why KC would cling on to YW, though I would also argue that YW being by his side from the beginning, constantly protecting him (when needed), helping him and defending him, made it easy for KC to want to be close to her, both emotionally and physically, probably (also) because she felt that way herself (about him), before he did. I guess another good reason is, since romance is an important part of this drama, once the OTP admitted their feelings to each other, why not have them show how much they care about each other and how much they need each other... right?

As I have been reflecting on this drama, I have been impressed by (and I have noticed) the amount of skinship between KC and YW (since it is a sageuk, albeit a fusion one, so maybe the rules are different?) When KC thought YW was a boy, he felt free to put his arms around her neck, "fall" on top of her (or tumble with her, like when they were in the forest) etc..., and even after KC found out she was a girl, they still had a lot of skinship. And YW was an equal participant as well, touching him every chance she got, pulling his ears, hitting him (sometimes lightly, sometimes hard), holding his hands, etc... And I am not mentioning all those things because I am against them, it is more the fact that being so immersed in this drama has made me reflect on the Kdramas I have watched so far, making me see in which ways this particular drama is different, and in which ways it has the traits of a Korean drama.

As GF mentioned, we get the epilogue to the parents' story. I liked that their story had a beginning, a middle and an end, and I thought that as a whole, it was well done. I never saw SH as a bad person, as I have said before, more like someone who couldn't and didn't know how to handle all that came to her in that season in her life. I was glad that we saw that she had reflected on what had happened and how she had handled it, and that given the opportunity (20 years later), she sought to right some wrongs. I really liked the scene when WR went back to MG, and she was lying down, beautiful as ever, surrounded by all those flowers. I loved that her hanbok matched the white that WR's outfit had, they looked good together as well.

I really liked WR, and I loved him in the first 2 ep. I was therefore conflicted (I had mixed feelings) about how he "died." He did not pay for his crimes (killing all those innocent people, even though those were urges he couldn't control), and he got to choose his destiny, moving forward. The people he had killed didn't have that opportunity, neither did the families they left behind. That was sad... I am still impressed (as in, it left me thinking) by the fact that humans could not kill WR (just decapitate him, per JGW), and yet he could choose when he would "die," and just do so.

I also felt that the speech he gave KC was a nice one (about not keeping fear, anger, resentment and blame in one's heart), however I am not sure that his fear alone was what turned him into a demon. I think that their story was going to be tragic, no matter what angle one took or looked at. In a way, he had reasons to be afraid and to not trust her and not tell her the truth (though it was wrong, and he was well intentioned), yet if he had confessed who he was before marrying her, I don't know that the betrayal (her turning him in) would not have happened either. As she aptly said, she was just too young to appreciate who he was, what he did for her and what that meant, in light of her circumstances at the time. I think that except for her escaping to Japan (or being taken there when she was), there was really no one who could have effectively helped her at the time (except for WR). She was a wanted fugitive, and a slave. It didn't look like she had much of a future in Joseon. WR and SH had their reunion in the end, and as we saw in this ep., they are forever together, something they both wanted. That chapter was closed nicely.

At some point, I stopped caring about the Gu Family Book, however, since it keeps being mentioned, I am back to being curious again. I accepted, as some beanies had mentioned, that the book might not have existed, and that it might have been more about KC's journey as he discovered who he truly was and how he came to handle it, as well as how that transformed him (mentally, emotionally, psychologically, etc...). Now I am not sure what to think, so I will wait to see what the last two ep. reveal to us.

Speaking of KC, I was one of those who was hoping that there might have been a hug between KC and WR, though it made sense that it didn't happen, for various reasons. They didn't really know each other, and they might not have felt comfortable hugging each other. Still, realizing in the last few ep. how much KC longed to know his real parents and experience what a family feels like (with those who brought you into the world), I just kind of wish that he had experience that. I did understand the pat on the shoulder however, and CJH really did an excellent job in that scene, down to the subtle smiles and changes on his face and in his eyes. That scene was beautiful, and emotional as well. I was glad KC got to at least have some emotional and physical connection with his mom, while he was with her.

I personally continue to like the cute in this drama, and I loved the "bed scene." The misunderstood scene was not well executed, imho, because it came across looking different, though I did like the play on words YW had, for her teacher and for KC and Gon. That was clever...

When TS did what he did (fooling JGW), he got me nervous, and I wasn't sure what camp he was in. I was really relieved to find out that he was still in LSS's camp. Since he is still staying at the Inn, I wonder how he will be treated, moving forward. Granted, we only have two ep. left, *phew*

I absolutely loved the scene about YW's cooking lessons, YW is definitely not your typical Joseon woman. I especially loved it when teacher Gong came and said, "what are you (ladies) doing in my kitchen?" I love it when a man says that. Poor teacher Gong! That scene was funny, and well acted.

I had the same reaction KC had when he saw the rice and the kimchi. Based on how much fuss YW made, I was expecting more as well. I totally understood KC's being disappointed. That scene was cute and funny.

I continue to love LSS as well. He is so smart! (And considering how important he is in Korea's history, why would anyone make him dumb? I know...). Hiding the real maps and leaving some fake ones laying around was genius. I look forward to whatever tricks he has for us next week (and to JGW's demise, of course).

I was glad to see CJ, though we only got to see her for about five minutes. And KC frantically trying to save YW after wounding her was sad. It took me by surprise when KC hurt YW, I did not expect that.
I thought it was interesting that YW felt the need to lie to her dad. I felt that she felt the need to lie to her dad, something was not right, and maybe KC had valid reasons to be seriously concerned and afraid. Even the other people in the room looked uncomfortable about her lying. If it was nothing, and everything was OK, why the need to lie to dad?

I understand KC's fears and I find them valid. GF wanted to see something more tragic happen, I on the other hand, was satisfied with what we were shown, as I understood what the writer was driving at. Yes, this is a case of noble idiocy, yet, it is an understandable one, imho. It reminded me of LMH's character in CH, who also pushed the love of his life away, because her being around him placed her in the mist of some serious danger. I remember the recapper at the time (either GF or JB) writing that she understood that kind of noble idiocy, and she found it justifiable. I agreed with her at the time, noble idiocy in that drama made sense, and they eventually got back together.

I don't see the situation any different here. I think KC wounding YW brought home SJ's warnings, and though I regret that KC feels fearful now, I totally understand why. Yes, this is angst in the very last stretch of the drama, and I don't have a problem with it. YW is the most important person to KC, if something happened to her (and especially because of him), he would not be able to live with himself. Though YW was back on her feet quickly, I think that KC did not need a lot to (fully) realize what SJ meant.

By the end of ep. 22, based on what KC knows (what SJ told him), and what he has just experienced with YW (wounding her seriously, it seems), how is he supposed to feel and think? He doesn't know the future, he just knows what we know and what we have seen (so far). With everything we are told up to the end of ep. 22, I don't see how KC could react and think differently. Even I feel that yes, he could have killed her (or he could kill her in the future). I know they will be together in the end, and I look forward to that resolution. As for now, I am OK with how the ep. ended. It made sense to me. I feel that if I were in his shoes, I would have felt the same way and I would have done the same thing.
I am glad that YW feels otherwise, yet I can't help but feel that KC has some legs to stand on this time. He can't help it to feel afraid, this time around. This is a tough situation for him (at least where we are at the end of this ep.). KC has not been given a caveat or a loophole, so I think he is doing what he thinks is best for YW.

That being said, he will be miserable without YW, and he will constantly be worried sick if he stays with her. What if something happens to her, because of him, as he said? I am liking this dilemma. Let's see what next week brings...

Oh noble idiocy how I hate thee -.-
Yeo Wool is gonna kick his ass next week right? RIGHT?

I am glad that I am not the only one who was a bit disappointed with Yeo Wool's injury... First I thought "Ack he nearly killed her right?" only to find out that she has a few scratches on her arm? SERIOUSLY?

Well at least the cliffhanger wasn't that strong so the days until the final episodes won't be as unnerving as with other dramas *cough*gaksital*cough*^^

exactly how i feel, but is it just me or does this drama seem to fall short little by little each episode ? the seohwa and wol ryeong line started out beautifully, but since then its been run a slow downhill track...

LSS actually wants those 11 corrupt officials killed. He and TS get Evil Lord to do the dirty work instead. TS just bluffs, scares and hooks E Lord into beating LSS to the punch, saying that LSS is going to arrest and beat the info out of them that they are working w the Japanese thru E Lord. A clever double-agent maneuver.

What I don't understand is why LSS would reveal his true intention to E Lord, and out TS's true affiliation. It ends TS's usefulness to the good guys and put him in jeopardy since he is still tied to 100 year Inn where E Lord's base is!

I feel that this PD doesn't trust the viewers to get much of anything. Case in point: All those exaggerated 'nods' and "head shakes" that are supposed to be SECRET signals, which can be seen a mile away. Secret my butt!

Given the fact the only relationship they ever had was a very abusive one... I think we got the best we can expect. He didn't have a good relationship with his mother either, but she's also the only mother figure he's ever had and he deserved more answers (being abandoned) from her then he did WR.

I just don't think WR cared all that much about Kangchi, or obviously not as much as he cares about SH. He could have lived to be with him, but he didn't have to desire to. Kangchi seemed to accept that and I see that as why he never called him dad either.

Agreed. It would've been nice if Wol-ryung had shown some more affection for his son. I would've directed the scene differently: maybe have WR apologize first of all for trying to um... oh, how about ...kill... his son for starters??
The whole scene needed better dialogue, something with more meaning.

I explain it very simply: their goals are different, even opposite.
Nothing brings together as close as common goals and perspective, not even the blood ties.
Plus, psychologically, it is mothers who have that special sweet kind of relationship with their sons. Fathers also have those, but with daughters.

I sort of hoped that KC would go on an adventure to become human with his dad. I don't think their relationship only had to amount to that.

I was a bit disappointed too ; I'm one of those that half-expected KC to get a hug from WR. But as lemondoodle pointed out, given the fact that when they first met it was all death threats etc, and don't forget; WR never watched KC grew up, or present at his birth either - there wasn't much of a bond there to start with.. From the beginning, it was always SH for WR. The fact that KC is WR's son probably doesn't give too much of an impact in what WR wanted to do next. However, if you guys noticed, when WR put his hand on KC's shoulder, the expression in his eyes.. he looked really sad. I felt at the time, the fact that KC was from his flesh & blood dawned on him, but he had to leave anyway as to WR a world without SH means nothing.
After KC said "I'll miss you.." to WR, WR did turn around once, after a sigh, & gave KC a sad smile.
The song that CJH sang made me cry so much. Sob sob... =_=,....

WR's cold relationship with YC makes complete sense - they are supposed to be partly "animals," right? If you think about it, a lot of male animals are not attentive fathers. They have a standoffish or nonexistent relationship with their offspring. WR and YC fighting reminded me of an alpha lion and and young lion battling each other. The alpha male is not going to be lovey-dovey with another grown male, even if it's his offspring.

KC is mighty worried tho her wound on the arm is slight; he said to YW: Next time I might kill you.

It is precisely bcos he is worried abt YW being hurt that she is hurt. If he hadn't forbidden her to enter the in with them, he wouldn't have hurt her thinking she is one of the enemies.

It may also be bcos he is afraid of losing her and leaves her that she might die. Prophecies have a way of messing with you like that. Guess he didn't read Macbeth.

It'd be nice if he could go to the cave, wake up dad, and ask for advice, but that guy is too involved w his wife to care abt his kid. I Don't know what to think abt that!

The*
He's a threat*

CJ and Head gisaeng too haven't had much to do for a while now. A shame.

I was wondering if Kang Chi ever saw the Blue Bird vest she made for him. She spent so much time making it and delivering it then poof!It was of no significance after all!

LOL, i just laughed so hard at this comment. Totally true.
Personaly, i wouldn't leave Suzy...er...Yeo Wool...alone... hehehe

1. Yeah, kinda creepy. I almost wish he would have given her a proper grave so Kangchi could visit it. What a sad goodbye for mother and son. They meet for half a day and there is no trace left of her in the world anywhere.....
2. I don't think finding the book is a big deal. WR was doing it with no issue. Kangchi had planned to come back when it was over if not for the monk's words. YW just didn't want him to leave at all. And the cave is closed up now.
3. Yes, someone tell the monk everyone dies so don't go telling humans they will die.

So creepy. Phantom of the Opera creepy. yech

3. Exactly! Whenever someone starts in on the whole, "But she could die!" thing, I can't help but think, "Yes, and it could happen in childbirth, or any other number of reasons that wouldn't happen if she hadn't ended up with KC, the same as any other woman who, because she marries a man and moves to a certain place to live with him and share his life, goes down a path that leads to certain events that result in her dying earlier than she would if she'd gone other directions with her life." I'm with YW in not living in fear of a future that hasn't happened yet. I understand KC's fear of what he might do to her, but that's why he needs to take off for a time, get the Gu Family Book, become human, and then come back and get married.

Speaking of getting married, it's been irritating the heck out of me how blase everyone is about how much time YW and KC spend together, considering she's betrothed to TS. YW and KC seem completely oblivious to the fact that is still very much in effect and unless her father decides to call things off, them being together is a completely moot point. Continuity. It's a good thing.

1. I'm sure their two souls have left their bodies and set off for another world together. There's certainly no point to hover over the corpses (or sustain them for no reason).

2. That's KC's choice. He chose to become a mortal. I personally don't think it was a good idea. Instead, he should think how to make YW immortal, and then be happy together forever. So, the Gu Family Book does not present any interest to me, but his choice is different, and he will have to take the trouble to meet all the requirements and fulfill them precisely.

3. Yeah, right. But dying is not a problem. The problem is that we don't know when. And everybody is convinced that it's not gonna happen soon ;)

I personally believe we just change the bodies. So, if KC wants to become fearless, he has to come to this understanding too (just like WR mentioned to him). ;)

You know what? I also think that's where they r going. They got to!

SJ is assuming 'death' means literally the ending of life, stop breathing, kaput, whereas prophesies are never that literal.

KC dies as a gumiho. End of stupid prophesy, end of story. They live happily ever after. That's fine as far as it goes, but is also anti-climatic, I'm afraid.

exactly.i wish i could go and remind them -.-

I agree with your sentence dream :
"and…KC should listen to papa Gumiho and YW should
listen to mama Gumiho".

The truth about prophecy is it's just a prediction. It'll happen or it won't . It was both KC n YW's lesson. WY said not to be 'fear' to KC, and SH said not to be 'foolish' to YW. The monk didn't do something wrong IMO. He just told what he had seen, and compared it with what just have been happenning to WR and SH. I think they (KC n YW) both can handle it.
I do hope for a happy ending!.

He needs to be hit in the head. Remember that's the only way he learns.

@cheliwel - I'm anxious about this as well. If you've watched "Faith" and "Nine:Nine Times Time Travel" and "Iris" - you'll probably be as paranoid as me. How can these good dramas have really good storyline that kept you hooked the whole series, only to have crappy ending! (Faith - not even a hug or a kiss, just the couple staring at each other / Nine - after killing the lead once, we still don't know what will the future lead do / Iris - the hero died on the way to propose to his love) Argggghhhh. Please please please "Gu Family Book", don't disappoint the fans!! My heart's breaking 10 times already with WR & SH's tragic ending, don't do the same with KC!!

Oh, man. I had completely forgotten about that. I think you've hit an important point. Kang-chi has already ignored Cryptic Monk of Meddlesome-ness once and it resulted in Lord Park's death. I'm not saying the writers were completely aware of it (I hope they were; they wrote it), but Kang-chi having a full-on freak-out about Yeo-wool actually dying when the monk says it's so makes perfect sense. He believes what the monk says a lot more after seeing first hand that when So-jung says it will go south, it goes south.

Am I the only one who hopes we can misinterpret Kang-chi's words and he's really meaning to say something like, "Our [predestined] fate [where you die/one of us dies] ends here [but this doesn't mean we're breaking up girl]"? I don't know enough Korean (or any, haha) to know if that's even a possibility though. I just hope he's not actually going Idiot Sans Noble on us.

My thoughts exactly. Or she could die in childbirth in three years, or a freak accident in fifteen years, or pass away in her sleep at the age of eighty-eight. As others have mentioned, all humans die at some point, so it's not Fate of Doom to be told that if you meet such and such a person, death is likely in the cards. Death is just as much in the cards if you don't meet them. ;)

puahaha. ikr? noble idiots...