Six Flying Dragons: Episode 34

80 January 27, 2016January 27, 2016

by HeadsNo2

In the absence of more seasoned leadership, the ever resourceful Bang-won finds himself perfectly suited to the task of ruling his small group of willing followers. Without him, they wouldn’t stand a ghost of a chance against the force of nature that’s assembled against them, whether it be kings, scholars, or the handful of fuddy-duddies in Nameless. The stakes don’t get much higher when it’s not just political ideologies hanging in the balance, but people’s lives. Specifically, the lives of our six dragons. (Don’t let the show tell you any different, Moo-hyul!)

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EPISODE 34 RECAP

Unable to tell her own brother about her bizarre family reunion, Boon-yi opens up to Yeon-hee, though she doesn’t get far into the story before Bang-ji interrupts. Having heard her mention their mother, he demands to hear the story.

He’s unwilling to believe that their mother advocated for sacrificing one’s loved ones in the name of a bigger cause, and that she apparently never wants to see either of them again. But Boon-yi sighs, wondering whether she’s just not as attached to their mother as her brother, since she’s not as devastated by this turn of events.

As news of Jung Do-jeon’s arrest spreads, Bang-won begins to wonder whether his father—who hasn’t been seen since last night—gave his tacit approval to Jung Mong-joo. He has to find his father first, and soon.

Nameless wonders what Lee Seong-gye will do about the arrest, but the whole time, Yeon-hyang keeps thinking of how Yooksan fooled her about her supposedly dead children. The only reason she’s holding back now is to prevent a civil war within the organization.

Meanwhile, Jung Mong-joo convinces the king to order Jung Do-jeon’s exile before Lee Seong-gye can return and do something about it. He has to face his old friend when he goes to the state tribunal to deliver the order, but defends his actions as being for Jung Do-jeon’s own good.

The other dragons find out about their leader and rally around Bang-won in order to take action. Right now their main prerogative is to find his father, but Bang-ji seems inordinately preoccupied with whether Nameless had a hand in this. The only thing Bang-won is sure of is that this outcome is what Nameless would’ve wanted.

Back in the prison, Jung Mong-joo states his plan to let Jung Do-jeon be remembered as a great scholar executed for trying to reform Goryeo, since having him executed is the only way to stop him. The scariest thing is that he means it, and really does think he’ll be doing his friend a service.

Jung Do-jeon can’t help but find a little wry humor in his friend’s reasoning, but grows serious when he advises him to make sure he kills him—if not, he’ll be the one to die.

Which means that Jung Mong-joo would be the one remembered as a great and loyal scholar instead, though this thought causes a tear to run down Jung Do-jeon’s cheek. Even after everything, he doesn’t want his old friend to die.

Bang-won & Co. search desperately for the open palanquin they expect Jung Do-jeon to be carted away in, but soon realize that they must’ve used an enclosed palanquin in order to prevent any rescue attempts. Bang-ji attempts to use his spidey senses to locate him, but fails.

Instead, Bang-won takes his rage straight to the source, berating Jung Mong-joo for turning on Jung Do-jeon, even after being offered absolute power in the new country. “What is so great about this nation that you would go this far to protect it?!” he demands to know.

In answer, Jung Mong-joo asks what’s so great about his cause for him to be willing to sacrifice Goryeo for it. Bang-won doesn’t back down, and challenges him on whether he actually believes that Jung Do-jeon is of low birth, and what evidence he has.

Is it just like the “evidence” he used to depose King Woo, based on a rumor that he was actually Shin Don’s son? In the end, he reasons, the powerful get to claim noble status while the weak are made to be of low birth.

And that’s precisely why Jung Do-jeon is of low birth, Poeun reasons, and he cautions Bang-won to remember that. “Yes,” Bang-won answers with false sincerity. “I will engrave your lesson deep in my heart, Teacher.”

With Jung Do-jeon out of the picture, the king reinstates all those sinister ministers Jung had exiled or impeached, including Lee Saek and Ha Ryun. The latter wonders what Bang-won is doing about all this, being the only one shocked that Jung Mong-joo would use such a method to oust his political opponent. (I love that they all look like they’re dressed for a Goryeo slumber party.)

When Lee Seong-gye finally returns, he’s shocked to hear about Jung Do-jeon’s exile, having had no idea Jung Mong-joo would do such a thing. He sanctioned getting Jung Do-jeon to step down from politics for a while, but this?

Bang-won fans the flames of his father’s outrage against Jung Mong-joo, spurring him to take his sword when he meets with the man himself to demand answers.

Poeun claims that he did what he did because Jung Do-jeon couldn’t be convinced, though Lee Seong-gye says that under that line of reasoning, he could accuse all of them of treason and sentence them to death. And Poeun agrees, though he grudgingly admits that while he can have Lee Seong-gye punished for treason, he can’t have him killed.

Lee Seong-gye doesn’t miss the implication that Jung Mong-joo can kill Jung Do-jeon though, and asks if Poeun really thinks he’d let that happen. The day Jung Do-jeon dies will be the day Goryeo falls, Lee Seong-gye promises, and backs up his demand for Poeun to bring him back by holding a sword at his throat.

Unconcerned about the immediate danger he’s in, Jung Mong-joo proclaims that Goryeo will only fall if he dies. He all but dares Lee Seong-gye to kill him now and take the throne for himself, knowing that he wouldn’t and won’t. “If you do not stop [following this path], more blood will flow in the future. General, please… please remain a hero of Goryeo.”

Lee Seong-gye gives him one more chance to bring Jung Do-jeon back from exile. When Jung Mong-joo refuses, he sheathes his sword and announces that he’ll resign as commander of the military. Bang-won eavesdrops on their conversation nearby as Lee Seong-gye adds a caveat to this early retirement, meant to threaten Poeun—he may be resigning, but not all his military might will be lost.

King Gongyang goes into fits when Lee Seong-gye announces his resignation, because without him, their army would be leaderless. This is the whole point, so Lee isn’t perturbed in the slightest when Jung Mong-joo brings the royal command stating that he’s forbidden from resigning.

As for Jung Mong-joo’s promise to visit him every day and pester him, Lee Seong-gye coolly answers that he’ll just leave the capital. He’ll leave his son Bang-gwa to train the soldiers so that they’re ready to act on his orders. The implicit threat isn’t lost on Poeun.

Layered like he’s going to take up a second job as the guy who gets bitten by attack dogs professionally, Jung Do-jeon wonders what Lee Seong-gye will do, knowing that he’s stuck between a rock and a hard place. He won’t harm Jung Mong-joo, but he surely won’t leave him in exile to rot, either.

Nameless knows this too, so they make it their goal to kill Lee Seong-gye so that Jung Mong-joo will be free to kill Jung Do-jeon. Sure that this will stabilize the country, Yeon-hyang explains her reason behind the rush—she can’t afford to deal with Yooksan and cause internal strife as long as there’s external strife going on.

In order to clear his mind, Lee Seong-gye goes out for some hunting, unaware that one of the sinister ministers lurks nearby with a bow and arrow. Instead, it’s Gil Sun-mi who approaches him, and I love that even in this most dour of moments the show carries on its running joke when Lee Seong-gye asks if he’s Gil Tae-mi.

Gil Sun-mi has only to say that he’s here to escort him to the afterlife for Lee Seong-gye to draw an arrow and aim it right at him. The warrior wonders aloud whether he can kill him before he could let that arrow fly, to which Lee Seong-gye answers that his brother once faced the same dilemma and ended up walking away from the fight. Badass.

“I am different from my brother,” Gil Sun-mi says, before Lee Seong-gye’s concentration is broken by an arrow that comes flying at him. It grazes his horse, throwing Lee Seong-gye off its back and down the hill. The source of the arrow is the sinister minister from earlier, who goes scampering back from whence he came. (And to tell Minister Woo, who tells Jung Mong-joo.)

While the doctor treating Lee Seong-gye’s injuries seems pessimistic and leaves Ji-ran worried for his sworn brother, Nameless takes this news much more positively. Though Gil Sun-mi never bothers to explain why he didn’t just follow Lee Seong-gye down the hill and finish him off.

Lady Kang disperses the news of her husband’s serious horse fall to the rest of the family, though Bang-won seems less concerned about his father’s recovery than he is about Jung Mong-joo using this opportunity to persecute his followers.

And that’s exactly what Jung Mong-joo proposes to the king, who agrees to sanction his orders with the royal seal. Bang-won tries to get to Jo Joon before the king’s men can, but he’s too late—Jo Joon is arrested before he can even leave his home on charges of treason.

Officer Nam and Shin-jeok are also arrested, while Bang-gwa is stripped of his post as an officer and his title. King Gongyang is seized with panic at what he’s set in motion, because he knows that if Lee Seong-gye recovers from his injuries, his vengeance will be swift and terrible.

Seeking to ease her true love’s worries, Sa-kwang offers to kill Lee Seong-gye and finalize the deal. But he’s not keen on turning her into an assassin, so he refuses.

Boon-yi tries reassuring her people that all isn’t lost just because Lee Seong-gye’s supporters have been obliterated, but they’re all too worried about themselves and their recently acquired land to pay her much heed.

Rather than be upset by her people bravely running away, Bang-won takes inspiration from them and orders what’s left of his and his father’s people to mobilize. He has a plan.

Jung Mong-joo calls for the king to execute Jung Do-jeon and his followers via royal command, but the king’s only hesitation is that Lee Seong-gye will wipe them off the face of the earth should he live. Sa-kwang volunteers again to assassinate him, and doesn’t take no for an answer this time.

After ordering Boon-yi to gather her contacts and Yeon-hee to spy on Jung Mong-joo, Bang-won tasks Bang-ji with updating and protecting Jung Do-jeon in exile. Young-kyu and Master Hong are to take the army to Byeokrando (where Lee Seong-gye is convalescing), where he and Moo-hyul will also go.

“The only thing that can save our lives and our cause are the people in this room,” Bang-won says by way of a pep talk. “I wish everyone good luck.” Before they disperse though, Boon-yi warns her brother against letting thoughts of their mother distract him from the long and grueling journey ahead. Bang-ji gives her a small smile as reassurance that he’ll stay on task.

Moo-hyul recognizes Sa-kwang in passing and calls out to her, but she ignores him. Aw, he’s going to be heartbroken when he has to face off against her, isn’t he?

Ignoring Ji-ran’s protests that he’s sustained internal injuries, Bang-won tries to rouse his father from his sickbed so he can return to the capital. They’ve been deceived by Jung Mong-joo, he claims, and unless his father takes action now, everyone who’s been arrested will die.

Lee Seong-gye is conscious enough to hear everything, but his rage alone isn’t enough to heal him. His attempt to sit up is foiled when he starts coughing blood, but Bang-won is desperate. Even if the journey might kill him, without him, they’ll all die anyway.

Bang-won isn’t the least bit surprised when their men report strange activity near them, knowing that Jung Mong-joo wouldn’t miss the chance to send an assassin.

The only chance Bang-won has to throw off Jung Mong-joo’s men is to send two palanquins from the house—the red one guarded by Ji-ran, the blue guarded by Moo-hyul—so as to force the band of would-be assassins to follow whichever one they think has Lee Seong-gye inside.

Deciding that Ji-ran must be guarding the real general, they descend upon the caravan and stab into the palanquin like a magician slipping swords into a box. But there’s nothing inside.

Sa-kwang, dressed and masked in white, comes upon the blue palanquin on the road, and draws two swords as she darts toward it. Moo-hyul’s blow flies right over her as she slides beneath it and forward, and in the blink of an eye, her sword cuts straight through the palanquin as if it were butter.

The top half gives way and slides off, though thankfully, nothing is inside this one either. (Smart thinking, Bang-won!) She disposes of the guards easily, and expends little effort in blocking the one powerful blow Moo-hyul gets in before she has her sword to his throat.

She doesn’t kill him, leaving Moo-hyul wondering who she is to be so inhumanly fast and powerful. But with no decoys left, Sa-kwang goes to find the real Lee Seong-gye, who we find being laboriously carted away from the fray by Bang-won.

Even that movement is too much for him, as he asks his son to stop for just a little while. Bang-won’s face is etched with worry, but he can’t give up—he has to get his father back to the capital, or else.

But it seems he has little chance of succeeding when his father trails off into a rambling nightmare he had the night before he went hunting about a king dismembering him before dying himself. In whatever haze he’s in, he now believes that the king from his dream was Taejo Wang Geon, the first king and founder of Goryeo.

Worse, he believes that all that’s happened to him must be Taejo Wang Geon cursing him from beyond the grave. How else could he explain Jung Mong-joo turning the way he did?

Bang-won explains that this is just what comes when someone like his father attempts to establish himself as the ruler of a country, an endeavor where blood will inevitably be spilt. “The idea of revolution without bloodshed is only an illusion,” he adds sardonically.

And since his father has taken it upon himself to rule, he’ll also have to withstand all of the evils that come with it, including Jung Mong-joo. His voice rises with every word, until he’s all but shaking with resolve as he declares, “I, Lee Bang-won, will emerge victorious. I will not lose to that great scholar of Confucianism called Poeun!”

Torches in the distance bring Bang-won back to himself, and he heaves his father off the cart and the cart into a ditch before endeavoring to carry him into the closest hiding place.

There, Bang-won crouches like a cornered animal ready to pounce, and waits.

COMMENTS

Ahhhh! It feels like my heart is going to pound out of my chest with all the suspense, which is literally one of the greatest gifts a show could give me. Not necessarily the almost-a-panic-attack part, but just the unbridled excitement, that feeling of getting so caught up in the moment that everything else fades away.

To do that, a show has to have a near-perfect blend of good storytelling and Grade A presentation, which this episode had in spades. And while it’d be no stretch to say that Dragons hasn’t faltered in either of those regards since day one (because it really, really hasn’t), it’s been playing its cards right as far as pacing is concerned, doling out about two mind-blowingly suspenseful and/or action-fueled hours in every ten. Which isn’t to say that we’re left wanting during the time in-between, since it’s not like this show ever steps off the gas pedal. It’s just that every race needs pit stops, or else everything would start to blur together.

So in an effort to not have this comments section blur into an overlong love letter, let’s talk about some of the things that are a little less than deserving of such high praise, like Nameless. I’ve been reluctant to touch this topic since the Yeon-hyang reveal, partly based on two reasons: (1) I’d hoped that Yeon-hyang wasn’t the real leader, and (2) I was too disappointed that she was to acknowledge it. And there’s still a small part of me that thinks there must still be some secret they’ve got up their sleeve, since this supposedly all-powerful, all-knowing organization can’t just boil down to a small group of people in a dilapidated room… right?

I’m not so sure anymore. Maybe it would help if the motley crew who currently make up Nameless’ leadership didn’t come off as an assemblage of caricatures with no rhyme or reason we can understand or sympathize with, which I’m desperately hoping will be an issue that gets addressed. It’s not as though they don’t have the time, anyway. But we aren’t even given a chance to see the humanity of characters like Yooksan, Jukryong, or even that unnamed granny. Or everyone in that group, for that matter.

We can feel a little bad for Gil Sun-mi getting into all this for love, and as much as the object of his affections may talk a big game and carry a pencil-width dagger, she makes little sense when we look at her from this side of the screen. Even with her tragic backstory and the fact that we know her two children, I just don’t buy her, and I wish I knew why. Is it a lapse in casting? Is it because we hear Nameless’ cause repeated but aren’t given any reason as to why each of them would die for it? And probably off-topic but of arguably greater importance, if Moo-hyul is this unequipped to face Sa-kwang now, how will he ever earn his title as a Dragon?

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1 zie

January 27, 2016 at 8:42 PM

how come there is no comment yet....this is our beloved six flying dragons guys

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Lisa Purba

January 30, 2016 at 4:13 AM

Lee Bang Won was giving me chills I needed time to recover

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2 Gemeniano Tabi Jr

January 27, 2016 at 9:17 PM

Wow! Sa-Kwang in that white garb is beautiful and fearless! and thta swift attack like a white flash! :D
Poor Moo Hyul if he is destined to defeat Sa-Kwang just to earn his title as dragon.
Sa-Kwang kinda looks like Storm-Shadow of G.I. Joe.. :D

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miilo

February 1, 2016 at 4:50 PM

No way he´s destined to kick Sa-kwang´s ass to earn his title. I´m pretty sure he´ll blow Sa-kwang´s cover, though, as the Lady.

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3 Drama Online

January 27, 2016 at 9:27 PM

What a great story of this drama . I realy like it . Thanks to add this.

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4 earthna

January 27, 2016 at 9:36 PM

Seems like Po Eun's death will be next episode. The actor has been tweeting spoilers of his death. lol.

Eeeeee Moo Hyul. ㅠㅠ I want to say that he was just surprised so he wasn't able to do anything with Sa Gwang... He needs to get better though coz yeah, when will he get his title. Only 16 episodes left!

Also, Heads, the creepy grandma has a name. It's Jeong Ya. :3

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Kiara

January 27, 2016 at 10:15 PM

Really? what did he say? He is a good movie actor. I think this is his first drama.

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mango

January 27, 2016 at 11:53 PM

he tweeted stuff like "on the way to seonjuk bridge." "dying is frikkin tiring..." and 17 hours after the first tweet he posted "i've died!!!"

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Kiara

January 28, 2016 at 6:09 AM

Lol sounds like he was looking forward to it. He has been in the drama long enough for us to either love him or hate him (his character).

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mary

January 29, 2016 at 9:14 AM

LOL that is so cute

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miilo

February 1, 2016 at 4:51 PM

Hahhaaaa!

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Commentcomment

January 28, 2016 at 12:07 AM

Kiara here
http://bodashiri.tumblr.com/post/138162174616/poeun-jung-mong-joos-tweets

Spoilers: i think sagwang is there to protect him.. mohyul will fihpght sagwang and jo younggyu will kill him off, also theres bangwon there too

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Kiara

January 28, 2016 at 4:27 AM

Thank you guys. I love the responses lol.

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CaroleMcDonnell

January 28, 2016 at 6:45 AM

oh gee! This cracks me up. I figure it'll be a moohyul-Sa Gwang battle. History and story have been foreshadowing it.

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Kiara

January 28, 2016 at 8:27 AM

Moo-hyul needs to earn his dragon status before Joseon is established. All 6 dragons play a major part in establishing the new nation.

Cheok Sa-kwang is the only other worthy opponent left in Goryeo who is at the same level or better than Bang Ji. So of course he has to fight her and at the same time help eliminate the last man that stood in the way of the revolution.

It's a challenge to fuse history and fiction especially with a well known incident in history like Poeun's brutal death. But if this is to happen then it was well thought out ahead of time before Cheok Sa-kwang was introduced in the drama.

On a side note.
It makes sense that Bang-won's wife Lady Min is not part of the 6 dragons. Her contribution came after Joseon was established.

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Commentcomment

January 28, 2016 at 3:50 PM

Lady min is given more importance slowly as we are getting closer to joseon's establishment, even if here lines are "one-liners", i like it, also her "one-liners" seems they are very influential to bangwon's decision.. i like that they dont seem to make it a lady min vs boonyi triangle fight, she seems more of a advisor to him and a wise political partner rather than lovey dovey get jealous then become bad.. going by how things are going if jmj dies in episose 35 the start of establishing joseon will be in epside 36. If they decide to drag it i guess his death will be in ep 36. Episode 37/38 will be the start of jdj vs bangwon.. also lady min vs lady kang... i always thought they wouldnt be able to reach the first strife of princes because they dragged the shit out of moomyung and the land redistribution, and the jmj♥jdj friendship bromance, they didnt do it with choi young when the two generals are also very close and rushed him off. But i think they will reach it, the only problem is how will they conclude it? Jdj's death?

Commentcomment

January 28, 2016 at 12:21 AM

These arent spoilers but purely assumptions.. since the comments said that sagwang has to be there to protect him, i theorized it, added what happen in history and seeing bangwon in the preview.. bangwon might kill him(jmj) himself(bangwon) too, again basing on the preview

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liina

January 28, 2016 at 12:10 AM

Moo-hyul is not a bad sword fighter, but he is inexperienced and he can't measure an opponents strength before he is already in the fight. Before the fight for Gab-boon he had probably never had a match with another person and only learned the stances, while Bang-ji for example had a sparing partner in his teacher Zhang San-feng. Bang-ji also learned more Qi related stuff so he can sense when an opponent has strong Qi.
Moo-hyul has to do a lot learning by doing in serious situations.
Till now he hasn't met so many opponents that could match his strength, so he is relying heavily on his first strike blowing the opponent from his feet or at least catapult the opponent ten feet away. Only that doesn't work on Cheok Sa-kwang so it brought himself in a position where he couldn't quickly get into a favourable fighting position again.
He also made a very big mistake when fighting Cheok Brother that the makers used to show that inexperience. When his sword was blocked he looked up to see what had happened instead of abandoning the sword, getting himself out of Mr Cheoks reach and then look for the sword. Mr Cheok could have killed him then and there very easily but because Moo-hyul is a lucky guy instead of killing him Mr Cheok kicked Moo-hyul out of the hut so that Bang-ji could save Moo-hyul from Mr Cheoks death blow.
Moo-hyul is best when he decides "I don't care if I live or die, let's just do it" like he did in Dowajeon and with the fake pirates, because then he blends out everything else what is not related to the fighting - he wouldn't get distracted by blocked swords in that state and recollect himself faster after using heavy blows. He actually has good fighting instincts.

Honestly I really like that about Six Fliyng Dragons that it put a lot of thoughts not only in the swordsmen but also in their swordsmanship and skill! I don't expect my TV sword fights to look like a real sword fight. I understand that that would probably make for a boring viewing experience, but I at least want to see some effort/love in the fighting scenes. So I'm really really happy with six flying dragons.

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THUMMAR

January 29, 2016 at 6:06 AM

I think Moo Hyul's teacher master Hong will tell him the way to survive from Goksan method of sword, because Gil Sun Mi suspected master Hong that he was supposed to learn weakness of Goksan method when he joined his family as a servant. I think Gil Sun Mi guessed right, but still master Hong didn't tell him anything about Goksan method weakness but I'm sure he will tell about it to his obedient disciple Moo Hyul.

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miilo

February 1, 2016 at 4:55 PM

I think so too. Master Hong was just choosing where to spill his beans.

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Lisa Purba

January 30, 2016 at 4:16 AM

@lunaboy65 who plays Poeun has been known as Yoo Ah In's "uncle fan". He tweeted to YAI several times and praised him even before they worked together in this drama. He once tweeted that he really wanted together with YAI someday. It's so funny and ironic that after working with YAI, he "complained" that YAI killed him in the end XD

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5 redeemee

January 27, 2016 at 9:39 PM

netizens are saying when Gil Sun-Min asked Moo-Hyul's teacher on how to defeat Sa-Kwang he replied to just run away, but secretly he did find a way and probably taught it to Moo-Hyul... sounds very plausible to me! i still think that she's going to die from her kind heart or through some type of love-tragedy with the king. excited to see what happens!

Lee Bang-Won crouching down like that at the end made me think, Kill-Bang-Won is coming very soon...

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Adal

January 28, 2016 at 9:38 PM

I had that thought as well. He's probably mad at Gil Sun Mi for abandoning him for 10 years and only showing up when he needs information from him. But there's nothing to stop him from teaching Moo Hyul as they are closer and have a better relationship.

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6 Kaylie

January 27, 2016 at 9:39 PM

I've been gushing about how much I like Byun Yo Han in other threads but let me just do it one more time: I love him to bits. Him in a sageuk with manly facial hair + touching singing voice + fantastic sword fights + man with a painful past = explosion of charisma.

I was doubtful about watching a 50-episode sageuk for him because my usual threshold is 30 episodes and I don't really like to watch sageuks (the last one I enjoyed was Dong Yi), but Six Flying Dragons is really in a league of its own. So thoroughly hooked by this drama!

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7 crazyahjummafan

January 27, 2016 at 9:43 PM

"and in the blink of an eye, her sword cuts straight through the palanquin as if it were butter."

That must be a very sharp sword!

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PeepsLeAwesomePotato

January 27, 2016 at 9:57 PM

Sharp and swift! Use a professional chef's knife once and you'll just love the way it slices through anything like butter. That's why celebrity chefs look so cool when they cut vegetables on TV, hur hur.

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miilo

February 1, 2016 at 4:57 PM

Or some sassy assassins palanquins for that matter.

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sonatine

January 28, 2016 at 6:34 AM

This scene made me roll eyes because it's not so much about how sharp the blade has to be, it's about the strength needed to make it go through the wood.

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Beez

January 28, 2016 at 4:42 PM

This show, and it's parent spin off (Tree With Deep Roots) make heavy use of mysticism and Qi when it comes to martial arts. It almost ruins both shows for me. (25-foot jump) I guess it's a reminder that it is total fiction and has nothing to do with the historical facts other than using them as a spring board for good storytelling.

I'm actually a fan of that type of swordsmanship in a more fantasy-rooted show.

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crazyahjummafan

January 28, 2016 at 8:32 PM

Haha. I was brought up on a healthy diet of kung-fu fighting, Shao-ling temple Chinese dramas and shows as a child, where flying around and leaping from tall buildings, at the same time during gravity-defying flips and somersaults is very common. I actually found the fighting sword scenes in Kdramas rather blend and awkwardly filmed...till this drama. Whether these stunts and moves are actually possible, I don't know and really don't care. I'm watching for the entertainment value.

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8 PeepsLeAwesomePotato

January 27, 2016 at 9:52 PM

BangWon is now black BangWon because that's all he ever wears after getting his SangTu (bar the ~grey~ he wore for disguise this episode). It's like the show has to hit us in the face with the symbolism, ha ha.

I really loved the last screenshot of BangWon - he looked like a tiger or lion, poised to attack and protect, his face clear with both rage and fear.

I was a bit annoyed by King GongYang this episode (although it didn't start this episode). It's like he's this miserable yes-man who just goes "yes" regarding any proposal Jung MongJoo comes up with without even thinking. And when the shit almost hits the fan, he just flails and can't follow through. What a bit of indecisive sissy; what a terrible king... but then apparently that was said of King GongYang before he ascended the throne...?

BangWon is a freaking genius, I think. Neither of the two palanquins held anything! (Though if you think about it, allowing 50/50 possibility of the enemy picking Lee SeongGye's palanquin is ridiculously bad planning, so BangWon's idea shouldn't have surprised... I guess I'm no genius. :( ) Although where they brought the two huge palanquins from will always be a mystery to me. Where in that small hut did that come from? And I thought Lee SeongGye was far from the city so where else...

MooMyung is really boring right now and I agree with all your points regarding them, Heads. I still don't get what their real agenda is even if they have said that they were for stability... my ass then, since they have been doing a terrible job since 1270. Plus, what kind of stability were they thinking of when Goryeo was being invaded? It's like their agenda is whatever it is that comes to mind first.

(Also, Wikipedia shows Goryeo's Royal Seal to be circular but the one King Gongyang used was square-ish. An over sight? Or did the seal change over time?)

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Reba Wechoki

January 27, 2016 at 10:47 PM

I love it when someone starts pointing out the little holes I failed to spot during the heart stopping moments. Especially about the palanquins appearing out of nowhere.I really need to pay more attention :-)

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Adal

January 28, 2016 at 9:52 PM

I wondered where the palanquins came from. Does the army usually travel with them?

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neener

January 27, 2016 at 11:50 PM

I was shocked too when two not just one palanquins appeared out of nowhere! I guess I'm no genius either because I thought Moo Hyul's side had LSG.

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suraya

January 28, 2016 at 12:01 AM

heheh..funny reading your comments reba wechoki n neener...hhehhehe...

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Commentcomment

January 28, 2016 at 12:11 AM

For me the two palaquins didnt feel like a twist, after so many dramas, animes movies ive watched, its kinda like a cliche twist

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crazyahjummafan

January 28, 2016 at 8:34 PM

I too wondered about the palanquins.

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Adal

January 28, 2016 at 9:49 PM

I feel kind of sorry for the King who really didn't want to be king so much that he nearly chose death over ruling.

He knows he's not qualified, either by temperament or abilities and that he was surely signing his death warrant when he became king. Were it not for an accident of birth, he would never have been in this position, and so he made a deal with Po Eun to be guided by Po Eun and to rubber stamp all of Po Eun's proposals. So I really can't blame him when he flails about like that.

Imagine being made CEO of a Fortune 500 company without any prior training and lacking qualificationsor experience, just because one's father was once CEO as well, one might end up agreeing with all proposals being brought to you and being leery of the consequences.

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9 neener

January 27, 2016 at 11:52 PM

I know Po Eun was a great scholar who protected Goryeo with all his soul but is it that bad that I'm looking forward to his death? Or too mean of me?

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Commentcomment

January 28, 2016 at 12:13 AM

They lortrayed him in the last few episodes so annoyingly, while the history books portray him so highly.. we dont know him personally, but i always think people are never completely bad or good

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neener

January 28, 2016 at 1:05 AM

Ikr. We all know he did base on his principles and protect Goryeo.

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fanwho

January 28, 2016 at 4:24 AM

I was shocked how they portrayed Po eun in this show (especially this ep.)
But the I love the actor!

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Kiara

January 28, 2016 at 5:34 AM

Same here.

Hipployta

January 28, 2016 at 6:55 AM

Well much like Sambong said...if you or I die we will be exalted as a great scholar of loyalty in history...but still dead

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crazyahjummafan

January 28, 2016 at 8:37 PM

Actually, it was very clever of the writers to put it that way. This will then 'justify' why Poeun has been described as the last patriot of Goryeo. If JDJ had died, then his death would have glorified his status.

Everything is relative.

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miilo

February 1, 2016 at 5:02 PM

Because the history is written by the people who won the power struggle, as Bang-won pointed out.

Kiara

January 28, 2016 at 5:50 AM

I love Poeun of the history but he needs to die here for the main plot to move forward. I'm going to join you in being mean lol.

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10 suraya

January 27, 2016 at 11:59 PM

where can i get song "MUYIYIYA" by Warak???anyone?thanx

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THUMMAR

January 29, 2016 at 7:06 AM

Give me your email ID, [email protected]
I'll send you, I have various versions of that song.

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11 sheilla

January 28, 2016 at 12:05 AM

this episode left me breathless satisfied and desperately anticipating more.....ive come to start watching this drama raw then with subs simply because i just have to know....so cool this drama i lack words for it

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12 blo

January 28, 2016 at 12:16 AM

The show had me worried for their lives, even though I know they can't die...yet.

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neener

January 28, 2016 at 1:06 AM

Ikr? I kept saying that LSG will not die because who will be the first king of Joseon if he dies here. Hihihi ☺️

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13 Rukayat

January 28, 2016 at 2:07 AM

This is one hell of a great drama,good directing and professional character portrayal.I love this drama.

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14 xingii

January 28, 2016 at 3:58 AM

Amazing episode as always, I've just come to expect as much from this drama though, 34 episodes in and still going strong.

Yoo Ah In's acting just keeps on getting better and better as Bangwon goes a bit closer to the dark side. His expressiveness is mesmerising.

I'll be honest and say that after I watched ep 33 and saw the preview for ep 34, I was expecting a full blown fight between Sakwang & Moohyul, and that he would defeat her in like episode 35 or something. But that doesn't seem to be the case because she left the scene pretty much straight away, and Moohyul could do nothing against her. Seeing him being bested by her so easily made me really worried about him. I have always known that Moohyul's fighting style is more about brute strength rather than fancy-feely techniques (aka Bangji) but seeing his strength lose so easily in this episode is a real eye opener as to how much he still needs to learn. So yeah, right now it is very obvious as to why he still doesn't have his Dragon status yet.

I would say there's heaps of foreshadowing for a Moohyul vs Sakwang showdown:
1. meeting Sakwang, seeing her again in the street etc.
as well as the clear links that Sakwang and Moohyul have, in terms of:
2. Master Hong knowing both of them, Master Hong's martial art method potentially being a modification of the Cheok family's method because he had observed them. (I see Moohyul's learnt techniques as like a method 2.0)
3. The brief fight in this episode, surely Moohyul will become determined to fight her again after losing badly.
4. This is a bit of a stretch but I think Moohyul being written as being swayed easily by the ladies isn't some quirky random insert either. I see Sakwang being a woman would be a huger deal that Moohyul would have to overcome, more so than if she were a man. Moohyul has no problems fighting guys, but a woman? He will probably be heartbroken. (& hopefully he gets even more incredible character growth because of this)

I'm so excited for this fight but I just want to know what episode it will be because we've been waiting forever to get Moohyul's moment of glory. I will probably lose my mind when it happens hahaha. I sure hope it's soon. Can't wait~ ><

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CaroleMcDonnell

January 28, 2016 at 7:05 AM

ooh, that's a thought. Maybe after Moo hyul returns he'll ask Master Hong what to do to escape. I don't see Bang Ji helping out out of the blue so there's got to be a way to defeat Sa Gwang. She doesn't want to kill Moo Hyul so maybe she will falter and he will take advantage of that momentary pause. Two reluctant swordsfighter reluctantly fighting each other.

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xingii

January 29, 2016 at 2:35 AM

Yeah, good point! I also have a feeling that Master Hong knows how to stop her and he would definitely rather tell Moohyul than Gil Sun Mi about it.

I agree, I don't think a fight between Bangji and Sakwang would happen at all. I don't see much of a point other than: it would look extremely cool. xD I just see that Moohyul has more "links' to her thus far and I guess that's probably the direction in which writers would want to go with this.

As they're both "reluctant", it should make for an interesting scene. :)

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15 Stephanie Ntadi

January 28, 2016 at 4:36 AM

I love Lee bang won so much, he can pretty much get away with anything.
I keep telling myself that LSG will be fine because of you know history. I think Da Kyung needs more screen time

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16 sonatine

January 28, 2016 at 5:58 AM

I agree with your opinion about Nameless. I don't find Yeon Hyang to be frightening or charismatic at all, but maybe that's the point of that secret group. They managed to stay behind the scenes for centuries because they didn't stand out.
Also, I'm enjoying the hell out of these more Bang Won centric episodes and am team Kill Bang Won all the way. He is really the only one fit to be a leader among all of them. Machiavelli said that to be a good prince you had to be both lion and fox and that's exactly what Bang Won is. That last screencap of him is such a good one, as you said, it's like a wild animal ready to pounce on its prey, even if realistically he is the prey here.

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17 nara

January 28, 2016 at 6:26 AM

thanx for the recap
great as usual

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18 CaroleMcDonnell

January 28, 2016 at 6:30 AM

Oh my gosh you totally verbalized what I was thinking re Nameless.

There have been moments when I asked myself, "Just why are these folks huddling together? They better do something deathly to someone big for me to think they matter in the grand scheme of things."

I suspect they are placed there purely for the subplot of family love. I know their highest rule is STABILITY and the other parties have PROGRESSIVE CHANGE and CONSERVE OUR WEALTH. But the only thing that touches my heart is rediscovered Mom.

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19 Hipployta

January 28, 2016 at 6:57 AM

This drama is so amazing. I cannot believe how I have become COMPLETELY understanding of how Lee Bang Won becomes King Taejong.

Cheok Sa Gwang's outfit was so amazing but where did she get it LOL

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xingii

January 29, 2016 at 2:38 AM

totally agreed, that girl looked AMAZING in all white *_* I hope she keeps that outfit. (well she is the King's woman & he has the money to buy her nice clothes ?? LOL)

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20 shinmudejuve

January 28, 2016 at 9:23 AM

Agree with ya, HeadsNo2.
I've lost my interest on Nameless since they revealed that Yeon Hyang is the leader. She has no charisma that captivated me at all.
Nameless looked so mysterious and cool at first but became more and more boring as time goes by.

There is so many unpredictable twists in this drama, but this time.. I could predict that Bangwon himself would take his father through the back yard. Oh that clever brain, Lee Bangwon!

About the upcoming Cheok Sakwang vs Moohyul battle that everyone's predicted, I have mix feelings regarding this.
I've always waiting for the time Moohyul get his Dragon title, so it will be the best chance for him to finally get it.
Technically, Moohyul sword-fight skill is far below Sakwang.
And as we all know, one of Moohyul biggest weaknesses is woman.
Teacher Hong might has something in his mind how to beat Sakwang and teach him, but Moohyul should make himself sure to fight a woman.
So.. all the aspects and timing is right.. it's time for Moohyul to become a real warrior (as per the writers' standard) and get his Dragon title.

BUTTT.. Cheok Sakwang is now my top favorite character.
She can't kill and mostly using the dull side of her swords to avoid killing people. And she only cares about her true love. She is too kind.
Her sword-fight skill is just sooo mind blowing. Gil Sun Mi's & Gil Tae Mi's are definitely far below her. She's also faster than Bangji and stronger than Moohyul.
She is the REAL best sword(wo)man in Samhan.

I'm pretty sure she will die, either by protecting the King or Jung Mongjoo.
I just don't want her to die.. NO NO.

I want to see Cheok Sakwang vs Lee Bangji battle to be honest. But due to the 6th Dragon title, give the chance to Moohyul!
I'll prepare myself to see Sakwang being killed by Moohyul then.

History is such a big spoiler.
We all know who will die next and who won't die. How I wish I know nothing about Korean history so I could watch all the historical drama with much surprises each episode. LOL

But kudos to the writers who make this drama still so, so overwhelming to be watched eventho we know a bit about the real history. How they combine the fictions and non fictions is purely genius.

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21 nara

January 28, 2016 at 1:45 PM

i have to admit that cheok sakwan isnt one of my favorite at first i was exited but she seems like a shadow and only follows king and poeun without having an opinion
i got spoiled and now i expect the women of SFD to be much more

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Beez

January 28, 2016 at 4:53 PM

I think the writers have five a hid job with her being didn't. Just as all men can't be heros/geniuses/strong/charismatic, neither can all women. I think her backstory of wanting to reject the assassin ways of her family makes sense that her personality would be as it is now. She hasn't needed the survival instincts that created Boon Yi and Yeon Hee's backbones of steel. She's a woman that decided to follow her lover, wherever that may take him, takes her.

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Beez

January 28, 2016 at 4:54 PM

should be "writers have have a good job"

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Beez

January 28, 2016 at 4:54 PM

darn swype auto correct!

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nara

January 29, 2016 at 3:24 AM

youre right

but as i said ive become spoiled and i want her to be more than just a decorative killing machine

and even if you follow your loved one it doesnt mean you lose your voice

not being given one by the writers mean she has no other meaning than to kill and disregarded as a separate person than the king

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22 modestgoddess

January 28, 2016 at 7:25 PM

Did anyone catch the part where one of the assassins saw Moohyul and called him the ghost of Dowha mansion!? I was so proud of our baby dragon Moohyul.

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Lisa Purba

January 30, 2016 at 4:24 AM

Me! Me! "The Ghost of Dohwa Mansion" sounds better to me than the "best swordman in 3 kingdoms" :p Sorry, Bangji.

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modestgoddess

January 30, 2016 at 5:58 PM

I'm just so proud Moohyul is finally becoming famous

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23 magnolia

January 28, 2016 at 10:57 PM

please to anyone here who happen to know the writers personally...tell them that they are just the best writers ever. From history we know what will.happen. But they keep on make my jaw dropped. this is the best saeguk ever! p.s. CSG’s outfit is just wow..

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24 THUMMAR

January 29, 2016 at 6:00 AM

The best moment when Yi Bang Won says , "EVERYONE WILL LISTEN AND FOLLOW MY ORDERS FROM NOW ONWARDS"

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Lisa Purba

January 30, 2016 at 4:19 AM

Yeah! I'm the boss yo! It gave me chills big time!

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25 Mole

January 29, 2016 at 11:59 AM

Sakwang is SO cool omg i had to replay it a few times just like that other episode where she did the "throw the cup & spin" move lol. I can't wait for an actual fight to happen so that she'll get more scenes like that. Also, I kinda ship Sakwang and Moohyul...too bad she likes the king ):
Great episode as usual!! I can't believe I'm still here when i drop dramas so easily. Never expected my longest kdrama to be SFD. I usually get sick of sageuks especially if they ramble on and on about political matters I have no interest in..but this is great, i love every scene and all the dragons!!

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26 hibeautiful

January 30, 2016 at 12:32 AM

I didn't feel the suspense at all :|
Blame the spoiler, i guess?

Agree with all the previous comments here. And If I should add something, I'd say, I can't really stand YSG's slow movement. He should think fast. Darn.
I love the fatherly vibe of him. He really is a fine man who should just work for his family. He's too 'good' to become a king with such a corrupt system and evil people.

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27 Lisa Purba

January 30, 2016 at 4:22 AM

Yassss!! Finally Moohyul baby will get the dragon title soon! I feel more excited with the duel between Moohyul and Ceok Sa Gwang than Gil Tae Mi vs Lee Bang Ji's showdown. This gotta be good coz Moohyul has been waiting for his title like forever! Please make it blast, Show!

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28 Mari

January 30, 2016 at 9:32 AM

Major cliffhangers! What thrilling episode! But why did BYH only have like one stiffed expressions in these last 5 episodes?

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29 YooAhInFan

February 2, 2016 at 9:35 AM

Yoo Ah In acting is amazing. He is the best Korean actor

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30 M

February 2, 2016 at 3:14 PM

As expected, this drama just doesn't slow down! Always full of suspense and action, keeping me at the edge of my seat. I LOVE IT! So happy I decided to watch this show. Kept me hooked since episode 1, and that isn't something easy.

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