9.2.6 - Podcast Review of Season 2, Episode 6 of Kingdom

Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 6, the finale, of Season 2 of Kingdom, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince Yi Chang, Bae Doona as Seo-bi, Ryu Seung-ryon as Cho Hak ju, Kim Sang-ho as Mou Young, Kim Sung-kyu as Yeong shin, and Kim Hye-jun as the Queen Consort. We discuss:How we appreciated the listeners who sent in their recommendations for Season 10 by sending us voice recordings, and sending us emails or messages.How the Crown Prince showed himself to be a different kind of leader when he refused to sacrifice the soldiers to save himself.The plan to lure the zombies to the lake by the rear garden is a risky one because the timing has to be just right. In the end, the Crown Prince pounds on the ice with his hands and then uses the zombie giant to finally break the ice.The miracle that allowed the Crown Prince and a few of his men to be saved when they fell in the water.The amazing Seo-bi, who manages to escape the main hall with the baby prince by using fire and her wits.When the Crown Prince and his men open up the palace gates, the Head Scholar says the baby prince must be found and killed so there won’t be chaos in the country.When the Crown Prince finds Seo-bi and the baby, Seo-bi assures him that the baby won’t turn into a monster. The prince makes the important decision to save the baby, name him the legitimate heir, and erase himself from the history books. We discuss WHEN and WHY the Crown Prince decides to do this.The amazing cinematography during the battle at the lake and when the Crown Prince walks away from the throne.In the future, we see that the country is freed from zombies once Spring comes, and the young king is being prepared by his wise teachers and guides.The Joseon Dynasty annals, which are so detailed, and from which so many historical K Dramas draw inspiration from.The Crown Prince, now just Lee Chang, along with Seo-bi and a few soldiers, continue to look for the origins of the resurrection plant. They come across the plant in other parts of the country, and then find zombies! Who is behind the continuing spread of this plague?The ending of the show shows the mysterious figure of a woman and a worm snaking across the young king’s face.The K Drama elements we saw in this episode, including crying, and protecting someone at personal cost to yourself.The addition of two elements to our list: a water scene and asking someone to speak casually to you.Mapping Kingdom to the stages of the Hero’s Journey framework. Turns out the show is quite true to the framework!Our final thoughts about this amazing K Drama!The decision-making process that went into the show that we will recap and analyze in Season 10 of K Drama Chat! (You have to listen to find out the show!).Listeners, we want to know what you think of our choice for Season 10! Please comment on the blog at KDramaChat.com!ReferencesRoyal Portraits in the Late Joseon PeriodJeonju During the Joseon DynastyVeritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty - WikipediaCLOY: The Real Ending