[HanCinema's Drama Review] "The Royal Gambler" Episode 5
By Lisa Espinosa | Published on
Although there was a strong sense of the ridiculous in "The Royal Gambler"'s fifth episode, there was a touch of realism as well. It could be because of Yeo Jin-goo's spot on acting or a bit of logical writing from Kwon Soon-gyoo. Jang Keun-suk does well with what he is given, but I think we'll see better from him once his character loses the hysterics.
Advertisement
Most of this episode centered around In-jwa physically and emotionally breaking Dae-gil in order to motivate him to change his path in life. He wants Dae-gil to use his grief and shape himself into a sharp tool for revenge rather than live as a delinquent and gambler. His methods were cruel and in terms of plot delivery, they were overkill. Dae-gil is stabbed three times in one episode and pushed off a cliff. And don't forget, he was stabbed once last episode, too. He was beaten up, had his limbs broken, and yet he still lives because he's lucky. I get that the show is trying to prove his destiny, but all of these antics made me laugh more than convinced me of Dae-gil's destiny.
Then we have Dam-seo, In-jwa's beloved pupil who's conscience doesn't leave her be as she watches her teacher literally torture Dae-gil. She's suffering an existential crisis as her thirst for revenge and her conscience battle. To compound her troubles, Yeoning is not the prince the world believes him to be, a drunkard and a womanizer. Instead, his has a cutting wit and a thirst to fix the wrongs he sees. His interactions with Dam-seo challenge her as well as incite some romantic reactions in both of them. I do like how they challenge each other's thought processes. Hopefully Dae-gil can join them soon. He just needs to stop flipping out, getting stabbed, and crying.
The episode lacked a lot, but it managed to make me eager for next episode. I want Dae-gil to change himself, find himself, better himself. I want to see Dam-seo take charge of her future instead of letting In-jwa and his ego dictate everything. I want to see Yeoning step forward and give In-jwa a run for his money. Until tomorrow!
Written by: Raine from 'Raine's Dichotomy'
"The Royal Gambler" is directed by Nam Geon, written by Kwon Soon-gyoo, and features Jang Keun-suk, Yeo Jin-goo, Jeon Kwan-ryeol, Choi Min-soo, Lim Ji-yeon, and Yoon Jin-seo.
Journalist, drama lover, and foodie, Lisa enjoys exploring Korea, speaking the language, and soaking in all that dramaland has to offer. Her Korean husband laughs that she knows more than he ever will about dramas and K-pop. Lisa Espinosa can be contacted via lisa@hancinema.net.