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[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Goddess of Fire Jeongi" Episode 7

This show is a fun and entertaining watch. It is made to be enjoyed in the moment and is a good way to pass time. The formulaic plot lines, dialogue and characters are both its strengths and its weaknesses. There is no need to think or strain while watching - the hour breezes by. However, for a reviewer looking for substance and intrigue, "Goddess Of Fire Jeongi" is sorely lacking.

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Episode 7 consisted of a ceramic pot ruining the day; Imhae causing trouble and blaming it on Gwanghae; Royal Consort Inbin trying to seat her son on the throne by using Kang-chul; Jung getting in trouble and either Tae-do or Gwanghae saving her. But wait, doesn't that sound like all of the episodes that have aired thus far? Yes, this show needs some new ideas. It's a little wearying to watch Imhae the buffon make problems every episode and receive no punishment for it.

Tae-do and Jung

And yet, I don't mind investing a couple hours each week into the show. Watching the estranged friends, Jung and Tae-do, finally recognize each other was touching. Watching Jung and Gwanghae hang out while ignorant of each others identities makes me smile. The show has heart.

In terms of the politics, they are plodding along. The three princes are battling it out for the title of "crown prince". Gwanghae is most suited for the position and therefore is at the most risk for attack. Because Goddess of Fire is about pottery, the method of attack is through the Punwon Kiln and the art made there. It is a very valid political strategy. The arts have been used throughout history to gain political leverage and I'm interested to see how this show depicts it. As of now, it's not very cleverly used. But we do get to see ceramicists at work, which is a fascinating process. It would be good if the show would us more about why the porcelain is so valued and why is holds so much monetary and political sway.

Plotwise, the pieces are moving into place. Jung has entered Punwon Kiln after a few troubles, which is where she has to be to become the greatest ceramicist. Tae-do has swordfought his way into becoming the youngest prince's personal guard so that he can be near Jung - the youngest prince is now the head of Punwon Kiln. Hwa-ryeong is working her way into Yook-do's heart so that her trading business can resume with Punwon Kiln. Lots of stuff too conveniently happening at the same time, but the plot does not lag because of it.

Prince Imhae

I love the closing song. It's sung by a boy's choir and is light and simple in texture, just like the drama. In general, the soundtrack is one of the stronger points of the show. MBC dramas tend to have strong soundtracks and solid song choices.

The acting is wonderful and very fluid. The cast has a good chemistry and is starting to fall into a rhythm, which usually happens by this point in a drama. However, while Moon Geun-yeong and Lee Sang-yoon have easy-going chemistry, I'm hoping the romantic chemistry will intensify once they recognize each other. Also, I want Prince Imhae to be fleshed out more because Lee Kwang-soo is doing wonders with a very two dimensional character.

Let's give this show some more surprise, production team. Keep the heart, and add some flesh and bones.

Written by Raine from Raine's Dichotomy

"Goddess Of Fire Jeongi" is directed by Park Seong-sook and written by Kwon Soon-gyoo and features Moon Geun-yeong, Lee Sang-yoon, Kim Beom and Park Gun-hyung.
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