Summary
Episode 3 foregrounds palace intrigue and politics, which is much more interesting than the romantic angle.
This might just be me, but Captivating the King seems like a much better political and sibling rivalry drama than a romance. Perhaps that’s just an old callused heart talking, but there’s a case to be made – and Episode 3 reinforces it – that the burgeoning love story between the leads is the least interesting thing going on in Season 1.
The consequence of this – again, at least for me – is that anything about that romance is kind of tedious and feels like it’s pulling away from the juicy stuff. Mileage may vary.
After the cliffhanger ending of Episode 2 – which you’ll recall found Myung-ha potentially being on the cusp of revealing Hee-soo’s real identity – we very quickly discover that the subterfuge will hold for now. Of course, Myung-ha seizes the opportunity to caution Hee-soo that she’ll be tortured if she’s discovered dressing up as a man, and also that he loves her and will wait for her, so the only realistic way to read that is as an obvious threat.
Lee In is also a bit confused by the relationship. With his newfound fascination for Hee-soo – or Mong-woo to him – he’s wondering what kind of relationship the two of them have.
The political stuff, though, is just flatly more enjoyable, and Episode 3 does foreground a lot of this business, which is a positive sign. For instance, the King gets word that a spy has been caught by the Qing dynasty and the court is going to have to send an envoy to grovel for forgiveness. Lee In’s master volunteers to be that envoy to protect Lee In, who is being accused of sending the spy by Jong-bae, the Minister of Military Affairs.
This all works because it highlights how the King’s an idiot, Lee In is an easy scapegoat, and the real power of any dynasty is always concentrated in the hands of advisors and ministers and basically everyone who doesn’t wear the crown but is in the ear of the one who does.
We also see the fragility of those with power; the self-loathing and ego, the eagerness to flaunt power over the populace and anybody deemed to be weaker just to make a point and flex influence. This is highlighted in Jong-bae being authorized to interrogate witnesses mostly as a get-back against Hee-soo and the comfort lady. The King’s not happy to play ball here, but he’s too spineless to do anything else.
The real heroism in this show is quieter, and less showy, like Lee In trying to volunteer himself as the envoy to the Qing dynasty and yet understanding why he can’t be; accepting someone else taking a risk he feels should be his.
How does Captivating the King Season 1 Episode 3 end?
Lee In’s principles come to the fore during the ending of the episode, wherein he confronts his brother.
News of the interrogations begins to spread, and Hee-sook, in disguise, attempts to intervene but is warned away by Myung-ha, who doesn’t want to see her hurt. By the time Lee In arrives, he’s furious and demands to be interrogated in their stead. He storms into the King’s chambers and gets into it with his brother. Following a scuffle, the episode ends with Lee-in holding a sword to the King’s throat.
What did you think of Captivating the King Season 1 Episode 3? Let us know in the comments.
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