Summary
Episode 5 introduces a new status quo. Minor logical quibbles aside, Captivating the King remains an intriguing political drama.
After a wild Episode 4 that upended Season 1 of Captivating the King, Episode 5 introduces us to a new status quo. Lee In is king, as we know, and he made some real personal sacrifices to attain that position. Hee-soo/Mong-woo is back in town and out for revenge. There’s a tremendous amount of guilt and self-loathing in all quarters, political intrigue remains welcomely at the forefront, and Baduk – otherwise known as Go, by the way – continues to be both a helpful dramatic device and strategic metaphor.
One must concede that this fifth episode feels like a little bit of a step down, though not in any significant way. It’s mostly just that niggling issue of Lee In not recognizing Mong-woo is a woman despite it being so obvious, but maybe that’s me nitpicking. Anyway, let’s get to it.
As above, Baduk continues to form a crucial part of the show’s narrative. Here in Episode 5, it’s Hee-soo’s means to gain access to the King, and for the King himself, it’s a fixation that allows him to escape from the weight of his actions. Hee-soo has designs on becoming the apprentice of the King’s regular opponent, Prince Doksaeng, but when the Prince is suspiciously murdered, that plan falls through.
The King’s Competition
But this also leaves Lee In without anyone to play Baduk with, so he arranges for a competition that’ll determine a winner who’ll remain in the palace and play with him often. This gives the episode its structure, with Hee-soo disguising herself as Mong-woo to enter.
In the meanwhile, we get a sense of how the King is getting on, and the answer is not very well. He’s utterly uninterested in any woman except the court lady, including the concubines that the Queen Dowager is adamant he father a child with. He’s miserable, insular, and doesn’t trust anyone. Baduk is his only escape.
Myung-ha Returns
After banishing him in the previous episode, the King recalls Myung-ha to Joseon and appoints him as the sixth secretary, giving him the important task of restoring the previous king’s peach tree – a mission that nobody thus far has accomplished by Myung-ha attacks with relish.
Of course, there’s an underlying question of Myung-ha’s potential motivations. The Queen Dowager suspects he may attempt to avenge the death of his father, which is a reasonable enough suspicion. Myung-ha also learns about Mong-woo entering the Baduk competition and speaks with her about it, though she’s adamant about proceeding and winning.
Naturally, Lee In also eventually learns of Mong-woo’s participation in the contest. He still thinks Mong-woo is a dude and has no idea it’s Hee-soo, which, as mentioned, remains a point of contention for me (and I’m sure others.) Nevertheless, the King challenges Mong-woo to win the contest or face a brutal punishment, and Mong-woo rises to the challenge, defeating all comers, winning, and being appointed the palace’s resident player.
At the end of the episode, Mong-woo/Hee-soo goes to the King’s chambers. Trying to keep up appearances, she doesn’t give anything away when Lee In asks why “he” has returned after so many years. However, he angrily insists that he knows she has come for revenge on him. The episode closes with their angry stares at one another. Looks like those Baduk games might be in jeopardy.
What did you think of Captivating the King Season 1, Episode 5? Let us know in the comments.
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