I mostly started watching this drama because “legal drama, but a sageuk” sounded like kind of an interesting concept. At the time I knew nothing about Wu Do-hwan or Bona at all.

But the thing about the whole concept of the drama is that, well, it’s actually “film noir, but a sageuk,” and it’s kind of serviceable but not really remarkable (although it’s not bad, either). The things that really make this drama worth watching are 1. Wu Do-hwan’s megawatt star charisma (and abs LOL) 2. Bona and Wu Do-hwan’s smoldering chemistry 3. Cha Hak-yeon’s intense but subtle performance as the second male lead.

I also have to give points to Chun Ho-jin who approaches the role of chief antagonist as a kind of casual, affable supervillain, nonchalantly manufacturing forbidden blue-and-white pottery in his own kiln for his bowing and scraping minions.

I’m also in the middle of rewatching this drama and it’s definitely worth seeing a second time: there are lots of details you’ll appreciate with a certain foreknowledge of the plot and characters.