Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Episodes 7 - 10

Tale of the Nine Tailed

Studio Dragon, 2020

Written by Han Woo Ri

Directed by Kang Shin Hyo

Tale of the Nine Tailed has six more episodes to go. The series will fold up by the end of the month, more or less. Many fans of LDW and loyal viewers of the series are excited to see how every pieces of the puzzle will all fit together. Questions that sprang up at the beginning of the series are constantly being asked on socmed. Will there be a happily ever after for Yeon and Ji Ah? Is death the ultimate redemption of Rang? Will Granny ever show tenderness to Yeon? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice to defeat the Imoogi? Where are Ji Ah’s parents and how will they factor in the resurgence of the Imoogi if they are ever found?

I would rather take things in stride by watching episode per episode for the next remaining weeks. Like eating my favorite dish, I will enjoy this ever so slowly until the last morsel because LDW’s next drama will probably be in the middle of 2021. A long wait.

So, here are the things I relish from the last four episodes.

The honesty is evident in the dialogues and scenes between the casts of the drama. At times witty, but often straightforward. Shin Ju does not deny his feelings for Yu Ri nor his displeasure for Rang. When he loves, he loves. When he is annoyed, he is annoyed. It is the same with Yeon and Ji Ah. This is a pairing that does not beat around the bush.

By episode 5, they already recognized their feelings for each other. They do not play around or explode into useless drama. There is a bigger force at work and they both know it has to be dealt with. This connection and dynamic were established early on that is why, Yeon was able to reach her in her subconscious when they were both in the realm of darkness. I particularly liked this episode. It is the 9^th episode and I think the writer made use of the folkloric and mythic elements (the red string of destiny, the shadow self, the underworld) quite effectively to show that destiny entails commitment and devotion. The universe has something to do with this, yes, but loving is a lot of hard work. Pinaghihirapan ang forever. Yeon and Ji Ah had to wait for each other.

“I waited for you” is a line that has been repeated three times in the drama. Waiting is no joke. Waiting is a test of character. Waiting requires restraint and self-sacrifice. If that is not romantic tell me what is.

And finally, that kiss they shared in the rain. Slow and tender at first. Then it deepens until Yeon and Ji Ah break for air. Eyes closed and lips partly open, Yeon waits (again!) for her to reach up to him. She does so with eagerness that Yeon meets her passion and reciprocates it with his own. The song reaches the refrain while rain softly falls all around. A fitting closure to the second act.

Episode 10 begins with the Imoogi making a move on Ji Ah. Rang is faced with a difficult choice. Yeon confronts his nemesis. I am hoping it will not take the route that TKEM did. No fan service, please.