“Queen Woo” Show Review: Strong Performances Fail to Overcome Flaws

Although historical dramas are generally not my favorite, “Queen Woo” managed to capture my interest, despite my typical disinterest in the genre. The series has sparked significant discussion, with viewers divided between praise and criticism. Personally, I find myself in a neutral position.

The storyline centers around Queen Woo Hee, played by the talented Jeon Jong-seo, who is contentedly married to King Go Nam-mu of Goguryeo, portrayed by the charismatic Ji Chang-wook. A pivotal turn occurs when the king dies unexpectedly, thrusting Queen Woo into a perilous situation. She has a mere 24 hours to wed one of her deceased husband’s brothers to safeguard her position and life against power-hungry adversaries.

The narrative commences in the year 197, amidst a battlefield where King Go Nam-mu is engaged in a war to reclaim territory from the Han dynasty. After enduring two years of fierce conflict, he faces a crucial battle for the remaining land. Prior to this climactic event, he consults the shaman Sabi (Oh Hanee), who anticipates victory but conveniently neglects to mention the king’s impending demise.

Despite the foreboding prediction, Go Nam-mu secures victory over his foes, though he returns injured. His homecoming is met with mixed reactions, particularly from the scheming ministers who had hoped for a different outcome.

At the palace, Queen Woo Hee is far from a passive character. She astutely predicts her husband’s battle strategies, demonstrating her intelligence rivals that of Prime Minister Eul Pa-so (Kim Mu-yeol), her regular chess competitor in both strategic and literal contests.

In the meantime, Queen Woo’s sister, Woo Sun, harbors her own ambitions. As the head of the royal maids, she schemes to enchant Nam-mu and claim the throne. Nevertheless, Nam-mu sees through her intentions and attempts to safeguard Woo Hee in what feels like an overdramatic manner.

The drama intensifies when Woo Sun introduces a love potion into Nam-mu’s drink, leading to the king’s unforeseen death. This catalyzes a frantic search for a new king within a tight 24-hour timeframe.

The performances in “Queen Woo” are remarkable. From the cast announcement, it was evident this series would resonate. Ji Chang-wook brings his typical fervor, his stoic expressions, and nuanced body language perfectly embodying his character, even in scenes portraying love.

Jeon Jong-seo, known for her roles in “The Call” and “The Wedding Impossible,” continues to impress, infusing Queen Woo Hee with authenticity and depth.

Kim Mu-yeol, celebrated for his role in “Sweet Home 3,” delivers another compelling performance as Prime Minister Eul Pa-so, a character that garners attention with his intelligence and depth.

However, a particularly contentious moment occurs when Go Bal-gi murders his wife during an intimate encounter to further his ambitions, which seems unnecessary. The cruelty of the character had already been established, rendering this scene excessive.

A significant drawback of the show is its reliance on gratuitous nudity and sexual moments, which often undermines the portrayal of female characters. Most women introduced, except for Queen Woo Hee and her bodyguard, are shown in sexual contexts, creating discomfort.

While the direction is skillful, the screenplay lacks inspiration, particularly when more insightful ways to address power dynamics exist. Despite the cast’s talent, the show struggles to present a cohesive narrative. However, with part 2 on the horizon, there is optimism for more substance and development.

The first four episodes are currently available, with the next set to premiere on September 12th.

Source: India Today