Hwarang The Poet Warrior Youth Episode 1

Okay, let's talk Hwarang! Episode 1. Remember that drama everyone went crazy for? I've got some thoughts. Maybe some slightly…unpopular thoughts.

Pretty Boys and Plotting Emperors

Right off the bat, we’re thrown into ancient Silla. Think flowy robes and lots of sword fights. And ridiculously good-looking guys everywhere.

We meet our main characters pretty quickly. There's the hidden king. And the sassy, street-smart A-ro.

But honestly? The first episode felt a tad…disjointed. Too much happening at once!

Sun-woo: More Brooding than Bothered?

Sun-woo is our mysterious hero. He’s got a tragic backstory, naturally. He seems kinda grumpy to me.

He's supposed to be all tormented and angsty. But I mostly got "needs-a-nap" vibes from him.

Maybe I'm just heartless. But the instant connection between Sun-woo and A-ro? Didn't quite buy it. They just...stared at each other a lot.

A-ro: Sassy but Sensible

A-ro is supposed to be this independent, resourceful woman. She's definitely got spunk.

I liked her! But even she fell into the "damsel in mild distress" trope a little too often. At least in this first episode.

The Hwarang Itself: Where's the Academy?

The whole point is supposed to be about forming the Hwarang, right? A group of elite warrior youths.

But the first episode barely touches on it! It's mostly about setting up the political intrigue. And the love triangle...or square...or whatever geometric shape this ends up being.

I was expecting more training montages! Less hidden identities. Give me some cute boys failing miserably at archery!

Unpopular Opinion Alert!

Okay, here it comes. My slightly heretical thought.

The first episode of Hwarang? Overrated. Don’t @ me.

It's not *bad*. It's just...not the earth-shattering masterpiece everyone made it out to be. It felt like it was trying to do too much, too fast.

Will I Keep Watching? (Probably)

Despite my reservations, I'm a sucker for a good historical drama. And pretty faces.

Plus, I'm curious to see how the Hwarang actually comes together. And if Sun-woo ever cracks a smile.

So, yes, I'll be watching episode 2. But I'm going in with slightly lowered expectations. And maybe a snack. Snacks always help.

My final verdict on Hwarang Episode 1? Promising, but not perfect. Needs more warrior training. Less dramatic staring. And definitely more snacks.

What did *you* think? Am I completely off base? Let me know!