Bannered by two remarkable actors, The Royal Gambler, is a slow-burn historical series that holds your interest from start to finish.
The longer the period drama the greater the struggle so it will be a blessing if it will be a mid length drama that can tackle the story without rushing it. Thus, The Royal Gambler is a perfect fit since it won’t tire you out with its number of episodes.
The series managed to nail the fundamental elements of a historical drama. It has a thrilling plot mixing the Joseon gambling scene with birth secret, family issues, conspiracy woven conflicts and the strong showdowns of the villain and the hero.
Though it may not be perfect, it presented a solid story that didn’t go astray but focused on the main characters’ discovery of the lessons they have to learn on their own journeys.
Main Cast: Jang Keun Suk | Yeo Jin Goo | Im Ji Yeon | Choi MIn Soo |
Network & Episode Count: SBS | 20 Episodes
Official Website: Royal Gambler SBS
Quick Review
- Plot Trajectory: Consistently engrossing but some plot/with minor hiccups along the way
- Plot Pace: Nicely-done
- Character Portrayal: Great main leads and supporting cast
- Writing: Remarkably penned with historical seasoning
- Watch on a binge or intervals?: Binge
- Crowning Moments: Excellent Hero-Villain Showdown | Engaging narrative
- Addictive Meter:
- Overall Rating:
- K-Dramas of Similar Vibe: Flower in Prison | The Emperor: Owner of the Mask
The Royal Gambler Quick Plot
Known to his superb control of the political factions in his era, King Sukjong (Choi Min Soo) and the Royal family endure the cunning ways of gambling Lord Yi In Jwa (Jeon Kwang Leol) in maintaining the power of the monarchy. The main villain uses a beautiful woman to set a game that he will play with the monarchy out of personal vengeance and more of unexplained problem with his self worth.
Yi In Jwa successfully sends a married woman, later being hailed as Suk Bin (Yoon Jin Seo), to seduce King Sukjong and became an official concubine of the King. When she gave birth to her first born, a month earlier than expected, she had to save the baby who has already been doubted to be the King’s offspring upon his conception.
After severing her ties to Yi In Jwa, Suk Bin sacrificed herself to make sure her baby survives with her ex-husband, Baek Man Geum. He raises him away from the palace and named him Baek Dae Gil (Jang Keun Seuk). Later on, he learns his adopted father’s remarkable gambling tricks.
Dae Gil’s Revenge
Years later, Yi In Jwa comes across the father and son and took interest of the role Dae Gil will play on the grand treason plot he has been orchestrating all his life. When Dae Gil realized how being powerless caused his father’s death, he vowed to make himself stronger to avenge the hardships he suffered in Yi In Jwa’s hand.
Dae Gil befriends the King’s second son Prince Yeoning (Yeo Jin Goo), who unbeknownst to him is his half brother. They share the same love for Dam Seo (Im Ji Yeon), a woman who works for Yi In Jwa.
Dae Gil also begs a famous swordman to become his master in his goal to become stronger. Soon after, he is able to return to the city to challenge his sworn enemy. He first took over the gambling houses ran by the villain around the country and cut the hands of people helping out his nemesis.
But the sly In Jwa has constantly slip on an escape plan and returns even stronger than what he used to be. On his last attempt to overthrow the leading monarch, Dae Gil, who was highly taunted to have been more a greater King than his prince brother Yeoning, stood beside his brother in finishing with conviction the rebellion initiated by In Jwa’s personal vindication.
Peak Points
Well-contrived historical series
The Royal Gambler opened to the brilliant rawness of the set design of the gambling scene of Joseon. The antiquated but thriving in excitement ambiance of underground gambling houses over 200 years ago put me on a hypnosis.
Before I knew it, I was religiously watching a drama that didn’t thrive on the romance plot of the narrative to sail the story to its finish line.
This SBS period drama has all the required elements of a historical masterpiece, but it focused more on the development of the character. The story is not as riveting when it comes to the outwitting moves of the heroes and villains. But, it is solid and steady to the protagonists’ goal of defeating the villain and vice versa.
When I looked back to what I recall most about it, I remember the equally brilliant depictions of each character in the main cast. I really enjoyed the gambling scene premise and any story with master-padawan-ish story arc is sold for me.
I also like that the brothers chose patriotism over love. *grin The ending scene put tears in my eyes while the OST airs because it made the picture even more poignant and satisfying.
Excellent Hero-Villain Showdown
Period dramas’ biggest charms are the perfect unveiling of conspiracies and the quest for the heroes and villains to outwit one another. Yi In Jwa and Baek Dae Gil were amazing in their yin-yang mind games in trying to defeat one another. The main story problem was also not messy and just hit straight to let’s-get-this-showdown-and-be-done-with-it spirit for the opposing characters.
Yi In Jwa is impressive as villain while Jang Keun Suk earned my respect in his commitment for brave and flawless portrayal. Yeo Jin Goo also expressed evident depth in his character.
It was well and good that they went to just one main conflict as oppose to what typical sageuks do with its endless conflict.
There were hurdles scattered for the heroes to conquer but it ultimately catapulted to a closure involving the final defeat of the villain who made them suffer all throughout.
Series Afterthoughts
Though it is not perfect, The Royal Gambler delivered amazingly and its length didn’t drag me from dozing. Kudos to Jang Keun Suk. As always, he can do well in romantic stories, but even more in drama setting. It started strong, sailed steady and closed without any rush and with finality.
If you like organic historical story, you would appreciate its authentic drive to present the story without unwanted plot swerving and misplaced characters.
*All photos from SBS
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