River Where the Stars Fizzle Away. The story suffered from erratic pacing, cramming too many plots that made it hard keep any interesting narrative. The characters were a simulated circus clown that kept making foolish moves intentionally at every turn. Might explains why it's 20 episodes. The childish love square was another contributor in that regard. Na In Woo's portrayal felt strained, his expressions, intonations, inflections, and emotions seemingly forced to fit the character mold. Comparing it to the original version, it seems there was a notable disparity. Checked a couple of scenes side by side, there's a clear difference in the delivery, as big as expressing an entirely different emotion of the exact same scene. I wonder what was the director even doing? The lack of chemistry with his colleagues was obvious too. He was called to fill in a role on a quick notice with so little to work with in the first place. All of that didn't compare to the abysmal last episode, and even worse, the detestable last scene.

> Amid the storm of Ji Soo controversy there is no dearth for calm that Kim So Hyun and Na In-Woo bring in

Considering this drama has its own drama outside ; I would like to commend the cast and staff ; especially Na In-woo for providing such a wonderful performance. I don't usually watch Saeguk when they air as I am mostly likely to drop them if i don't binge them but this show is special all the characters have growth and are not mostly one-dimensional ; the story doesn't drag around 1 issue and a strong female lead suddenly doesn't become a weak damsel ; infact Princess (Ga Jin) takes charge and ignite On Dal in every scene.

Kim So Hyun doesn't need an introduction for her acting skills and she seems perfect for Saeguk roles and for the first 1-6 (reshot) & 7-8 episode she is the sole main lead and drives the show . Then we have talented Na In-woo bring up the storm ( as I didnt watch Ji Soo style to me Na In-woo perfectly fits as the Fool On Dal and General On Dal) and calmness to the cast.

Lee Ji -hoon as always (Like Dinner Mate) does a psycho-secondlead role ; so you are not seeing nothing new yet it was good especially in the first 8 epsiodes where the Male Lead has less presence due to the controversy.

Choi Yu-hwa as store owner was also good in her characters and acting ; but I wonder why Second Female lead in Saeguks always obsessed and sacrifice for [spoiler] for second male lead instead of the first ?[/spoiler]

Rest of the cast were excellent in their roles ; some irritate with their actions , stupidity and some with their laughs and voice but all part of the grandieur .

The historical inaccuracies , a controversy outside the show and public backlash might have dented viewership rating but there is still a silver linning in the show and I don't remember the last time I enjoyed a Saeguk despite not binge watching it ! Please do give it a try and support the actors and crew who were affected by a controversy at no fault of theirs !