[HanCinema's Drama Review] "The Good Wife" Episode 10

Hye-kyeong is met with a discouraging truth about her employment and that pushes her to a decision about her marriage. Dan encourages her to choose another path, but the truth of her involvement with the still selfish and controlling Tae-joon is revealed. Meanwhile, his case is picked up by her office and Myeong-hee gives Hye-kyeong the choice to represent her husband. Hye-kyeong struggles with her new situation and information.

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Hye-kyeong's (Jeon Do-yeon) employment and life after the scandal have not been about survival alone, but about rediscovering herself as an individual. Tae-joon's (Yoo Ji-tae) manipulation and her continued branding as someone who uses connections make her feel corrupt and deserving of him. I do wish her reasoning for such a big choice were more fleshed out, but I can also see how the pressure would lead to rash decisions. It is very telling that she treats this decision to reconcile with him as a defeat.

Dan (Nana) can see her hesitation and we discover that she has her own reasons to be against Tae-joon as well. It is good to finally get her full story and it adds another layer to her relationship with Hye-kyeong. Going by her decisions and reactions, it is a mixture of guilt and respect, but I wonder how far that will go when Hye-kyeong begins rejecting her presence. Dan does not look like someone who would hold that against Hye-kyeong, but her position will be difficult as well.

Then we have the man himself who gets way more forgiveness from everyone than he deserves, Tae-joon. While his intention of doing better seems honest, there is no reflection involved and therefore no true correction of problematic behavior. He still lies, still manipulates and even reaches the new and perhaps ultimate low of using his own children to twist his wife's arm into representing him. On the other hand, Hye-kyeong does not give fleeting reassurance and comforting lies to them or use them, which creates a nice contrast.

Myeong-hee's (Kim Seo-hyung) character finally gets more focus and development after being underutilized for so long. She maintains a balance in being opportunistic, but responsible and this makes her character dignified. At this point in time when Hye-kyeong struggles the most, it is good to see Myeong-hee show understanding and be protective of her as a boss and a mentor. Her character and her connections to everyone have potential which could have been used better.

Joong-won (Yoon Kye-sang) takes a little break at this point and I can only call his judge shenanigans filler material. There is no development to his character or story, which I hope is temporary. Hye-kyeong's decision to not give in to him is wise and although her speedy return to Tae-joon is not, perhaps her new discovery will encourage her to continue facing her problems.

"The Good Wife" is directed by Lee Jeong-hyo, written by Han Sang-woon and features Jeon Do-yeon, Yoo Ji-tae, Yoon Kye-sang and Kim Seo-hyung.

Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings'