"Jackpot" Episode 19 recap

The seeds of doubt planted by In-jwa into the minds of the brothers have taken root. Although both young men want to believe in each other, the situations at hand render them unable to fully trust. It is this method by which In-jwa has succeeded time and time again in "Jackpot".

I feel like a broken record when it comes to this show. The same things happen over and over again. A bad guy arises. He is struck down. In-jwa instigates evil and meddles with every plan. Rather than being a great mind, he's more of a meddler, which is a pity since historically he is the orchestrator of a massive rebellion. This drama's version of him is a caricature. His deals with rebels happen without much gravitas despite a blood oath sealing the deal.

Another issue that remains is that not one side character is developed. Grandpa, Seol-im, and the other woman are just there as one-dimensional lackies. Whatever potential for growth they had was quashed as soon as they joined up with Dae-gil.

As for Dae-gil and Yeoning, they are going through the motions. They make things happen and fight as In-jwa planned. They pine for their brotherhood and wish their relationship to be more. But it is stymied by politics, social stigma, and poor writing. Where their conversations were once open communications, they are now fraught with purposeful misunderstanding. That's just annoying and making conflict for conflicts sake.

After the king's death, the boys will now have the crown prince as an obstacle. I anticipate we will see Yeoning ascend the throne before episode 24.

Written by: Raine from 'Raine's Dichotomy'

"Jackpot" is directed by Nam Geon, written by Kwon Soon-gyoo, and features Jang Geun-seok, Yeo Jin-goo, Jeon Kwan-ryeol, Choi Min-soo, Lim Ji-yeon, and Yoon Jin-seo.

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