In the sixth episode of Queen Woo's riveting first season, titled "The Fourth or the Fifth?", the narrative takes a sinister turn as the power struggle within the Goguryeo kingdom intensifies. The episode begins with a harrowing flashback to Jwamulchon 28 years prior, where a young Eul Pa-so stumbles upon the decaying corpse of his grandfather, setting the stage for a tale of revenge and political intrigue that shapes the present-day conflict.
The revelation of Eul Pa-so's family history and the vendetta against the royal family casts a long shadow over his actions. His alliance with Yeon-bi, forged six years prior, is a strategic move in a grander scheme to dismantle the Go family's rule. The episode masterfully weaves this backstory with the current chaos, where the fifth prince, Go Gye-su, is alerted to the collapse of the Baeuitu walls, prompting him to prepare for battle and further complicating the queen's plight.
Queen Woo's journey is fraught with peril as she and her entourage are pursued relentlessly by the White Tigers, led by the vengeful No-eum. The queen's decision to head east towards the fourth prince, Go Yeon-woo, is a calculated gamble, reflecting her determination to secure the throne and her own survival. This choice is not just political but personal, as she recalls the late king's words about those who conceal their true intentions—a clear allusion to Eul Pa-so's betrayal.
The episode's tension reaches a boiling point as Woo-soon's treacherous actions put the queen's plans in jeopardy. Her defection to the White Tigers and her promise to deliver the queen to them is a shocking twist that underscores the fragility of trust within the royal court. Woo-soon's motivations are a complex mix of self-preservation and ambition, reflecting the episode's overarching theme of personal desires clashing with duty and loyalty.
The queen's arrival at the fourth prince's palace is met with a mix of shock and elation. Go Yeon-woo's infatuation with Queen Woo and his willingness to marry her, despite the danger it poses, adds a layer of emotional complexity to the narrative. His character is portrayed as more sensitive and less ruthless than his brothers, making him an unlikely but potentially pivotal ally for the queen.
As the episode draws to a close, Eul Pa-so's machinations continue to unfold. His interception of a messenger bird and the realization that the elixir used to poison the king was not lethal reveal the depth of his cunning. His concerns about the Eastern Temple Sabaegol and the queen's potential inability to defeat Bal-ki hint at a larger conspiracy at play, one that threatens to upend the entire kingdom.
"The Fourth or the Fifth?" is a gripping installment in Queen Woo's saga, offering a deep dive into the characters' motivations and the political landscape of Goguryeo. The episode's conclusion leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how the queen will navigate the treacherous waters of courtly politics and familial betrayals.
This episode is a testament to the show's ability to blend historical drama with psychological thriller, creating a narrative that is as compelling as it is unpredictable. As the queen's journey continues, one thing is clear: in the cutthroat world of the Goguryeo royal court, trust is a luxury, and survival is the only certainty.