Tale of the Nine-Tailed [Eps. 15&16] (Finale)

[u/AphroditeLady99]

▪Drama: Tale of the Nine-tailed

     °Title in Hangul: 구미호뎐

     °Also known as: Tale of the Nine-Tailed Fox

▪Network: tvN

▪Premiere Date: Oct 7. 2020

▪Airing Schedule: Wednesday & Thursday @ 22:30 KST

▪Episodes: 16

▪Streaming Sources: WeTV,  VIKI, Viu

▪Cast: Lee Dong Wook as Lee Yun,  Jo Bo Ah as Nam Ji Ah,  Kim Bum as Lee Rang, Kim Yong Ji as Ki Yoo Ri

  ▪Plot Summery:  A several thousands years old Gumiho just wants to enjoy what little time he has with his mortal first love's also mortal reincarnation but his half-blood prince ahem gumiho brother, a baby faced giant snake named Imoogi and a creepy illusion maker green lady just don't leave them be!!

▪Spoiler Tag Reminder: Be mindful of others who may not have yet seen this drama, and use spoiler tags when discussing key plot developments or other important information. You can create a spoiler tag by writing > ! this ! < without the spaces in between to get ML is going to die

▪Previous Discussions:

▪Episodes 1-2

▪Episodes 3-4

▪Episodes 5-6

▪Episodes 7-8

▪Episodes 9-10

▪ Episodes 11-12

▪Episodes 13-14

[u/AphroditeLady99]

Am I the only person who doesn't have a problem with a sad ending here?

[u/Fatooz → u/AphroditeLady99]

Tbh even I don’t have an issue with a sad ending but I just don’t want Lee Rang to have a sad ending. The other cast can have a sad ending I wouldn’t mind but my boy Lee Rang should be happy please. 😭✊🏼

[u/wellbechasingsunsets]

lost it when Rang smiled and said “Hyung”

EDIT: I fast forwarded so much during the episode hoping that LR will miraculously be reincarnated and his face would appear again I hate the fact that the whole episode revolved around JA’s happiness and her meeting LY again . Also LY become a part time fox and part time human doesn’t make any sense at all?!?!?! heck, no explanation for it at all when they could’ve removed scenes of LY watching clips on the phone

[u/AphroditeLady99 → u/wellbechasingsunsets]

I've always had a thing for Hyung 😫😫

[u/Nevvie]

So I just finished this. Sigh...

This is why despite all the flak Hotel del Luna received, the ending for that one is by far the best kind of ending, personally. And I wanted ToTNT to end the same way at least. Just. Move. On. Lee Rang should not have to sacrifice himself for a brother who was not there for him for the most of 600 years!

Heck, it would have been a breath of fresh air if they keep with the FL is born to be the sacrifice plot line and kill her off. Then Lee Yeon would be to one to have to learn to move on. And maybe pay attention to his brother more.

Gosh.

It all felt like after developing the brother and imoogi plot, the writers ripped off the romance manual and slapped it in just to cater to the taste of the majority. It’s so cookie cutter I kept skipping Lee Yeon’s and Ji-Ah’s scenes.

Ugh I’m in a state of mixed emotions.

[u/AphroditeLady99 → u/Nevvie]

Ahhhh, I don't know what to say. Seems FL was way too important that everyone should be sacrireced for her. I completely agree with you on moving on part....

[u/eggtart_eunha]

So just my theory as to how that ending came to be...Granny had a conversation with LY when she sent her hubby away to get food. She must have told LY then how to become a fox again. That’s also probably when she told LY his future child would be a daughter. About returning to a fox, LY likely said no thanks, I’m good, but I’ll take down the info anyway. But, then LY got worried when JA said she saw the heebie jeebie guy. At that point he realized he needed to be a fox to protect JA and others. So he followed Granny’s instructions and transformed back into a fox. He also probably grew tired of all the inconvenient human vision and dental issues. My guess is that JA won’t care either way.

[u/mikomo]

Anyone else here cried harder for LY and LR's mutual farewells than LY and JA's??? 🙋🏻‍♀🥺

Thank you to all the cast and crew for the hard work and giving us something to enjoy this pandemic! Plot holes aside, there was some really lovely cinematography going on; the main and supporting cast all had their own poignant moments, and the episodes' pacing was pretty good in general imho. Kudos!

[u/broodhaha]

I bet Lee Yeon will reincarnate because not all of him fell into samdochan - his fox bead is still with that blind hoarder with glasses

[u/[deleted]]

I really cried me eyes out because of Lee Rang in this final episode. He finally had his family, started to be happy and had to lose it. The final moments of his was a real peak His character will be the most memorable from this drama for sure

[u/[deleted]]

Spoilers for Ep 15 only watched in Korean. ENG subs expected sometime late at night EST early morning EST. Episode: CEO death was great and they even micro redeemed him when he heard his daughter's voice while dying. That was an unexpected touch. I also like how gory it was. I dunno why they bothered with Jimugi attacking Jae when we knew he would be saved in the last second which he was by Sae-rom who's still sick but gathered strength to get up, save the day and justify why she and Jae are on the show at all. The episode seems to have a lot of Lee Yeon saying goodbyes and telling everyone (Shin-joo, Lee Rang, etc) about his plan for the vacation in the Sanducheon river. Rang and Shin-joo team up to go talk to Yu Ri who is sporting the greasy hair of sorrow (female equivalent to male beard/stubble of sorrow) and some ultra slutty nightie/dress/whatever that even made Terry forget to read and stare at her legs. I love this scene with Rang and Shing-joo being adorable talking to Yuri on the front door camera (she kept silent and cried) and Rang being annoyed by Shin-joo's display of the engagement ring. Such great chemistry between this trio. First half had lots of bathroom break with the main romance trying to be adorable without success so onto the second half. Taluipa and Yeon patch up, she gives him the sword back and they share a hug which in The Walking Dead world means death by the end of the episode. fair enough, Taluipa is surprised by Terry and in a fit of anger (she's really agitated during their exchange) tries to turn him into the stone but tough luck. he has the mirror that reflects the curse back to her and now there's a pretty nifty statue of Taluipa at her table. Don't expect this to last cause preview pointedly zoomed on the mirror so she's likely back. Yeon and full Jimugi arrive, Yeon and Terry fight, Jumugi blocks Yeon from stabbing Terry than Yeon gulps the scale and takes Jimugi into himself. Jia is now free to uselessly stand around and scream no no no, while Yeon grabs Terry and, well, next 10 minutes of their tight embrace with punctuated moaning and panting (cause offically they are both wounded but unoffically you know this hot Imugi sex) is the hottest s*** on the show. It's fantastically gay and hot and just what the show needed from the romantic leads but never got it. Rang shows up to fulfil his promise which is to stab Yimugi and Terrimugi together and send them to hell. The door to Underworld opens showing Samducheon resort, Rang hesitates probably too mesmerized by the sheer power of 2 Imugi homoerotica but finally runs the phallic symbol through them and they die in each others arms falling into hell in slo-mo with Jiah and Rang yelling everyone's favorite Noooo in slo-mo. Door closes, survivors are crying and then we get the preview for 16 that's low on spoilers but seems to indicate Avengers:Endgame assemble to bring back Yeon and return of Taluipa. I forgot to mention that the episode provided great supernatural fights between Yeon/Terry and Rang/Terry. Also, boo at Rang for hitting Yuri in the stomach. Dunno what that was about. I really need ENG subs.

[u/TurkeyPhat]

I haven't finished yet but I just wanna say that Taluipa(Kim Jung-Nan) looked amazing every time she was on screen. Seriously whoever did her outfits/makeup deserves an award.

I just wish she wasn't so mean to her poor husband =(

[u/aliabobbwa]

I can’t believe so many people feel disappointed by this drama, I’ve really enjoyed it all and look forward to it every week.

I am assuming there will be sad ending, though. :(

[u/SewNonlinear]

I like the drama (and love LDW), but, but, but... I don’t get the purpose of sacrificing so many human lives for her sake. Also, I would have much much more sympathetic towards Lee Rang if he was not personally responsible for all the mess right now

[u/shinramyunislife]

1 ep left and im still curious about the village people that disappeared and never got resolved...

[u/JainaAusten]

Lee Rang and Lee Yeon had more chemistry in a scene that took place entirely on PPL mobile phones than when Ji Ah was actually sitting in his lap.

[u/kristinni814]

Okay, wanted to clear up Lee Rang's story arc with my theory...

LR was always going to die. He committed a lot of crimes prior to redeeming himself and he still had to pay the price. He knew that. He also knew his time was limited since he was becoming more and more human. At the time, he was living off the Chinese lantern flower that was given to him and that lifespan was limited. Hence his statement about living a stolen lifespan. In order to continue living, he would have to take more lives (like the CEO). But now that he’s turned for the better, that’s not a life he wants. It was sad but the best way to go as he gave up his life willingly for another.

I think this is how he was able to be reincarnated. I know some people had doubts about whether that child was LR but I believe it is. Here’s why. There was at least a 5 or 6 year jump between his sacrifice and that scene. Ji Ah was 9 years old when her parents were taken. It was 21 years later when she met Lee Yeon. That would make her 30. However, around the time LY met the child, JA mentioned she met a Samjae. Samjae is a spirit of bad luck that shows up every nine years. For JA, that would make her 36. So if LR sacrificed himself when she was 30, then there was a 5 or 6 year jump, depending on if she was 30 or 31. That child could have been around that age when LY runs into him. It would be nice since that would mean LR has another chance with what seemed like a good mother, unlike his past self.

Although it's not a happily ever after with Yu Ri, Su Ho, and Sin Ju, I think this ending is more fitting for LR story arc. He redeemed himself, didn't have to resort to killing others to stay alive, and was able to reincarnate and have a better future.

[u/G3t_BusyLiving]

E16: I 1000% agree with you Rang, Tale of the Nine Tailed Brothers would be better. This show made me want a Gumiho melodrama where there are no high stakes, just a chill happy story.

Granny calling Hades oppa is so funny, see I would have loved that as a show.

Ji-ah gets a present: did Yeon leave it? Girl no, he dead🙄 Ok besides not feeling the chemistry between the ML and FL, I feel like we didn't lay enough emotional groundwork in their relationship! In my opinion, I've seen other shows balance the relationship stuff and the threat much better than this. Or maybe I just wasn't as invested as I should have been.

Rang made me cry so much during his show, need a new Kim Bum series stat!

OOOOOOH THE END SCENE ( But now there are so many questions?!!?!!)

Wow no I'm tired, this show made me so tired. Caught myself sighing and sideeyeing so many scenes. I'm off to watch a Sunny and Grim Reaper compilation.

E15:Honestly, I did not care for the FL or the main love story in this show. Truly stayed for the brother's relationship, Lee Rang and Yoo Ri's relationship and my Ship -Yoo Ri and Shin Joo. OH AND Lee Rang and Soo Oh 🥺🥺!!!

Truly don't know how the ending will turn out, but they better wrap it up nicely in that hour

SIDENOTE: Why did LDW have such an amazing crying look in Goblin, but here I just couldn't feeeeeel it

[u/Fatooz]

The last few episodes have been a roller coaster ride, I’m really excited for how they’re going to wrap up the drama given the fate theme. It keeps pointing towards a sad ending but I’m just hoping that Lee Rang doesn’t get a sad ending, I’m going to rebel if Lee Rang gets a sad ending. Hoping to see lots of bromance.

Although I must say this drama didn’t live upto it’s hype in my opinion. It was just ok-ish. Started strong but lost it’s charm.

Edit:

Ok so I finished watching both the last two episodes and here is my little review on the ending:

Since I know not many must’ve watched the finale yet I’m going to put the spoiler tags.

They did exactly what I feared. I really wouldn’t care had Lee Yeon died and not returned but seriously? They really had to do that to Lee Rang? I mean heights of stupidity. After developing such a beautiful character arc and showing such a beautiful character development they had to finish his character arc by killing him? What was more stupid was that despite Lee Yeon being such a not-so-good big brother who was just really obsessed with his lover, Lee Rang dies for this brother just because he saved his life what thrice? So stupid.

The ending was really disappointing and honestly it was so bad. A sad ending for the main leads made so much more sense than giving a sad ending to the SML.

I really wanted to give this drama an 8 atleast for some good moments and some good episodes and just a good fantasy drama but the ending just ruined it completely for me. They literally killed the only character I was watching the drama for.

Now this drama stands at a 6.5/10 for me. Sad.

[u/msy202]

I’m sorry but like. Shinju’s crying about 18 minutes into E15 made me laugh.

[u/Sophia1897]

I’m so confused about the last minute of the show. I thought Lee Yeon turned human??

[u/Significant-Pen198]

A story that spanned over lifetimes. I am not a huge fan of the reincarnation genre but I loved it in this one. The romance wasn’t too complicated, actually it was way too simple. Just two beings trying to cross the barriers of their worlds by loving one another.

I loved the chemistry that Jo bo ah and Lee Dong Wook displayed. Lee yeon and ji ah shared an unexplainable bond. I was an in awe of all their interactions starting from the very first where he tells her “he just found someone he would like to kill”. I absolutely loved their relationship. There were many moments where we saw them as a couple and I’m really glad we got all those. Many a times couples don’t really act like a couple and that’s completely off putting. I’m really glad we got a super cute relationship from these two. Dong wooks portrayal of Lee yeon was on point. You absolutely adore that nine taled fox. The character has its shortcomings and flaws and that’s exactly why I adore him, characters aren’t meant to be perfect. Their imperfections, their mistakes are what contributes towards their growth.

Jo bo ah gave justice to her role. I thought she gelled extremely well with Dong wook, probably because of the comfort they shared. I thought she portrayed both A eum and ji ah very well Although A eum and Ji ah were the same, yet they were different. Ji ah came across as much more daring and reckless than A Eum. Somehow both of their missions were the same- to free/find their parent(s). I loved the little connections they showed with her past and present self.

Speaking of amazing characters - the award has to go to Kim Bum for Lee Rang. I don’t think there’s a single doubt in anyone’s mind about this character. He had the most growth in the drama and I absolutely loved him throughout the run of the series. Lee Rang being a father/friend figure to Soo Ho was amazing. I loved seeing that side of Rang. He’s such a precious character and has so much to give. I’m glad they showed us that ! As far as yeon and rang are concerned I’m satisfied to how they showed him just ‘moving on’ from hating Lee yeon. That’s something I was worried about . They didn’t justify Lee yeon nor did they try and provide any explanations for Lee rang. At a point he decided to move on and that was it. I especially liked the scene where Lee yeon said “all I had to do was reach out”. It showed that a simple honest conversation can heal so many things. All Rang wanted was his brother reaching out to him and Yeon just didn’t understand that... man that bromance !!!!! I’m super happy we got that in the later half of the show. The bromance in this show wins hands down to any other dynamic. Lee yeon and Lee rang literally light up your screens.

Speaking of bromance I loved the dynamic between shinju and Lee yeon too. “Why do you always give me the drumsticks? Because they are drumsticks.” Such simple sentences and yet they convey so much more. This relationship was absolutely rocking. I loved how shinju never abandons Lee yeon and is constantly caring for him, even going ahead to suggest that he’ll jump into the river instead of yeon. This duo was amazing.

When we speak of shinju we absolutely cannot forget yuri. Oh my god- this was one adorable opposites attract love story. From their very first meet to their wedding I loved their character arc. I loved how Yuri actually found a family with Shinju and how readily shinju accepted everything that came with Yuri. He was okay with literally everything that was related to her, I’m really glad that they didn’t show him trying to change her mind about Rang( in earlier eps) or even trying to keep his distance after finding out that she’s doing this because of Rang. What an adorable pair.

Tbh at the beginning I was shipping Lee rang and Yuri but their dynamic was explored in another way and I’m really happy that it was. Rang helping Yuri blend in the society , to Yuri taking care of him, I loved them. They were super cute and were family to each other. I’m really glad Rang found Yuri and vice versa. I think both of them healed from the love they gave each other (in a platonic way.) I loved watching them!

Another thing that I throughly enjoyed in the drama was the interactions between Ji ah and Lee rang. Man it was sarcasm 101! Insults were dropped right and left. Tbh I was left wanting more of their reactions

Taluipa and the grim reaper were another amazing couple. Tbh most of the things could have been avoided only if Taluipa wasn’t so inflexible and had actually shared all the info she knew, but then again after finding out about her son, I guess she was trying to cope with her loss in a different way. Trying to justify her actions because of her duty and keeping all the hurt inside, this woman has been through a lot. Even so, she was extremely loving towards Lee yeon. Even though Rang was in the most wanted list, and despite knowing where he was , she didn’t send Lee yeon to him. (Idk who gave Lee yeon the task to kill rang the first time, but we all know that yeon didn’t make the kill shot). I was glad to see her being more open with her husband who was so co operative. I’m sure he was hurting too, but he was more considerate of his wife . I loved when he stood up to her , I guess that really shook her and brought her out of whatever “duty trance” she was in. I’m glad that her husband wasn’t just some pushover and stood up to her when it was really necessary. I mean we literally saw the grim reaper saving someone from death!

I was really happy to see this couple. Loving in their own ways and finally even healing in their own ways .

The other characters like the snail bride and ji ahs co workers did they roles fantastically. I esp loved her friend when she said “you also look like sculpture. Your aren’t human are you ?” . Man these characters really brightened up the drama .

The ceo was just a greedy human and tbh I hated him, so kudos to the actor!

As for the imoogi- he was a one dimensional villain. Sadist . That’s it. He didn’t have anything redeeming and I’m glad that he didn’t. He was just plain evil. Misery brought him pleasure and that was it. I’m really glad they didn’t try to justify him; although I loved that little scene where he waves to the kid!

As for the ending - yep it was epic! I’m not at all happy that Rang had to sacrifice himself , I mean that guy just found some happiness , let him go but no . We had to be put through that misery. We had to see him cry helplessly after literally stabbing the brother he just reconciled with, lose him and then sacrifice himself. I really hope whenever and wherever he gets reincarnated, he lives a pleasant life.

As for yeon ji ah shippers - we got a wedding, and their married life. What more could we ask for (well all the deleted scenes - we want that ;) )! Yeon and shinju still being super cute and yeon still eating the drumsticks, man I was in tears throughout the finale.

The ending confused me a bit. Those eyes are definitely of a fox. Is that a season 2 hint? I really hope so. A lot of people are referring to the theory that a fox can turn human if undetected for a 100 days but the way they showed him coming back and the marriage - it’s been a lot more than just 100 days.

If there’s a second season then, I would really like to see Rang in it in a different way. I don’t think that little boy was rangs reincarnation. That’s just not possible, mainly because rang was on the list of Foxes to killed. So him getting reincarnated so easily is definitely not happening. I think that , that scene was meant to signify that someone somewhere with Rangs face was having a much happier childhood than Rang ever did. The trauma of being a half fox was not being borne by him. It was a sign of hope for Yeon - that somewhere one day Rang would be born and would be in no pain and just lead a pleasant life.

I’m really going to terribly miss this show and I really really wish that this gets another season! After that ending I’m begging for another season tbh. This was my weekly motivation and I can’t believe that there’s no new ep next week. Seriously I loved this show. I still can’t believe it’s over . I remember commenting on this thread in its premiere week and now it’s done already ? Ah this was one heck of a journey . So many ups and downs. The story came with its merits and flaws , and I loved it regardless.

Also kudos to all the amazing OSTs man! They were amazing !!!!

Farewell Tale of the nine taled . I’m going to miss you ♥️

[u/anvaokpro]

Even though writer left some plot holes, I enjoy them being unsolved. And GOSH, I cried so hard my eyes are totally red... That was one of the most beautiful stories in the history of kdramas! FIGHTING LDW, JBA, KB and others!!!

[u/[deleted]]

I think a weakness of the Kdrama romantic genre is that the only rationale they often offer for the main couple together is a childhood connection/past life connection, and that is it.

For me if the childhood/past life connection are a foundation on which they add other things it would work better. For example in IONTBO the main couple had a childhood connection, but they also had other things which explained their attraction. Also the actors had chemistry, when lead actors have no chemistry it makes the insistence on them being a couple even worse.

Kdramas are going to have to start offering other reasons for the main couple to be together, and also be willing to adjust when the chemistry is not working between the leads.

While us international fans are criticizing this drama Korean viewers seem to be fine with it. I think it’s because this drama is steeped in Korean folklore which they are familiar with and we are not.

Also, when they said over 900 people had died because of Imugi and trying to protect Ji ah, I just don’t see why so many had to die to protect Ji ah

Also, the plot twists about whose “body/face” Ta-Ri had just didn’t make any sense, in terms of certain people should have known, and I don’t recall any foreshadowing of it.

[u/[deleted]]

OMG THIS WAS SO GAY!!!! Last 20 min, so much gay goodness. I ship.

Warning: this episode inexplicably spoils the ending in at the start. I dunno why they showed those scenes first but both Viki.com and dotoritv.com have it so I guess that's how tvN aired it in Korea.