"Tale of the Nine Tailed" was a story as old as time

And a story that was told well and had my attention the whole 16 episodes. The writer was able to craft a story that weaved folk lore, humor, romance, family and some really crazy characters seamlessly into a story that I looked forward to watching each week. This show was crazy hyped and did it live up to the crazy hype? Of course not. Shows rarely do but it was close and I was not disappointed in the end.

The cast was perfect. Lee Dong Wook has this special ability to just make everything so fun. From his facial expressions to his hand gestures and head tilts. He puts all of himself into his roles. Jo Bo Ah played a character that was able to take care of herself. I loved that she never once doubted he was a fox. Their relationship developed fast but given their past and her memories being uncovered by the magic glasses I didn't find it too abnormal. I thought they had great chemistry. Her dual role was convincing. You knew when Imugi was present. Jo Bo Ah and Kim Bum in the death scene of Lee Yeon was really good. I shed some tears. Their wedding was really pretty. The cinematography in the final episode really upped its game.

The male part of Imugi was frankly terrifying. No qualms to kill or inflict pain. Truly evil and I am glad Imugi died even though the way it happened I wasn't a fan of that plan.

Probably one of my favorite things were all the supporting characters- the Snail Bride, the snotty nosed kid (and his laugh), Yu Ri, the Vet, the puppy reporters. They all played such a vital role in the drama even though none of their parts were particularly large.

The relationship with Lee Rang and Lee Yeon was my second favorite thing. I'm glad they had that chance to make up and show true love and support for the other one. Lee Rang had such growth as a character, probably the most of the whole show, but he still displayed that childlike attitude when he was with his brother. We all thought that at some point he would die and he made the ultimate sacrifice trading his life for his brother's resurrection. It was a kind selfless action especially after he had finally found that family unit he so craved.

There were some things that could have been improved. The reunion with the parents seemed anticlimactic to me. Where did all the other souls of the tree go? Even Lee Yeon asked that question and it never got answered. I wish we had gotten the extra little series of Yu Ri and Lee Rang. I think that would have added a lot to their dynamics.

It also had a great OST in "Blue Moon".

The final hour of the show was a bit indulgent and a little too long. It didn't flow as smoothly as I would have liked but I cried twice but mostly when Lee Rang died and I wouldn't have thought that possible at the beginning of the series. The reunion and Lee Yeon living life as a human was a nice touch. I just wanted a bit more normal but maybe showing all the happy when he was grieving Lee Rang wouldn't have been appropriate. The final scene with him grabbing the umbrella sword and going to face the demon was unexpected and the final question remains- what actually is he now? Is he half human/half fox since that is what Lee Rang was and since he sacrificed his life for Lee Yeon that half human/half fox self implanted itself in Lee Yeon? I don't think we will get a sequel and I don't think it needs one but it was an interesting way to close the show.

Overall, it was truly a fun ride! Wasn't perfect but most aren't. I give it a 4.5/5- Loved it but there were just one or two things that really stuck out as needing to be done better.

Now we sit and wait for another Lee Dong Wook project to be announced.