Ep 1. Jang Bong Hwan in Wonderland

Jang Bong Hwan in Wonderland is the first episode of the South Korean drama series, Mr. Queen, that captured the attention of audiences worldwide. The plot centers around Jang Bong Hwan, a man who works in the presidential residence as the head chef, brimming with arrogance and impeccable culinary skills. His one true love is nothing other than gastronomy, and he can go to great lengths to protect his passion.

One day, while preparing for a grand feast, Jang Bong Hwan suddenly finds himself catapulted into the past, where he discovers that he is inhabiting the body of a queen from the Joseon dynasty. The situation leaves him disoriented as, on the one hand, he is trying to come to terms with his new physiognomy and, on the other hand, trying to fathom out what had led him to this bizarre situation.

At first, it seems that Jang has manifested into what appears to be a dream, a whimsical fairy-tale kingdom complete with grand palaces, intricate costumes, and ornate furnishings. However, things take a dark turn as he realises that he has entered a dangerous political playing field where he must cautiously manoeuvre himself to avoid falling foul of any of the court's factions, including the scheming Queen Consort, So Yong.

Jang Bong Hwan's present-day personality causes him to repeatedly clash with the decorum and traditions of the royal court, and, as he navigates this new life, his crude and outlandish behaviour lead to his peers initially dismissing him as insane and unrefined. However, as events unfold, Jang's wit and charm manage to win over some key players in the court, including the young and naive king, Cheoljong.

As Jang tries to make sense of his new situation while utilising his previous knowledge to keep him out of trouble, the queen's attendants keep a close watch on Jang to ensure that the queen does not fall out of line. In the series opener, we are introduced to the captivating characters of the royal court, including the queen’s attendants, Ok Ran and Soo Cheol. These two women offer a contrast in the kind of support Jang Bong Hwan needs, with one working tirelessly to help Jang get used to his surroundings, and the other keeping a watchful gaze in the hope of catching the queen out of step.

Jang's memories of his previous life give him a somewhat modern perspective that becomes valuable in the Lee Dynasty's conservative environment. As he begins to understand the context of his new life, Jang Bong Hwan must come up with creative solutions to navigate through the intricacies of palace politics, balancing his personal ambitions and his desire to protect those who are vulnerable.

As the episode progresses, we can see how Bong Hwan's presence can change certain aspects of the past, leading to unforeseen consequences that could be moral or political. However, as with all stories of this kind, there are also moments of levity that add moments of laughter and reflection to the show.

In conclusion, Jang Bong Hwan in Wonderland is a fantastic start to Mr Queen’s debut season, and it successfully sets the stage for what is yet to come in the story. The show’s combination of a modern outlook with a historical setting proves to be a potent recipe, allowing the audience to witness the protagonist balance humour, emotions, and action while making conscious decisions that affect the story's progression. The show leaves the audience excited to embark on the rest of Jang's journey through the Joseon dynasty and excited to see how he will utilise his modern experience to navigate through the series' many twists and turns.