“Character episodes” have fallen out of favor with me unless they’re done right. At least, for a story-based series with a limited number of episodes. For Aria, the focus is on the characters, and there’s a high enough episode account. Things can still be done wrong, but this episode went in the right direction.

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Episode six is the first episode to present the cast at an older age. From Chang-Yee and Yeun-Seng being scolded at the beginning to Keum-Young and Young-ro. I’m going to miss the younger cast, and I’ll have to learn how to distinguish between the girls all over again. Yeun-Seng strongly stands out, which makes her easy to spot in a crowd, but the others will be difficult for me.

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For some series, the half-length episode works. Bottle Fairy and Ground Defense Force! Mao-chan are two good examples. For Aria, I’m not sure I care for it as much.

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Early on, Keum-Young acts as a friend to Jang-Geum, but after Jang-Geum refuses Keum-Young’s help, Keum-Young has a sly look on her face. Does she see Jang-Geum as a potential friend, or a potential rival? At this point, she doesn’t exist as a potential threat to Choi Keum-Young’s future in the royal palace.

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One of the criticisms I’ve read about the Korean animated movie Oseam is that the emotion the viewer should feel for the two children in the movie is forced. While I don’t feel the same, I do see where the sentiment comes from. This episode of Jewel in the Palace reminds me of this criticism, except that everything which happens flows smoothly, naturally.

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