The King’s Guard and the Influencer
Top 2The story follows Abby, a popular online influencer engaged to Nox, another social media personality. Unbeknownst to Abby, Nox is deceitfully involved with her assistant, Jackie, using Abby’s fame for their own gain. Abby’s life takes an unexpected turn when Henry, an 18th-century knight from a portrait, mysteriously comes to life in her living room. As Henry integrates into the modern world, he becomes both a protector and a confidant for Abby, challenging her perceptions of love and loyalty. The narrative delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the timeless nature of genuine affection.
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My Review
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A Unique and Engaging Storyline
I absolutely loved the plot! It’s fresh, well-executed, and works perfectly. I usually don’t enjoy historical Verticals, but the way the past intertwines with the present in this one had me hooked. Plus, having a modern-day influencer as the female lead makes the story feel incredibly relatable. The contrast between the two eras adds so much humor!
Diving Into the Characters
- Abby (Autumn): Adorable, kind-hearted, and optimistic—but almost too naive. She always sees the good in people, which is admirable but also makes her blind to Nox’s manipulation.
- Nox (Laike): A textbook narcissist. He cares about no one but himself and uses others for his own gain. I don’t believe he ever truly loved Abby, Jackie, or anyone else. And that scene where he cries in front of his fans just to turn them against Abby? 🚩 Major red flag!
- Jackie (Kim): Definitely a victim of Nox’s manipulation. She genuinely believed he would make their relationship official… but even after everything, I just can’t bring myself to like her. I feel sorry for her, but that’s about it.
- Kevin (Adam): The MVP! He might seem like the typical carefree friend, but he’s actually the best kind of friend—loyal, supportive, and hilarious. He sticks by Abby, helps Henry, and is there when it truly matters. Honestly, we need more Kevins in Verticals. Drama Queens are great, but where are the funny, supportive besties?
- Henry (Mark): What an incredible performance! Mark was born for this role. His natural comedic timing makes Henry’s reactions to modern life even more hilarious. And let’s be real—Henry is the definition of a Knight in Shining Armor. Loyal, selfless, and quick to see through Nox’s act, he’s the kind of hero you can’t help but root for.
The Intriguing Story Progression
From the moment Henry steps out of the portrait, we’re left wondering: Why now? What caused this to happen? That question drives the narrative forward. Henry, being the noble knight he is, wants to help, even though he quickly realizes Abby is engaged.
His silent heartbreak while helping prepare for Abby and Nox’s wedding was painful to watch. Even without proof, Henry knew Nox was bad news. But because Abby was in love, he put his own feelings aside and supported her.
As the story unfolds, Nox’s manipulation becomes more and more apparent. I disliked him from the start, but by the end, I absolutely hated him. He’s the worst kind of guy—one who thinks his looks and charm give him the right to do whatever he wants, no matter who gets hurt in the process.
I loved that, for once, the main antagonist wasn’t the stereotypical Drama Queen. At first, I thought Jackie would play that role, but nope—it’s all Nox.
A Love Story Worth Watching
A Vertical wouldn’t be complete without a good romance, and Abby and Henry’s love story is beautifully developed. Their connection feels organic and effortless because they are simply meant to be together. Both are kind, selfless, and genuinely good people—it was only a matter of time before their feelings surfaced.
One of my favorite aspects of their relationship is how Henry helps Abby regain her confidence. Nox had a toxic hold over her for years, using her for his own gain. But with Henry’s support, she starts to see her own worth. I especially loved the scene where he teaches her how to fight with a sword—it was such a powerful moment of growth for Abby!
Henry: The Funniest Knight Without Even Trying
Henry isn’t trying to be funny, but that just makes him even funnier. Here are my Top 3 Henry Comedy Moments:
- Right after stepping out of the portrait, getting sprayed by Abby—instant meme material!
- “What’s up?” / “The ceiling.” 😂 A perfect example of how centuries of language evolution can lead to hilarious misunderstandings.
- His forced smile whenever he’s on camera. He looks like a kid being told to smile for a picture but not knowing how to fake it properly. Absolutely adorable!
Final Thoughts? A Must-Watch!
This Vertical is pure feel-good entertainment. If you’re having a bad day, this will cheer you up for sure. I’d love to see more original storylines like this—and more of Mark playing funny roles, not just in BTS clips or Instagram stories, but in the actual Verticals!
A Deeper Message Beneath the Comedy
Beyond the laughs, this Vertical also serves as a reminder of how easy it is to manipulate an audience through social media.
You never really know your favorite influencers—what they show you is just what they want you to see. Nox is a terrible person, but a great actor. The way he lies to his fans and turns them against Abby is exaggerated for the show, but we’ve seen similar things happen in real life.
Whenever a couple (or duo) breaks up online, fans immediately take sides—often without knowing the full story. And some influencers are incredibly skilled at playing the victim to manipulate public perception.
So yes, keep following your faves, but always stay critical and aware—they might not be exactly who they appear to be.