Good setting and costume, but not a groundbreaking detective story

Disclaimer : I haven't read all of the original stories, but surely will after watch this drama.

I enjoy the dynamic between the (main) characters. We know STY is the big brain of the team, but the other character is also play a big role to solve the cases. STY probably can't solve those cases easily without the information provided.
As for the character,
STY : He's quite and might looks cold but still well-mannered and respectful, not that usual scumbag ML type. (still can't defeat David Suchet's Poirot).
LSC : Sometimes I see LSC as a really dumb spoiled police, but I realized that his thought is simple and represent 'common' people thoughts, which offer view that STY often missed to see.
JQM : He really did a helpful job for both STY and LSC. I like the way they put consideration to make him shine.
ZMW : A perfect combo of beauty and brain. STY - LSC have a better chemistry but can't blame her bcs romance is not the big theme here.

I know they try so hard to make us suspect some people, but even for someone who hasn't read the original story like me, the villain is still noticeable, so it's not a big surprise when they revealed the villains of each cases. Actually feel a little disappointed with the way they finish the story. How they reveal the main villain and how they make a plot twist with some character at the end, but overall it's still worth to try especially if you like are new to detective, republican, with bromance and a sprinkle of romance.

Read More

Poor Story with Visually Pleasing Shoots and Couples

Story-wise, there are nothing new actually. The story is quiet cliche and some plot feels a little bit forced. I think they can make it only 20-30 episode, but they put too many filler scenes. The story in general is slow-paced and get boring at the end of the series. I don't really like the ML, and how he manage his problems, especially his anger issues. But, I appreciate how the writer let each character make mistakes and learn from it. I also love that despite the love affair between them, each one of them still communicate in a mature way. In other drama, usually they'll made character like Chu Ting being as annoying as possible, but I love how they make her into someone like that.

The main couple is so sweet. They seems to be comfortable around each other. At the beginning of the series it was more mentor-student-like relationship, but you'll see that the barrier start to fade away as the story goes. At some scenes I even forgot the age gap between them. If it's not for the interaction between the main leads, couples, and the food scenes, i think i'd drop it long time ago.

Acting-wise, I have no problems with the main leads, both of them doing a good job portraying the emotions. I notice that Ethan Ruan (The ML) looks and act much mature here than in Legend of Fuyao. For Song Zuer (the FL), this is my first time seeing her acting, but I think she's one of the shining stars in her generation. What caught me off is the actors who play Blue, Elise, and Victor, I think they still need improvement in so many parts. I also found it annoying that her part is too much dubbed.

Despite so many flaws on the story, generally the series is visually pleasing. The production team seems to put a lot of effort on the food and cooking scenes. The OST is simple yet fits really well. And the relationship between the main couple and other couples here is sooo sweet.

Read More

Pleasing scenery and casts

If you're looking for a good travel show with carefree hosts just to rest your mind, then this is a good choice. You're eyes will be pleased by the amazing sceneries from the place they visited and the natural interactions between the casts. And also, the narration they put is really peaceful and well considered.

Both seasons are good actually, but you can notice a different vibes from them. From the schedule, the first season is more raw while the second season is more prepared and arranged. But in case of interactions, this season is a lot funnier and chaotic in such a good way. I like how they put three of them instead of just two, so the interactions is more alive and less awkward. Personally, my favorite episode is when the go to the Iguazu Waterfalls, love how they just being themselves and having fun in the location.

Kudos to all of the casts and crews, can't wait for the next season!

Read More