This review may contain spoilers
Lovable Cast & Amazing Group Dynamics
This cross-dressing and hidden concept is not new and sometimes executed poorly.I will like to commend on how it was portrayed by both the FL and ML respectively. It was extremely well paced in terms of how and when they discover each other gender/identity. Some dramas just drag this aspect which can cause audiences like myself to get a little frustrated.
The group dynamics of them 5 characters whom bring different skill sets to the table and distinctive personality types made the show memorable. Somewhat similar vibes to “Ancient Detective“.
To me, I find the cases pretty well thought of even though the focus of the show is more on the romance of the two leads.
Lastly, I gotta say the OST and the instrumentals in the show were amazing. Especially the ending credits duet which warmed my heart every time it played along with an ending credits scene.
*Please ensure to watch the ending credits of every episode as it includes heartwarming/removed scenes from the drama that create more depth in the overall series.*
If you are into female strong lead, relationships that are supportive, and not overly done humor, be sure to catch this drama. :)
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Common setup with fresh element
This drama has a generic setup in wuxia, romance genres - Su Ci, a high-level investigator who disguises as a man, and Prince Qi, a military prince who disguises as a wealthy aristocrats as Pei Zhao meets on a chance encounter. Together with friends of different skillsets (a medic, a swordsman, and an all-in-one attendant), they form a fast friendship and great investigation team. Each case, though seemingly distinct, somehow leads them to getting tangled with the present brewing court struggles as well as to uncovering clues to redressing past injustices.It may be an overused plot, but this drama interestingly strips away the angsts and misunderstandings between the main leads that tend to run a couple of episodes in other dramas. Su Ci is observant, collected and upright, Pei Zhao is strategic, patient and decisive. From their first encounter, we know that fate will bound them together and make them fall for each other, hard, despite the disguises and troubled pasts. It's pleasant to watch Su Ci and Pei Zhao budding and growing relationship - Pei Zhao is unwavering and unbashful in expressing his adoration towards Su Ci, Su Ci is supportive and honest with her feelings (most of the time) towards Pei Zhao. Any "rival" arcs introduced in the stories - if they are considered as rivals at all - are resolved rather quickly. In fact, I personally rather like the princess from Bei Rong, who is outspoken with her thoughts. Love this healthy dynamics and matured approach to relationship. ^^
And of course, the steamy and sweet moments between Su Ci and Pei Zhao are not to be missed. The actor and actress really do make you believe that they love each other - after the main leads confirm their relationship for each other in the later parts of the drama, Su Ci and Pei Zhao are generally never more than 2 steps apart if they are in the same frame! Okay, maybe I exaggerate a little, but point is, the main couple has great and lovely chemistry together. The second couple's story is fun to watch as well.
Apart from the main leads, Pei Zhao's good relationship with his brother, the emperor, is also a fresh of breathe air. And also, who would forget our adorable Fei Yuan? He is definitely more than an attendant to Pei Zhao, and contributes to many comedic moments in the show, along with our Xie daxia.
Fans of detective stories, however, may prefer to check out other series instead. This drama focuses more on the relationship dynamics between the main leads and the eventual showdown with the main villain. Crime solving is only part of the plots that move the story along - they are not weak on its own, but nothing too tricky or memorable about them either.
All in all, I enjoyed myself - if you are looking for an uncomplicated drama which brings some fresh elements to a common plot and great dynamics between the main casts, do give this show a chance.
Was this review helpful to you?
Light and sweet
When temptation turns to obsession even the heart filled with parental love can be tampered with. Greed of power has never received a happy ending. This drama portrayed this well. The chemistry of the characters and the pace each love story unfolded. It wasn't over the top kind of plot. This drama had a well blended plot line. A story with smart female leads and warm hearted male leads that are supportive are beloved plot to all. Given the fact that they were newly introduced actors, there wasn't the newbie awkwardness among the leads. The time spent waiting for it was worth it all.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I chanced upon this drama as I was looking for something to watch and I'm glad I did.STORY:
Crime solving in a historical drama? yes. Gender Bender? YES. Squad? Count me in.
Maiden Holmes is not that mind blowing drama and it definitely is not that serious crime solving drama we expect it to BUT it is entertaining enough to devote your time to. Suci (Sebrina Chen) is an officer in the historical times who disguises as male in order to work under the radar while solving her clan's murder. She is smart, tough, and observant all the values of a strong, independent woman. She then meets Xiao Yan Zhi (Zhang Ling He) who is undercover while on a mission in another part of the kingdom. Their story begins there. Yan Zhi eventually finds out that she is female and develops feelings for her. What I liked about the story is that there is no unnecessary conflict between Yan Zhi and his brother the emperor. In fact, the ministers of the court are most of the brother's enemies. It was refreshing to see brothers trusting each other in a historical drama. What made me laugh out loud is the fact that the person Suci considers as her hero is actually Yan Zhi. Imagine saying good things only to be be heard by the person you're admiring. I love their squad. They all have equal parts of the story.
ACTING/CAST:
The leads definitely have chemistry and it is surprising to find out that this is Zhang Ling He's debut. He acts naturally and isn't awkward with his scenes with Sebrina Chen. Actually, he really reminds me of a young Lee Min Ho but better. I don't know, I have a love-hate relationship with LMH's acting lol. Even the other casts in the squad are okay. They had this synergy which I appreciate very much.
MUSIC:
I love the opening song of this drama. It is rare for me to recall an OST of a Chinese drama compared to KDramas.
REWATCH VALUE:
Yes.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
a cute feel good show 85% of the time!!
my friends and i have been talking about smth we would like to describe as the 'rare minimum.' as in this is the bare minimum bar is on the ground expectation for quality, and yet it happens so rarely that we are still surprised by it. this show is kind of it for light hearted romcoms! while not exactly a particularly smart show, it doesn't fall into senseless stupidity. all i ask is that the female lead be written with enough care and consideration that allows her to stand on her own, and isn't held down by the usual misogynistic tropes, and that she and the male lead can have a relationship that isn't plagued by stupid miscommunications and misunderstandings.... or worse the male lead being sweet and then suddenly becoming a raging abuser to 'protect her' or some shit which is the trope that sends me towards an early death.the only real time su ci has issues w pei zhao/qi wang is when she becomes suddenly triggered and flies into trauma lizard brain for an episode but it's easily forgivable and understandable considering what she's been through, and the way that the couple actually communicate makes up for it, with them becoming stronger by the end. there's also a part where pei zhao has to marry a princess to save su ci, and she doesn't lose her head and devolve into 'he's betraying me' she ultimately still trusts him and knows that he did it for good reasons, but the narrative still allows her to be rightfully angry, which is nice. they have such a straightforward progression of becoming close, inspiring each other, being vulnerable with each other, and supporting each other that is just refreshing and comfortable to watch. i don't feel like im constantly under attack like how i feel having seen so many romantic dramas, where there is just toxic behavior that isn't developed or worked through and angst over misunderstandings.
the group dynamic/scooby gang investigating generally low stakes mysteries is so the vibe that i was looking for! every member of the friend group is so cute and each person has their chance to shine and offer their skills to the mystery at hand. well, maybe xie beiming a little less, but he's so lovable and supportive and important just for his presence alone! it's just nice to watch a show about a whole friend group too, which also feels like something of a rarity. usually the b couple is off having a whole separate plot. the secondary couple in this show is also.... really cute..... they really get me.... the supportive himbo king x smart/capable spunky girl ALWAYS gets me.... giving me guo jing x huang rong from condor heroes vibes. that said while they were super cute for most of the series i was disappointed in how their relationship arc went by the end, they really established that xie beiming was the overprotective will-just-hide-the-truth-from-his-girl type, which is fine as long as he grows from it and he never does?? pei zhao is literally like u should trust and believe in ur smart and strong gf and he still doesnt learn?? he literally goes into the finale still having not told her his past and she has to learn due to circumstance. very disappointed, he could have had a really fulfilling character arc in which he learns how to actually respect rushuang, and women in general by extension, by trusting and believing in her strength, and willing to be share himself and his troubles with her as a partner. sighhhhhh..
other problems w the show include the absolute flagrant and violent transphobia of the first episode and also sprinkled throughout the rest of the show. it's like reeeallly bad and reeeaaally gross. there's also some tropes in the beginning that are quite shitty, such as the aphrodisiac shit, the threat of sexual violence, it's all p upsetting and is what knocks the score down for me. i kno she's not trans by any means, but there's just something really violent about a gender nonconforming person getting drugged, and non consensually stuffed into the clothing and make up of their assigned gender, and then put under the threat of sexual violence, and then having to be saved by the male love interest.... and this happens TWICE.
but OTHERWISE, i've seen many a 'strong female character' but usually they are girl bosses because they are royalty or just powerful in social status, or they're exceptional fighters/warriors/generals.... it felt nice to watch su ci be accepted and respected based on her ability as a detective. also a lot of the characters come under the assumption that pei zhao and su ci are gay because she was dressed as a man for a lot of the series.... for a show with no gay leads or gay relationships, it somehow still felt like the kindest treatment of lgb people i've seen in a c-drama?? pei zhao is clearly interested and kisses su ci before he finds out she's a girl, and even afterwards every time someone is like u guys are gay, he is super accepting and goes along with it, he doesn't protest even a little, being gay just isn't treated like it's shameful.... which is more than i can say for some literal bl novels/shows. based on this i'm willing to just go ahead w my bi king headcanon. himbo king xie meiming is also super supportive when he thinks they're gay, he doesn't 'out' them at any point and is just generally caring?? the only one who is mad about it is pei zhao's clearly gay servant kid who also wrote their names together in a marriage wish so i'm willing to chalk it up to him being young and suffering from internalized homophobia.
another note why are we STILL under the yoke of the ten miles peach blossoms styling chokehold.... su ci resembles bai qian in her styling very much, very sick of the light near white robes with the middle parted hair that softly curls around the head and the drop earrings.... even when dressed as a guy she looks like bai qian's young cross dressing form. come on c dramas let's move onnnNNN!!!
ultimately, this is a great feel good comfort show! lighthearted but still engaging, with a lot of simple plots and storytelling, nothing new exactly, but it doesn't aspire to ever be more than it is. just comforting, safe, and cute.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW THE FACT ABOUT THIS DRAMA.
First, I would like to apologise if my grammar is not that good.CONSISTENCY OF THE CHARACTER or the personality of the character in the drama plays a very important role in connecting the drama itself to the viewers. AT FIRST 10 EPISODES, I would say this drama in undoutbtedly good. The characters are good and the story can be felt but the viewers or I personally. HERE ARE THE REASONS WHY I STARTED TO DISCONNECT MYSELF FROM THE DRAMA.
* The female lead is a crossdresser, she was a detective and disguised herself as a man because she wanted to clear the name of her family which is a good idea. Then the ML pretended to be a common guys which in reality he is a prince. So ok, then everybody knows that the ML is a prince aside from the FL. What the F*ck, how can she (FL) not know the real identity of the ML if she(FL) considered to be the best young detective. Moreover, the FL was a big fan of the prince, she even read books everything about the prince yet she cannot recognize the prince, what a shame, just imagine the situation. She over praise the prince and always says something good in front of the ML about the prince, she is just fooling herself. (THE ML KNEW THAT THE DETECTIVE OR THE FL WAS A FEMALE AT THE VERY BEGGINING. Then the story goes and they overpass many problems. 'Till in ep 13, the FL finally discovered that the boy or the ML she knew was the Prince, then she got just angry, just a few second in the drama and then it's just like that. Then just the story continues.
MY POINY IS THAT, HOW CAN A FAMOUS DETECTIVE BE FOOLED WITHOUT KNOWING THE REAL IDENTITY OF THE ML, IT IS JUST DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. JUST IMAGINE, THEIR FIRST ENCOUNTER WAS IN A HOTEL OR IN A BAR IN MODERN DAYS WHERE THE ML IS FLIRTING WITH MANY GIRLS. THE CONSISTENCY OF THE CHARACTER WERE SO UNTRUE KAYA NAKAKAWALANG GANA. NAGOATULOY ANG ROMANCE PARANG HINDI NA AKO NAKA CONNECT SA STORY.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Not my cup of tea
Sorry if I didn't like this drama. Umm it started out well. Like the female and male lead is intelligent and they solve cases then they made two friends. All is well until I find the Female lead too troublesome and the male lead always sacrificing or saving the FL. She isn't the strong, intelligent, independent woman she is supposed to be (they introduce her like that). Also too draggy on the romance part of the leads. Their story is boring. Fl is also irrational sometimes and oa. It is not the Maiden Holmes I exepcted.I can't continue watching it.
Thats just my point of view though. If you're not picky, I can say this drama isn't bad at all
Was this review helpful to you?
Ancient Sherlock Holmes in female body
I love crime dramas in general, and I was drawn to the title. Honestly, I didn’t have any expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised by this drama. The main actors are unknown to me, I have never watched any of their plays, but the chemistry between them is very good. The story is catchy and keeps the viewer in suspense and anticipation of the next case, while following the love story between the main characters. The supporting actors aren’t bad either, and they add a dose of humor to the whole drama. In addition to the crime plot and love story, there is also a background story about the origins of FL, which is quite mysterious. All in all, a refreshing drama in a sea of more or less similar stories.Was this review helpful to you?
didn't really enjoyed it-
i was hoping to like this series- but it fell flat for me. I ended up dropping this series and couldn't finish. I couldn't get attached to the FL and her journey. each time she's tries to solve a case, she's captured or passed out and when she wakes up...she's in a a diff outfit/female clothing...like the bad guys changed her everytimes she blacked out...?! huh?The ML is good but as he continues to grow his relationship with the FL...i can't help but see the comparison of his head size next to the FL. with each new episode goes by..his head seems to be bigger and bigger next to her and it became a visual problem for me. They didn't seem to match well or look compatible to me. I got disconnected with their chemistry and didn't feel it.
This series is definitely lighthearted and not as realistic- if you want a drama to fill in a gap while you're waiting on a completion or another drama- or a hangover drama (one you want to watch while you're trying to get over another one) i would say give it a try- it wasn't my cup of tea but i didn't feel like i wasted my time to give it a shot.
Was this review helpful to you?
Classic Confucius Thought
Morality:1. CONFUCIUS GENDER EQUALITY. "EDUCATION KNOWS NO CLASS DISTINCTION".
Ep.15. 17:53,
Qi Wang(Prince Qi/Pei Zhao), uses it for,
- first to let the girls study,
- later to let Su Ci manage the detective department.
In Liang Dynasty,500AD. 1,000 years after Confucius lived, in 551–479BC.
2. AMBITION.
SOME HUMAN HAS AMBITION BEYOND THE EXISTENCE, ENDED IN FATALITY.
- Prince Yun is the emperor and Prince Qi uncle. He has ambition to overthrown the emperor, ended his life by his step nephew sword,Xie BN, in the Throne Hall.
- All noble girls who have desire to marry Prince Qi, ended in danger.
BUT, WHEN WE HAVE THE AMBITION WITHIN OUR EXISTENCE, SOMETIME IT ENDS IN SURPRISING, JOYFUL LIFE.
Su Ci, just has ambition to uncover her parents and ethnic betrayal case, without ambition to marry Prince Qi. Later, she gets the answer and also meets her husband in working, Prince Qi.
EXPOSES ZHANG LING HE AS HIS DEBUT.
- It works well. We can not believe MH is his first acting, even he does not have acting background.
- Suitable choice, ZLH character matches with Qi Wang. In real, he is serious, humble although comes from good background. In one of his China TikTok,he can act little flirt virtually. In acting, Qi Wang is serious but flirty to Su Ci, also can be flirty when disguissing in brothel.
- Many Behind the Scenes published. Many watchers hope the next season, the life after Qi Wang and Su Ci marriage.
FOLLOWS CLASSIC STORY ELEMENT.
@ Balance.
Placing comedians as balance. Ru Shuang and Xie Bei Ning have funny relationship, balancing Qi Wang and Su Ci serious case.
@ Everything is in balance and NATURAL. Romance, working, kissing, talking, comedy, serious.
@ The theme is morality.
@ The setting place shows ARTS as expression tool.
POSITIVE POINTS.
DEEP MEANING, NOT BORING, EASY TO WATCH.
It seems light drama but the fact, has deep meaning. Because it follows classic story, talks about morality.
TREATMENT to CREW VERY GOOD.
Treats ZLH well, guiding him some difficult scenes, when kissing wildly in cart,
or,
he has to tease Chen Yao in library ep.20? Watch the BTS also.
Much food for crew, ZLH tells in an interview.
They seem happy from the begining to ending. The director, Li Xiao Jiang and BTS crew have pleasant personality.
LOW COST, OPTIMAL RESULT.
We can see they really save budget but it can perform well. Sets the scenes outdoor much. Just in small area,it shows war, horse riding, lake, cave, even small waterfall, tomb.
In low budget, they can do artful scenes as an important tool to play viewer emotion.
Ep..? in cloudy rainy day, gloomy Qi Wang sitting in his gazebo with deep thought, slowly Su Ci in girly white clothing, coming across the garden pathway with a white umbrella, to console Qi Wang.
Ep..? Near a small waterfall, Qi Wang and Su Ci sitting side by side, talking about their relationship journey.
NEVER FORGET OLD LIFE.
They like celebrating daily matter by food, sitting talking at home. No need a restaurant. All homecooked by Fei Yuan, the little attendant. Good food good taste, happyness comes.
_ _ _
LACKS OF
There is distraction, too many crime cases, while they also have big political intrique to overthrown the emperor.
There are some scenes to stress the emotion.
- By exposing rape cases more than one case. For me rape case is enough for one case, the other case can be kidnapping or "almost dying"crime.
- By exposing Su Ci sudden,too emotion, without investigating. She stabs her sword to hurt/kill Qi Wang, right after she hears Qi Wang and his confidante talking about her parent betrayed case and she thinks Qi Wang is the killer.While, SC is a smart detective leader.
The ending part becomes too cramped because too many cases before.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Super fun mysteries + cute, romantic couples = light-hearted detective show
Woww, I loved this show so much! It does a great job in not adhering to tiring tropes such as evil second female lead, super nice second male lead, love triangles/unnecessary entangelements, etc. Watching this show made me feel at ease with how wonderful the main and secondary couples were, how well they worked together, and how much they loved each other. It was balanced with an intricate mystery that the characters worked to solve as they grew together.PROS
❀ It had a couple of well-done tropes | Including hidden identities and revenge for family. Each mystery the team solved became a step towards solving the main villain's plans, which made for a solid storyline that I didn't get tired of.
❀ A+ teamwork | I don't have enough words to express how much I love the main team that comes together. We have a detective (FL), general/prince (ML), martial artist (my fave himbo), poisoner (wish we got a character arc for her), and chef (so cute). Perfectly balanced with a fun/friendly dynamic. I absolutely loved their camaraderie and antics.
❀ A+++ romance | Phew... I ADORED the romances. It was so nice to see how gentle, kind, and loving the male lead Pei Yan Zhi was. He first encounters the female lead Su Ci while she's investigating and is impressed with her... after that, their fates become intertwined. Su Ci is a dedicated detective who is observant and sharp-witted. Her keen eyes are a great complement to PYZ's sensitive hearing. She's pretending to be a man to figure out the truth behind the death of her Bai Liang clan in the past, which has to do with a sinister plot going on.
❀ Don't change the woman, change the society | The script had inspiring female leads that you really want to root for. I loved how once PYZ realizes SC is a woman, instead of trying to mold/change her into someone who conforms to society, he makes plans to change society itself so she can fit in. Wow,,, the dedication.
❀ Mystery plots were pretty well-done | While the detective work was pretty superficial (conjectures based on observations and such), I like how they were all related to the bigger plan going on. The villain wasn't the most developed, but he made for a satisfactory antagonist to beat. There was also surprisingly good fighting choreo too!
❀ Aww @ the brother relationship | I liked how the kid emperor was good bros with PYZ rather than wary of him for wanting to take the throne. The whole time, PYZ is loyal to the emperor without need for any rewards and in general tries to stay away from court politics. We stan a humble and smart male lead.
❀ Another bullet point for the romance that made me gush | When the leads get together, I love how physically close they were and how well they worked together to solve crime. Also, A+++++ kiss scenes. There's not a lot, but a couple of them were quite swoonworthy.
❀ Happy ending that makes you want more | The ending is definitely satisfying but I would have loved some extra episodes of the characters doing more detective work. Their teamwork is just impeccable!!
CONS
✕ Misunderstanding level: 3/10 | There's a (kind of) necessary misunderstanding that lasts for literally an episode. It's a grave misunderstanding for sure that was caused by the FL's momentary emotional response, and it gets resolved super quickly. No misunderstandings just for the sake of screentime.
OVERALL
While this drama was more romance-centric than mystery-solving, I liked it exactly like that. The characters' antics always made me laugh and the female leads had a subtle, quiet strength that was really attractive. This is best for a light watch where you can gush at the characters and their romances with detective work in the background.
(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)
Was this review helpful to you?
