The Double (2024)

Could not stop watching

I'm a sucker for revenge plots but most fall short in pacing, storyline and execution towards the ending arc of the story. Not this one. At all.

The beginning of this drama shows Xue Li being held against her will in a setup by her mother-in-law. Later, her husband walks in and carries her away to finish the deed of killing her under the guise of "I'm forced to do it". From that point on, the female protagonist takes on another identity and, step by step, rights the wrongs of the parties involved.

Where other revenge plots fall short in pacing and character identity, "The Double" fleshes out each persona in a believable way and shows the good characters as imperfect, and the bad ones with reasoned motives. A special mention goes to actress Li Meng for her portrayal of Princess Wan Ning and actor Liang Yong Qi as the ex-husband Shen Yu Rong. I have never despised a princess as much as Wan Ning, and the mindset of Shen Yu Rong is displayed with such subtle eye emotions that I actually found myself trying to figure out if he had any good qualities left in his soul or if his cruel actions had snuffed out all of the qualities that had once believed in justice.

The main actors Wu Jin Yan and Wang Xing Yue deserve the top award for blazing chemistry and nuanced portrayals. In American TV dramas, they spend ten minutes on character development and then WHAM, here comes the bed scene. What these actors, writers, and directors created was cinema magic. The characters were paced at a slow and believable burn, which led me to a believable definition of what a love story consisted of.

To the rest of the cast, there were notable and affluent actors in small parts throughout and this added a rich texture to the story. I cannot say enough about how interesting the narrative was, the plot twists, and how satisfying and believable the justified demise of those who committed wrongs. My one (and very small) pet peeve was the makeup. I love natural skin tones and the whitening in the makeup took me a minute to get used to. I know there is a beauty standard for pale in some Asian cultures, but the exceedingly beautiful actress looked off with the cosmetics used.

Definitely, definitely, check this drama out. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

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What was that ending???

For starters, this was a great watch. The production value was outstanding, the clothing design beautiful and the performances exactly what you want from this kind of revenge story, which is subtle and over the top at the same time, somehow. The music and editing could be better but they didn't stop me from enjoying this drama.

The main characters are smart, deadly and flirty. Their friends and family members a perfect fold for their cunning ways.

Wu Jin Yan and Wang Xingyue have an explosive chemistry. It's unreal. Every scene they had together got me giddy with excitement.

The villains were not your typical and I found myself equally invested in the part they had to play in this story. Their ending was befitting to their respective arcs and retribution sweet.

It's my first time watching a drama where Li Meng stars in but I am damn impressed by her. She's a powerhouse and I will be looking forward to her future projects.

This is also the kind of drama where nobody is safe and I commend the scriptwriter for going there when so many other don't. That said, if you are going to kill a major character, you can't have a lukewarm resolution.

I have spent the better part of the last hour reading and watching every interview the director, cast and crew gave about this drama because when I finished it watching I was pissed.

This might be controversial because I know this is a well loved drama, hell, I loved watching this drama but what was the director thinking changing the script of the final episode and leaving the story as an open ending? Viewers spent 40 episodes, invested in this characters, hoping for them to have a happy ending, only to be met with a final scene that can be interpreted as reality or wishful thinking. Leaning more on the latter.

A revenge story it's not something you leave open ended. And, yes, I know there's an epilogue and I think it should be part of the final episode not something you release just in case fans might be angry at what you did. This is so unserious, I am lacking words.

This drama was a solid 8 for entertainment and production value until that ghastly final scene, forcing me to drop a full number. They should have known better... and they did. Why release an epilogue if they didn't?

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Can't believe the ML is just 22 and giving us so many top cdramas

From Story of Kunning Palace, Admist a Snowstorm of Love to The Double my guy is winning in life this year. Truly both the ML and FL have done such a fabulous job in this drama. Good plotline, intricate politics and revenge story and Yurong being the villain you just gotta hate, everything was awesome? ?

Mind you this is NOT a romance drama, oh no, this is a nice revenge drama with sweet moments dropped in between at the correct time and story arcs. We don't even get to see a kiss between the MCs, the stupid candle stole the limelight lol. I also liked that all the deaths of the characters were meaningful and sort of triggers points to push the FL to make decisions. And one scene which really won my heart, was the one with the ML waiting at the gate, and the FL joining him on horseback, showing she hadn’t abandoned him. That was a great shot. If you know you know ?

I'm so glad we got additional scenes of Ali and Xiao Heng married life and their daughter. It was so cute. So glad it had a happy ending ☺️

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I liked it, despite its issues

Things I liked:
- Pacing was overall well done, I didn't feel like any part dragged particularly or got too rushed (except the ending but what is new in cdramas)
- The fight scenes were *chef's kiss*, choreography was on point and it was really exciting to watch
- I thought the acting was really consistent and everyone casted was giving it their all... Everyone cries so prettily in this haha
- I personally thought it had some artistic shots that were really beautiful
- It got a few laughs out of me, and I didn't find the comedy too intrusive... Though it could kinda goofy, it didn't detract from serious scenes.
- The original soundtrack is sung beautifully, though I thought they sometimes cycled too much too fast through the songs... Yes, I understand it's an emotional scene.
- I quite enjoyed the ending as it was filmed... Reading the book's ending, I think it was rather more dramatic and it would've extended the series too far if they hand't changed it. Though I'd hoped for more lovey-dovey married couple stuff :(

Things I didn't like:
- Chinese screenwriters have a vendetta against ending TV series... This was rather on point with it, with the last couple episodes feeling like an overstuffed burrito just spilling pseudo character development everywhere. No, I don't care about the Jiang family. No, I don't care about Consort Li and the Emperor's relationship. Etc,etc.
- The narration was lame. It reminded me of those lifetime movies based on real events... It was telling not showing. Literally.
- When it wasn't artistic, there was a real feeling of being hit on the head with everything they wanted me to pay attention to, and yes the CGI guqin competition was the pinnacle of this. I think they could've done it better and with more subtlety. Specially compared to a similar scene - XFF playing a song to rattle SYR during the princess' birthday. Beautiful, emotional... NO CGI.
- There was a lot of standing around gaping whenever XFF began her monologues.
- I cringe hard everytime I remember XH's laughter and goofy grin in the last episode... It seemed wildely out of character to me

Honorary mentions to:
- Xiao Heng's fan, which I'm convinced is the root of every dramatic thought he has ever had (he's very dramatic)
- The forever full moon MC that appears every single night, really auspicious
- The rain is also an important MC that appears often, especially whenever the scene has to have dramatic or artistic value
- The absolutely unhinged porn BG music that plays sometimes in XFF and XH romantic scenes, most unfortunately
- The main couple's double power to destroy any and all side characters... RIP everyone!

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Scheming all the way

Finished and not sure how I felt about this program. Let’s start with what I thought was amazing.
The FM and ML were amazing and I thought all the actors were brilliant too. With a special shout out to the princess, she played her part fantastically. So evil but so good, and we learned about her past and start to understand why she was the way that she was.
The cinematic where breathtaking and through out it as all very convincing. And really enjoyed the OST.


But, I struggle with the storyline and the constant scheming. I loved the rise of the phoenixes and the scheming that went on there but with this one I struggled to keep watching towards the end as I started to loose a bit interest.
Also the ending was left quite open to interpretation, did ML made it back or was it FL dream/ wishful thinking?

Would I watch it again, properly not.

Despite that I feel the high score is still justified as if there was a little bit less scheming around the 3/4 through the series it would have been 10*

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When the leads match each other's freak on an intellectual level ??

Xue Fang Fei taking her revenge was so important to me and reminded me so much of Kang Ji Won from “Marry My Husband” – I rooted for these characters so, so much?. I think this show offers really great characterization; the mains are all very complex and compelling, and you can interpret so many interesting things.

Wan Ning and Fang Fei were literally two sides from the same coin. Both experienced traumatic events because of men/a man, however, the way they dealt with those experiences was very different. Fang Fei said it best: she never targeted innocents. But can we really blame Wan Ning? She was not a very kind character whatsoever, but was she treated kindly? Her actions cannot be excused, but her backstory made it easier to understand her and her pain. She was used and abused, humiliated and treated like trash. Her retaliating and using men/people however she wanted was her way to assert back dominance over the very same sex that had oppressed her.
Fang Fei was such a smart character yet so sensible, Wu Jin Yan’s performance reminded me a lot of Wei Ying Luo from “Story of Yanxi Palace” (which I am currently rewatching??), she just knows how to do revenge. Her acting in this was so, so good. I cried when she cried, I was mad and happy with her – she delivered a nuanced performance, I really enjoyed it.
Shen Yu Rong… drowned in an inferiority complex and a river of self-pity. There’s more to say about him, but I don’t want to waste energy typing about this loser. I share Duke Su’s disgust about this man.?????
The overall acting in this was really good, there was so acting hole, everyone pulled their weight and added something to the scenes.

The styling, sets, OST (!!) were also so stunning (the flowy dresses!!)!

The revenge was great too. First half was to reclaim Jiang Li’s tarnished reputation, the second half was to use that reputation to advance Fang Fei’s own revenge. I really liked it even though we had to be a little patient, I wasn’t bored. The romance with Duke Su? was also so good. The subtlety, their word plays… just ahh??! The chemistry between them was so good, the tension they created was crazy to be honest (the rain scene…????). Their reunion at the end felt a little underwhelming though… We didn’t even get to see his face??But at least everyone got their revenge and our main couple got happily together??

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Such chemistry!

I needed to take time out to give this masterpiece a review. From the story to the cast, to the ost even the ending was satisfying . So i'm not usually a simp, but for this drama, i simped hard! A revenge troupe, a smart female lead, a hot male lead and good cinematography, what more could we possibly ask for. I liked how revenge was the main goal and only after revenge was accomplished did they end up delving into romance but then the chemistry would leave you chanting ; KISS ! KISS! KISS! well at least that's what i was going most of the time. A masterpiece that deserves an applause. But now that i'm done with The Double, what do i do with myself?

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The best historical Drama I have seen in Cdramaland

Edit: I finished it and loved it. I must appreciate the villains of this drama. They did such a great job at playing those characters.
I am compelled to write this review because I want to document my excitement. This isn't the best of historical drama of 2024, its just the best historical cdrama. Few more episodes till it ends! I am scared to finish the show and I am scared that once I finish it, I wouldn't get to watch this kind of masterpiece again in a sea of mediocrity.

Story- The story isn't just about revenge but is also about redemption of the male leads. Its about childhood traumas, sacrifice, empathy, kindness and love. The two leads navigate a cruel word by adopting shrewd tactics. They aren't living. They are surviving and tolerating the world to seek justice for themselvesand their loved ones. Every little thing they do take is a strategic step towards the bigger goal. I thought the revenge, sadness and the serious tone would drown my spirit in sorrow but I was wrong. ITS INCREDIBLY THRILLING. If you know a little bit about chinese culture and history, you will enjoy it even more.
There are many small storylines weaved into the story but all of them are connected very well and the story never deviates from the main plot.

Actors - very talented. They do not sell eccentricism and loud acting as good acting which I greatly admire in drama actors. They have an amazing chemistry. Its hard to maintain the intensity and angst in a slow burn romance but they have done a great job. The male lead is going to be in my favorite list now. The female lead, supporting cast as well as the villains are worth admiring.

Direction - The casting is well done. It took a while for me to adjust to the style of direction in the first episode (very short cdrama type of direction). I am not too fond of that style. The slight discomfort immediately ended with the first episode and I was hooked. The way the director has executed the whole drama is what I expect from all historical drama directors...Almost all of them fall short of that expectation. This did not!

The flying of the robes was so cool. The set design is visually appealing and suits the tone of the drama. It isn't too bright or too dark. The clothes look gorgeous. Kudos.

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Revenge and GOOD Chemistry between the Leads

The double was such an emotional ride, I've watched all the episodes while it was airing and I'm so glad I did it. The story is really good, the characters are 3D, also the villains (maybe even too much). The dramatic scenes and the comical reliefs were well balanced and ofc, there're flaws, there're some plot holes... but all the actors did such an amazing job that every mistake goes into the background.

Both ML and FL were wonderful, the chemistry was on fire even without having properly called "romantic scenes". They managed to create an amazing relationship and they both gave life to their characters. They showed the flirting, the warmth, the support, the absolute trust in one another and all of this to me it's even more powerful than just a kiss. If it wasn't for them I'm not sure I would have been here till the end. The Duke and Ali are now one of my favorite couple! I'd rewatch this show just too see again their conversations, the communication was so good!

What about the villains? Well they were also protagonists here. They were not just "the bad guys", it was far more than that. Their actions were explained also from their point of view. In particular the Princess Wanning and Shen did great. Shen showed his personality so well. They have been that good that you're gonna hate them for real :) Even tho someone could actually empathize with them in certain moments.

The end was a bit rushed as often happens, but it was so emotional and I liked, if only they would add 10 more seconds at the end LOL

With all the flaws and little bitter elements, I'd recomend to watch this 100 times. If you like revenge, fight for justice, a FL really great who doesn't"forgive" (like often happens with FLs) and fight back! A ML that knows how to trust and support and love without being acting like a macho, but also being a loser (with style A LOT of STYLE! :D), if you like to see a lot of flirting moments between the leads and if you like complex characters, then this is the drama for you!

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Truly a Masterpiece!!

The double really is a masterpiece. Character development is built not only for main character but side characters as well.

Like for the main character ex-husband, you could see how he evolved from someone righteous to having to do the right thing to save his family, (i.e. he kill his wife to save his family), and throughout the show you could see his denial and justification of his actions, before eventually reconciling with the regret and agony it caused him and his ex-wife. You could watch the guilt, and pain, the agony and regret, the anger and manipulation in incremental phases. And you could also see his values shift from having to place filial piety above all else, to letting that go and embracing his need for trying to get back to his wife (who apparently didn't die), but by then she had already moved on, and as much as he tried to compensate, she was resolute in not going back to him. It sounds lame when I type it out like this, but when you watch the double, you can see that when he knew it was the time of his demise as he was fully defeated, he played the flute song that was something they both cherished from the happiest times of their lives, but as he continued to play, she continued to walk away. She didn't hate or love him, and was indifferent as she wished for him the things he wanted for his next life with genuineness. The indifference meant that she had truly moved on and harboured no more feelings for him. And that is what hurts the most as someone he loved and wanted her forgiveness now only saw him as a stranger. She didn't even have hate for him, as hate comes as there was love. But there was no hate or love anymore and pure serenity.

The song was kinda like a final goodbye, his yearning and sorrow his regret and pain. Very beautifully captured, how the same memories can hold so much happiness and agony at the same time. Then as he suicide jumped off, she stopped for a brief moment, and then held her resolve to continue to live her life, and continued walking without turning. And his last view of her as he died, was of her moving on and walking away.

I had to pause the show to sit with my feelings and I had goosebumps.

This is just a snapshot of how much of a masterpiece this was, not just aesthetically, emotionally, intellectually. Everything from the mannerism of the characters, to the textures of the hardwood floor were so intricately and meticulously thought out.

My only wish is that I can forget the plot quickly so that I can rewatch it and relive the experience again.

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