What is the pearl tribute and the power dynamics of this story?

 PeachBlossomGoddess:

I think if you are looking for something more substantive with better plot then for this year anyway that would be Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty 2. It was written by a well respected historian.  Heroes 2024

I've seen and enjoyed both dramas you've mentioned (I've enjoyed the first season as well, how could I have missed it?). Heroes were a total surprise, the three leading actors (+1, the antiquity merchant), the narrative structure, camera and directing were fantastic. I only didn't like japanese spy girls, their flatness somehow didn't fit into such an engaging plot and one of the most complex and bizarre hystorical setting. Having studied that period (if you remember our conversations), I've truly appreciated how they've shown the mess left after the decay of Qing and birth hardships for a republic, the remnants of old conflicting with the new, the gangs, warlords... everything packed in an exiciting treasure hunt. And fighting scenes were excellent, too.

Well, now I've checked the director, I've dropped everything he filmed till now in first eps, I think I've only watched Luoyang almost to the end because the first two thirds had that typical dark Tang vibe we both like, I remember I've liked the representation of Wu Zetian, as an older and fatter lady in white, devoted Buddhist, loose hair, no decorations... I found that quite original. As for the writers, I know there's a team of four or five, but MDL lists only one (Ma Sha Sha), I think I've only watched her General's Lady, a light costume romcom, I've dropped Wrong Carriage after seeing 2-3 eps, it was badly written and even worse performed, unwatchable. But she is not the lead writer of this Pearl Girl.

I've watched TLB (mostly for Wu Lei's braids, lol). It occurred to me that Lu YN's braids in TSOPG look a lot like those of Ashina Sun, but Wu Lei looked better with them, LYN is more type for official hats. I remember the second couple had more chemistry than Dilraba (I dislike her acting even more than Lusi's) and Wu Lei. That drama also started promising (Taizong massacre of his brother's family, battles against Göktürks, the latter battling among themselves too, remnants of Suis etc...) and dissapointing later on. 

 PeachBlossomGoddess:

Ma Shasha (who is not great) should be the main writer, the other 3 are unheard of with barely any drama credits to their names.

Frost Edelweiss opened a discussion with all the details relating to the drama. The chief writer is certain Fu Tian (her pen pseudonym and her real name is not the name of the author of the novel). I've googled that name https://www.qidian.com/book/3347615/ and (internet) English translation gives me various novels with only one adapted to a drama (The Romance of the Tang Dynasty, not present on MDL, probably it was never translated in English), she seems to be an expert for the Tang-era settings. You speak Mandarin, maybe you can find out more. For the rest, yes, I agree

ah, ok, tnx. It reminds me of saying: too many cooks spoil the broth

 Megumi-H:

The romance arc is typical, not so interesting now as it becomes the repetitive trope, we will all know they will end up together again;)

Lol no worries. I think there will be a lynch mob if they don't end up together again... now THAT would be interesting!!!

 PeachBlossomGoddess:

Lol no worries. I think there will be a lynch mob if they don't end up together again... now THAT would be interesting!!!

I would rather he died. Since that is more realistic and dramatic

 PeachBlossomGoddess:

Well his prospects are not looking too good unless there is some magic pearl that is gonna cure him. I don't mind either if they kill off characters and it makes sense. But him chugging that poisoned tea knowing it was poisoned was just plain retarded. I lost all respect for the character's intelligence at that moment. C'mon if they are gonna kill him off, make it worthwhile! Like blocking a poisoned arrow for Shrimpy or something!

???I know right!  i have also not been overly impressed with the jewellery being displayed so far.  There are some shows that have jaw dropping  clothes and accessories but this is bang ordinary.

 Madoncdramas:

???I know right!  i have also not been overly impressed with the jewellery being displayed so far.  There are some shows that have jaw dropping  clothes and accessories but this is bang ordinary.

Yeah I don't think the budget is that big but I do think some of it is also because its mostly about commoners so their costumes are less lavish. When I saw that most of the so called "rave reviews" were from academics, I knew we are in big trouble. I can tell the production did research the jewelry trade and the locations and probably even the designs meticulously but the way its presented is quite pedantic and that weighs on the storytelling. I am a geeky person I usually eat this stuff up but in this case I feel the writer is not skilled enough to weave the historical highlights in a more interesting way. 

 PeachBlossomGoddess:

Yeah I don't think the budget is that big but I do think some of it is also because its mostly about commoners so their costumes are less lavish. When I saw that most of the so called "rave reviews" were from academics, I knew we are in big trouble. I can tell the production did research the jewelry trade and the locations and probably even the designs meticulously but the way its presented is quite pedantic and that weighs on the storytelling. I am a geeky person I usually eat this stuff up but in this case I feel the writer is not skilled enough to weave the historical highlights in a more interesting way. 

I concur!