This show is pretty to look at with an intriguing opening 9 episodes and that really feels like that’s all it has to offer. I was so excited for this drama and I wanted so much to like it, but the result feels empty and cold.

The characters and plots really fall off after episode 10, with plot twists being thrown up for seemingly no reason, too many easy and unconvincing ‘coincidences’, and ‘super emotional moments’ that made me either roll my eyes or laugh at their absurdity. I really wanted to love this show but 14 episodes in I’m not rooting for any of the characters, nor do I feel I know much about them or why they’re doing what they are (and in a ‘these characters are poorly written and inconsistent’ way and not in an ‘intriguing’ way). I’m sure we’ll get a new villain reveal soon but so far every antagonistic character has been cartoonish and too easily defeated. No one truly feels like an equal to the main characters which makes the stakes feel very low.

I think one major issue behind characterisation on this show is the creators pushing romance plot lines too hard. Wu SiYue was one of my favourite characters and held so much potential for standing on her own two feet and being a strong willed person and a good fighter but the second she started her romance plotline with gao bingzhu that all fell out the window and now she just follows him around and cries a lot. It’s a real shame because I was really rooting for them and shipped them before - that scene where gao bingzhu confides in her at the graves of his friends genuinely made me tear up, and it’s degenerated to.. this. I also have so many issues with the other main romance of this show. Baili hongyi and liu ran’s entire relationship just makes me feel. Nothing. Or at least nothing positive. They’re presented as childhood friends and yet she literally blackmails him to marry her? When he has expressed on numerous occasions that he has no interest in marrying? And then when he wants a divorce after [redacted spoilers] she gets all upset? Initially how hongyi treated her came across as a little unreasonable but the more time passed the less I sympathised with liu ran. It didn’t help that her character never developed any depth past.. being in love with hongyi.. but not even her actions really ever showed why ? I just know this show is going to make them a happy couple by the end and at this point the thought of that just makes me want to drop this show altogether. Developing on baili hongyi’s ‘cold’ and ‘emotionless’ personality and showing his capacity for love could be a really strong character arc but nothing about this romantic setup gives me the impression it will be. I’m not always the hugest romance person and can often ignore it but it feels so pushed to a point where it’s jarring and disruptive and makes the entire viewing experience less pleasant (even when it’s still minor in the plot currently ?)

I have other things to say but I’ve ranted enough..

Overall I love these actors and I loved the premise of this show but I’ve felt really let down in the last 4 episodes to the extent I felt compelled to write this review. Im really hoping the show turns around and changes my mind :(