lilmeow

This show has a historical setting with fantastical elements, but rather than typical Chinese “fantasy” (like xianxia or xuanhuan), it feels more sci fi. I think this is largely due to the nature of the phenomenon under investigation, but it’s also partly the vibe set by the music and cinematography. It kind of reminded me of steampunk even though it isn’t really.

This story features a band of friends, a genre I always find fun. They are not actually friends to begin with- for at least half the show, they are guarded against each other and keeping secrets- but I think this made the show more interesting and kept me on my toes.

I especially like how the members of the team all have different relationships with each other. It’s more realistic that each person has meaningful interactions with several other people, rather than, say, just the one person they’re destined to have a romance with (like in too many other shows). It does however mean that no special relationships or themes really stand out, so that all the bonds across the board feel a bit weaker. And as for romance, there is maybe a faint hint of it but not much more.

The characters themselves have distinct enough personalities and roles, though perhaps one too many of the badass type. I liked them all but there wasn’t anyone I absolutely loved. I think they are developed just enough to make you care, but not enough to make you truly attached. I do like that the show is gender-agnostic about who can fight well, and it’s a fun touch that different people have different weapons and fighting styles that fit their background and body type.

The main star of the show is probably Cao Sheng. He is the brains of the operation- excellent engineer, great memory, can see through schemes, etc. He also comes up with the most elaborate plans. I feel like half the show is about his intricate schemes which require lots of planning and preparation.

But Cao Sheng is not the only schemer. This show features tons of intersecting plans and counterplans so that you never really know who will come out on top. And while all these different schemes are flying at each other, our protagonists are trying to figure out what is actually going on.

While watching this show, I felt like I was in a constant haze of confusion. Clues and truths are revealed bit by bit and sometimes they are incorrect. Similarly, the schemes and counterschemes are revealed piecemeal and out of order, with plenty of misdirection in between for dramatic effect. It’s too many “plot twists”- eg layer upon layer of, "But WAIT!!! this side actually anticipated what that side would do!"- it’s hard to keep track of it all. This might make it good for a rewatch, though it’s kind of ironic that a show being extra confusing earns it a high rewatch score.

In some ways the show also feels a little bit slow because it takes so long (almost the entire show) to uncover one mystery. And this mystery is so complicated that there’s no point along the way where you feel settled and solid. Somewhere along the line I just started to get a little fatigued. It was too long spent being confused, trying to keep track of too many things, not sure who is good or bad. And the overall tone is kind of heavy, despite some flashes of humor, so it was a lot of constant suspense, like a background hum of stress.

That said, I still found the show overall entertaining. It is fun to watch the elaborate schemes unfold, and the overarching mystery is pretty interesting. There are even some well-done emotional moments along the way that had me leaking tears, and a bit of existentialism which comes up just the right amount to make you feel touched and a little bit sad. As for that stress- well Cao Sheng is really smart, so things often work out ok.

For the acting, I thought it’s decent. I think some actors tried too hard to be badass, but it’s also partly the ethos of the show. You can see it also in the style and cinematography, like with tableau / frozen moment type scenes paired with thumping music, clearly trying to create badass and dramatic moments. Well, it mostly worked on me, I thought it was pretty cool most of the time.

Speaking of the music, I REALLY liked it. It’s mostly background music (songs are rare) and a fairly distinct style- heavy beats, some of it getting almost techno-y, even songs for happier moments are quite melodic- so it might not be for everyone, but I really liked it. I thought it set the moods really well.

Actually the overall production of this show is a lot better than I expected for something of this length. There are quite a lot of extras, and enough real horses (but all too obvious when it’s faked, lol). I also really like the costumes and styling, which are practical and make sense. The costumes are color coordinated but you don’t get, for example, sparkling bits and jewelry on characters who are supposed to be fighters.

I also like the fighting. I love how all the different weapons are used well and they match their users. Heavy weapons look heavy and the lighter weapons are used with speed. The choreography is good and the blows look solid, if a bit sped up at times.

Overall I think this is a good show. Despite some fatigue from too many disjointed clues and layers of schemes, I still found the overall mystery interesting and the interactions between the group endearing, with a good hint of pathos. It’s also fun to watch this style of sci-fi which is less common in Cdramas (especially historical).

ENDING – READ AHEAD ONLY IF YOU WANT TO KNOW, CONTAINS SPOILERS





If you ignore the post-credit scene, I think this is mostly a happy ending. The seemingly dire situation is resolved with only one big sacrifice (not counting Tongtong, who by the end was kind of my favorite character). It’s Lin Han, who at least seems to find her peace first.

But Cao Sheng’s rapidly worsening and life-threatening illness is not cured. For some reason none of the other characters seem that worried or even mention it.

The post-credit scene sets up for a sequel, by introducing new troubles and intrigue, including Cao Sheng fainting again. I guess the point of making this a post-credit scene is that if the sequel doesn’t happen then you still get a complete show, but I think leaving Cao Sheng’s illness untreated is still a cliffhanger either way.