I decided to write my review about this Drama after my several efforts to convince myself to keep watching.

"Love Song in Winter" promised to be a thrilling mix of romance, mystery, and suspense, starring Johnny Huang and Sun Qian. However, the drama falls flat in several areas, leaving viewers with more of a winter of discontent than the warm, engaging story it aimed for.

Plot and Pacing:

The series starts with an intriguing premise:
a detective and an anesthesiologist reuniting after years, entangled in a serial murder investigation and a past love story.
However, the plot quickly becomes its own worst enemy.

The pacing is off-kilter, with too much time spent on the rekindling romance which feels clichéd and lacks spark. The mystery aspect, which should have been a compelling backbone, is introduced with potential but then resolved in a manner that feels rushed and underwhelming. The narrative often meanders, losing focus on the central investigation, which leads to a disjointed viewing experience .

Character Development:

The characters are perhaps the most disappointing element. Jiang Chengyi (Johnny Huang) is supposed to embody the archetype of a dedicated detective, yet his portrayal often lacks depth, with his professional life overshadowed by his pursuit and simp of Lu Yan who wants to be left alone.

Lu Yan (Sun Qian), on the other hand, is an intriguing character with best emotions, but the series fails to delve into her psychological or emotional journey.
The supporting cast, including characters like Deng Man, are thinly written, serving more as plot devices than as individuals with their own narratives or growth arcs.

Romantic Elements:

The central romance, meant to be the heart of "Love Song in Winter," is where the drama particularly stumbles. The chemistry between the leads feels forced, with their interactions often falling into predictable patterns.

The drama leans heavily on tired tropes such as constant coincidental meetings and misunderstandings, which do little to advance character relationships or emotional depth. The male lead's incessant shadowing of the female lead who constantly disrespect and trash him, comes off as implausible and detracts from the story's authenticity.

Production Quality:

While visually "Love Song in Winter" has moments of beauty, capturing the essence of winter, the overall execution lacks the intensity needed for both the romantic and suspenseful elements. The direction sometimes fails to build suspense, and the background score or "love song" of the drama is forgettable, not enhancing the emotional or dramatic moments as it should.

Conclusion:

"Love Song in Winter" is a missed opportunity. It could have been a gripping tale of love, loss, and redemption against the backdrop of a chilling mystery. Instead, it's bogged down by predictable storytelling and lackluster character development with annoying ML who keep stalking and evading privacy of the heroine who have rejected him multiple times.

For those seeking a nuanced drama where love and mystery intertwine effectively, this series might leave you feeling as cold as its titular season.