Zang Hai is confirmed for 18th, so we should only get Hidden Shadow after that, maybe only in June. The shadow…
Not unhappy about this. LOZH is on my watchlist. And if they put Love and Crown or IA on after, well, they're on my watchlist, too. So, I guess, I'm happy as long as Youku starts rolling out its anticipated dramas. Really hope HS is somewhere in the mix, too. 🤞
Youku logic. (Step 1) Drop promo & build hype for a show. (Step 2) Postpone it. (Step 3) Release another drama…
Sorry for the late reply. I owed a commenter on the One & Only page a more detailed response regarding some aspects of the drama I didn't like. I wanted to give the drama its due and praise what it did well, but also critique it. Tbh, I should have just wrote a review, it would've been easier.
Yes, I think the TJR / GJM colabs are going to become the thing of legend in Cdrama. They just fit so well together. 100% agree. Can't wait for VOS.
I'll keep my eyes peeled for it. Even if they don't quite fit each others style. I'd die to see it at least once.
Yes. Yes. He just has that effortless big man presence about him. He really fills the space on screen. I could literally watch a drama of just WXY wandering from place to place on a horse 🐎 😁. He is very boyish and active off screen, though. Always riding or driving something. Sometimes you wonder, I hope he's being careful, but at the same time it's great to see him enjoying himself and living life to the fullest.
Agreed. While his acting is good, he does lack the aura/charisma of a leader as ML too soft-spoken. But I can…
Good points. They really made me think about my reply, so I took longer than usual to respond. I apologise for the delay.
Tbf, if the military aspect was presented as a reluctant soldier called to the defence of his homeland, I'd buy it. An individual who would normally avoid war, but due to escalating tensions, is bound by a duty to provide a service to his people / nation. I could see a soft-spoken, quiet type, under those conditions, potentially becoming a capable war fighter. These are the types that may never speak of the war / wars they took part in. A general or similar is different. They may gradually move to a position of believing no good comes from war, but their relationship with war is complex. They are typically students of war and warfare, who often possess deep historical knowledge and an ability to be innovative in the theatre of war. History reveres the competent military leader as someone possessing military genius. Essentially, that's my problem here. There was an extra layer required to convincingly pull off this ambitious project.
I feel for RJL. He was tasked with bringing an incredibly nuanced and complex character to life, and given little opportunity to convince us he was an accomplished commander in war. Perhaps 24 episodes just wasn't enough.
I really want to stress what this drama did well and contrast it with the aspect that I believe was done relatively poorly regarding his character.
The depiction of the truest of loves between RJL (ZSC) and BL (CSY) was absolutely 10/10. The creative team and performers executed this to perfection. The portrayal of a deep love was a necessary component to lay the foundation for the tragedy that would later unfold. It also provides the context that makes CSY's final action a perfectly rational one, and not the action of a disturbed mind. They could've easily taken shortcuts and built in scenes not crucial to the story that simply allow the leads to interact and create the moments of pure chemistry that audiences love. But this drama is much more than a modern romance; it is the very definition of a tragedy. Electric chemistry, racing hormones, and sugar-sweet moments on screen just wouldn't be enough to sell the story's outcome. OAO needed to convince the viewer that this was a tale of two souls intertwined with a shared fate. It did that spectacularly. You had to witness and believe in the profound impact one human being can have on the life of another. You saw it; you felt it. From the sweetest early encounters to a love so deep that they cannot survive apart. The creative team and performers delivered a masterclass here. As many commenters have mentioned, their love lingers long after the final episode, and its impact is felt deeply.
There are two components to ZSC's character that need to be executed for full effectiveness and impact. The love component with CSY and the leadership component with those who believe in him and follow him. The love component was meticulously crafted in fine detail and brilliantly presented. The leadership component was the complete opposite, and largely a flop. It can be likened to touring a new building where the first half of the building is stunning. Every detail has been thoroughly considered; exterior, interior, materials, textures, light, functionality, cost, and human interaction within the space. The second half, however, is the complete opposite. Here corners have been cut, poor decisions have been made, and it just doesn't function well. With a building, you might blame the budget. You ran out of money and couldn't afford to finish the building to the same standard. Here there is no such excuse. It is simply a bad creative decision.
The thoughtfulness and attention to detail used to craft a deep love out of circumstances where it's forbidden are abandoned when constructing ZSC, the leader of men. Instead of convincing the audience that he is indeed this man, we are simply told he is. The creative team takes shortcuts by providing fight scenes to show his prowess in combat, but none of this demonstrates his skill or qualities as a military leader. Failing to show this aspect of ZSC's character to the viewer was a mistake, as it serves as a major distraction throughout the duration of the drama. His character is both believable in his deep connection to CSY and unbelievable in that he possesses the qualities of a successful military commander. It rarely makes sense why others believe in him so much and want to go the extra mile for him. Being a man of good character just isn't enough to sell this devotion. This is relevant to the recovery of ZSC (I'll keep it vague to avoid spoilers, but you know what I mean). That specific scene is not as convincing because they failed to establish ZSC as a revered general. Tbh, if the creative team had dedicated just one episode to portraying ZSC as a great leader, then his character would be complete and there would be no missing element dragging the drama down. You could immerse yourself in the story with no doubts or questions. But the decision to forgo any development to this core character component left an unnecessary hole in the story.
When depicted well, the production establishes the military leader and shows some key things to the audience. First, it becomes clear why he / she is the leader. At some point in the story, the viewer will witness his / her leadership and command over people. You will see the difference between the leader and the other soldiers / people, and why he / she is revered, respected, elevated above, and held in the highest regard. You will feel the large presence of the character. You will at some point feel inspired by the character. Once this is cemented in the viewer's mind, when they're at the point where the main character's call to war gives them goosebumps, then the creative team is free to sell certain plot developments and concepts to the audience. Examples might be the nuisances of war, such as the best and worst of humanity manifesting in the same place and time. A love / hate relationship with war, a hate of losing precious lives, but a love for combat, competition, and the theatre of war itself. The intense bond and willingness to die for each other formed amongst men and women serving in war. A respect and kinship with the opposing military force or commanders (deep admiration for their tactics, skill and bravery). An irrational hatred towards the other side's people formed by seeing the worst of the opposing side's military. A disillusionment with your own side after seeing the worst of your own military / people. Etc.
The drama really needed to establish ZSC as a great / accomplished general in order to make the actions of those willing to sacrifice everything for him believable. The creative team dedicated no serious time or effort to this vital component and thus failed to create something truly convincing and authentic. Ultimately, this dragged it all down for me. The love aspect proved the creative team has the talent to be thorough, do things right, and convince us ZSC is a man of outstanding character who had a deep impact on the life of CSY. They simply just opted not to do it in regard to portraying him as a general, and instead left ZSC the great military leader as a nonentity. It's a shame because this could've been a perfect ten drama had they spent at least one episode doing that.
This was my first RJL drama, and I don't blame him for failing to bring this great general to life. I honestly don't believe the writers gave him the opportunity to do so. I have Love & Crown on my watchlist, so I'll see what he can do there.
In summary, for me, OAO is an ambitious drama with many fine attributes. But they just couldn't find the time to develop a core component of his character. This leaves it to the viewer to suspend disbelief to make certain important elements of the story work. Had they done this, the immersion would be seamless and the drama pretty much perfect.
Youku logic. (Step 1) Drop promo & build hype for a show. (Step 2) Postpone it. (Step 3) Release another drama…
Yes, if they manage to fit it in, it will cap off a great year for BL.
Completely understandable and not uncommon. There are so many quality costume dramas that one never really needs to watch anything modern. Personally, I'm a bit of a genre hopper, so mixing it up helps keep things fresh for me. I also enjoy following the development of actors, so I like to see them testing themselves in different environments.
No, I don't think he has done any costume fantasies. I have thought about this potential team-up for a while now. The combo of WXY's looks and GJM's aesthetic styling would no doubt be 🔥. But, after watching MJTY and FOF, and conducting a mental re-casting, I really couldn't find a spot for him. The closest role I can think of that might suit him is Ryan Cheng's role in MJTY (GSJ). GJM's characters tend to bear the scars of past tragedies. Old wounds / vulnerabilities are exposed throughout the course of the story. He essentially never overpowers his characters, and likes to expose their flaws to the audience. This makes a talented actor like TJR a perfect fit for GJM. I would be tempted to go as far as to say TJR is GJM's muse. He has such beautifully smooth transitions between a position of strength to a state of vulnerability. In FOF he effortlessly moved between moments of comedy, sadness, and strength. I think it's clear there's more to the GJM aesthetic than just looks. An actor like TJR allows GJM to film a closeup and capture a sudden shift in the internal state. An example might be, during the heat of battle, an old memory or doubt may enter the mind, causing a visible disruption externally. TJR can convey this better than anyone in Cdrama. Those beautiful close-ups that capture the shift in demeanour and his perfectly formed tears. We've all commended him on his aesthetic crying skills. Lol. It's no wonder GJM enjoys working with him so much. HMH, Duling, ZLH, Esther, Yuxiao, Yan An, Zuo Ye, Ai Mi, and little Lin Ziye (he had a growth spurt and is not so little anymore) are other examples of actors who embody the GJM style.
WXY, by contrast, brings something else to the screen. It's not that he doesn't have range, he does. He's a phenomenal young talent (literally my favourite leading man). But the camera loves him in a different way. I think producers and directors understand what they have with him. After some early experimentation, including the portrayal of a sickly villain, the charismatic hypermasculine lead is beginning to take shape. He exudes confidence, bravado, and projects a powerful presence on screen. The scenes in The Double at the end where he twice stands alone and looks death in the eye fearlessly, are a hallmark of what Xingyue brings. His final scene, in particular (the iconic pendant scene), where his gaze shifts from the fast-approaching enemy to the heavens, is something nobody could've done better.
Directors also love to include a study of Xingyue's physical gifts, athleticism, strength, and his physique. Similar to how GJM wants to capture those pretty tears from his performers. Directors who work with Xingyue like to capture him doing rugged things, riding horses, martial arts, or just generally with his shirt off and his body in motion. Lol.
This is in part why I'm particularly keen to see HS. Hongyi is not the type that typically fits the GJM style. He has the looks, but is not someone you usually associate with sudden emotional transitions, and aesthetic crying. If Xingyue is a bit of a cowboy, Hongyi is the strong silent type. I look forward to finding out what GJM did with him. If it works out well, I can see the potential in a collaboration with WXY.
Youku logic. (Step 1) Drop promo & build hype for a show. (Step 2) Postpone it. (Step 3) Release another drama…
Oh, 2025. It would be Lulu overload if they do release it this year. MM & NW (watched), Feud (soon), what a year she's having. Tbf, even an early 2026 release wouldn't bother me too much if Youku steadily releases many of their anticipated dramas currently in the queue. I actually just added another Youku drama to my WL today (It never stops). Another one that was delayed, but finally with the release of the trailer, looks set to air soon. Stars Haocun, SWL, & ARP.
On a side note... Do you think WXY would fit the GJM aesthetic / style?
Thanks. I may eventually do this. Sometimes I go back and watch dramas I originally didn't intend to watch during quiet or gap periods between shows on my watchlist. However, if I don't get around to it before this drama airs, I promise not to asks any stupid questions about their back stories here in the comment section. 😁
This month was a good time to release it, then it will be lost among so many dramas that will be released. 😮💨💁♀️
Yes. Even if you don't count other platforms, Youku alone has a big backlog of anticipated dramas. Delaying only forces it to compete for attention with other Youku dramas. Seems silly on Youku's part.
Youku logic. (Step 1) Drop promo & build hype for a show. (Step 2) Postpone it. (Step 3) Release another drama…
I feel we will get HS sooner rather than later. Youku's big drama backlog is getting a little crazy now. So there will be incentive to push some dramas out. I added Cheng Yi's TVOA to my watchlist list the other day. Expected in Q4 of 2025 (mentioned in the comment section). And now they've just dropped the trailer for the new Xingyue & Lulu drama. It looks 🔥. That one was on my radar the moment the cast was announced. So, with the trailer dropping they may be thinking about cramming it into this year's schedule. 🤔
Oh, that trailer looks insane 🤩. Insta-Hype. So many new dramas have a rich dark aesthetic. Can't wait for that Xingyue & Lulu energy to be unleashed 🥰
I'm really getting hyped for this. There is something so special about him. He exudes masculine energy on and…
Yes, they do look good in those fm videos. There's a wonderful thing taking place c-ent where the pool of leading ladies and leading men is growing at quite a rapid rate. They all bring their own charm / charisma to the screen, and the buzz created by a potential pairing is enough to get you hooked. I was enchanted by the recent paring of XRH & ZLH (the gentleman with a smile that could melt ice). Their chemistry was 🔥. Now, I'm curious and excited to see what comes from a XRH & WXY combination. Someone, if I was to be honest, is a bit of a cowboy.
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Yes, I think the TJR / GJM colabs are going to become the thing of legend in Cdrama. They just fit so well together. 100% agree. Can't wait for VOS.
I'll keep my eyes peeled for it. Even if they don't quite fit each others style. I'd die to see it at least once.
Yes. Yes. He just has that effortless big man presence about him. He really fills the space on screen. I could literally watch a drama of just WXY wandering from place to place on a horse 🐎 😁. He is very boyish and active off screen, though. Always riding or driving something. Sometimes you wonder, I hope he's being careful, but at the same time it's great to see him enjoying himself and living life to the fullest.
Tbf, if the military aspect was presented as a reluctant soldier called to the defence of his homeland, I'd buy it. An individual who would normally avoid war, but due to escalating tensions, is bound by a duty to provide a service to his people / nation. I could see a soft-spoken, quiet type, under those conditions, potentially becoming a capable war fighter. These are the types that may never speak of the war / wars they took part in. A general or similar is different. They may gradually move to a position of believing no good comes from war, but their relationship with war is complex. They are typically students of war and warfare, who often possess deep historical knowledge and an ability to be innovative in the theatre of war. History reveres the competent military leader as someone possessing military genius. Essentially, that's my problem here. There was an extra layer required to convincingly pull off this ambitious project.
I feel for RJL. He was tasked with bringing an incredibly nuanced and complex character to life, and given little opportunity to convince us he was an accomplished commander in war. Perhaps 24 episodes just wasn't enough.
I really want to stress what this drama did well and contrast it with the aspect that I believe was done relatively poorly regarding his character.
The depiction of the truest of loves between RJL (ZSC) and BL (CSY) was absolutely 10/10. The creative team and performers executed this to perfection. The portrayal of a deep love was a necessary component to lay the foundation for the tragedy that would later unfold. It also provides the context that makes CSY's final action a perfectly rational one, and not the action of a disturbed mind. They could've easily taken shortcuts and built in scenes not crucial to the story that simply allow the leads to interact and create the moments of pure chemistry that audiences love. But this drama is much more than a modern romance; it is the very definition of a tragedy. Electric chemistry, racing hormones, and sugar-sweet moments on screen just wouldn't be enough to sell the story's outcome. OAO needed to convince the viewer that this was a tale of two souls intertwined with a shared fate. It did that spectacularly. You had to witness and believe in the profound impact one human being can have on the life of another. You saw it; you felt it. From the sweetest early encounters to a love so deep that they cannot survive apart. The creative team and performers delivered a masterclass here. As many commenters have mentioned, their love lingers long after the final episode, and its impact is felt deeply.
There are two components to ZSC's character that need to be executed for full effectiveness and impact. The love component with CSY and the leadership component with those who believe in him and follow him. The love component was meticulously crafted in fine detail and brilliantly presented. The leadership component was the complete opposite, and largely a flop. It can be likened to touring a new building where the first half of the building is stunning. Every detail has been thoroughly considered; exterior, interior, materials, textures, light, functionality, cost, and human interaction within the space. The second half, however, is the complete opposite. Here corners have been cut, poor decisions have been made, and it just doesn't function well. With a building, you might blame the budget. You ran out of money and couldn't afford to finish the building to the same standard. Here there is no such excuse. It is simply a bad creative decision.
The thoughtfulness and attention to detail used to craft a deep love out of circumstances where it's forbidden are abandoned when constructing ZSC, the leader of men. Instead of convincing the audience that he is indeed this man, we are simply told he is. The creative team takes shortcuts by providing fight scenes to show his prowess in combat, but none of this demonstrates his skill or qualities as a military leader. Failing to show this aspect of ZSC's character to the viewer was a mistake, as it serves as a major distraction throughout the duration of the drama. His character is both believable in his deep connection to CSY and unbelievable in that he possesses the qualities of a successful military commander. It rarely makes sense why others believe in him so much and want to go the extra mile for him. Being a man of good character just isn't enough to sell this devotion. This is relevant to the recovery of ZSC (I'll keep it vague to avoid spoilers, but you know what I mean). That specific scene is not as convincing because they failed to establish ZSC as a revered general. Tbh, if the creative team had dedicated just one episode to portraying ZSC as a great leader, then his character would be complete and there would be no missing element dragging the drama down. You could immerse yourself in the story with no doubts or questions. But the decision to forgo any development to this core character component left an unnecessary hole in the story.
When depicted well, the production establishes the military leader and shows some key things to the audience. First, it becomes clear why he / she is the leader. At some point in the story, the viewer will witness his / her leadership and command over people. You will see the difference between the leader and the other soldiers / people, and why he / she is revered, respected, elevated above, and held in the highest regard. You will feel the large presence of the character. You will at some point feel inspired by the character. Once this is cemented in the viewer's mind, when they're at the point where the main character's call to war gives them goosebumps, then the creative team is free to sell certain plot developments and concepts to the audience. Examples might be the nuisances of war, such as the best and worst of humanity manifesting in the same place and time. A love / hate relationship with war, a hate of losing precious lives, but a love for combat, competition, and the theatre of war itself. The intense bond and willingness to die for each other formed amongst men and women serving in war. A respect and kinship with the opposing military force or commanders (deep admiration for their tactics, skill and bravery). An irrational hatred towards the other side's people formed by seeing the worst of the opposing side's military. A disillusionment with your own side after seeing the worst of your own military / people. Etc.
The drama really needed to establish ZSC as a great / accomplished general in order to make the actions of those willing to sacrifice everything for him believable. The creative team dedicated no serious time or effort to this vital component and thus failed to create something truly convincing and authentic. Ultimately, this dragged it all down for me. The love aspect proved the creative team has the talent to be thorough, do things right, and convince us ZSC is a man of outstanding character who had a deep impact on the life of CSY. They simply just opted not to do it in regard to portraying him as a general, and instead left ZSC the great military leader as a nonentity. It's a shame because this could've been a perfect ten drama had they spent at least one episode doing that.
This was my first RJL drama, and I don't blame him for failing to bring this great general to life. I honestly don't believe the writers gave him the opportunity to do so. I have Love & Crown on my watchlist, so I'll see what he can do there.
In summary, for me, OAO is an ambitious drama with many fine attributes. But they just couldn't find the time to develop a core component of his character. This leaves it to the viewer to suspend disbelief to make certain important elements of the story work. Had they done this, the immersion would be seamless and the drama pretty much perfect.
Completely understandable and not uncommon. There are so many quality costume dramas that one never really needs to watch anything modern. Personally, I'm a bit of a genre hopper, so mixing it up helps keep things fresh for me. I also enjoy following the development of actors, so I like to see them testing themselves in different environments.
No, I don't think he has done any costume fantasies. I have thought about this potential team-up for a while now. The combo of WXY's looks and GJM's aesthetic styling would no doubt be 🔥. But, after watching MJTY and FOF, and conducting a mental re-casting, I really couldn't find a spot for him. The closest role I can think of that might suit him is Ryan Cheng's role in MJTY (GSJ). GJM's characters tend to bear the scars of past tragedies. Old wounds / vulnerabilities are exposed throughout the course of the story. He essentially never overpowers his characters, and likes to expose their flaws to the audience. This makes a talented actor like TJR a perfect fit for GJM. I would be tempted to go as far as to say TJR is GJM's muse. He has such beautifully smooth transitions between a position of strength to a state of vulnerability. In FOF he effortlessly moved between moments of comedy, sadness, and strength. I think it's clear there's more to the GJM aesthetic than just looks. An actor like TJR allows GJM to film a closeup and capture a sudden shift in the internal state. An example might be, during the heat of battle, an old memory or doubt may enter the mind, causing a visible disruption externally. TJR can convey this better than anyone in Cdrama. Those beautiful close-ups that capture the shift in demeanour and his perfectly formed tears. We've all commended him on his aesthetic crying skills. Lol. It's no wonder GJM enjoys working with him so much. HMH, Duling, ZLH, Esther, Yuxiao, Yan An, Zuo Ye, Ai Mi, and little Lin Ziye (he had a growth spurt and is not so little anymore) are other examples of actors who embody the GJM style.
WXY, by contrast, brings something else to the screen. It's not that he doesn't have range, he does. He's a phenomenal young talent (literally my favourite leading man). But the camera loves him in a different way. I think producers and directors understand what they have with him. After some early experimentation, including the portrayal of a sickly villain, the charismatic hypermasculine lead is beginning to take shape. He exudes confidence, bravado, and projects a powerful presence on screen. The scenes in The Double at the end where he twice stands alone and looks death in the eye fearlessly, are a hallmark of what Xingyue brings. His final scene, in particular (the iconic pendant scene), where his gaze shifts from the fast-approaching enemy to the heavens, is something nobody could've done better.
Directors also love to include a study of Xingyue's physical gifts, athleticism, strength, and his physique. Similar to how GJM wants to capture those pretty tears from his performers. Directors who work with Xingyue like to capture him doing rugged things, riding horses, martial arts, or just generally with his shirt off and his body in motion. Lol.
This is in part why I'm particularly keen to see HS. Hongyi is not the type that typically fits the GJM style. He has the looks, but is not someone you usually associate with sudden emotional transitions, and aesthetic crying. If Xingyue is a bit of a cowboy, Hongyi is the strong silent type. I look forward to finding out what GJM did with him. If it works out well, I can see the potential in a collaboration with WXY.
https://weibo.com/detail/5163959100640127
https://weibo.com/detail/5163976204226543
On a side note... Do you think WXY would fit the GJM aesthetic / style?
I have no doubt WXY & XRH will create their own magic. Xingyue brings a special physicality with him, a big presence, and a heavenly voice.