Charlie C

"Schemes succeed through destiny-level convenience." = The plot armours only thicken.

What a well-written review.

In my viewing experience, though, "The Double" gradually felt emotionally empty. That emptiness, it was so much. It not only overwhelmed, it consumed. To the point, I stopped forgiving and wanted to forget. So, I dropped.
Admittedly, I thought, the cast was really good, at first, more than many prettier idol dramas. But I kept debating: are they really though? When the story is too bad, too unfortunate.

Oh well, they tried. I heard it was really, really popular.

Yes, I watched "Young Dracula". It's pretty funny. But I didn't watch a lot of live-actions, so I skipped "Wolfblood". There were some pretty rad Australian live-actions too, so I watched those.

If I said "Peppa Pig" is one of my favourites, would you believe me? I even watch it from time to time with my relatives' kids hahahaha.

Do you know "Grisly Tales for Gruesome Kids"? I was a little scared of it but cannot stop watching it. It's a bit under-the-radar, but absolutely memorable for me!

Speaking of "Young Dracula", have you seen this movie called "What We Do in the Shadow"? If you haven't, I highly, highly recommend it. It's total chaos that one LOL.

Most Ju Jing Yi's series are gorgeous. But story-wise, I don't think anyone can say the same. Skipping out "The Eternal Fragrance" is a wise choice haha.

I really hope you enjoy "How Dare You" and "Reset", if they suit your taste :D

Speaking of good first episodes. One of my all-time fav first episode belonged to "The Long Ballad". That series is damn angsty too... And "The Double" is so angsty! I didn't expect this level of angst...

My gahd, it gets annoying how these people know nothing but greed that they take turn to make other lives' miserable. They are also absolutely unreasonable, self-centered, cruel and pathetic.

But well, if everyone lived the hermit's way, minded their businesses and in peace, it wouldn't be called a "drama" anymore. I just need to turn off and go to sleep for now.

Ooh, this is interesting. I'll be on the look out from now haha. Thanks!

Wait a minute... the scenery looks familiar...
The bamboo house in episode 21 and the riverside picnic (kinda?) in episode 22 look like those in "A Splendid Match", even with different cinematography. Maybe they filmed at the same location, same studio?

I am late to the game. I even passed it off as undesirable. But per a friend's recommendation here, I started it. The very first few minutes are beautiful! I am captivated by just the lush scenery and the flute playing in the background.

Such a dramatic, angsty and tragic first episode. Such befitting music. I'm engrossed. I hope the rest of the show is of this level of quality.

Lola, I started "The Double". I'm completely engrossed from the very first couple of minutes. Thank you for recommending it to me! I hope my interest will be kept throughout. And yes, I agree, everyone acts their socks off. So much drama and angst.

Thank you very much! Really, for sharing with me series that you like and feel strongly about. I genuinely enjoy reading your comments and sharing that I feel kind of inconsiderate for being discouraged at the length of the series you recommended...

I have heard about "The Story of Ming Lan" and how it is a modern classic. I admire your commitment. I didn't know it's 78 episodes! It's also cool how you learned new things, especially taking care of yourself thereafter :D

I watched "The Rise of Phoenixes". I really tried. But it wasn't my cup of tea. Also, I thought it was around 50 episodes at first. But it turned out to be 70...

Oh, no worries, I have learnt to not binge watch :D Watching only a couple of episodes per day has greatly benefited my viewing experience. Quality over quantity.

Thank you, again, for taking your time and sharing with me. I really appreciate it. Weekend, make haste for my exhausted friend!

P/s: My favourite watch has been comedy (with drama or romance; attribute to why I'm so entertained by "Blossoms of Power" haha) or sci-fi (with mystery, suspense, thriller, especially time loop), if you have recommendations for these, please share with me. Thank you.

Thank you for your recommendation. I immediately looked it up and... regretfully, I might not watch it. It's... 68 episodes TT___TT The longest I was able to tolerate was around 50-ish episodes.

Nevertheless, I hope it'll reach more people, especially those who enjoy it like you :D

I think, it's somewhat manipulative, agenda-driven, and preference/taste-centric how the story builds up and how the characters are set and developed so that these lead couples end up together, no matter what. But that's me thinking realistically. Rarely in fiction have I come across a balance of fantasy and realism, or idealism and reflection. So, I tend to give and take as I go.

I'm pretty much a newbie. So, I haven't heard about "Princess Royal" until you. Thank you for the warning. I'll stay away from it haha.

That'd be so nice, thank you!

Yes, I can feel the reversal. It's not new. But they make it refreshing here, at least for me.

I'd like to add that yes, I enjoy ML's funny antics, but I also think his serious scenes have weight too. The actor delivers both comedy and drama for me. Can't do him justice without either. For instance, the way he consolidates his support for women/being a feminist in all seriousness in or out of the presence of the FL. There's definitely always an agenda.

Wow, I didn't know that. Could you share with me the videos where they speak about their characters? I've only seen this type of videos from one Chinese drama, purely coincidental. I don't know where to get these. It is always interesting and can be satisfying if the roles are good and well-delivered.
I can access these easily with English-speaking productions from their promotional tours and interviews. But since this is Chinese, I am pretty clueless and don't know the language myself.

I can't recall such an entertaining shameless character in Chinese dramas before. English-speaking yes, but can be different.
I wonder if this series and ML character would get popular enough for it to become a trend/trope in C-dramas; Or maybe, it'll stay uniquely to this series.

I'd say that is thanks to not just the actor but also the writing. He is the lead. He must/should be as memorable as can be.

I detected some smaller and finer details regarding misogyny though. But yeah, female power is louder, more prominent that people might not pay attention.

*Raise hand* ML is def funny for me.

I think, he carries his fair share of the show on his back, not the entirety haha. A large share, how about that?

Wow, thank you!

Thank you. I couldn't find the calendar update anywhere. (I'm not on X...)

I doubt he'll stop being a simp. But hear me out, I'm two episodes ahead of you, they will make progress as a couple. It'll be pretty fun and entertaining.

I feel the same way sometimes, especially when thinking realistically. But they are selling fantasies here. I'm just aware of... both.

Also, remember, it's not just how FL is written, but her desire for an equal in a relationship. (Her previous brother flunked this, hard.) The series is definitely showing how ML and FL can be and are equals. And it's not purely ML-doing-it-for-FL. There are things they must face and do together. More importantly, they have respect and care for each other. I hope you are/will be seeing what I'm seeing.