Deceivingly stupid but surprisingly smart
Like everyone else has been saying, this show is a hundred percent full of clichéd tropes, flimsy logic, and plot holes. However, that is the point of this whole series - that our FL, Chen Xiao Qian has made a drama so hilariously bad that her planned ML outright refuses to act in it. The way that the show frequently pokes fun at itself and acknowledges the ridiculousness of it all transforms this show from unbearable to enjoyable.
At times, the acting - especially that of the FL's - can border on annoying and one-dimensional. but the show provides a whole slew of entertaining side characters. The attendants of the leads in particular are endearing, provide great comic relief, and grounds both the ML and FL when they get too wrapped up in their respective schemes.
Plot wise, everything goes at a fast pace and any storylines get wrapped up in two episodes at most. Unlike other shows where you have to keep up with the main plot and a thousand side-plots as well, this show escapes that by making most side characters (justifiably) disposable and makes fun of this fact along the way too! This works to its advantage, because more often than not, the plot is (probably meant to be) weak. This does not mean to say it doesn't try though. There are some moments, especially near the end, where they try to tackle gender issues - albeit in a very superficial manner. Nonetheless, given the nature of the show, they handle these as smartly as they can by packaging deeper issues in lighthearted scenes.
Where this show really shines best is just brainlessly going along for the ride and watching Xiao Qian and Han Shou become increasingly besotted with each other. These types of shows don't require you to think too hard, and it is honestly best enjoyed that way. This is objectively an 8 for me, but in terms of enjoyment and experience can probably go up to a 9.
At times, the acting - especially that of the FL's - can border on annoying and one-dimensional. but the show provides a whole slew of entertaining side characters. The attendants of the leads in particular are endearing, provide great comic relief, and grounds both the ML and FL when they get too wrapped up in their respective schemes.
Plot wise, everything goes at a fast pace and any storylines get wrapped up in two episodes at most. Unlike other shows where you have to keep up with the main plot and a thousand side-plots as well, this show escapes that by making most side characters (justifiably) disposable and makes fun of this fact along the way too! This works to its advantage, because more often than not, the plot is (probably meant to be) weak. This does not mean to say it doesn't try though. There are some moments, especially near the end, where they try to tackle gender issues - albeit in a very superficial manner. Nonetheless, given the nature of the show, they handle these as smartly as they can by packaging deeper issues in lighthearted scenes.
Where this show really shines best is just brainlessly going along for the ride and watching Xiao Qian and Han Shou become increasingly besotted with each other. These types of shows don't require you to think too hard, and it is honestly best enjoyed that way. This is objectively an 8 for me, but in terms of enjoyment and experience can probably go up to a 9.
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