Best Chinese Drama of 2023... with the side of an obsessive stalker

Really good show - one of the best Chinese dramas I've seen in a while (easily the best of the year), with some glaring flaws.

Now going into the show, it's important to look at it from the lens of an "idol" drama - it's purpose is to entertain viewers, not realistically portray humanity. That's why some things like the main leads' overpowered-ness (and yes, they are the two strongest characters from beginning to end, no one else comes close) is excusable. And even given that, they're semi-realistic with it - the main leads are constantly suffering from injuries and they struggle with defeating enemies in large numbers.

First, great characterization for the characters - leading and supporting alike, probably the best I've seen for a wuxia drama (outside of the masterpieces in Nirvana in Fire and Joy of Life).

The main leads have a strong relationship - they have good chemistry, it matches the plot, and by the end, you can see how much they care for each other in both their actions and their acting. They get together relatively early on in the show, and they have a strong loving relationship for most of it. The most refreshing thing about it is that the problems that they face in their relationship are very realistic - there aren't any stupid misunderstandings that drag on for episodes on end, and there are no outsiders that try to influence their relationship in any significant way (just a gang of shippers, but they're harmless).

Most importantly, the main leads have a mature relationship. Without spoiling too much, they broke up with each other in the middle of the show because they realized they both wanted different things out of a relationship. They're smart characters that clearly care for each other, but they also realize that they need to prioritize their own needs without sacrificing everything for their partner.

Outside of the main leads, Princess Yang Ying has the strongest characterization out of any supporting character I've seen in recent memory. She has a classic hero's journey arc - from weak princess to the strong ruler of a nation that takes responsibility for her citizens. She learns from Ren Ru Yi the importance of her status as royalty, and you can see how it transforms her actions and decisions throughout the show. From scene to scene, you can witness her growth and it's a feel-good moment at the end when you reflect on what she has become.

In complete contrast to that is one of the major flaws of the show - Li Tong Guang's character. His character is so odd and uncomfortable at times, given his obsession/sexualization of Ren Ru Yi. It feels like the show just brushes that aside when the two main leads decide to work with him - like, this man has been creepily obsessive over your lover for years, are you sure you want to treat like this? Throughout the drama, there are hints of his redemption, but they get squashed over and over again by his actions. To compare, the writer wrote Princess Yang Ying's character arc as a straight line from weak to strong, and Li Tong Guang's character arc as a fucking scribble.

Outside of these four characters, the supporting cast is well developed. Each of the Liu Dao Hall members have a clear narrative arc that is neatly wrapped up by the end of the show (especially Liu Shi San - did not expect him at all). Even minor characters like Chu Yue, Deng Hui, and Chief Secretary Du show character growth, and become likable to viewers. One thing I was particularly impressed about was how the writer managed to tie in the Wu Empress and Danyang Prince's narrative arc with such little screentime (episode 1 + an episode near the end).

The only criticism I have of the supporting characters is the Wu Emperor - who somehow magically transforms from a selfish to magnanimous king... but that leads into another issue: Pacing. Particularly in the last couple (5-6ish episodes).

The entire drama breaks down in the last few episodes - at such a rapid pace. Things are happening left and right. Something that would have taken a couple episodes to unfold is shown in mere minutes, and it leaves viewers confused. The plot twist when the main leads return to the Wu Empire could have been a glorious moment - but the entire conspiracy unfolds so fast, there isn't time for the viewer to completely process and marvel at everything.

And... MAJOR SPOILER: All the characters start dying off one by one that there isn't enough time to mourn their death either. It's strange when all of the characters survive until episode 35 or so, but so suddenly die off.

When it comes to the technical side of the drama, there's very little to complain about. Amazing sound - from the voice overs, sound effects, and (especially) the music. Beautiful costumes + production design, all of the characters looked beautiful. And the camera work on the fight scenes are a marvel - especially when the two leads are fighting side by side.

With that, it's a great show - the writer did a good enough job in the first 30 or so episodes of the drama, that I'm attached to the characters enough to follow through with the trainwreck of the end, since I wanted to see what happens to them.

(P.S. Hearing about the Liu Yu Ning drama breaks my heart. I think he's incredibly attractive in the show - and I'm not usually a fan of male characters in historical dramas. I usually find male actors unattractive because of the feminine look + heavy makeup, but he looked manly and natural in the show. That fucking mole is hot.)

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