meidreams

Exactly, we barely started the show, let's wait and see how it goes. I really believe, if not all, most of these characters will grow one way or another, so it's just a matter of giving the drama time to build the plot. This is a sort of introduction arc and we're still missing some characters, so it's a little too early to hate on it.

And the "double standards" I see with toxic male characters in c-dramas really confuses me. The men of PM suck and are hated on by the audience (understandable), but in other dramas the ML is just as toxic and red flag, and yet he's considered hot (not understandable at all)?

I think we should give this drama (and its characters) a little more time to develop.
I understand some of the critics, because half of the male characters introduced so far are indeed rather misogynistic – or straight up toxic –, but please consider that we are still at the very beginning of this drama and all these characters have yet to grow, change, develop, you name it.
If this persists by the end of the season, then I'd also be disappointed in the writing and characterization, because, no matter how historically accurate it is for men of that time to behave and treat women like that, in a fictional work I always look forward to character growth, BUT, again, we have only watched four episodes so far, give them time to build the story and characters.
Everything else feels decent so far, so there's hope the characters will be complex and have a personality as we move forward.

Nothing wrong with it, really. Like, it's no masterpiece, but these first four episodes are actually good and take the right time in setting the story and characters.
It's slow and many characters are yet to be introduced (let alone reach growth and development), so perhaps people who prefer fast-paced and thrilling storylines are not liking it much, but I personally think it's decent and has a promising beginning.
There are a lot worse dramas with a higher rating and reviews out there, so I'd say give it a chance and see how YOU feel about it (if you haven't already)

I honestly couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that happening.
Characters brushing their teeth? Washing their hands upon entering a room? Dirt on the streets and people being people? Those little details make this drama feel so grounded and realistic and I am all for it!
Also, the fact they change clothes and don't wear complicated hairstyles when sleeping. Very much appreciated.

Now I really need to read the novel. Where can I find it (if it's been translated)?

Thank you!

At this rate, we will watch this one in a retirement home or something

Any news?

At this rate, the only living beings by episode 40 will be Bai Shuo and Fan Yue.
And I thought Fangs of Fortune went heavy with the killings...

The closest you'll find is probably My Journey to You, if you haven't already watched it
Same director and costume designer, so you get very similar aesthetics and cinematography, actors and styling

I am currently following three/four other drama pages, but this still feels the safest and most welcoming, especially when it comes to sharing different opinions.
I always find myself coming back to FoF and check it out, although lately it's very calm and nearly everyone has left. Still, up to this moment, this is the comment section where I had the best experience and met the loveliest people and I will miss the times when the show was airing/just finished airing.

Am I the only one who feels these first episodes are kinda... dragging? I know it's just three of them and hence the very very beginning, but the pacing is kinda weird and really bored me at certain points. Couldn't quite keep my full attention.
Season one "magic" and character dynamics aren't there just yet.
On a positive note, the camera work and slow motion for the fighting sequences are simply phenomenal and right now that's my favourite thing about this season.

They're going to cut costume dramas down to 16 episodes? This isn't promising. It could be messy for a modern drama, let alone historical or xianxia

He was also ML of a short, low budget drama. The drama was pretty bad tho
But at least he looked pretty

I have a question, both general and related to Guardians of the Dafeng
When our protagonist goes back in time/enters a fictional world, what happens to the person/character they are replacing?

I really don't want GotD to be over. I usually don't mind it, no matter how much I loved a drama, but now that we are nearing the end of the season, I can't help but feel sad. I'm going to miss this one a lot, I just know it.
And why is it only at 8.5? It deserves a better rating.

I finally found a review that perfectly puts into words how I'm feeling towards this drama

Thank you so much for answering!
I prefer slowly built stories, so I'm a little taken aback by how fast and how much is happening in those first episodes

I'm about to start episode 4 and everything feels so fast paced (so many things happened in just three episodes).
Do things slow down going forward or will I have to expect this pace for the rest of the drama?

As long as it comes back in time, logic can still admire the sunset
Not all hope is lost