TRDL
USA
The Perfect Match is far from perfect, but unlike other reviewers, I thought 22 episodes was the right length. The plot does get unnecessarily convoluted around episode 20, but I think it does give some of the plot holes some closure. I just think it could have been done better. The biggest reason to watch this show is for the performances of Chris Wu as Huo Ting En, Ivy Shao as Wei Fen Qing, and Lawrence Liu as Peng Xiao Bin!
Story: For the most part, I actually really liked the plot and storyline. Parts of the plot arcs follow some usual drama tropes, such as family secrets and corporate political struggles, but a lot of the characters didn't fall into cliche roles and Fen Qing and Ting En have a very strong, healthy drama relationship (mostly). The show starts out making it seem like Ting En and Fen Qing are in a teacher/student type dynamic, but they very much challenge each other as individuals. A significant part of the relationship between Ting En and Fen Qing is about how Fen Qing doesn't need a man to protect her or fight her battles for her, though she could use some support. The only reason I wouldn't rate the story higher is because of those last few episodes where it feels like the writers couldn't figure out how to resolve some loose ends and decided to create chaos instead.
Acting/Cast: Mixed feelings on this one, but I ended up rating it high because of the three aforementioned actors. Chris Wu gives Ting En a charming maturity and depth. He and Ivy Shao as Fen Qing have great, bantering chemistry. Ivy Shao also does a great job of balancing Fen Qing's youth and naivete with her strong personality. But Lawrence Liu as Peng Xiao Bin, Ting En's best friend, is the scene stealer whenever he's on screen. His expressions and comedic timing are excellent and give this show life! While these three actors were all great, I thought Suan Wang as Meng Ru Xi was robotic, which was unfortunate because she got a ton of screen time and her character was actually pretty decent for a rival love interest.
Music: That opening song is so catchy!! It makes me think of rainbows and sunshine and summer breezes and my day feels brighter whenever I hear it.
Rewatch Value: Very low. I would fast forward to just watch some of the cute interactions between Ting En and Fen Qing. The rest of it is skippable.
Overall, this show is enjoyable for the most part with minimal cringe factor and some steamy kissing scenes, but lacks an addictive hook or a compelling finish.
Story: For the most part, I actually really liked the plot and storyline. Parts of the plot arcs follow some usual drama tropes, such as family secrets and corporate political struggles, but a lot of the characters didn't fall into cliche roles and Fen Qing and Ting En have a very strong, healthy drama relationship (mostly). The show starts out making it seem like Ting En and Fen Qing are in a teacher/student type dynamic, but they very much challenge each other as individuals. A significant part of the relationship between Ting En and Fen Qing is about how Fen Qing doesn't need a man to protect her or fight her battles for her, though she could use some support. The only reason I wouldn't rate the story higher is because of those last few episodes where it feels like the writers couldn't figure out how to resolve some loose ends and decided to create chaos instead.
Acting/Cast: Mixed feelings on this one, but I ended up rating it high because of the three aforementioned actors. Chris Wu gives Ting En a charming maturity and depth. He and Ivy Shao as Fen Qing have great, bantering chemistry. Ivy Shao also does a great job of balancing Fen Qing's youth and naivete with her strong personality. But Lawrence Liu as Peng Xiao Bin, Ting En's best friend, is the scene stealer whenever he's on screen. His expressions and comedic timing are excellent and give this show life! While these three actors were all great, I thought Suan Wang as Meng Ru Xi was robotic, which was unfortunate because she got a ton of screen time and her character was actually pretty decent for a rival love interest.
Music: That opening song is so catchy!! It makes me think of rainbows and sunshine and summer breezes and my day feels brighter whenever I hear it.
Rewatch Value: Very low. I would fast forward to just watch some of the cute interactions between Ting En and Fen Qing. The rest of it is skippable.
Overall, this show is enjoyable for the most part with minimal cringe factor and some steamy kissing scenes, but lacks an addictive hook or a compelling finish.
Was this review helpful to you?
