Moonstruck

I think I just missed how seamless the writing and pacing in Part 1 was. Part 1 for me was more character driven, and I understand than in Part 2 the plot would start to really kick in. I did not read the book so perhaps some nuances are lost to me. The last couple of episodes felt like a crash course of the 'backstories' and the politics dynamics in the palace. I do appreciate it but I felt the shift from how it was from Part1. Like we end with CSS realising how much LBY cares for her after persistently denying him, I expected some sort of more 'relationship transition scenes' between them. But the next time we saw them, they were already like the regular couple. And there is also the angst between the Mother/daughter relationship in the Cheng Family, that also felt like it got cut short for me. Then QiQi and Song being engaged, with no filler scenes after that kiss.
Don't get me wrong, I love this show, and I understand that this is perhaps the best writers could do to keep us within the plot and eventually everything will tie up. I guess I just really felt a sudden shift in the pacing.

I think I just missed how seamless the writing and pacing in Part 1 was. Part 1 for me was more character driven, and I understand than in Part 2 the plot would start to really kick in. I did not read the book so perhaps some nuances are lost to me. The last couple of episodes felt like a crash course of the 'backstories' and the politics dynamics in the palace. I do appreciate it but I felt the shift from how it was from Part1. Like we end with CSS realising how much LBY cares for her after persistently denying him, I expected some sort of more 'relationship transition scenes' between them. But the next time we saw them, they were already like the regular couple. And there is also the angst between the Mother/daughter relationship in the Cheng Family, that also felt like it got cut short for me. Then QiQi and Song being engaged, with no filler scenes after that kiss.
Don't get me wrong, I love this show, and I understand that this is perhaps the best writers could do to keep us within the plot and eventually everything will tie up. I guess I just really felt a sudden shift in the pacing.

Episodes are still not flowing smoothly, scenes are kinda jumpy, don't know if that is on purpose. It felt like they are trying to rush it, yet there are still several mundane scenes they could have cut. But anyhow, I'm glad we are finally getting more ML/FL scenes.

Exactly. Part1 was brilliantly written and made us love the characters as individuals. But in Part2, it seems they did not know how to lay the foundation for the 'backstory' on what happened to Huo Clan and current state of the empire. Most scenes and dialogues are centered on trying to get viewers to learn a bit of the past and the politic dynamics, but it felt unnatural and forced. It was information overload without much emotion. We were left hanging on the relationship development but instead the recent episodes seemed to skim over that. Like they were suddenly casually holding hands and kissing now. And then Qiqi and Song's engagement, I knew it is happening, but I think it deserves more airtime.
Now that we are up to date with the politics matter, hope we get the same seamless writing as in Part 1 again.

Maybe it is just me, but I feel like the recent episodes were a bit off. I think it is the editing and pacing of the story. It feels like I missed some episodes or progress and yet I DID watch all episodes.

Anyhow, I still enjoy this. I came to the conclusion that the Cheng Family scenes are always more fun than the Palace episodes.

I don't think I will be able to live thru Palace politics. It's such a headache trying to figure out people.
It's hard to tell if the Crown Princess is genuine or not. Crown Prince seems a good person but will be a potential pushover. 3rd Prince is sketchy at the beginning, but I get the feeling he is upright, yet I don't know how much his Uncle has influence on him.
AND Ling Buyi himself is sketchy, other than revenge for Huo clan, I can't tell his other motives. He seemed to be working with 3rd Prince, yet I'd like to believe they would not go as far as dethrone the Crown Prince.
P.S. just throwing randoms thoughts. no spoilers from book readers pls. :)

thanks for this.
Where are the others?
is there a separate counting for male and female? like 2nd princess and then 2nd prince.
or is this by order of birth?
and if there are 10 of them, where are the others? I thought 5th princess is the youngest.

I didn't want to open your reply yet.. Is this a major spoiler? haha
I didn't read the books

You can tell that Monarchs who rose to power after war, experiencing hardship and poverty are usually level headed and wise. It's always the children and descendants who grows up spoiled who ruins it. Such amazing Emperor/Empress/Consort combo they have yet some of the children still ended up being brats.

Hmm.. I don't think it's Buyi's mother. Because why would her pregnancy be the current Emperor's responsibility? And as far I understood, General Huo is LBY's uncle, which then I assume is his mom's brother

Is there an Imperial family tree somewhere, the prince and princess are confusing me.

Consort Yue is so savage! Love how she put everyone in their place.
Even so, everyone in the Imperial Family is making me feel uneasy, we have some clues but it's hard to tell who will later on become ally or foes.

And btw, who is the First Princess that Consort Yue mentioned? Is it the current Empress? and why does she call her 'sister?

Yeah, that's all clear about the old Madam. Was more curious about the first husband/family or something will show up later on.

Another curiosity question, what's the point of the rule that dramas cannot exceed 40episodes anymore if they are basically able to air Part 1 and Part 2 without a period gap?
Or does this have more to do with money? Like now that they have to split it, production have to pay twice for certification, licensing or etc?

Just curious. I vaguely remember on ep1 that part of the reason Old Madam doesn't like YuanYi (ShaoShang's mother) is because she's a divorcee. Does her being a divorcee play something in the plot later on? Or is this just a random info?
Please don't spoil the details, just curious if it will or will not affect the plot.

I enjoy reading comments here and interacting with fellow fans. I try to keep up to date as soon as possible with released episodes so I don't mind reading about events that were aired already.
However, I wish for the people WHO HAD READ THE NOVEL and knows about the plot/story far in advance to PLEASE MARK THESE THINGS AS SPOILERS. I know you can't contain your excitement on how this will be adapted in the series, but let the non-readers experience this excitement on how the story unfolds as well. The anticipation and buildup of not knowing what will happen in the future episodes adds to the whole experience for us. Pretty please<3

WuLei looks so mature when he's serious, but when he smiles he instantly look like his age or younger even. What a gorgeous smile (even when it's supposed to be an awkward scene), the teeth and everything. As Old Madam says, everything in his face is placed perfectly haha
I do notice on side profile his nose is a bit short, but even that is endearing to me now. <3

The mealtime scene, I am so embarrassed for him HAHAHAHA

I'm probably minority, but I honestly like it this way, I applaud the Director for really building the character background before bringing them together. And c'mon, we have a long long way to go, it makes their relationship seems more organic and realistic.

I saw a clip on tiktok and decided to watch it. The CGI, makeup, costume is really cringey. I somehow imagine the actors being embarrassed when they watch post production.
But anyhow, I did finish it. It's mediocre but not abominable bad. I think the whole legend/story cannot be crammed into a 2hr movie. A lot of things didn't make sense. There are tons of better movies out there, but on a lazy bored day, I guess this will do.

I think WEtv is also not available in my region. I'm watching this currently on dramacool, but I'm struggling with the embedded subs, they are too small for my poor eyesight.