Reviews

Not as engaging as expected.

I love Park Eun Bin! And I was pleasantly surprised how much of a good, talented actor Yang Se Jong actually is !

And coming from a moderate intertest in anything "spooky", not necessarily horror. I thought this show would perfectly fit my taste ! And seeing Park Eun Bin in it would be even better ! But honestly, it's nowhere near as engaging as I expected it would. It was more of a tame romantic drama comedy that happens to have some paranormal elements around it. Nothing really enticing, or suspenseful. Just two people who end up closer together that happen to have a ghost or two around them.

Too bad, could've been even better in my opinion.

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one of those dramas that gets darker the more you think about it

i honestly didn’t know what to expect going into mask girl, but this drama is WILD 😭 it starts off like it’s going to be a story about a woman struggling with her appearance and then just keeps getting darker and more messed up. every episode feels like it’s introducing another layer to the story.

the acting was definitely one of the strongest parts. the casting was SO good, especially because the different actresses playing the same character actually felt believable. nana was probably my favourite, but the whole cast did their job really well.

that being said, i wouldn’t say it was perfect. some parts felt rushed and there were moments where i was like “okay… what am i even watching 😭”. the story also gets pretty depressing, so definitely don’t go into this expecting a cute or comforting drama.

but honestly? that’s kinda what makes mask girl memorable. it’s disturbing, unpredictable and sometimes uncomfortable, but it actually has something to say about beauty, loneliness, obsession and how people treat each other. i can understand why it won’t be for everyone, but i definitely think it’s worth watching at least once.

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Poorly executed

Overdo Review: Wasted Potential

This drama could have been explosive if it had been properly directed. The ingredients for a gripping story were already there: human trafficking, dark romance, mystery, and morally complex characters. It had the potential to be intense, thrilling, and emotionally captivating, but unfortunately, the execution fell flat.

The biggest issue is the lack of suspense and thrill. For a plot dealing with such dark and serious themes, the drama rarely creates a sense of urgency or tension. Instead, it feels overly focused on visuals, often prioritizing beautiful cinematography over meaningful storytelling. While the drama is undeniably visually appealing, aesthetics alone cannot carry a story that needs stronger emotional and narrative impact.

The pacing also feels disconnected from episode to episode, making it difficult to stay fully immersed. Some scenes feel abrupt, while others drag on without adding much to the overall story. The music score does not help either—it lacks the intensity needed to elevate the darker and more dramatic moments.

Perhaps the most disappointing part is that this feels like such a waste of Zhang Linghe and Wang Churan's potential. Both have the visuals and acting ability to bring a dark, intense romance to life, and their pairing had all the ingredients to be memorable. But with weak direction and an inconsistent execution, their talents feel underutilized.

Overall, Overdo had an exciting premise and a visually stunning cast, but poor direction, disconnected pacing, a lack of thrill, and an underwhelming music score turned what could have been an explosive dark romance into a frustrating missed opportunity.

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The most I heard about this show was due to the controversial age gap between Ai Mi (17) and Hou Minghao (27), so I’ll address that first.

I do think 10 years is a lot when you’re 17. But I always try to see the characters and not the actors, and I also think they both did a good job portraying their roles. Ai Mi doesn’t look as young as some other 17-year-olds so the visual age gap is not outrageous, and she IS a young character. The show also avoids kiss scenes for this reason, but it is still a romance they need to sell, so there are plenty of gazes, hugs, cuddles, hand holding, etc. I don’t think the show is any worse for avoiding kisses.

For me personally, my knowledge of their creepy age gap was always sitting in the back of my mind, and I couldn’t help subconsciously cringing as I watched them try to sell the romance. I had to either believe it and get creeped out, or not believe it. I think somebody who is better immersed would probably not have this problem, so it’s a non-issue for some viewers. And for the rest of us, we may not agree with the casting decisions, but if we can look past it then there is still a decent story to enjoy.

The FL is kind-hearted and smart at engineering, but especially at the beginning, she is naïve and somewhat ditzy about the rest of life. Normally I like savvier FLs, but one unintended consequence for me of Ai Mi’s age is that the FL looks so young that I didn’t mind her innocence so much, or the way the ML is always watching out for her behind the scenes. I even found it cute. And then a big part of this show is about the FL growing up to become somebody who can stand up for herself and the people she cares about. Her growth and maturity are shown well, including the cost to her innocence.

The ML is a classic archetype of good guy with a bad rep, but I thought he’s done better than most. He really is a nice guy who gets little recognition for his good deeds, and I especially like how he tries to hang onto his friendship with the SML. He has all your classic ML traits (smart, good fighter, noble cause, etc) and the added drama of a ticking time bomb. Not that unique, but good use of tropes.

For supporting characters, some are interesting and some are fun, but I was never so attached to anyone as to wish they had more time. Maybe the emperor- minor character, but I liked how he sees through all the schemes but hates the whole game. The SML kept me on my toes. I found the show less stressful when I gave up on him early, but I was never quite sure which side of the fence he’d fall on. The villains are a mixed bag for me, some I hated and some I felt a little bad for.

There are also several strong female side characters. In general, this show does girl power well. The FL isn’t the only woman who has goals and dreams that she can fulfill through her own skills. There is also a conscious focus on women’s agency and freedom, which seems a popular theme for shows in the past year or two.

The pacing is in general decent, fast but not too choppy. The show skips a lot of details and procedure, like how people figure things out, which I discovered is ok with me. But I was confused by all the relationships and titles- the backstory is revealed satisfactorily but there are some aspects I never fully figured out (eg SML backstory). Everything is enough to get the gist though, and perhaps it’s for the better- details often don’t stand up to scrutiny anyways.

In the middle there is a patch where I think the pacing is too fast- big things happen abruptly, and the plot is pushed forward by not-quite-believable behavior. Closer to the ending, things also get rushed. I got some massive whiplash and confusion from schemes revealed in retrospect (plot twist style), along with various gaps and holes- some things underdeveloped, other things unexplained, other things glossed over. I think this show could have used more episodes, but honestly, I was kind of over it by then. Maybe pontificate less about the common people and use that time instead to plug plot holes

For the acting, I think people in general did a decent job and are believable. You just have to forget about the age gap. Peter Ho always gets so much praise, but actually I thought his dead-in-the-soul acting was too extreme. But he cried so well, it activated my mirror neurons and I actually started crying with him.

The fight choreography is pretty good. Some of the fights are very flashy (eg the first and last battles) with posing and stills. The CGI is... ok. Those fireballs were remarkably accurate, lol. In general I think the production is decent but not the best- the only part that stood out to me was the music. I like both the OST and the background music, which I thought set the tones really well. But sometimes the music cut back and forth between different songs too abruptly.

Overall it’s not a bad show. I liked the beginning better when I felt the ML and FL had a cute dynamic and there is a little humor. But then there is periodic heartache throughout and I ended up losing some interest, though it might have been self-protection to save me from feeling too upset.

ENDING – READ AHEAD ONLY IF YOU WANT TO KNOW, CONTAINS SPOILERS





It’s an ultimate happy ending for the two leads. After a time gap, the ML is saved by deus ex machina (I almost never complain about this). The SML ends up falling on the side of good, which is a relief. He’s lonely at the top, but we all know it’s a decision he made. The story ties up pretty well, even without a view of the future stretching forward. There is also a post-credit scene with a small plot twist.

MORE MAJOR SPOILER AHEAD





The Eagle King is the final baddy. He does lots of bad things, but I also felt sorry for him because he’s so sincere to Lejun- he is too smart to fall for her crap, but still chooses to indulge her. Their story together seems to be missing many pieces, as if scenes were deleted, creating much confusion and an ultimate villain that feels underdeveloped. But from what I glimpsed of it, I still didn’t feel good about how it went down. I don’t like being sad for somebody I’m supposed to hate (though maybe it would have been easier if he were uglier, lol).

To be fair, though, he also doesn’t even seem that important to the story. The guy is smart but didn’t really stand out from any of the other villains along the way.

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PERFECT FOR AWKWARD BLOODSHED

Damn the way it started was fabulous and I had no spoilers as well. It was fun to watch in a single day especially if you like to complete the whole drama in a go. Well coming to the plot it was simple like connecting the person who shares same eye - ball and the other guy is pschyo. What fascinated the more is the villain, damn in one of the add I saw him "Getting rejected after multiple purposes it was for some clothing advertisement. I didn't expect the same person to be shown violently damn he nailed it. Coming to hae-in, it was first time seeing some bold scenes. But made it look so creepy yet worth watching if you like bloodshed and all.

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golden retriever x black cat with a contract element

Overall: though this is longer than most verticals, I felt like I missed major parts of the plot. 101 episodes about 2 minutes each. Aired on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/verticals/watch/6953/secrecy-2025?episodeId=6982

Content Warnings: death off screen, grief, sex trafficking?/coercion (in the beginning?) non con picture taking

Watch episodes 1-32, 39-46, 51-60, 62, 66, 76, 90-end

What I Liked
- unique premise
- supportive mom

Room For Improvement
- needed to explain the world building earlier/more clearly, did the famous guy not know the terms of the contract?
- that was not a cat outfit
- voice over exposition dumps
- so he doesn't tell the person he likes the truth but he tells another guy who seems sus? (ep 48)
- he was jealous and cancelled a class that the other guy enjoyed
- noble idiot trope
- a stupid "plan"

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SOMETHING UNEXPECTED - A GOOD DRAMA

I enjoyed it more than I expected. The storyline is something I’ve never seen before. I like the plot twist we had in the last 2 episodes. Since the genre is Romcom, I can understand having the funny scenes. But it would be better, if they didn’t add such ones (esp silly ones) and focus on dark genre. It would be so lit, ig! However, if I look at from the another perspective, the Romcom with dark genre is very rare. So, I think they did it well, without ruining it. The Leads did so well. I don’t know why people don’t like FL. I see no negative points. I am so happy that I can see ML’s drama with a good plot again. Unexpectedly, I like BSG’s character. However, instead of using a typical troop of fleeing from the jail, they should just let him know about his son before he was sent to the jail. And the Cameo part, I love it. Overall, a good drama. Should not miss. 👍🏻

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Wasted a story with potential

The story started good. Felt interesting at the beginning.

Let me list out the flaws I found
1. The amnesia thing was unnecessary

2. 2nd couple story left ambiguous

3. The story of Gong Ji Hye and why she has too much hatred for Gong Ji Hyeok - not shown clearly.

4. Go Da Rim went to Jeju in the final episode to find her sister - did she had a talk with her or not? not shown.

5. Relationship between Mr. Kang and Lee Go Eun not shown.

6. Might have shown some backstory of Gong Ji Hyeok and Yu Tae Young.
The acting was so good because of the talented actors. Go Da Rim nailed her character.

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Progressive messaging in an Historical Setting

The strength of this series lies in its progressive messaging: partnerships are mutually supportive, traditional gender roles are challenged, and female characters actively take control of their lives. These themes reflect refreshingly modern values and aspirations.

However, the pacing is questionable. As this epic, slow-moving narrative dragged on, I became far less engaged. I am genuinely baffled by its 9.6 rating on Viki!

The main cast delivers solid, professional performances and is visually attractive, while the voice actors are completely plausible. I also loved hearing musical threads of Tristan and Isolde woven into the background during tragic scenes.

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Delivering some Street Justice to Bullies

My rating 10/10

Review

This drama ranks now as one of my favorite all time dramas. And I have watched over 400 dramas at this point. I loved the premise not only because it was unique and compelling but it also shines a light on a very real problem—not only in South Korea, but in many developed countries. Though the issue is on an undeniably greater scale in South Korea than in most places, it is an issue that is present worldwide. While the subject matter is incredibly serious, the drama manages to present it in a way that is consistently entertaining without losing site or downplaying how the severe issue with bullying in all forms.

Anyone who has ever been bullied—whether at home, at school, or even in the workplace—is probably going to find themselves cheering internally as the bullies are confronted in some of the most satisfying ways imaginable. The central premise asks a fascinating question: What if there were a group with the authority to step in where everyone else had failed? What if victims actually had a voice and knew someone would listen?

I also appreciated how broadly the series approached bullying. It doesn't focus solely on the stereotypical schoolyard bully. It explores physical violence between students, cyberbullying, adults abusing their authority, and even the systems that allow those behaviors to continue unchecked. It also branches into related issues such as drug use, gambling, and other criminal activities that often accompany intimidation and exploitation.

The action is excellent, the pacing stays consistently engaging, and despite tackling some very heavy themes, the drama never becomes weighed down by them. Instead, it balances its social commentary with exciting investigations, memorable characters, and some outstanding fight choreography.

Despite being primarily an action drama, there is also just enough romance to satisfy hopeless romantics like me without ever distracting from the central story. The budding relationship between Bong Geun-dae (deputy director and field investigator) and Im Han-rim (field inspector) was absolutely adorable. It never takes over the plot, but the small moments they share provide a welcome bit of warmth and humor amid the much heavier subject matter. It was exactly the right amount.

Other viewers have also praised the drama for its satisfying action sequences and willingness to tackle difficult social issues. While some questioned whether its methods were overly idealized, I think that heightened premise is exactly what makes it so entertaining. I would absolutely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys action dramas, crime stories, or stories where justice is finally served.

Spoilers

One of my favorite aspects of the entire series was the concept behind the Teachers' Rights Protection Agency (TRPA). The idea that there could be an organization with the legal authority to step in and do whatever was necessary to stop bullies was incredibly satisfying to watch.

When I was younger, that was often how school bullies were dealt with. It was the classic "meet me behind the bus yard" kind of street justice. More often than not, it took someone bigger, stronger, or simply unwilling to tolerate the bully anymore to finally put an end to it. That isn't necessarily an ideal solution, but it was often the reality.

The TRPA takes that idea and imagines what it might look like if society actually empowered people to intervene before victims were completely broken. Because the agency had the authority to act physically when necessary, the fight scenes became some of the most rewarding moments in the series. Watching the bullies receive a taste of their own medicine was immensely satisfying.

Did I think it permanently changed most of them? Not really.

People who habitually bully others rarely change overnight. School bullies often grow into workplace bullies, and sometimes even into bullies in retirement communities. More often than not, they simply stay in check when there's someone stronger keeping them accountable. What I appreciated about the TRPA was that it wasn't portrayed as a one-time solution. It was made clear that the agency would come back if necessary, and students always had somewhere to report abuse knowing they would actually be heard.

One storyline I wish had gone a little further involved the mothers giving their children drugs to improve academic performance. I appreciated that the drama clearly called it what it was—child abuse—but I wish the legal consequences had been much stronger. I wanted to see those parents prosecuted and sent to jail. That was one area where I thought the series treated a very serious issue a little too gently.

I also think the popularity of this drama says something important. So many people recognize that bullying has become a significant problem, and in many places the traditional ability to defend yourself or others has been removed without an equally effective replacement. That leaves victims feeling powerless.

To have such a heavy topic and yet be able to integrate some more light hearted moments and have them fit naturally was a testament to how masterfully this series was scripted. As mentioned before, I also ended up loving the subtle romance between Bong Geun-dae and Im Han-rim. She was this incredibly tough former special forces operative who could intimidate just about anyone, yet underneath all that she was genuinely caring. Geun-dae, on the other hand, was intelligent, sweet, and had a quieter personality that balanced her perfectly. They brought out the best qualities in each other. I looked forward to the scenes between them and it felt as a positive addition to, rather than detraction from, the main story.

One of my favorite scenes was at the cemetery when they were bickering back and forth in that unmistakably flirtatious way. Choi Gang-seok looked at them and wondered what was going on, and Na Hwa-jin immediately replied that they simply liked each other and didn't know it yet. He called it exactly as the audience was thinking it, and it made the entire scene even more charming. Watching that relationship slowly develop in the background was one of the drama's sweetest surprises.

I also really appreciated the relationship between Na Hwa-jin and Choi Gang-seok. Even though Gang-seok was technically his superior—and would have officially been his father-in-law had he married his daughter—you could tell he genuinely thought of Hwa-jin as family. One of the moments that really drove that home for me was when Gang-seok learned that Cho Gyu-cheol, the same violent offender who had murdered Hwa-jin's fiancée years earlier, had returned and stabbed Hwa-jin as well. Up until then, he had remained remarkably composed and professional in dealing with Gyu-cheol. The instant he realized Hwa-jin had been attacked, though, you could see that professionalism disappear. His reaction was pure protective father. It was one of the most heartfelt moments in the series because it showed that, though the wedding could never happen, he still considered Hwa-jin his son.

The drama also did a good job showing how the school violence committees themselves could be manipulated and corrupted. Simply creating another committee isn't enough if the people running it can be influenced by money, status, or politics. The series makes it very clear that those systems alone are not always capable of delivering justice.

Obviously, I don't think a real-world solution would be as extreme as the TRPA. This is still a television drama. But I do think it raises worthwhile questions about what should replace systems that clearly aren't working. Stricter consequences for serious juvenile crime would be a start. If someone repeatedly commits violent acts, there should be meaningful consequences instead of endless chances with little accountability. Likewise, having specially trained personnel assigned to schools with enough authority to immediately intervene when students are being victimized could go a long way toward protecting those who often feel they have nowhere to turn.

Even if the drama exaggerates its solution for entertainment purposes, the problems it highlights are very real. That combination of exciting action, compelling characters, and thoughtful social commentary is what made this such an easy 10/10 for me.

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Suspense, Grief, and Edge-of-Your-Seat Twists

The Husband delivers a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller that turns a falling-apart marriage into a captivating mystery. Rather than forcing conventional romantic chemistry between Tae-ju and Se-yun, the drama wisely leans into their realistic emotional distance; as a couple on the brink of divorce who are worn out by grief and the painful weight of their daughter’s death, the lack of warmth between them felt entirely intentional and beautifully acted. Namkoong Min and Lee Seol deliver stellar performances, authentically capturing the heavy exhaustion and resentment of two people whose connection has frayed over time. What initially seemed like a plot that might run out of steam after four episodes surprisingly maintains a sharp, relentless momentum across all twelve. The narrative is packed with unexpected twists, high-stakes plot developments, and a strong ensemble of well-written supporting characters that keep you hooked at every turn. While it requires a slight suspension of disbelief to accept how seamlessly a high-profile hospital director like Kang Tae-ju transforms into a fugitive on the run overnight, that remains a minor quibble in an otherwise tight script. Ultimately, The Husband executes a satisfying, well-rounded conclusion, making it a thoroughly entertaining ride for anyone who loves an intense, character-driven mystery.

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All That for This?

The Husband started off on a surprisingly strong note. A marriage already hanging by a thread suddenly takes a dark turn when Ko Se Yun disappears, leaving her husband Kang Tae Ju caught between a murder accusation, a kidnapping, and a growing conspiracy. The early episodes had just the right amount of suspense. Nothing felt excessively dramatic, but there was enough mystery to keep me hooked. The identity of the kidnapper was kept under wraps, and that uncertainty made the whole situation creepier. I found myself making theories in my head, trying to figure out who was behind it and, more importantly, why Se Yun had been kidnapped. Unfortunately, that initial thrill did not last.

The drama revealed No Man Hui as the mysterious kidnapper fairly quickly. During the kidnapping, Man Hui was framed as an almost psychopathic, manic figure who could raise the stakes whenever Tae Ju made the slightest mistake. At first, it worked. His gaze was creepy, his smile was creepy, and there was something genuinely unsettling about him. But the same cycle kept repeating. Tae Ju makes a mistake, Man Hui threatens him, the tension rises, Se Yun survives, and then we do it all over again. Eventually, I became numb to it. When your supposed thriller starts making you think, "Oh, here we go again," the suspense has officially clocked out. Still, I tolerated the repetitive kidnapping arc because I assumed there had to be a bigger payoff waiting. The kidnapping itself was only the surface, after all. Tae Ju's search for Se Yun was filled with obstacles, from Se Yun's parents to the police, and practically everyone seemed determined to make his life harder.

The police were especially frustrating. There are incompetent police officers in dramas, and then there is this. At some point, it stopped feeling like intentional characterization and started feeling like careless writing. They barely seemed interested in conducting a meaningful investigation, not even the kind of investigation that exists purely for show. The fact that nobody seemed particularly interested in checking computers and desktops for potentially crucial evidence was baffling to me. Is IT not part of the basic vocabulary of modern investigations? I thought that was basic protocol. By the end, I genuinely wondered what purpose the police served other than becoming another roadblock for Tae Ju.

To the drama's credit, Tae Ju's search did eventually lead somewhere. I had expected the kidnapping storyline to drag almost until the finale, so I was actually surprised when it wrapped up during the first half. The escape itself was one of those scenes where I had to temporarily suspend not just disbelief, but common sense. Tae Ju and Se Yun barely managed to hit Man Hui hard enough to keep him down, yet they immediately ran away. They even left a loaded gun right beside him. Naturally, Man Hui got back up and chased them. At this point, they were begging to be chased and captured.

This kind of thing happened too often. I can forgive characters making bad decisions when those decisions fit their circumstances or happen occasionally. But when the same kind of questionable decision-making keeps appearing, it stops creating tension and starts creating comedy. Some of the directing choices did not help either. There was even a moment when Tae Ju tried opening the car door with his right hand while his left hand was the one pushing the door. It was such a small thing, but after everything else, it became another accidental comedy moment.

Once the kidnapping arc was over, the drama shifted gears. The story focused on why Man Hui kidnapped Se Yun in the first place. This was where things became increasingly messy. The drama kept peeling back layers of conspiracy, introducing one revelation after another, as though it were determined to convince us that there was an enormous, intricate puzzle hiding underneath everything. The problem is that once all the layers were removed, the core of the story felt surprisingly simple. The complicated route did not lead to a complicated destination.

I can give the drama the benefit of the doubt and accept that some of the motivations may technically make sense. The problem is the buildup and storytelling. The reasons behind the kidnapping never felt strong enough to justify the elaborate chain of events surrounding it. The same goes for the explanation behind Tae Ju and Se Yun's broken marriage. There may be an emotional explanation for it, especially when grief and blame are involved, but the drama did not make me feel enough of that emotion for it to land naturally. As a matter of fact, I honestly don’t see the point of their divorce arc and how it’s important to the plot. There were simply too many variables in this drama. Too many people, motives, connections, secrets, and twists were piled on top of what should have been a relatively straightforward core story. The more the drama explained, the more loose ends seemed to appear.

The cast was another mixed bag for me. I have always enjoyed Nam Goong Min's acting, and I could see what he was trying to do with Tae Ju. His character is supposed to be a quiet, introverted, nerdy doctor who keeps most of his emotions buried, and Nam Goong Min's restrained expression works for that aspect of the character. He also tried to communicate through his eyes, which suited Tae Ju's personality. However, that restraint also made the character feel rather bland at times. Despite everything Tae Ju went through, I rarely felt emotionally connected to him. I could understand that he was under immense pressure, but I did not necessarily feel that pressure with him. The funniest part was probably his brief burst of panic when he saw his wife being drowned upside down. I am simply not used to seeing that kind of loud Nam Goong Min, and somehow it felt more comedic than terrifying.

Lee Seol was even more difficult for me to connect with as Se Yun. I am not sure whether the problem lies more with the character writing, the delivery, or both, but I found her character frustrating and emotionally distant. Whatever emotion she was trying to convey rarely landed for me. There were moments when I could understand what she was supposed to be feeling because the script, dialogue, and situation told me so, rather than because the performance made me feel it. That also affected the central marriage. I was never fully convinced by Tae Ju and Se Yun as a married couple. Their interactions often felt awkward in a way that did not seem intentional. Between the character writing, Nam Goong Min's occasionally awkward delivery, and Lee Seol's performance, their relationship never developed the emotional weight that the story seemed to expect me to accept.

The one actor who left the strongest impression on me was Kim Dae Myung as No Man Hui. After seeing him play such a warm and lovable character in Hospital Playlist, watching him become this creepy, mysterious figure was quite the transformation. His stare and smile alone were enough to make him unsettling. Unfortunately, that effect was strongest while Man Hui remained a mystery. Once his character and motivations became clearer, the creepiness faded and he felt more like a manic, desperate human being than the terrifying figure the drama initially presented.

The supporting cast also consisted of plenty of familiar faces, but that came with an unfortunate side effect. Some characters were cast or written in a way that made them suspicious almost immediately. Instead of making the eventual revelations feel like a shocking "Aha!" moment, it sometimes felt more like the drama was confirming what I had already suspected. When the audience can see the suspicious character standing under a giant neon sign saying "I AM IMPORTANT," the twist loses some of its magic.

Visually, the drama did not leave much of an impression either. Some scenes looked noticeably low effort, and there were moments where the use of generative AI stood out rather than enhancing the production. Whatever the reasoning behind those choices, the result made the drama feel cheaper than it should have. The OSTs were similarly forgettable. Nothing really stayed with me after an episode ended.

In the end, The Husband left me with the strange feeling that the drama was trying very hard to make me feel stupid. It wrapped a relatively simple story in layers of conspiracy, twists, and complications, only for the underlying motivations to feel much simpler than the journey suggested. The first few episodes gave me hope that I was in for a tense mystery thriller, but the good parts ended too soon. The suspense gradually gave way to repetition, then absurdity, and eventually accidental comedy.

There is nothing wrong with a complicated story, but complexity should serve the story rather than become the story. Here, I felt like I was constantly being handed another piece of a puzzle, only to realize that half the pieces belonged to a different box. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this one. The beginning had potential, but the drama went downhill much earlier than I expected.

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Very Touching

While I found “Senior Deity” winsome and charming–he didn’t seem quite as quick on his feet in some of the battle scenes as the God of War ought to be.

Don’t misunderstand me, ninety percent of the time Chang Chen is masterful as a leader torn between love and duty. At times, he’s tender and indulgent toward LingXi, and at other times stern and punitive. I thought he was perfectly matched to the role.

Still there are glitches. In her stint as a mortal, the FL keeps mistaking “SD” for her 20-year-old fiancé, an illusion it was hard for me to sustain, even assuming some immortal legerdemain.

Speaking of the FL, too much praise is heaped on her “adorableness,” “cleverness,” and “kindness” before she’s earned those accolades. LingXi doesn’t start out as the strong, admirable woman she later becomes. And trying to pump her up like this felt like a cheap trick.

In the beginning she’s petulant, vapid, and given to adolescent mischief–but that’s part of her appeal to the stiff, impassive, and excessively dignified deity. He IS somewhat frozen–both figuratively and literally. Still, there’s something very endearing about him.

There are many sloow patches in this drama, and even some gratuitous plot meanderings that were annoying, rather than helpful. Some of the secondary characters seemed to have no function except as fillers. The script needed to give them something to do, anthing, other than stand around whining, drinking, or commenting on the leads.

The worst of these was Yuan Tong, the female general who sapped my energy each time she showed up thinking dark thoughts that never went anywhere. (I blame the script, not the actor.) Did we really have to see her–at least twenty times–doing a whole lot of nothing? Like waiting for a broken traffic light that just wouldn’t turn green.

On the other hand, the costumes and the imaginatively conceived architecture, buildings, and furnishings made it a feast for the eyes.

One other thing – Pay attention to that little animated dog. His reactions and behavior, often in the background, are pretty cute. My only problem with him is that he's knocked unconscious by the bad guys waay too many times. When animal abuse keeps happening–even fictionalized animal abuse–viewers start normalizing it.

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A drama or a lecture?

If you like dramas where everyone has a mental issue, sexual deviance, or a disability, you will probably enjoy this one very much.

For me, personally, it was too much. I understand it’s a drama about psychiatrists, but still, does literally everyone have to be some kind of mental patient, pervert, freak, or weirdo? Really? Everyone? Even the psychiatrists themselves? Come on. It gets old really fast.

I watch dramas to be entertained, not to be lectured about every possible trauma and disorder. There are even educational pop-ups on the screen explaining things. Next time, just make a documentary instead of a drama.

Also, the drama desperately tries to normalize and justify all kinds of sexual perversions. No, thank you. That’s not how a normal human society functions. Don’t even get me started on the whole “attracted to a minor” thing. A big nope!

I enjoyed the chemistry between the main couple, but that’s about it. Everything else just wasn’t my cup of tea.

PS: About the music: I watch Korean dramas to hear the Korean language. Why they decided to use only songs with English lyrics is beyond me.

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