Reviews

Pretty Solid Psychological/Profiling Drama

I think this is a pretty solid season (up to ep 15). After reading other reviews, I realised that if you only enjoyed the 2 leads' chemistry and/or the mysterious syndicate which caused the death of Du Cheng's ex-colleague in 1st season, you're likely to be disappointed by this one. However, if you're into psychological/profiling genre and the criminology context, you might like this one.

Below contains spoilers, read at your own discretion.

It's pretty clear that this season's plot and characters development are advancing in a quite different direction than the previous. Below are some points about this season (might change with EPs update) which I like.

Point 1.
While S1 is mainly focusing on using forensic artist and their sketches to apprehend suspects, S2 is advancing the police force into venturing ways of preventing crimes instead of investigating crimes that's been done.

This is evident with Superior Zhang supporting Shen Yi's passion and research into using profiling to determine the potential suspects, preventing them to commit crimes. This theme is similar to Psycho Pass (anime) and The Mouse (kdrama) where you're judged guilty once you're assessed and predicted to have possessed the intention and/or the ability to commit a crime. However, this leads to the critical moral dilemma, which is my Point 2.

Point 2.
Moral dilemma for the legal system: instinct vs logic.

Shen Yi realises that his sharp instinct and deep understanding on humans' psychological aspects allow him to determine suspects of crimes up to a certain degree. Failing the prevent a potential crime in the past caused him guilty and more determined to use his skills to prevent any crimes in future. However, this method is flawed with the current justice system and by law of humanity - innocent until proven guilty. Which is why Du Cheng is against of this method as he believes in logic and science when solving crimes instead of apprehending yet-to-be suspects using instinct. This flaw is evident in later case, where the suspect did not commit the crime in the end, showing there's a line between intention vs commitment of crime.
***(This point is supported by the leads' recent interview)***

Point 3.
Working as a team vs duo.

As their professional roles are different in the police force, it's reasonable for them to work with other team members on assigned tasks to ensure the efficacy of their investigations. I like the diverse dynamic between different combinations of team members they're showing us. Hence, I don't think the 2 leads should be stick together in a single frame for most of the time. And, I think both leads have fair share of screentime and presence. Hence, I'm confused with comments that mentioned about screentime/presence issue for another lead.

Point 4.
As I mentioned before, this season focuses on psychological, induction, hypothetical (what-ifs & predictions) vs last season's evidence-based, deduction, science (if so then so). I like psychological and crime genres. Hence, I enjoy the exploration on the individuals and their contexts. The environmental and personal factors that structure their behaviours and mentality. Of course this does not justify their actions but it gives a critical perspective on crimes prevention. This exploration is helpful for formulating effective interventions for treating the root cause of crimes instead of the symptoms.

This drama also has some room for improvement. E.g.

1. The ranks and orders in the police force is not as systematic as I expect. They seem to be able to take up whatever cases they're interested in even though some presented conflict of interest. Regarding some simplified procedures to gain approval (e.g. part timing in entertainment company), I'd take it as part of the drama nature, to keep up with the pacing. And I really like how they keep each case to 2 EPs max.

2. Like some comments had mentioned, I'd prefer to have some focus/pick up on the main case (the secret syndicate in S1) on earlier EPs. At least foreshadow something or provide clues in the background of some cases would have kept the balance between the day-to-day case and this primary plot.

3. I also felt some gaps in S2 due to missing of characters, e.g. the female friend/art student who was with Shen Yi in S1. As Shen Yi hasn't relocated, some mentioning/brief reveals of communications would've been more natural in terms of characters' life. I do like the developments of some characters relationships in this season, showing how time flows.

That's my personal review so far. Looking forward to the next ep and expecting on how the story will unfold.

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An Original -Good Outweighs the modest flaws

I'm not a big fan of fantasy so despite the high ratings I put this off. First time I stopped at the beginning of the second episode. However, after several months I gave it another try and this time ended up binging both seasons. Despite some obvious borrowings from other fantasy sources this story comes across as very original and fresh.

The first season was well thought out so despite a few questions about the rules of this fantasy world the story, acting, and execution kept me engaged through to the end. The plot points follow believably more often than not.

Jung So Min's performance stands out. Her charisma dominates every scene in which she appears.

In this first season the writers weren't timid about consequences i.e. characters do die.

There was no question about jumping into the second season as the first one ends with a major cliff hanger.

However, the second season was not up to the first. The maturity level was deliberately lowered. There are a few mutilations of characters to achieve some sort of comedic effect and I often felt the plot getting bogged down by contrived situations, and several occasions in which an odd solution was injected to resolve scenes. These didn't stop me from enjoying the story journey, but I suspect the writers either did not have enough time to plot things out more carefully or more likely the suits put pressure on them to inject new elements to broaden the audience.

The Naksu character had a fierce introduction early on and ended up trapped within a weaker body without magical powers, and that challenge she faced - to achieve her goals without her usual powers - was entertaining. She had some interesting conflicting feelings emerge as her original desire for revenge ran into new facts that didn't reconcile with what she had been led to believe about the fate of her family.

In the second season that old fierce Naksu personality and that conflict were submerged behind an amnesia leaving a meek mild young girl with minimal magic and little agency, and the whole dilemma that season 1 was so focused on just disappeared. There were new dilemmas but these were not handled as well as the plot at times lurched forward.

Finally, I like a happy ending, but sometimes need one on the dark side because the story and characters demand it. The first season delivered. The second season really fudged on any consequences and we get a just so ending. Characters and story are set up to force hard choices, suffer the consequences, but then get bailed out. And when we see via the spirit of young Jin Bu Yeon that there is a major Devine entity at work this telegraphs a just so ending is coming for the lead couple.

Despite these flaws I found the whole very enjoyable and will rewatch again.

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MY NUMBER #1 GRRRRRRR

Like most, this was the drama that introduced me to this world. I still remember the scenario - 2020, beginning of the pandemic, i sit on sofa with my cousin and we started this masterpiece. I wish I could go back just to watch for the first time. I JUST LOVE SO MUCH WANGXIAN THEY'RE SO PRECIOUS TO ME I LOVE MXTX SO MUCH THIS WOMAN IS AN ANGEL IN OUR LIVES FR I WISH ALL THE GOOD THINGS N BETTER IN HER LIFE OK. grrrrrr this just simply created my personality, i know i would be nothing today without wangxian and mo dao zu shi..... i introduce mdzs and The Untamed to ALLLLLL my friends and and I hope that one day i find someone as obsessed as i am with mxtx's works. dito isso quero o live action de tgcf na minha mesa ja.

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Short yet the slow-burn tension and romcom vibes were everything.

The only downside to this mini-series? It’s just a mini-series.

The romcom vibes were on point, with comedy bits that were genuinely funny and super entertaining. The acting was amazing, and the pacing worked really well despite the short episode count.

The slow-burn longing between the store owner and the interior designer (I think that’s what you call her in the show?) was so good (all thanks to great acting by the leads). The little bit of angst from the misunderstanding, where the store owner thought she was engaged or married was exquisite. The way the store owner held back because of it? Had me absolutely losing my mind. The tension was off the charts.

This mini-series gave me all the feels, and I’m just over here wishing for more episodes or even a season 2.


My Top 10 GLs of All Time: https://mydramalist.com/list/4vGQqnb1

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GREAT CAST, GREAT ACTING, GREAT PLOTLINE, TERRIBLE NARRATION

i feel like this had so much potential, great cast, great acting and great plotline but the narration was soooo over the place, i was so confused the whole time. They made the earlier episodes so confusing and vague and I know it was for the plot twist (that they were dead) but it just felt so forced. the story telling was so bad jumping from multiple characters every episode that they failed to really show the unique stories of each character until the later episodes. i think they werent given that much attention which was such a shame because their back stories were actually good and touching. maybe they couldve just focused on one character per ep. idk man. this was a little disappointing, coud have been directed and written better this could have been so good

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Soft, dreamy, and full of high school sapphic vibes.

Let’s start with the good stuff. This show is such a beautiful experience, especially for women who love women and can see themselves in Ongsa or Sun. It was so much fun to watch. The focus on communication and having a support system was really meaningful, the high school moments were adorable, and the overall vibe was soft and dreamy.

This is such an important sapphic show because it’s set entirely in high school, making it a safe and sweet space for viewers. It was pure cuteness overload, and honestly, my early high school self would’ve been obsessed.

Now for the downside: it felt kind of empty. I get that it’s a simple high school love story, but simplicity shouldn’t mean the show feels like it’s missing something. It just didn’t hit me with enough feels, and I found myself struggling to finish it.

On the bright side, 23.5 has the best soundtrack of any GL ever. Seriously, go listen to it.


2024 GL Ranking: https://mydramalist.com/list/Ln8MOBO4
My Top 10 GLs of All Time: https://mydramalist.com/list/4vGQqnb1

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This show may be one of the most realistic we've seen so far.

I kind of never will forgot this bl. It portrays life in such a realistic way, with several approaches that will destroy you. 😭 Literally EVERYTHING is perfect on this show, from the filmography to the actors, conveying feelings in such a beautiful way. Its quite impossible to not cry or to not feel involved/part of the mc, especially for us - lgbt community - life can be not easy for us and maybe we will have to deal with this loneliness until the end. I cried over all episodes, im not even joking, this really touched me and made me reflect on things i never had before in a deeply way. (religion issues yk, it hits so much hard when Fable song was released lol...)
TRUST ME!!!! It is worth it. gente nao sei mais o que falar serio to destruida brasil ptbr aqui é nois galera tmjjj pai que tanto de linha

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Amazing delivery of tropes, drama, and feels.

The tropes in this show absolutely wrecked me. Pair those with the amazing writing and pacing, and it was something really special. And don’t even get me started on the emotional scenes, they knew exactly how to pull you in and keep you invested. So well done.

I did have a few issues, though. Dr. Fahlada’s questionable actions and how quickly Earn forgave her felt pretty unrealistic and pulled me out of the story a bit. Also, the love scenes were kind of stiff, but honestly, I wasn’t watching for that anyway. I’m here for the drama, the plot, and the feels, and the show definitely delivered on those.

The supporting characters? They delivered. Even the comedy scenes were solid, not too over-the-top, just enough to keep things fun. Way better than shows that make first-time viewers cringe at the humor (looking at you, GAP).

Overall, this was an amazing series that left me wanting more from the two lead actresses. Loved it.


2024 GL Ranking: https://mydramalist.com/list/Ln8MOBO4
My Top 10 GLs of All Time: https://mydramalist.com/list/4vGQqnb1

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#JusticeForReverse4You

Do people just hate good art or something? Like, why does Reverse 4 You only have a 7.7 rating? Put some respect on its name because this show is so underrated. Honestly, it’s the best GL of 2024 in my opinion, even though we got robbed with only 8 episodes.

The balance of romance, comedy, and angst? Absolute perfection. And I mean perfect. Four is a masterclass on how to write a "mean" character. She starts off as an asshole, sure, but the way her character grows and deepens makes you fall in love with her. Then there’s Wa, she’s such a fun and likable character that you can’t help but root for her.

The writing is so good and does not get the love it deserves. Their banter? Pure gold. I was kicking my feet and giggling like crazy. I haven’t read the book, so I don’t know how faithful the adaptation is, but the delivery of the lines? Top-notch.

And let’s talk about that confession scene. The build-up was chef’s kiss, and the scene itself? Best one in GL history, hands down. So cute, so romantic. Writers and directors everywhere need to take notes because this is how you do it.

Even with only 8 episodes, the pacing was just right. Every episode felt complete and left you excited for the next one. Unlike other shows, it didn’t leave you feeling like something was missing.

I love everything about this show and will defend it forever. Absolute masterpiece.


2024 GL Ranking: https://mydramalist.com/list/Ln8MOBO4
My Top 10 GLs of All Time: https://mydramalist.com/list/4vGQqnb1

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An unexpectedly deep story about processing trauma and learning to love yourself

STORY
On the surface, Love Game in Eastern Fantasy seemed like another transmigration-based fantasy romance that I've read and watched many times. I came into this with certain expectations on how the story would go, but it subverted and exceeded those expectations from the very first episode. What I thought would be a fun and relatively light-hearted fantasy romance turned out to be an unexpectedly deep story about processing trauma and learning to love yourself. I was hooked from the get-go and could not stop watching.

Whoever wrote the script took great care in developing our lead characters on an individual level as well as their romance. The plot was engaging and paced well with each narrative arc having an intentional purpose in the overall story. The romance was super endearing to watch and felt very organic. Sure, it had its cliches, but somehow it worked and didn't feel overdone in this drama.

The team did an extraordinary job of balancing the heavier topics with light-hearted moments. Then we get to the last episode and ending, which made this drama stand out from its peers and clinched the high rating from me. There were definitely some things they could've executed better in the story, but those issues weren't enough to detract from the bigger picture for me, and I enjoyed this drama from start to finish.

ACTING/CAST
Our main leads' chemistry was definitely the star of the show. Ryan Ding is a superb actor and he was so magnetic on-screen. He has amazing control over his facial expressions and body language. My eyes couldn't help but be drawn to him whenever he was on-screen. He played the gray, anti-hero character exceedingly well and I sincerely hope he gets more roles like this in the future.

I've watched Esther Yu in a couple of other dramas, and I believe she performed significantly better in this drama than those other ones. Her cutesy character and acting didn't feel as unnatural here and she pulled off the character well. Her cheery disposition was a nice counter to the male lead's brooding.

All the supporting characters shone in this drama as well and surprisingly had a significant part to play in the overall story. If I had to gripe about the cast, the second leads felt underdeveloped compared to everyone else and their roles didn't leave much room for them to showcase their acting skills. The second leads both had the stereotypical stoic and upright character personalities and honestly, they were boring to watch. I suppose we had to assume certain things given their roles and the showrunners wanted to keep the focus on our leading characters.

MUSIC
The music was great! I loved the theme song and all the different soundtracks for different moods were appropriate.

REWATCH VALUE
I've already started rewatching this, and I've picked up on some Easter eggs/hints that I didn't pick up during my first watch-through. There were also many emotionally impactful moments for me that I love to rewatch, whether they were sad or happy or funny moments. Since the story was paced well and it was just simply super entertaining, I think this drama has high rewatch value. The cinematography was also outstanding and the CG was relatively good.

OVERALL
This drama has many elements I love: fantasy, adventure, mystery, action, comedy, and romance. It has easily made its way into my top 5 favorite dramas of all time now. I applaud the showrunners for the direction they took this drama in and I'm genuinely happy for its success in China because it could encourage more showrunners to break the mold a bit more. I'm convinced that those who didn't enjoy the second half and/or ending of this drama were not able to appreciate the bigger picture of what the showrunners wanted to convey through this drama, but to each his/her own. I highly recommend you give this drama a try and form your own opinion.

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Messy, dramatic, and full of feels, this show had me hooked despite its flaws.

This show had me all up in my feelings. The way they handled the details? Chef’s kiss. Wan’s promises, her 4 a.m. trauma, and her unshakable love for Pleng. Wan’s loyalty was next level. Even when Pleng tried to push her toward Ek, she stayed true. And when she finally married Ek 13 years later, it was still all about Pleng. Wan’s basically the ultimate "lover girl," though, let’s be real, her overprotectiveness is a giant red flag. If controlling characters aren’t your thing, this might not be for you.

The love and kiss scenes? Top-tier. Seriously, no competition. However the men? Absolute headaches. Ek’s behavior throughout the show was so gross, and yet somehow it was always the girls’ fault? Wan had to apologize over and over yet Ek never did? It was disappointing.

The last couple of episodes had me side-eyeing hard. Wan attempting to end things in the ocean knowing Pleng’s trauma? That was so out of character. And the indirect slut-shaming? I had a major ick.

Even with those missteps, though, I can’t lie, I love shows that bring the drama, feels, and intimacy, and this one delivered all three all the way to the end. Messy, but worth it.


2024 GL Ranking: https://mydramalist.com/list/Ln8MOBO4
My Top 10 GLs of All Time: https://mydramalist.com/list/4vGQqnb1

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