This review may contain spoilers
Blandly Okay
Skip to the final section for a quick, spoiler-free rating.Maiden Holmes (Chinese title: 少女大人) is a 2020 Chinese drama about a female detective and a prince. Disguised as a man, Su Ci works as a constable of the Mingjing Office in the capital. In actuality, she is the sole survivor of a clan wiped out years ago after being framed for high treason. She meets the Prince of Qi, battle-scarred and recently forced to forfeit his military power by his uncle the Prince of Yun, and their paths become entwined. Danger, heartbreaks, friendships, and political struggles follow.
The drama is actually less dramatic than how I made it sound—and definitely much less dramatic than other existing summaries out there, so much so that I went into it with higher expectations than what the drama ended up delivering. But despite me quickly adjusting those expectations, Maiden Holmes still fell short of good.
Before I get into why, let’s start with some positives.
Structurally Sound Procedurals
I really enjoyed the set ups to some of the mystery cases. They’re not particularly well-executed at times as a lot of them are predictable, but you can see that the writers went the extra mile to make them believable and intriguing crimes. My favorite is the serial killer case—it’s the only one of the bunch where I didn’t foresee the actual culprit until it was obvious. Su Ci is, by all means, a great detective. She’s genuinely good at her job and takes pride in what she does.
What’s more, her crime solving skills are one of the few things the drama shows instead of tells, which is rare whenever a drama protagonist is declared to have a specialty skill. They tried to model her after the BBC’s version of Sherlock Holmes in the beginning though, which resulted in this utterly ridiculous moment in episode 2 of her deducing that a pigeon is too burnt to eat:
Thank goodness that didn’t last long.
Reasonable, Adult Characters
I’ve never seen such a perfectly reasonable bunch of main and side characters.
When it’s revealed to the friend group that Su Ci is a woman, Rushuang stayed angry for, like, one afternoon before forgiving her.
After Su Ci’s true gender gets exposed, the Prince of Qi becomes “woke” and makes it a mission to promote the idea of female officials and feminism in the workforce.
When Fu Ziyou rejects Princess Yun Chuan, she wishes him all the best and lets him be instead of becoming embittered.
Even the Empress Dowager and the Emperor’s relationships with the Prince of Qi are amicable and cordial, when in every other drama there would’ve been suspicions and doubts abound.
Every notable “good” character in Maiden Holmes communicates with each other. They’re almost always on the same page, hold similar points of view, and are all incredibly understanding and empathetic to each other’s plights.
Consequently, there are no direct major conflicts between any of them. No philosophical disagreements, no opposing points of view, no discord due to conflicting allegiances, no differing principles shaped by different upbringings. Even the eventual reveal of Xie Beiming’s adopted father, which leads to him to question where his loyalty lay, gets quickly resolved with some heart-to-heart bro talk with the Prince of Qi. Which brings me to Maiden Holmes’ biggest flaw…
Not Enough Antagonism
The Prince of Yun is a stock villain at best. You can spot his villainy a mile away, and it’s beyond obvious every step of the way that he’s directly or indirectly responsible for most of the crimes in the drama.
Despite him being a constant hindering presence, that’s all he does—he hinders. He’s a very reactive character, always taking actions after he learns what the good guys are up to. The problems he creates for them—the framing and mass murdering of the Bai Liang clan, the military sabotages, the secret amassing of an army and supplies—all happens either before the drama’s present-day, or off screen. That doesn’t make for a very exciting baddie.
I think he would’ve been an okay villain for any other set of protagonists. But for a group like Su Ci, the Prince of Qi, Rushuang, and Xie Beiming (and I’d even count the Emperor, who loves and trusts his brother a little too unconditionally for someone so close to his throne), who are somehow able to resolve every interpersonal misunderstanding and internal strife, he’s just an ineffective opponent. This is especially evident during the anticlimactic ending episode, where his every move gets countered and rendered useless by the Prince of Qi.
Major Pacing Issues and Plot Driven Conveniences
Maiden Holmes is also riddled with pacing issues.
For instance, in episode 23, when Su Ci is explaining why a victim’s blood splatter didn’t match witness accounts, she spends three whole minutes giving her friend (and thus us, the audience) a forensic breakdown on the angles of blood splatters. She could’ve easily proven her point in ten, fifteen seconds top.
It’s like that all throughout. Conversations that could have taken two or three lines of dialogues drag on for minutes. Scenes that could have taken a minute drag on for five. There are fluff and filler moments everywhere, killing the momentum.
There are also random moments of convenience. For example, in episode 18, the main suspect for poisoning Princess Yun Chuan just… leaves a major piece of evidence behind. And it gets played off as, “Oh no! I, a seasoned and professional spy and assassin, escaped. But I, a seasoned and professional spy and assassin, forgot the one piece of evidence that could implicate me and my superior.” Now, of course, things like that happen in real life. But it’s narratively stupid to do so without setting this character up to be someone who would forget.
The Romance? Cliches Galore
One of the first notes I wrote while watching Maiden Holmes episode 1 was, “This episode be like: How Many Cliches Can We Stuff Into 35 Minutes” because I counted no less than five instances of tropey moments: the slo-mo and dramatic music when Su Ci and the Prince of Qi first meet, the forced-by-circumstance groping, the handcuffing, the obligatory underwater kiss, falling on top of each other, Su Ci’s hair coming undone…
Please, enough! You can’t substitute the development of real love and intimacy with… whatever that crap is!
The first moment of real chemistry between Su Ci and the Prince of Qi doesn’t happen until episode 6 when she swears to repay him rescuing her with three stipulations of his choosing, which I feel was the first time their relationship spoke for itself. From there on, bolstered by the fact that the good guys in this drama are incapable of having fundamental disagreements with each other, their romance goes on to be relatively unproblematic and free of sustained troubles. Which is okay if you’re into that sort of thing in a drama.
On that note, another thing Maiden Holmes does have going for it is the lack of love triangles. Props to that.
Final Rating and Recommendations
Is Maiden Holmes good? No, I think it sucks. It’s bland, repetitive, cheesy, preachy, superficial, and clumsy story-telling. It feels as if the writers were so caught up in trying to make the drama faultless that they neglected to make it interesting. Every rising problem gets resolved instantly. The protagonists are never truly challenged because the plot shields them so much. You’re never once in doubt that the good guys are going to win at the end of the day.
But on the flip side, it’s not without its saving graces. The characters communicate with each other, for once. The actors and the costumes are nice to look at. The detective/procedural parts of the overall story actually exist, and are sometimes well done. It’s very much a “safe” story, one that you’re guaranteed to come from away emotionally intact.
If you’re looking to get immersed and excited by conflicts, plot twists, and dynamic characters, look elsewhere. But if you just want something feel-good and predictable, Maiden Holmes is the drama for you.
My Rating: 3.5/10
(Note : This is the first drama to be given the lowest rating) Luckily I managed through the story . Thank God for that !
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a good watch with a breath of fresh air !!
i was just waiting for a this is it drama this summer and i think i found it. although this has so many tropes (like cross- dressing and meeting as children) it manages to deliver it less cliche and cringe.things i liked:
- the story was alright, i really like detective/ mystery and the plot was very fast paced and easy to understand
- both the main and second couple have amazing chemistry (especially main hehe)
- the whole cast is practically new/ young actors but they did better than i expected
- thank goodness there wasn't a love triangle, i'm so tired of that trope
- the misunderstandings between ML and FL were solved fairly quick which was also effective in allowing the leads to grow together and earn each others trust
- really appreciated that the ML was not the typical overbearing, physically pinning girl to the wall type of person if you know what i mean, he genuinely cared about FL which we can tell from the way he always sticks with her and supports her
- i loved the bond between the 5 main characters, everyone had such distinct personality which made the story a lot more enjoyable
- the ML's visual, that's all i got to say, i found him meh in the beginning but over time in the drama, he definitely proved me wrong with his charisma
aspects i thought could have been improved on:
- i felt like during the first 6 ep, the romance development between main leads was too rushed like everything happened too fast
- the part where FL thought that ML killed her parents, there should have been more evidence or reasons for the FL to think that since i she just believed it was ML from just a voice like . . . people's voices change over time right
overall i think this is a great watch for someone who has time on their hands as the whole thing is fairly long with 32 ep. if you are also looking for a not so cringe but light drama, i highly recommend.
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Through The Rain and Dust, a Deep Love For You!
"Maiden Holmes" is a captivating drama that will keep you glued to your screen. It's a drama about love, investigation, adventure, and justice. "Maiden Holmes" follows the story of Xiao Yan Zhi (Prince Qi) who was forced to relinquish his military power by the villain of the imperial court, even after he won numerous war, and sustained many injuries and scars while serving the country. During the last war he fought before he was forced to relinquish his military power, someone in the imperial court colluded with the enemy, blocking all reinforcements, but Xiao Yan Zhi being a skilled and experienced general, he won the war nevertheless, but his army suffered many casualties. After returning, from the war, the villain of the court schemed against him, Xiao Yan Zhi seeing the situation, he relinquished his military power willingly. During the last battle he fought, he knew there was someone who wanted him and his army to perish, so he began his investigation.In the course of his investigation, he met Su Ci, a skilled detective of Mingjing Office who's from the wronged and falsely accused Bai Liang Clan. Su Ci disguised herself as a man, became a detective so she could investigate the wrongful extermination of her family. One wants to discover the truth behind the his last battle (Honggu war), and the other wants to prove the innocence of her family and her entire clan. Eventually, two hearts that wants to find out the truth and bring justice to the dead meets, and formed an unbreakable bond. Xiao Yan Zhi and Su Ci began their investigation and quest for the truth and justice, in this quest they made two friends Xie Bei Ming and Dong Rushuang. Together they discovered the truth, bring justice to the dead, and finally cleared the names of the wrongfully accused.
What do I love about this drama? What I love about "Maiden Holmes" is how Xiao Yan Zhi and Su Ci relationship blossomed into a romantic one, and how their bond became unbreakable. Hence my title, "Through the rain and dust, a deep love for you". Indeed, through all situations, they never let go of each other's hands, for that, I admire their relationship. While this is not the best detective drama, it's a unique drama, that I know for sure. Honesty, I've been pondering on whether to watch this or not, but finally gave it a try because of Zhang Ling He. And as expected from him, he delivered, there's also Sabrina Chen, her acting impressed me. Without leaving out the supporting characters of course.
So, is this drama worthwhile? Without a doubt! Is this a must watch? Most definitely. "Maiden Holmes" is a drama that's worth every hour, minutes, and seconds. So, don't miss out this wonderful drama, it's a drama anyone wouldn't want to miss!
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Okay
This drama nothing much too show but it is not boring to watch . Both the lead ,first and second lead's couple love story is very cute . Supporting actors also very good. But the writer stretch the story too much to clean the name of the clan that part was little boring . Love story is best .I recommend it to those who loves to watch love story but those wants more than this I think it is not for you then after watching few episodes you would feel it boring.
Childhood connection one story is nice
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Just like what show in the trailer
I just finished watching this drama with Chinese subtitles.The storyline is based in a historic setting where they meet two friends to solve cases and along the way they find the secret of ML and FL case. Perfect acting skills, sweet romance and interesting story plot. Totally recommend this drama for people who love historic setting and mystery cases.
I really love the ML, for his first drama he expressed the character well and he is really handsome. I do think the ML and FL have perfect chemistry between one another. I watched the behind the scene the ML and FL were comfortable with each other. Hopefully, i can see them act together again!
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love and friends on the way........
This drama is a much-needed drama with a sweet romance to compensate the angst in the recently aired Love and Redemption, and numerous other open-ended dramas. It has a super handsome new actor who is making his debut and it is also one of the many cross-dressing dramas released lately. The story is semi-serious with cute and funny moments littered throughout. The pace is good and the storyline is not complex. It is certainly a very relaxing watch.This is a story about palace power struggle. Right from the start, the antagonist is already made known to the viewers. Though unknown for the protagonists with no concrete proofs that all the mysteries and crimes they’re trying to solve are linked to the antagonist, nonetheless, the eventual outcome does not surprise them.
The Prince of Qi (Zhang Ling He) is a wandering prince who holds no political power. He has a great relationship with his younger brother who is the Emperor, but a nemesis of his uncle who wants the throne. He disguises as a wealthy aristocrat as Pei Zhao and frequents the brothels. There he meets and falls in love with Su Ci (Sebrina Chen) who disguises as a man working as a high-level investigator. Pei Zhao is patient, forgiving, condoning and protective towards Su Ci. He is strategic and very intelligent. Su Ci is upright, unbiased and detailed which makes her a great investigator. Together with their friends, a medical genius, a skilled sword man and the best cook, they make an ideal team with enviable friendship. Right from episode 1, Pei Zhao and Su Ci begin to work hand in hand, literally, solving crimes and unfolding a bigger conspiracy. They’ve never been separated since, everywhere they go, they go together and everything they do, they do it together. It is really very comforting to see they are always at each other’s side and trusting each other. Any misunderstanding is resolved almost as soon as it arises because they are being very honest to each other; it is indeed very heart-warming to see the couple holding hands all the time.
I’m delighted with Zhang Ling He’s portrayal of Pei Zhao/Prince of Qi. This is his first drama but his performance is beyond my expectation, far more convincing than many other more experienced actors. He has a very handsome face and a well built body. Acting as a flamboyant playboy and later as a devoted lover, Zhang Ling He’s performance is believable and lovable. I cannot help myself but looking at his handsome face all the time.
Su Ci has a calling – to find out what had happened seven years ago when her whole tribe was massacred, leaving her the lone survivor. Her investigative prowess helps her unravel the conspiracy and eventually bring justice for her tribe. Sebrina Chen has cross-dressed in several other dramas and she is very convincing, dressing as a man. Having a matter-of-factly demeanor, Sebrina Chen’s portrayal is authentic and wonderful.
The second couple is perhaps the cutest and sweetest side couple. Their love for each other is unmistakable and they help solve many crimes together. The other cast members are both good looking and wonderful in their respective roles. The ending is concluded properly with justice served - the good is being rewarded and the bad is being punished, and the lovers are happily ever after.
This is indeed a very enjoyable drama not to be missed.
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*. *
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One of the best in Cdramas
I love the characters! Especially the main leads. Zhang Li He - is one of my favorite artist nowadays, he is a good actor to think this was his first Drama; his debut yet he was really good portraying the role and so handsome! I will recommend this to my friends who wants Cdramas as well. After this will then watch Sparkle Love. I hope ZLH will have more projects. I will watch out for his future projects. The story, the love team, the sweet scenes on this drama were really good! I hope ZHL will have future main roles like this genre! I soooooo loveeeeeeeeeeeee this drama!!! Kudos to all the artists and the management!!!!Was this review helpful to you?
Nice Light Hearted Romance/Detective Drama
The story is interesting with a mix of romance, prince charming, cross dress, imperial feud, sweet sibling love, cute second lead romance, humor; basically, it's a hearty feel good drama. The acting is great and the chemistry among the actors were good. The back drop production set is beautiful. The detective works are concise and short pieces of a large puzzle that conglomerated for a nice finish. The whole story is short and concise, not drawn out nor dragged out making it a delightfully feel good drama. There are some flash backs but not irritatingly overdosed. There are also a bit of joyful funny moments. I can't say it is something I would re-watch but I can say that it was definitely worth time watching it.Was this review helpful to you?
A cute love story
At first I was hesitant to to see this cdrama series, maybe because the ML is just new as an actor but I read a lot of comments that he was so good looking on the screen and the FL was the main character in My Unicorn (recently cdrama series) So why not? Then I started to open my Ipad and press the WeTV for the Maiden Holmes, Episode 1 was good :-) the music was also goodddd!!! Similar soundtrack to Love and Destiny or The Eternal love of Dream that is why I decided to dig in until the next episodes, again and again until I found out I am in 20 episodes hehehe. The storyline was cute! Its a light heartwarming love stories of the ML and FL, same with the second couple. The 4 main characters are really a good combination plus a loyal assistant of the ML character. A prince ML, a cross dresser official FL, a Physician, A spoiled brat expert in martial arts (2nd lead) and a cute assistant of Prince Qi.For me, this is one of my favorite Cdrama. If you are looking for a light, happy ending series I highly recommend Maiden Holmes :-)
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A drama to watch when the watch list is empty and it is enjoyable
WHAT I LIKED:- The main couple: I thought the two of them were both goodlooking and cute together. It was nice that there was no rival and they both quickly fell for each other. No angst because of misunderstanding and they basically spend the drama discovering each other's story, sharing cute and romantic moments and supporting and helping and saving each other.
- The story: I thought the story was clear and well developped between the different investigations. Some investigations were linked to the main plot some were not but overall the pace and writing was good enough to make sub plots and plot interesting without being gripping. You don't end each episode with a cliffhanger and dying to see what is going to happen but most episodes were enjoyable.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE:
- The secondary couple: They were both cute and nice persons and helpful but I felt that they had no other meaning but to be sidekicks. The SML was a bit simple minded and he lacked depth until the last eps were his character took a bigger dimension. The SFL had absolutely no character development and her background was very unclear so beside her poisons she looked very bland. Their love story really suffered from the comparison with the main couple's one.
- The villain: He was a little bit too wordy and did not get his hand dirty while his lackeys were eliminated one after another so he looked not so mighty but rather annoying.
- The drama lacked of punch as most of the time the leads did not look really endangered or challenged.
OVERALL:
It is a drama which does what it has to do: entertain with a consistent story and some sub stories to develop and support the characters. There is a good dose of romance and cute moments too. An OK drama to watch when you are bored. A very decent cdrama with a nice ending I appreciated after watching the Heiress.
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Romance, funny, cross dressing and suspense
This is a light romance comedy with some suspense and plot. The story line is very light and easy to watch. There isn't too heavy suspense and plot, but good enough amount of suspensions are there.I also discovered a new promising super handsome actor named Zhang Ling He. He was only 22 years old when he acted in his very first drama as main roll, yet he acted very mature character despite his real young age. This tells me he is already a super actor at his young age. I found him a bit of younger version of Caesar Wu with little sweetness. Caesar Wu is great to play cold at first yet warmer later type of rolls, but Zhang Ling He is good at more of sweeter rolls. Now I became a big fan of Zhang Lin He as much as fan of Caesar Wu.
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