Healthy break from other dramas
It was an incredibly good show for what it was supposed to represent. If you're looking for a detective drama and misunderstandings resolved quickly (and healthy in a mature way) - that's the show for you. The main couple had a healthy relationship with great communication, which honestly just highlighted to me how rare that is in dramas hahaAll four mains were capable 'til the end and what I really liked was that FL truly stayed smart and capable throughout. I expected FL to be the typical "smart" drama lead who starts strong but dumbs down along the way. But she actually stayed smart. ML was also very smart and capable and it was refreshing to see this kind of power couple. And I also want to applaud ML's actor here. This was his first drama was far as I can tell and he was amazing. If you told me, he was a seasoned actor at this point, I would've believed you without a doubt. Great versatility and it doesn't hurt that he's quite handsome too.
Now to my criticism. I felt that the character development was quite minimal. Yes, things happened and yes, FL opened up more. But overall, I didn't really see any fundamental changes. This is the reason why I'm very torn on this drama. The story is great and it's nicely written (you can tell that the writer was a dramafan who was sick of miscommunication and plot holes ;)) but it did feel lukewarm throughout. And I would say that's mostly due to the lack of character development. Also - and that's just a veery personal opinion - I didn't really warm up to FL. I enjoyed that she was very smart and capable (and reasonable) but she was too calm for me. There was no spice to her. The scenes in which she got emotional were my favourite ones of her because we finally saw her "break character". But they were so few that it couldn't really save her for me.
Nevertheless, it's a great, well-made and healthy drama. If you're looking for a calm break from other shows, this is it for you. Is it one of the top dramas ever made? No. But it's not trying to be.
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Highly recommended to watch?
Overall this series for me is 8.8/10. I love everything from story down to the characters. The characters of this series is really great love them. They selected them really well. There investigative cases in the series were great. It will leave you guessing who is the suspect. So its good for me. 👍 the flow of the story was not fast so it was really good. Unlike some series, they went to fast or there is something missing in the story. And the main actors are handsome.😍👍 especially the prince. And his right hand man is also handsome.Was this review helpful to you?
Top 3 in my Cdrama list! A definite must watch!! :)
I would rate this the top 3 in my C- drama list!! Follow my Instagram acc Cykodramaqueen for snippets.Storyline is excellent! It was paced well, every episode was interesting. Another reviewer said it was 60% romance, 30% crime solving and 10% political intrigue. I would say the romance and love story is underlying throughout the whole drama. From how they met, finding out each other’s secrets, going through difficulties and falling in love- the development was fantastic, sincere and their chemistry was pretty good! Quite a few kissing scenes and lots of sweet touching moments<3 There are also some funny moments- second couple were cute. It’s Zhang Linghe’s first drama, and his voice was dubbed by another actor, so I would say not bad for his first work. I do like the voice actor’s voice though... it sounded like the same voice for A Girl Like Me :3
The crime solving plots and the political struggle for power are somewhat connected, together with both the leads’ past history. She’s basically like a woman Sherlock Holmes (thus the title) and her friend Rushuang is like a poison specialist, pretty much like CSI :) They will seek evidence and clues to solve the crime and determine who is the culprit.
I thought this was better than The Romance of Tiger and Rose (although I do like the actors in that drama. But the storyline and development in this is way better). All in all, I really enjoyed this, especially the last few episodes which was intense! A definite recommended watch <3<3<3
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Calm watch! Nothing too exciting
an easy and cute watch! there was something so calming about this drama. all characters were lovable and misunderstandings were solved quickly. there was no stupid headless chicken running around instead of communication between the leads. the kisses were STEAMY (other cdrama actors need to take note hehe).the acting was incredible from the whole cast, esp considering it was the ML’s first drama?! he did so well. i wouldn’t mind another drama with sebrina and ZLH as the leads again (or even the secondary couple being leads) ;) they all have such great chemistry.
there were some minor plot holes, like how SC just forgets that Prince Qi saved her but it’s a not a big deal and doesn’t ruin the drama. it is also a little bit slow paced, but not draggy. i felt there was a good balance between mystery and romance, but romance does overtake a little so if you like romance then this is very much for you. overall, i highly recommend!!
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Simple one!!
Maiden Holmes is simple in terms of story.The female lead trying to get justice for her wiped out clan unjustly.The male lead trying to know the villain who wants to bring him down.Both Zhang Linghe and Sabrina Chen were good as ml and fl.
The other actors were good in their roles.
The plot is mainly based on investigation,which I thought could be much more focused upon.
Friendship part was shown good,but lacks a bit intensity.
Overall this drama is a simple one yet worth trying for a one time watch, without many twists and turns.
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There is no tension in this drama. The main couple always do the right thing, and a lot of the teasing and tension of the first 10 episodes disappears. What kept me watching was the fun chemistry of the second couple, sweet and full of hijinks all the way through.
The music is decent with a wistful hint. There is no reason to rewatch.
I grade by other criteria:
Complex Themes - 3
I have nothing except stick to the righteous path. Friends are important.
Character Development - 5
Characters are roughy the same at the beginning as the end, though our 'Maiden Holmes' becomes a little lighter hearted and at ease.
Complex roles/relationships for women - 7
There were two female roles here, who were genuine friends, competent and professional. They did not just talk about their romantic relationships with men.
Production Design/Budget - 8
For being on the lower budget side, this is well put together with flattering costumes and sets and a decent amount of outdoor shots.
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This review may contain spoilers
Lovable Cast & Amazing Group Dynamics
This cross-dressing and hidden concept is not new and sometimes executed poorly.I will like to commend on how it was portrayed by both the FL and ML respectively. It was extremely well paced in terms of how and when they discover each other gender/identity. Some dramas just drag this aspect which can cause audiences like myself to get a little frustrated.
The group dynamics of them 5 characters whom bring different skill sets to the table and distinctive personality types made the show memorable. Somewhat similar vibes to “Ancient Detective“.
To me, I find the cases pretty well thought of even though the focus of the show is more on the romance of the two leads.
Lastly, I gotta say the OST and the instrumentals in the show were amazing. Especially the ending credits duet which warmed my heart every time it played along with an ending credits scene.
*Please ensure to watch the ending credits of every episode as it includes heartwarming/removed scenes from the drama that create more depth in the overall series.*
If you are into female strong lead, relationships that are supportive, and not overly done humor, be sure to catch this drama. :)
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Common setup with fresh element
This drama has a generic setup in wuxia, romance genres - Su Ci, a high-level investigator who disguises as a man, and Prince Qi, a military prince who disguises as a wealthy aristocrats as Pei Zhao meets on a chance encounter. Together with friends of different skillsets (a medic, a swordsman, and an all-in-one attendant), they form a fast friendship and great investigation team. Each case, though seemingly distinct, somehow leads them to getting tangled with the present brewing court struggles as well as to uncovering clues to redressing past injustices.It may be an overused plot, but this drama interestingly strips away the angsts and misunderstandings between the main leads that tend to run a couple of episodes in other dramas. Su Ci is observant, collected and upright, Pei Zhao is strategic, patient and decisive. From their first encounter, we know that fate will bound them together and make them fall for each other, hard, despite the disguises and troubled pasts. It's pleasant to watch Su Ci and Pei Zhao budding and growing relationship - Pei Zhao is unwavering and unbashful in expressing his adoration towards Su Ci, Su Ci is supportive and honest with her feelings (most of the time) towards Pei Zhao. Any "rival" arcs introduced in the stories - if they are considered as rivals at all - are resolved rather quickly. In fact, I personally rather like the princess from Bei Rong, who is outspoken with her thoughts. Love this healthy dynamics and matured approach to relationship. ^^
And of course, the steamy and sweet moments between Su Ci and Pei Zhao are not to be missed. The actor and actress really do make you believe that they love each other - after the main leads confirm their relationship for each other in the later parts of the drama, Su Ci and Pei Zhao are generally never more than 2 steps apart if they are in the same frame! Okay, maybe I exaggerate a little, but point is, the main couple has great and lovely chemistry together. The second couple's story is fun to watch as well.
Apart from the main leads, Pei Zhao's good relationship with his brother, the emperor, is also a fresh of breathe air. And also, who would forget our adorable Fei Yuan? He is definitely more than an attendant to Pei Zhao, and contributes to many comedic moments in the show, along with our Xie daxia.
Fans of detective stories, however, may prefer to check out other series instead. This drama focuses more on the relationship dynamics between the main leads and the eventual showdown with the main villain. Crime solving is only part of the plots that move the story along - they are not weak on its own, but nothing too tricky or memorable about them either.
All in all, I enjoyed myself - if you are looking for an uncomplicated drama which brings some fresh elements to a common plot and great dynamics between the main casts, do give this show a chance.
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Light and sweet
When temptation turns to obsession even the heart filled with parental love can be tampered with. Greed of power has never received a happy ending. This drama portrayed this well. The chemistry of the characters and the pace each love story unfolded. It wasn't over the top kind of plot. This drama had a well blended plot line. A story with smart female leads and warm hearted male leads that are supportive are beloved plot to all. Given the fact that they were newly introduced actors, there wasn't the newbie awkwardness among the leads. The time spent waiting for it was worth it all.Was this review helpful to you?
It's okay
This drama started strong and I was really invested in the characters' personal stories, relationships and their growth as people as they started working together on each case. There's also a really interesting factor of a major mystery involving leading lady's identity that was promising.The performances are good and the cast has good chemistry. The action sequences are really well done, delivering some great fighting choreographies. The costume design, tho, felt mid. There was nothing special to it, which it's a little disappointing.
At some point, I started fast forwarding some scenes. The drama felt repetitive and I have to blame it on the unnecessary constant exposition; if I just something happened, I don't need it described to me through dialogue when there's nothing to add to it. I also think the drama misused the main villain of the story, not properly showing his talents until the end and centering more in each case. I always wanted to see more of the court, which in the final episodes proved to be more interesting with its scheming characters, both, good and bad.
Overall, this is a good and stress free drama to watch while you are cleaning around the house or something like that.
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This review may contain spoilers
I chanced upon this drama as I was looking for something to watch and I'm glad I did.STORY:
Crime solving in a historical drama? yes. Gender Bender? YES. Squad? Count me in.
Maiden Holmes is not that mind blowing drama and it definitely is not that serious crime solving drama we expect it to BUT it is entertaining enough to devote your time to. Suci (Sebrina Chen) is an officer in the historical times who disguises as male in order to work under the radar while solving her clan's murder. She is smart, tough, and observant all the values of a strong, independent woman. She then meets Xiao Yan Zhi (Zhang Ling He) who is undercover while on a mission in another part of the kingdom. Their story begins there. Yan Zhi eventually finds out that she is female and develops feelings for her. What I liked about the story is that there is no unnecessary conflict between Yan Zhi and his brother the emperor. In fact, the ministers of the court are most of the brother's enemies. It was refreshing to see brothers trusting each other in a historical drama. What made me laugh out loud is the fact that the person Suci considers as her hero is actually Yan Zhi. Imagine saying good things only to be be heard by the person you're admiring. I love their squad. They all have equal parts of the story.
ACTING/CAST:
The leads definitely have chemistry and it is surprising to find out that this is Zhang Ling He's debut. He acts naturally and isn't awkward with his scenes with Sebrina Chen. Actually, he really reminds me of a young Lee Min Ho but better. I don't know, I have a love-hate relationship with LMH's acting lol. Even the other casts in the squad are okay. They had this synergy which I appreciate very much.
MUSIC:
I love the opening song of this drama. It is rare for me to recall an OST of a Chinese drama compared to KDramas.
REWATCH VALUE:
Yes.
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