REPOST
Some initial thoughts after 8 episodes:
I think the weakest link in terms of acting is still our two leads. I love their visuals, but I speak the truth. There are some moments where I expected a different sort of emotion but I got a more muted performance from Dilraba which I thought could have been explored a bit more. That said, she improved a lot after episodes 1 and 2, which is unfortunate for those without VIP access. I actually think she is good. As for Yang Yang, to put it in a milder way, he didn't really emote much. That said, I forgive them because they are beautiful. The supporting cast is good, as always when it comes to C-dramas without second leads.
On the plot, it is exactly the same as the novel. Identical. Usually I like it that way, but this time I'd prefer it if they cut down the gaming part even further. I read the novel and I know it's difficult. I can see that they are trying their best but I think it can still be further shortened. Otherwise, it's okay thus far. The portion of the drama related to gaming should diminish as we get further into it. There should also be a small climax in episode 9 which I'm looking forward to. The novel itself is quite flat so the show really hinges on the romance and I feel that there is more to come with this pairing. Some claim that the leads are acting on their own, I don't know if it's the superficial me but I can see chemistry and I expect it to get better as well (considering the trajectory of Dilraba's performance).
