Fu Yu An (2024)

Unexpectedly bland

My expectation of this series is fairly low after reading the synopsis, but I didn’t expect it to be so samey and boring.

The premise of the show is the proposed marriage alliance between the princess of a smaller kingdom to the prince of an aggressive neighbouring state. Of course, there is the usual mistrust and misunderstanding. The enemy-to-lover tropey is front and centre.

There is nothing new with this set up. It has been done many times before. The problem is compounded by the cast lacking depth/skill and the script being too tropey to give the show a boost.

You soon realise the script brought little new to the table. All the usual tropes are lined up like little ducklings. It is serviceable but hardly engaging. As expected, the romance of the leads is the primary focus. Other than the usual push-pull and misunderstandings, there is not a lot to write home about. There is also an inherent problem with their characterisation. The show can do with stronger individual traits but they mostly play with a straight bat.

The typical palace intrigue and petty second leads provide the bulk of the angst. It is mostly run-of-the-mill power plays from rival princelings and their scheming wives. Similarly, the second leads are only there because the playbook said so. Our leads have nothing to fear from those quarters.

There is a 2CP but their progress is initially fraught. I know this sounds odd but there is more skinship than I expected but they are fairly wooden. There is a bit of fan service towards the end. However, the ending is oddly untidy and feels rushed.

In terms of acting, the FL did ok. Her role of a sassy princess offers few challenges. The ML mastered the nonchalant stance and the cheeky smile but he is not very convincing as a king-in-waiting.

On the other side of the ledger, the production quality is acceptable. This is hardly surprising as production companies can churn out costume dramas with ease these days. It is practically an industry. The flip side is a tedious sameness unless the production is S class. Sadly, this one sits firmly in the middle of the pack. Not only are the costumes and sets generic in look and feel, the distinction between the two kingdoms is minimal. They’d call each other barbarians but, in most aspects, they are almost identical aesthetically.

In the end, there is little to recommend this show. It is inoffensive and mildly entertaining. It is hardly a must-see unless you are a fan of the leads. It is a classic filler and I'm thankful that it is 24 and not 40 eps.

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