The Princess's Gambit

Proof that even good acting can't revive a lackluster script

The first 15 episodes were so good. Really kept me engaged and every time I finished an episode, I was left wanting for more. But it somehow went downhill from there. Just cliche after cliche after cliche. Mind you, all those cliches weren't even executed properly. I haven't read the novel but from the spoilers I've seen, it seems like the scriptwriters didn't either. The plot's a mess, the characters are boring, their actions are predictable, ACTUAL interesting characters aren't utilised properly and the pacing is absolutely terrible. The acting's the only redeeming quality of this drama.

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Entertaining while waiting for better drama

I am very conflicted about the rating for this drama. The story was just going downhill from when FL fell off the cliff. But I hung on and watched till the end. Is it watchable? Sure. But was it enjoyable? Was it the best? No. There were moments of shine but overall it was just too convoluted and trite. Everything shown has been shown on CDrama countless times. There's just no surprise.

I thought ok - I will give it an 8 if the ending makes sense. But no. It was just plain frustrating and draggy even down to the last minute. I can't believe these good actors put up with the scripts!

Anyways, I am going to go easy and give it a 7.5 as the ML acted well and FL towards the end was just annoying. You have to ask why she didn't even glance back at the ML as she rushed out of the cage to her master who couldn't be saved. OMG!!! Rolling eyes.


For those who don't like harem stories, this one is not for you. If you want a perfect hero who doesn't have any relationships with other females, this is not for you. The ML has a wife and concubines. This is the basis of the story. All the princes send woman to him to spy/protect their interests.

He's 30 years old and this is ancient China so it's hard to find a guy without wives and concubines.

The story is trite. She is being blackmailed to spy for the queen. She was poisoned so every month she needs a fix. This is a story that's been told many many times! I don't like it, but it works to create a conflict.

The palace intrigues: princes are fighting against each other for the throne is also old.

What's really new is the pairing of the ML and FL. I think they have chemistry.

Another thing is the writer insert an annoying ML's sister. The way she acts and talks, it's tough to convince me that a guy like the 4th prince would like her. He's so gentle and educated. She's just plain childish and annoying.

This drama has been using a tool to create suspense that I don't like. It creates a situation where audiences think that bad things will happen to the leads when in actually, they have a plan/conspiracy in place that we don't know about until they "surprise" us with a successful feat. Then they show the behind the scenes that they didn't show to us previously.

It's the easy way out of making an interesting plot. If you notice, this tool has been used a few times already.
I suspect ML and FL are working together to spy on the 3rd prince.

PS> There are many ways to create suspense. You can google "how to create suspense". The way they are doing it is the easiest: "hiding information from the audience". And then, oh we did this behind the scene. You didn't know about it.

I would rather have the all the clues and decide for myself.

Ep 22 and beyond
Plot is getting worse. Suddenly 3rd Prince in love with evil Empress. Nevermind she looks like his mom. No explanation of their history.
And then the predictable and easy way out of poisoning the King.

I am here because there's no other good dramas to watch. The other drama: A Dream Within a Dream is unwatchable for me.

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