Gemini Episode 28

Highly entertaining, well produced mini that works on many levels

Blind princess consort Lu Zhao is caught in a web of lies : prince Situ Xian is conspiring with her cousin to snatch her inheritance and get rid of her. She uncovers their lies thanks to Jin Yu, a sect leader working for the king, but she's caught and kills herself swearing revenge. Jin Yu herself has been assassinated and her adoptive brother Xia Ren holds a forbidden ritual to revive her. Her soul gets trapped in Lu Zhao's body, and her memory is locked, only to be released by revenge. Xia Ren takes it as an opportunity to do what he never dare before : seduce her. Did you get all that ? It was a lot to unravel. Bonkers script that never slows down, hammy acting (mostly from the secondary cast), all the tropes, it shouldn't work that well but it weirdly does, thanks to the actors who are there for it, embracing the camp, a very strong direction and excellent pacing. I do have to mention that the plot takes a while to begin, we get four whole episodes on the blind princess who will be replaced by the true heroïne and as a result I struggled to get myself attached to the (fake) twins, as we don't really know who they are and why we should root for them. But as a true trash panda I couldn't really say no to the forbidden romance, even more so with Zhou Jun Wei being all broody and sexy in black and making smouldering eyes at Lu Zhao (he flirts and kisses her like there is no tomorrow). Zhu Li Lan is versatile and has chemistry with everyone, she can switch between doe-eyed maiden and ruthless ruler without batting an eye. At first I was not really into it but couldn't look away (poor Lu Zhao's life is a pure trainwreck), and then got very addicted once the "twins" were reunited. Finally the production must be noted, as it's immaculate, even better than some longer shows. I was taking tons of screens : the compo, colors, lighting and costumes were all gorgeous. It might be my favorite mini of 2025.

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