Chasing Routine (2025)

A couple at the verge of divorce...a well-written drama with an emotional punch & great acting

I was intrigued by the drama when it was heavily mentioned in subreddit CShortDramas during its release. I have seen dramas by Tian Yuan and Ji Jun Liang. I like Tian Yuan's acting but as much as I like JJL's visuals, I found his dramas lack uummpphh mostly because the lack of chemistry with his leading ladies. So today I decided to watch Chasing Routine. I literally just completed this drama and wow, so many thoughts going through my head.

What I liked:
1. Writing - I must say this is one of the best written vertical dramas from this year. The three acts had a clear concept and were executed well. I cried because was moved by a few scenes in act two. Kudos to the writers.
2. Main characters - I liked that both characters were flawed. There was character development in both FL & ML and I appreciated that they work their hardest to be better versions of themselves.
3. Acting - Wow, great performances by both Tian Yuan & Ji Jun Liang. They matched each other's skills and intensity. The hotel room scene was the highlight of their performances.
4. Family - Family is the core theme of this drama as I saw different examples of family units: i) FL & ML, ii) FL's mother & brother, iii) ML's parents.
5. Forgiveness - It is hard to move on when there are resentment, nitpicking or lingering feelings. Best way to move forward is to forgive, which was demonstrated in the scene at the hospital.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL, ML & ML's assistant / admirer. The lime green dress looked good on FL while my favourite outfit for ML is the ensemble he wore for dinner with his brother in law & annoying guy.
6. Supporting characters - Usually in my culture, mother in law can be harsh towards their daughter in law but I really liked ML's parents for being supportive of FL. It was nice to add that conversation between ML and ML's mother about having kids.
7. Romance - There were ups and downs in their relationship that we got to see. A very emotional ride. Their love language is act of service and there was one kiss I think.
8. Ending - I was hoping it would be that news and I was right. They deserved it!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, FL's mother & brother were atrocious and ungrateful. Lived off well but never appreciated ML. I couldn't believe the brother for still befriending the attacker of his sister. That guy with horrible centre-parting hair was an ass who wouldn't take no for an answer.
2. SFL - I disliked ML's assistant / admirer for the GeGe / cooing and for taking credit for FL's work. However she redeemed herself at the end, which was a nice surprise.

Favourite scene
The hotel room - a lot of feelings involved.

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