xD It's not like these are indie productions which get limited support eitherArclei:
I'm chuckling a bit because this feels a bit harsh, but I totally understand where you're coming from.
Most stories just fall apart on a rewatch ToTArclei:
There are a few dramas I've watched where this has happened, and it's often the romance that falls apart during a second viewing. I have characters I cherish, but later I begin to see their flaws and the countless plot holes. Despite this, I find pleasure in going back and re-watching to identify where the plot holes started. Usually, my first watch is for enjoyment, but when I return to it later, I adopt a more analytical approach that allows me to breakdown the writing and cinematography.
V2 dramalist update?Arclei:
No, I don't believe I have. Is it updated automatically to my MDL, or do I need to download it myself? I can be somewhat oblivious regarding these matters; I usually don't notice them unless they're directly in front of me. Even then, I'm so accustomed to navigating the websites I visit daily that anything new can feel a bit overwhelming. Is there a link for this?
Secondary couple are more RR and my favourite.Arclei:
I absolutely love it when the secondary lead couples shine in their own right, separate from the main leads. There’s a unique charm to the second couple in many dramas. I believe this due to their narratives running alongside the main storyline, which gives them the opportunity to step back from the heavy drama and genuinely connect. One show I watched this year that exemplifies this is "Filter". I know some might disagree, but for me, another series is "Moonlight Mystique". The side couples simply had more depth and understanding. Additionally, I feel the actors portraying the side couples excelled in bringing their characters to life and evoking strong emotions from me.
Are we still thinking about organizing a "Twelve Days of GIF Battle" for an end-of-year club event ?

RR Buddy Watch : An Ancient Love Song
My Notes for Episodes: One, Two , Three
Episode Four:
- Our fabulous boss lady is getting called a temptress just because she looks drop-dead gorgeous on a horse. Did she say
- * The Prime Minister better not take out my baby daddy. If they off Lu Shi this early, I'm going to be furious.
- Yes, Queen! You’re slaying it once more! I adore a fierce woman in armor who knows how to wield a sword. 🗡️
- Oh my God, I just remembered! Their army walked into an ambush, unaware of the danger because their Prime Minister betrayed them. Plus, isn't he the same guy who hit on Lu Yuan, his supposed stepdaughter? Ugh, I'm really starting to remember how much I disliked him.
- Pojun's advisor remarks on how Lu Yuan and her elite work together so seamlessly. Isn't that the entire purpose of being elite? Of course, they're not going to deploy their weak soldiers.
- Let's avoid hand-to-hand combat. Quite the brave souls, huh? Just watch the fierce woman take down your soldiers while you hide. He calls them losers while he trades a sword for arrows to stay clean. Even took out both his and her people with them! I hope Shi climbs that cliff and takes him down. Fingers crossed!
- So, like, where did our fierce lady boss pick up her fighting skills? I totally missed the memo on that one. I thought she was just raised in the world of court politics.
- Dude is seriously sitting here rambling about the number of foggy days in a year. If that fog rolls in, I might just kick the bucket!
- "Yuwen Pojun has been hiding behind, back he must be a coward" Not Lu Yuan agreeing with me! LOL
- I knew Lu Yuan wasn't dead
- Oh wait, I was so laser-focused on plot that I totally missed the fog rolling in over where all the dead soldiers are lying. LMAO! So yes, the fog is definitely here because of the magic of chemistry!
- Pojun, while his troops are busy playing dodgeball with death - "Hey, come save me!" - five seconds later, gets a surprise neck massage from an arrow courtesy of Shi.
- I feel like I'm missing something. They didn't seem close before, and I thought she was suspicious of him, but now they're hugging and she's caring for his injuries.
- Shen just told her that he’s finally understood the complex aspects of war and its impact on those involved. I could come up with an excuse for him. But, there must be some kind of war happening in his world outside those pages, where real people are truly suffering. You know, museums filled with artifacts of weapons that were actually used in battles. Even if there’s no documented history for the story he’s in, how can he not understand the repercussions of any war in history or reality? He can't be that unaware. It’s literally his job to research. But hey, let’s just attribute it to a classic case of Hibo energy, right?
- Oh, this drama is quite graphic. They just displayed the general's leg entirely detached from the knee down, revealing the insides of his leg with blood gushing out.
- Aww, look at Shi crying over his fallen comrades. No, darling, you haven't done anything wrong. You took down that coward like the true hero you are. I'm truly happy that his sister embraced him. He deserves that.
- Shen is just hurling empty promises about remaining in Lu Yuan's world and altering their destiny. From what I know, you don't have that kind of power, buddy. If you get yourself killed, poof! You're out, and there are only a handful of jade shards left. What really cracks me up is her expression; it looks like she's heard this nonsense so many times that she's completely calling it out as BS.
- And now he’s throwing around the word 'love'? Of course she loves him; she’s been waiting ages for his return! But for him, it’s just a quick five minutes. I know I sound a bit brutal about this episode, but honestly, everything is moving at lightning speed and I’m just trying to catch my breath here.
- Shen's jealous little jab about the amulet Lu Yuan's flaunting: "Why does the emperor just hand out gifts like candy?" Well, darling, it's because the Emperor is basically a manchild who befriends random dudes sneaking around his bedroom and has a soft spot for snuggling with a giant fluffy cat ball...
- truly adore the breathtaking scenery featured in this episode. The mountains appear so lush, the trees in the forest stand majestically tall, and the water flows with such grace.
- the Prime Minister offed the king? I'm not surprised at all. I mean, how did Shi not realize that his dad is totally the kind of guy who'd stab someone in the back?
- There's always a Secret love child, and guess what? It's with the maid! Scandalous, right? LOL! But I have to admit, this little nugget is absolutely adorable!
- The young one is meant to become the new monarch of the realms, provided the hobo doesn’t disrupt the timeline. If he continues to yap about the future in front of those who are unaware of his origins, that’s exactly what will occur. He’s just nonchalantly dropping the truth bomb that there’s not enough historical evidence yet! They believe he’s some sort of psychic. LOL!
- Could this man shout any louder? Yes, let's alert everyone that you and the Prime Minister intend to eliminate Lu Yuan and his son.
- They wrapped up the episode with the late King's love child's granddad falling on a rock? Then, just like that, they cut to another scene where the baby is wailing, probably taken? Seriously, how can you trip on a rock in dirt that’s almost clear except for that one small rock? I’m genuinely cracking up right now.
which version is that? there are several in the mdl database, pls link?Tina:
I could only find the 2010 movie which I watched last year on extremely low quality but I did find a better version this year, haha
These are the Ooku titles that are set in a matriarchy:
- Ooku: The Inner Chamber - Used to be on Kissasian and dramacool but all links are broken now
- The Castle of Crossed Destinies - Sequel ^ Haven't checked for it since it's pt.2
- Ooku - 2010 movie I watched
- Ooku + Ooku Season 2 - More recent series, was fansubbed but the conditions are too strict
try NotionTina:
I do use notion, that's where I have all my PTR lists. I meant lists for recommendations like I have here on MDL, haha xD
Is this what you were looking for?Tina:
because this feels a bit harshSimi_Tutu:
I suppose it does sound a bit harsh, but that's ultimately how it is, yknow xD Don't get me wrong, I catch myself feeling like this too sometimes but I try to remember that it's just a job
and the countless plot holes.Simi_Tutu:
This especially in my experience, oh my god.
No, I don't believe I have.Simi_Tutu:

It's this update. Mine says V1 because I already switched as you can tell, but yours should say V2.
There’s a unique charm to the second couple in many dramas.Simi_Tutu:
This is true, in my experience they're either the most boring coupling ever or way more interesting than the leads, there's little in-between xD Both Filter and Moonlight Mystique are on my radar already so I'll definitely have to check them out now ^^
Are we still thinking about organizing a "Twelve Days of GIF Battle" for an end-of-year club event ?Simi_Tutu:
Hmm, not sure, we'd have to discuss that with the others, methinks. If there's interest, I don't mind hosting ^^
We should actually start thinking about the end-of-the-year events... God, I can't believe it's already almost October *-* Y'all feel free to discuss! I think an awards ceremony would be cute but let me know
yours should say V2.Arclei:
Oh my goodness, I really appreciate it! I was a bit anxious since mine was labeled beta, but it functioned perfectly. I just wish I could have retained the lovely pastel purple shade from version one. It was absolutely adorable. Nevertheless, this new layout is beneficial because it allows me to see that I have 12 dramas that premiered in 2025 that I want to finish—well, technically 11, since one just began airing and won't conclude until the fall of next year, so it doesn't really count. I can also include the days that the dramas are currently airing.
there's little in-between xDArclei:
Hahaha, isn't that the truth? From my own experience, the second couple alway often serves up the most ridiculous storylines, and I'm just here like, OK, it was cute at first, but now it's just plain annoying. Seriously, you're overdoing it. I'm looking at you, side couples from "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim". And don't even get me started on the side couple that's completely toxic, trying to make it all romantic like in "Love O2O". And no, I'm not referring to the subtle gay side couple—I adore them! I'm talking about the best friend who I just couldn't stand.
Both Filter and Moonlight Mystique are on my radarArclei:
And to shake off that toxic vibe she whipped up, here's a GIF of my little darling from MM. No, this isn't a spoiler, but just look at that adorable face! Show him some love because trust me, I definitely do.

I really enjoyed Filter. The only thing I would mention is that the start was a bit tough to get through, but once you push past a few episodes, it becomes much better and funnier—like, really funny! It's also a heartfelt story, and I believe it delivers a positive message by the end.
we'd have to discuss that with the others, methinksArclei:
While I was browsing through the previous pages for the club this year, I realized we have a treasure trove of GIFs that would be fantastic to submit for this event! It would be a blast to showcase all the effort our members put into creating them, and I'm eager to hear what everyone else thinks about it.
And you're absolutely right, I can't believe October is nearly here! It feels like just yesterday it was April, and now the year has zipped by in the blink of an eye. There are still so many dramas on the RR list that I haven't watched yet—so many titles, and so little time!
More recent series, was fansubbed but the conditions are too strictArclei:
Drama-Otaku is alright, I was able to sign up for their membership this month) and even get accepted. I'm so glad now I'm here I can watch whatever as long as I don't share it with others or try to make a profit off of it or whatever. Really easy thing to do, as I watch alone.
I think it's worth it, getting a D-O. If you ever change your mind, they have sign ups regularly.
Just a shame it isn't available to watch online since I'm very hesitant to download from ahoy sites T_TArclei:
I have some torrents at hit and run and too lazy to put them back on my laptop so I can remove them from there. But I might want to watch this too? Ahoy websites are cool w/ me, at least that one is cool. Not all of them are, but I'm finding the best things on there fr and they're free and also safe to download afaik. Suit yourself though, it's alright if you don't want to use these typa sites.
I just wish I could have retained the lovely pastel purple shade from version one.Simi_Tutu:
You'll probably be able to recover it once they roll out more updates for the new version. It's fairly recent and still in beta
Nevertheless, this new layout is beneficialSimi_Tutu:
Glad you think so! ^^ Enjoy!
I'm talking about the best friend who I just couldn't stand.Simi_Tutu:
Yeah, honestlyyy, not every character needs a love life- there just ain't enough interesting things going on. And often said side couples take up sooooo much screentime. This wasn't the case in TRoTaR (not that I minded them as a side couple cuz cmon princess x courtesan? Say less!)
Show him some loveSimi_Tutu:
Such a cutie pink haired patootie!!!😍😍😍😍
the start was a bit tough to get throughSimi_Tutu:
Ahhh, it's one of those, huh- Okay, thanks for the heads up. I had started episode 1 at some point but fsr really wasn't vibing with it. I'll keep it in mind for next time
It would be a blast to showcase all the effort our members put into creating themSimi_Tutu:
Agreed!
the year has zipped by in the blink of an eyeSimi_Tutu:
Augh, I know right? Wow
I think it's worth it, getting a D-OTina:
Probably is, I've considered it multiple times but I've not yet been wistful enough to want to indulge such gatekeep-y behaviour. Maybe one day I will cave-in, haha, who knows?
Regardless, glad you managed to get accepted, I know the requirements are like an ancient treasure hunt xD Enjoy your drama-watching!
Suit yourself though, it's alright if you don't want to use these typa sites.Tina:
I use ahoy sites exclusively but I'm very cautious. Maybe a bit too cautious. Especially with downloading things. But you say this one is safe so maybe I'll give it a try. I'm just always so scared of getting a virus, yknow T_T
An Ancient Love Song - Ep 10
Stopped writing notes for every ep for various reasons but here I am yapping about the ending of ep 10, lol
- The situation with the emperor, the poison and the prime minister is kiiindaaaaaaa ehh
- Not FL acting all tough and cold while ML is sobbing his little heart out only to sob her own little heart out by herself in the carriage. Like, my heart
- How adorable of FL's maid to ask ML to make FL happy and snatch her away, like- the sismance is 10/10
- Also their conversation in the carriage was touching. I like how they showed the difference in maturity between them and also the differences due to when they grew up. ML lives in a modern world where being 'selfish' (for lack of a better word) is more encouraged and expected while she grew up in a world where she matters little and being selfless is what's truly important. I love how despite their pure love for one another, these differences keep them apart.
- Also gotta appreciate her for setting her foot down and telling him to respect her decision even if it's not the one he wants.
- Honestly the idea of a FL being forced to enter the palace for whatever reason and her BF following her in in whichever way he can is an adorable and very interesting premise for drama. Wish there were something like this (edit: I guess this kinda happens in The Legend of Hao Lan but...
- What a time to have a heart attack, my dude
- Also since he's being saved in the present day but he's active in the historical time... does that mean he's dreaming or what? 'Cause I thought he was actually time travelling O-o
- Oh my god bro just vanishes?! What?! That's so trippy- something straight out of a horror movie, lmfao. Can you imagine being FL and just suddenly finding the person you were currently conversing to disappear into thin air?
- This creates one of two visuals in my mind as to how his body disappears when he dies in her arms a few eps back. 1. Bro just despawns like a video game corpse (horrifying). 2. Bro oogways outta there (iykyk otherwise, imagine bro disappearing into a gust of petals). Idk which one I prefer tbh, both are kinda hilarious
- I can't stress enough how much I appreciate FL for being so strong and intelligent. In so many of these time travel-whatever dramas the FLs are comically dumb and can't wrap their head around anything and though not sure how plausible it is that she would believe a word out of his mouth and somehow not think he's crazy (especially since she's a historical lady), it's still refreshing within the genre.
- The power of a himbo still proves itself to be the strongest. He's crazy but he's my crazy kinda of love)
t once they roll out more updatesArclei:
I'm cringing right now because I just realized I misinterpreted the term beta. Occasionally, Things easily go over my head. lol
😍😍😍😍Arclei:
I truly hope you feel a connection with his story, as I am in need of someone to share thoughts with. My passion for him runs deep.
Augh, I know right?Arclei:
As I get older, the years appear to fly by faster than they used to. This year, I can feel it in my bones, both literally and figuratively. lmao 
The currently airing Gemini has some RR potential.
FL is the ML's sect leader and he defers to her. Both are strong fighters but hers is the stronger personality for sure. It's been entertaining so far, would recommend. Very cute romance. Zhou Jun Wei as the ML is great and he has this habit of preening and dressing up pretty when he knows he'll see the FL which gives off malewife vibes
I am in need of someone to share thoughts with. My passion for him runs deep.Simi_Tutu:
Ahhh I know the paaaiin. Unfortunately I don't know when I'll be able to get around to this drama T_T I have so many on my PTW already, haha
the years appear to fly by faster than they used toSimi_Tutu:
Ain't that the truth- must be something in the air
The currently airing Gemini has some RR potential.RSB:
I had my eye on this one. The trailer seemed like it had RR potential but I wasn't sure
FL is the ML's sect leader and he defers to her. Both are strong fighters but hers is the stronger personality for sure.RSB:
Sounds pretty promising!
has this habit of preening and dressing up pretty when he knows he'll see the FL which gives off malewife vibesRSB:
SO CUTEEE!!! Love that
Thanks for letting me know! I added it to the index (and my ptw lol)
I have so many on my PTW already, hahaArclei:
I just spent the last hour refreshing my "Completed In 2025" list. You’ll be so proud of me! I did remove some dramas, so now my list only includes titles that are entirely finished in 2025, which was my initial aim. My "Currently Watching" has decreased from 22 to 10 entries. I’ve included the days of the week in the "Notes" section for the airing dramas, and I also created a "Drama Notes" list to easily access all my RR notes and any other dramas from various clubs. It’s private for the time being, but I hope to make it public once I have more entries, and it will look great. I’m not even going to attempt to tackle my PTW list because it stresses me out. Lmao.
- must be something in the airArclei:
Ya, autumn weather. LOL

Arclei:

Tina:
RSB: