Completed (2026)

It is so ironic for a series titled “Khemjira” Khem was the most underwhelming character in the whole production. Both the actor and character were underwhelming. He was overshadowed by every single other actor/character in terms of performance or story. The main CP’s love story was actually cringe ngl and was once again eclipsed by the second CP.

The drama also suffers from how callausly it handled sensitive issues. It attempted to touch on serious issues that affect women from DV, to PPD, and even Ramphueng‘s backstory,  but only used these topics as plot devices and dismissed them without any thought. It was actually quite upsetting. There was no empathy but lecturing and judgment. I HATE IT. 

What I love, OST (the intro was so beautiful I did not skip in even once), the production and cinematography were gorgeous! 

I absolutely loved this! Far more than I expected to if I’m being honest. I went in with some apprehension after being somewhat underwhelmed by the scripts of the past few CBLs, but this one pleasantly surprised me. The writing was tight, and both the acting and the chemistry were impressive. Scenes that could have easily fallen flat or failed to land emotionally instead carried real weight, largely because of how well the actors sold the gravitas of those moments. I think these are my favorite parts.

Two main complaints.
First, I would have loved more of the “I hate you, but I hate myself even more because I still love you” venom during the divorce era arc. You Shulang felt emotionally defeated for most of this arc, when I desperately wanted him to be angrier, uglier, and more volatile (yes, the bat swinging was immaculate but I needed more of that damn it!).

My second complaint is that the drama really could have used one or two additional episodes to fully explore the final arc. You Shulang “learns” about everything Fan Xiao did for him almost entirely through other characters. I would have strongly preferred more showing than telling here.

I love toxic, morally gray/black, deeply flawed characters, so this drama was very much to my taste. Despite my two complaints, it still delivered a lot of what I enjoy, and I’m genuinely glad I watched.

With the way I was mad at certain script/characteristic choice, I was ready to give this a 7-7.5 and call it a day. But a satisfying scene in the last episode has alleviated some of my disappointment so rating this an 8. 

I still maintain this should have been a dual female lead drama. A true case for “men should be seen not heard”. Tsk

The leads held it together. Decent plot but fails at execution. Absurd level of editing and directing choices. Unsightly costume/aesthetic, save for a few. 

But it isn’t a total loss. I did find some talented actors and discovered some potential pairing so there is that. 

Raw stories, raw acting, more importantly on a personal level — Ni Ni. I love how human and frustrating the characters are. The younger actors were perfection. Absolutely abysmal time jump and switch to adults. But what’s worse is the intense mystery that has been haunting the narrative throughout the drama being so underwhelming.

Not to mention the last minute flag waving. China, please. ?

It is an idol drama so not looking for historical accuracy here so I had no issue with ZLH being too handsome or TXW’s character being unrealistic. But my enjoyment fizzled out in the last stretch of the drama.

I’m so happy for Deng Kai though. Qi Min might be a villain and I find it weird that people still refuse to engage with media without self inserting thereby refusing to allow any dark characters to be explored, but I had fun with him.

Still don’t know what to rate it though. Tethering between 7.5 and 8.