JuicyMetra

Chemistry was brilliant and even the side characters were hilarious!

I was going to give it an 9 because of the last two episodes but those last few minutes of acting redeemed that rushed ending and the entire show. That ending scene wouldn't have worked if there wasn't that build up and chemistry with the leads throughout the show. And I know people don't like those kinds of open-ended endings but something about it makes you linger and ache (like JTY for ex). I watched the last 5 minutes of the show over and over again bawling each time because of the expressions.

I'm standing by my 10 because for a Xianxia I expect ridiculous CGI, costumes and over the top characters, dramatic plots, but the acting from the main leads and even the 2ML was so good I'd rewatch again for sure. Also the side characters were hilarious and so many scenes had my sister and I folded. Maybe half a point is given to spite the antis hating on TSY's visuals, I think she's GORGE. Also the OST from HMH and TSY are so good and went on my playlist.

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The plot had so much potential, but the delivery and character writing was awful.

Let me preface this by saying I actually LOVED the first 9 or 10 episodes... but it all went downhill for the last 2/3's of the show. Which sucks because the plot and setting of the show had so much potential.

I was actually pleasantly surprised to see a lot of the short web drama or vertical drama actors here and thought they did amazing in the beginning. But once the show moved away from the lightheartedness and tried to get more serious and have that psychological warfare - the gaps in their acting really showed. Even the FL wasn't immune and I could easily guess the plot twist based on her expressions (sister dying, marrying Bai Luo, etc.), maybe this was on purpose but it completely removed any shock value when the plot twist was revealed.

The main gripe I have with this show is the poor character writing and this applies to almost everyone. It felt like the writers just arbitrarily made the bad guys good and the good guys bad. For most of the show I was rooting for the 2ML only for him to have half an episode at the end to be one of the main villians; no build up to it, just a short explanation from him when he was caught and it made no sense how they were acting for just a big plot twist. Same goes for the sister -- the beginning made it seem like they would be the main antagonists and then they just turn around from one moment or conversation. There was no actual character growth before they're meant to be forgiven by the audience.

Same gripe with the main leads. After the first 3rd of the show - I just couldn't root for their romance and found myself fast forwarding through their romantic scenes. I enjoyed it more and only continued watching for the scheming and to see justice for the antagonists (which kept popping up out of nowhere with little to no tie-in from earlier episodes). I loved how smart both the FL and ML were when it came to strategies and execution but it was like they were clueless when it came to strategy and communication with each other. Imagine how much more they could've done if they worked together instead of deceiving each other over and over and over again.

But I'm giving it 5 stars for the beginning and the potential. I love historical dramas around female empowerment and LOVED LOVED the setting around a matriarchal family and culture. The setting around a tea culture was also a fun addition and loved learning more about it in the whole power through wealth and power through nobility set-up. Also loved all the scheming and plot twists (even if done poorly).

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Lost You Forever S2 is the equivalent of Game of Thrones S8

I literally created an account just to write this review and warn folks (if you're anything like me)

I understand that this show is based on a novel/manhua so they're following that storyline but the stark contrast in how much I loved S1 to how much I hate S2 gave me PTSD from when I finished GoT S8. I remember staying up late and waking up early just because I couldn't stop watching the first season and was impatiently waiting and excited to watch season 2.

They completely ruined all the character development and reasons why I loved XiaoYao from season 1. She went from being a strong witty independent and lively main character who was also vulnerable while standing her ground. In season 2 it felt like she was the complete opposite, and was so depressing to watch. Like I watch dramas to escape from my own depression and even sad stories have a glimmer of hope or a message behind it.

SPOILER: Xiaoyao even went batshit crazy, when she thought Tushan Jing died, had like a hallucinogenic fever dream wedding by herself and attempted to kill her brother/king. Which completely turned me off because I loved how she was able to care for all the people in her life, especially the men that loved her, despite the difference in relationships and obstacles. The relationship with her brother was the entire basis of the S1 storyline. How strong their bond and love for each other were and their promises to support each other and the lengths they went to reunite and live up to their expectations and dreams... Yeah that imagery was shattered for me as soon as S2 started.

I also hated how they tried to bring back Tushan Jing's storyline, it just made me sour and think of him as such. weak minded or willed person. Basically a babybackbitch. JUSTICE FOR XIANG LIU -- HE SHOULD'VE BEEN END GAME!! >:( But I would've also been happy with Cang Xuan if they had just written/directed S2 better, with how S1 left off.

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