This drama really hooked me, lol. Dropping only one episode so far is actually a good thing. It makes sense because it keeps people eager to see what happens next, and the show will be talked about more. Plus, it won't end too fast. Viewers will be happy to wait, and some will even get addicted to rewatching episode 1 over and over while waiting for the next one. Nice strategy!
Apparently she’s smart in the novel but they downplayed her in the drama 😞
A 'smart' character doesn't naturally create romantic or engaging hook scenes. Since smart characters rarely make mistakes, viewers might miss out on the suffering and development they want to see. While putting a smart lead in risky situations can drive character growth, directors need to balance these elements carefully, as viewers have different preferences: some enjoy sadness, emotional moments, and romance, while others prefer strategy, cleverness, or tension. Striking this balance is key to a well-rounded story.
Ashes to Crown will likely have a season 2. Season 1 only has 24 episodes, which is kind of weird, since most Chinese TV series have 40 to 42 episodes.
Episode 1 is good. The fighting style and the female lead’s strong sense of justice stand out, and the character work is solid. It also has a mystery element, though it involves a kid. The child travels like a living mystery, and everyone wants to know the secret. It’s a bit weird, but it fits well in this mystery-fighting world.
No struggle ??? Did we see the same 4 episodes??? Sanye is struggling with the ta reform & Gu Jinzhao struggle…
That’s your idea of struggle, but to me, it’s just an obstacle. The struggle I’m talking about is extreme, like in Flourished Peony, where she’s forced to marry, the double buried alive; or Love Like Galaxy, where she’s banished to the countryside; or Princess Agents, where she’s hunted by wolves. And so on. That’s real struggle, not just an obstacle. One must know the difference between an obstacle and a struggle, only then can understand in life. If you can’t even understand that, that’s fine. Take care.
The first episode was so epic, but honestly, it kind of messed up the pacing. I think the trailer looked way more amazing, to be real. I went in expecting: Male lead: a broken man, a scholar struggling while taking the imperial exams. Female lead: a rich, spoiled young mistress. Plot: a massacre or revenge event that forces them together against the odds. Huh. But in the actual drama (first 4 episodes), the couple looks like they have almost no struggle so far. Not what I expected at all. ...Still, somehow, it's good. 😅
The struggle I’m talking about is extreme, like in Flourished Peony, where she’s forced to marry, the double buried alive; or Love Like Galaxy, where she’s banished to the countryside; or Princess Agents, where she’s hunted by wolves. And so on. That’s real struggle, not just an obstacle.
One must know the difference between an obstacle and a struggle, only then can understand in life.
If you can’t even understand that, that’s fine. Take care.
I went in expecting:
Male lead: a broken man, a scholar struggling while taking the imperial exams.
Female lead: a rich, spoiled young mistress.
Plot: a massacre or revenge event that forces them together against the odds.
Huh.
But in the actual drama (first 4 episodes), the couple looks like they have almost no struggle so far. Not what I expected at all.
...Still, somehow, it's good. 😅