Perfects arcs with mixed execution
Right off the bat, this show may have some of the best characters arcs in any show of recent memory. They are perfectly established, explored, and resolved with gradual pacing through the show. So gradually, in fact, I hardly noticed until the final episode rolled around and my jaw dropped to the floor in realization. This alone in my eyes makes it worth watching, however there are some other details to consider. While the story was good, it was slow and stressful. The production was mostly good, although the music was god-awful. Let me elaborate.
When it comes to business dramas, this falls more into the camp of the dramatic than the intelligent. That's not to say it wasn't a well crafted story, but it wasn't pulling out genius business ideas (like the similarly titled "Wild Ambition Bloom") to bring our mc to the top. Rather, she succeeds through tenacity, negotiation, and an absolutely ridiculous risk tolerance. Drama is great and all, but the result of this is victories can sometimes feel contrived, even if they were a result of the main character's strong will. Adding to this, things moved forward at very slow pace. Like most stories, things got worse and better in various plot arcs, but these arcs were so long that you could spend several episodes in the "bad" eras, where things are all going wrong, before finally a solution presents itself. And after that little time is spent enjoying the good times.
This was not helped by the music, which is my main gripe with the show. The collection of seemingly like five songs total makes for a great deal repetition, and all of them are quite drab, adding an air of stress and unease to even the happy times (which were already few and far between). The smooth jazz unfortunately does not fit the tone of every scene, especially the happy ones. But the worst of it by far is that one song with the god-awful saxophone piercing my ears through the too-loud mixing, absolutely drowning out all dialogue and reverberating around in my skull. This is one of the few times I think music has had a notable detrimental effect on a show.
But, despite all these qualms, I still enjoyed the show. The constant competition between the main rival business owners kept me on the edge of my seat, and the main protagonists were all sympathetic and likeable. And, of course, the character arcs shined through everything. Each character has very clear personalities and flaws, and these flaws are explored fabulously through the medium of the plot. It took me a while to realize the genius of the writing here was tying every event back into these characters arcs, the prevalent themes of karma, growth, and repentance.
I'll briefly note that there isn't too much communist propaganda to worry about here, as this show is decidedly pro-business (despite the pretty much ignored protests of one minor character). In fact, I'd even call it subtly anti-regime in its on-brand portrayal of the CCP recklessly changing regulations and obstructing businesses.
If you like show about business, or good character explorations (with lots of plot), I definitely recommend this show.
When it comes to business dramas, this falls more into the camp of the dramatic than the intelligent. That's not to say it wasn't a well crafted story, but it wasn't pulling out genius business ideas (like the similarly titled "Wild Ambition Bloom") to bring our mc to the top. Rather, she succeeds through tenacity, negotiation, and an absolutely ridiculous risk tolerance. Drama is great and all, but the result of this is victories can sometimes feel contrived, even if they were a result of the main character's strong will. Adding to this, things moved forward at very slow pace. Like most stories, things got worse and better in various plot arcs, but these arcs were so long that you could spend several episodes in the "bad" eras, where things are all going wrong, before finally a solution presents itself. And after that little time is spent enjoying the good times.
This was not helped by the music, which is my main gripe with the show. The collection of seemingly like five songs total makes for a great deal repetition, and all of them are quite drab, adding an air of stress and unease to even the happy times (which were already few and far between). The smooth jazz unfortunately does not fit the tone of every scene, especially the happy ones. But the worst of it by far is that one song with the god-awful saxophone piercing my ears through the too-loud mixing, absolutely drowning out all dialogue and reverberating around in my skull. This is one of the few times I think music has had a notable detrimental effect on a show.
But, despite all these qualms, I still enjoyed the show. The constant competition between the main rival business owners kept me on the edge of my seat, and the main protagonists were all sympathetic and likeable. And, of course, the character arcs shined through everything. Each character has very clear personalities and flaws, and these flaws are explored fabulously through the medium of the plot. It took me a while to realize the genius of the writing here was tying every event back into these characters arcs, the prevalent themes of karma, growth, and repentance.
I'll briefly note that there isn't too much communist propaganda to worry about here, as this show is decidedly pro-business (despite the pretty much ignored protests of one minor character). In fact, I'd even call it subtly anti-regime in its on-brand portrayal of the CCP recklessly changing regulations and obstructing businesses.
If you like show about business, or good character explorations (with lots of plot), I definitely recommend this show.
Was this review helpful to you?
