Suzie Queue

They Grow on You

The characters were well-played and believable. The chemistry between the couples was great too - and I liked the lengths the story went to for family harmony & happiness. There is a mix of annoyance, laughter, romance (plenty of that), evil... but in the end, it all comes together. Wish they would have spent a little more time tying up the story lines. But I appreciated the twist in fortune.

This is worth watching - not too complicated and hard-to-figure. I liked the actors, even the ones I hated in the parts they portrayed.

Looking for something to watch on the weekend? This is it!

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Intense drama - and an absolutely magnificent OST

Once I got past the blood and fantasy bits, I was completely engrossed in this drama. I didn't appreciate the holes in the story, too many loose ends, too many bits and pieces that were not fully explained or clear to the viewer - and most especially the ending. Tragic that he dies, or does he? We are left hanging. Those of us who hope he is still alive as some suggest, and those of us who accept his sacrifice and heroic death as his final act of love... but I prefer to have a clear ending and closure (unless of course, we will have a Season 2!)

The acting was stellar. The music was hauntingly beautiful and evoked every bit of emotion that this drama deserved. I found the version of the theme song that Qu Chuxiao sings - and that is my favorite of all.

This drama might not everybody's cup of tea, but I couldn't stop watching once I got into it, and listened to the opening theme every single time.

Please let there be a Season 2! Same FL & ML - and whoever did the music!

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FL Character - Dumb as dirt!

It's one thing to write a naive, innocent character - but this one is neither naive nor innocent. This FL character (not bashing the actress in any way) - the character role is as dumb as dirt! I was almost rooting for her to get killed off in any of the fight scenes where she was rescued by the hot ML. He deserves somebody much smarter than this dumbass. But the villainess was even more irritating if that is possible. I hope she gets some serious comeuppance soon!

I would have enjoyed the story a lot more, and probably been more invested if not for the way the FL and the girl he had to marry were written. Enough with portraying women as brainless twits! The one couple I really liked met with tragedy - needlessly, might I add, so that spoiled the story for me also.

The only reason I am watching till the conclusion (and I will) is to see how they give Karma to the villains. I don't hold out much hope, as I have read some spoilers. However, I will make my own determination and hope for the best. I've given this drama a 6 only because I enjoyed watching the ML - he's handsome in a severe kind of way; his aide - who deserved so much more; and the kid who did a pretty good job with his character.

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Propaganda, Action, Killing, and NO Romance

I admit I followed the story to the end to see how the characters would end up. How the writer would tie up the loose ends and resolve the stories, and I suppose in a way, they did that - just not really so it made a compelling story that I enjoyed. The characters were played well by the actors - I hated the baddies, I was sorry for the goodies - and so many people were killed off, tortured, or manipulated. The villains didn't get nearly enough come-uppance for me.

Let's talk about the absence of romance. I watch these dramas for the lead couple(s) and the romance factor. There was none of it here. Although I love Elvis Han, I didn't care much for this FL - and found very little chemistry between them. When the only kiss is not even between the ML & FL you must know how non-existent the romance is.

There was a lot of action, a lot of 'suspense', but not in a way that the story was satisfying to me. I was very disappointed. I don't recommend this drama and would not rewatch it.

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It All Comes Down to Crappy Writing

Admittedly, I only watched this for the ML.

The story got repetitious and tedious after several episodes. It didn't feel like any of the characters really developed much, and I definitely didn't care much for the FL.

I followed the advice of the commenters and quit at Episode 23. I am not even curious about the 'twist' that many of them talked about because it seems to be quite ridiculous; it negates the entire series, and just sets up for a Season Two which nobody seems to even know exists.

Ultimately, the actors play the roles they are given - and the fault really falls to the poor quality of writing these days. Too many tropes and cliches which have become old and boring and even irritating - and not enough riveting, interesting, well written story lines.

I wouldn't waste any time on this drama - unless you like the ML and want to enjoy some eye candy.

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Poor Writing Ruins Even a Good Story

I really wanted to like this drama. Initially, the characters seemed appealing, and I was looking forward to getting to know them and their stories. What a let-down! There were so many things going on at the same time, so this story needed to flow a lot better than it did. There was a lot of needless repetition and wasted opportunities for the characters to really grow and develop.

The Couples:
I was really rooting for the lead couple. I was disappointed. He made mistakes, yes, he did. He handled them poorly, yes, he did. But there didn't seem to be much real love or dedication from either spouse to communicate and try to work through their problems, especially for the sake of the family they say they loved. And what was that ending for them? Ambiguous at best.

The lawyer & the writer were also disappointing. I thought it ironic that the couple didn't make the connection that despite the lawyer's modern, professional, capable demeanor, she was doing almost the same thing her mother-in-law was doing, and the writer husband was taking her for granted the same way! He did get to redeem himself a bit with his concern for her and his support. But not sufficiently to change.

The artist & the engineer was the couple that disgusted me the most. Not him, but her. He was just too sweet, too much of a doormat, too understanding, too wish-washy. She was just a selfish, self-centered, insensitive, spoiled diva. At first, I thought they would be my favorite couple, but she put paid to that very quickly. I did not like her at all.

The music teacher & the baker. That 'relationship' didn't even take off for me. There was no development of their involvement at all. Potentially the strongest story arc with the opportunity to show the most beneficial change - wasted by a weak script. I wasn't even rooting for her by the end.

The kids:
Wow! What a spoiled, entitled, bratty bunch! None of them were particularly appealing, and they did nothing to make me believe they were anything but noisy and basically unnecessary characters.

The older parents/in-laws:
OMG! The representation of older Chinese mothers gets worse and worse. Nosy, bossy, single-minded - these things don't equate to loving your children. No wonder their own children even as adults are so dysfunctional, and then go on to raise the same dysfunctional children themselves.

The ending:
Maybe the writer was trying to redeem themself by making a poor attempt at being philosophical. It didn't work. The FL was neither inspiring nor philosophical throughout the story. She didn't come across as someone to be empathized with or even sympathized with. She didn't impress me much as the kind of woman to be admired or emulated. She just did what so many women in real-life situations do - stumble along with unrealistic dreams and the illusion of perfection. Maybe that was the intent of the writer and this story. I don't know.

Personally, this was a let-down. No chance of re-watching. I did like the actor who played the ML, though. I hope he doesn't get bogged-down playing the role of the cheating husband who turns out to be a waste of time.

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Utterly Disappointing

I'll admit it. I watched this drama solely for Luo Zheng. I've seen the FL in other dramas and was seriously underwhelmed with her acting. Her character was extremely irritating. Obnoxious, classless, clueless... just to name a few critiques of her character's personality. I found myself hoping the ML would choose one of the three ninnies who worked in his office over the FL. Sorry Rain Lu, I will be avoiding any future dramas you're in. She didn't every try to hide her distaste in the kissing scenes - which spoils the romance factor that many viewers come to see in these dramas. Besides, who in their right mind wouldn't want to kiss Luo Zheng in a movie!?

The second couple saved the show for me - Lin Yan Rou & Darrien Zhang - I liked them a lot and fast-forwarded through almost all of the scenes with the FL just to watch the second lead couple. Not even Luo Zheng could save this one for me. In fact, the only reason it even got a 5 was Lin Yan Rou, Darrien Zhang, & Luo Zheng.

Low to no chance of rewatch.

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Had all the makings of a good series and then the sub-titling ruined it!

The storyline was interesting - although there were a few holes in the plot, story arcs that could have done with a little more development and closure - but overall, there were very few draggy points, and I didn't have to fast-forward through very much.

The chemistry between the lead couples was believable and I found myself rooting for the second couple even more that the main couple, just because I liked their story better. The villains were really evil, and all I wanted was decent Karma for them (which I guess we got, albeit a bit rushed in the end) They could have spread the wrapping up of all the stories over the last two episodes.

I really want to recommend this drama, however if you don't speak or read fluent Chinese and rely on English sub-titles, be warned. This is a MangoTV production, and this company is known for its lousy (and I mean supremely AWFUL) subtitling. I have seen complaints in every review and discussion group I looked at for alternative platforms to watch this drama at, but there were none. A lot of the story was lost on me (thankfully the actors' expressions, actions, and interactions made it possible to guess a lot of what was happening especially when there were backstories or explanations happening).

Re-watch? Only if there is different subtitling. Otherwise, I would just be repeating the frustration I had with this one. It's a real pity, because the story isn't bad, and the characters were interesting as well.

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The Actors saved the day!

The story itself was crappy. The direction, screen writing, production was shoddy. I don't know what the original novel was like, but if it was anything like this, I wouldn't have read it either. That being said, what carried this drama for me and what made me watch it to the end (albeit fast-forwarding through a lot of the fight and political arguing scenes) was definitely Yang Yang, and then in addition, Zhou Lusi, and a fine cast of actors who did a phenomenal job. You liked the good ones, and you detested the bad ones. The interactions were believable and well done.

Some of the reviews made me take a look at the chemistry between the ML & FL - and I am glad I gave it my own chance and didn't follow those opinions. I like how their relationship evolved and there was such an ease of progression in the development of their bond. Without saying a word, they could relay their emotions and feelings for each other. The subtle changes in expression for each of them said so much (if one was paying attention). Some complained about the way the main villain died, but I thought it was pretty well done. Not overdone.

I can't say enough how Yang Yang made this drama work for me. I will watch him in anything (historical romance preferred). In fact, I'd probably watch him simply standing still!

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Typical Romantic Fluff

What can I say about this story? Simple and it would have been so much better had the FL's character not been so irritatingly STUPID! I tried hard to see her as innocent and naive, but even innocents have more sense than this one portrayed. Loved the ML - liked the couples, and the unexpected ending for the FL's sister.

This series won't win any awards for CGI or really for much of anything else, but it was cute and once you could ignore the FL's dumbness for too long in the series, you might enjoy it for a bit of light watching.

The Empress was deliciously snobby, and just able the most believable character of the lot. The Crown Prince was clueless but cute, and he grew on me. Wish he had found his princess.

All-in-all, I love a happy ending. I skipped a lot of episodes because I just couldn't take watching the FL any longer - and fast-forwarded to the last two episodes which were surprisingly rewarding.

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This is What Rom-Coms Are

Light-hearted stories with couples that have chemistry, and plotlines you can follow. If you want historical facts and heavy material, then choose that kind of drama. This one was enjoyable, and the ML & FL had a lot of chemistry and if you like the romance (I do), a lot of that too. The SML & SFL also had chemistry although the SFL was a little irritating at times. The villains were convincingly hateful, and even if their actions were a bit repetitive, they were still characters you loved to hate.

I choose these kinds of series when I am in-between heavy dramas with a lot of episodes. They are great weekend watching, and they are light on the heart and easy to follow. The comedic moments were cute and funny but not overdone. I enjoyed the series and think the actors did a pretty good job. Don't overthink it - if you're just looking for something to watch and be entertained by this is a good pick.

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The ML Stole the Show

Everything about this drama was all about the ML for me. Easy on the eyes, intense - great fight scenes. Totally believable as a pirate, a hero, a lover. (And that mouth!) He alone made it an 8 rating.

The story was light had a lot of holes in it, and the editing was super-lousy. One minute you're in one scene, next minute you're someplace else. Good thing I was paying attention to whatever the ML was doing! (That soulful look...)

The FL left much to be desired. I kept waiting for her to smarten up or grow up. But no. She was an airhead throughout. It didn't do the couple any justice. Sorry. What a waste of a great guy and a potential supercouple.

I like this lead actor so much I can't wait to see him in a drama with a serious FL who he has chemistry with. They would burn up the screen, because he is smoking hot. (Did I mention his mouth?)

Good weekend watching. And I will be rewatching just to enjoy the eye candy.

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Cruel and Unusual Punishment

I had no warning. I did not do my usual research before watching this drama, and I paid the price.

The story started out so well and moved along albeit a little slowly for my taste, but I really got invested in this couple. Loved the ML's sincerity and his well-intended if a little misguided actions. The FL did a great job of acting - but I can't say the character written for her endeared me to her. She certainly paid for the decisions she made and the biggest mistake of staying with the SML.

The writers blamed Fate to write the cruel destiny of these two lovers, and I despised them (the writers) for that. The tasteful and beautifully shot intimate scenes, and the unrushed way the couple fell in love was the heart of this piece. The ML was perfect. The FL was initially silly and naïve, but she eventually gave in. I was so invested. I loved them together until she made that stupid choice... and just when I thought it would all come together, the writers threw in that agonizing twist that just about broke my heart and had me screaming at the screen.

I am so sorry I watched this drama. So sorry! I will look for this ML's other works, and I hope there are some. But as for the writers of this, I will never watch anything they produce again. Ever. Lesson learned the hard way, next time I research before I click 'watch'. This was a very painful lesson for me.

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Oh Lord Have Mercy - Huang Jing Yu!!!

I can't believe I had never seen any of Johnny Huang's dramas. Even harder to believe that this one has been out since 2018! I came upon it quite by accident and am so happy I did. For once, the screenwriter got it right, and the director made it all happen with a great cast of actors. It wasn't perfect, but then, what is? There were a few holes and a few things left hanging, but hey - in this one, the good outweighed the bad.

I'm not usually a Victoria Song fan. I find her to be a bit wooden and one-dimensional. In this one, she was just a little less so; but then, with Huang Jing Yu as her leading man, it's not too surprising. He was phenomenal. Just the right blend of quiet strength and self-confidence and a hint of innocence. And of course, that he is just drop dead gorgeous didn't hurt. I did love the character of Helan Xi, and he played it to perfection.

And let's not omit the real charm of this drama - the trio of Xiu Xian, Zhao Kuan Yong, and Xian Xiao Ju. What chemistry these three had - and I couldn't have chosen one guy over the other for her and wanted her to have them both! My only comfort was that the latter couple Li Jia Ming & Liu Yong Xi fell in love in real life. That made me so happy, and I wish them well!

The story got a little loose in some parts, which wasted precious time that could have wrapped things up a little better at the end. The timeline was vague and references to how long it would take for the foxes to regain human form were ambiguous. One minute it was hundreds of years, and yet in 6 months there was Helan Xi on the train. Hey - I took the happy ending anyway I could get it, but still there are lingering questions. Part two mayhap? We can only hope.

I liked this story. I liked the actors. I even felt it for some of the evil characters (not a lot of them). But I liked this drama and would definitely rewatch it. I will, however, fast forward through scenes with her 'best friend' and the female reported whose ambition caught up to her in the end (too easy if you ask me).

A lot of eye candy in this one, folks, but also a good story and solid acting. And Johnny Huang without a shirt!

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