Suzie Queue

This story had potential - the screenwriting & directing ruined it

Another drama I wanted to love and place firmly on my 'rewatch' list. I adore Wu Lei. Zhao Lusi, not so much, but when she finds a role that suits her, she does a fine job. The ensemble cast is the reason (and especially Wu Lei) that I rated this drama as highly as I did. For once, even the absence of smoking hot chemistry between the main leads didn't deter me.

There were aspects of Part I which were slightly better than the disorganized mess that was Part II - but the second part also underwhelmed and disappointed.

I had trouble keeping track of who was who - so many princes, so many princesses, so many ministers, evil and not evil, so many random characters popping up when a plot needed justification... it became tedious trying to remember them all and what their story was. Hence, the holes in the stories. So much time was wasted on slow-motion shots, repetitious angle shots, and pushing the revenge and petty spitefulness to the max. I get that FL was wronged in her childhood. I get that ML was traumatized and also suffered. Those points were played out so much that it got tiresome to watch it. So much so, that when it came to wrapping up the storylines, in that last episode, the viewers really got sold out. Even mid-stream, in the years FL was in the palace - one group scene with everybody in red was supposed to indicate the couples and marriages. Press 'pause' to see who got married to who... disappointing! And that last scene in the last episode - supremely disappointing!

We waited so long for this series and so much hype went into it. Fans of the ML & FL watched, and many may praise it because of their loyalty to these two actors. My opinion might not be popular, but it is just that - my opinion. I was disappointed and underwhelmed with the way the story was told and with the performance of the screen writers and the director. They ruined the piece.

Can I just add my admiration for the great job that Tong Lei did as the Empress? She evoked the only tears I shed in this drama. Her gentle, generous spirit was truly brought out in this actor's performance. I really loved so many of the characters in this series because they did such a great job of bringing their roles to life, and that is the reason I could give this show the rating I did. I also have to mention Wu Lei's fight scenes - and how magnificent he looks on a horse! I look forward to his next historical drama.

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Love & Revenge

A nicely-played drama about love and revenge. The chemistry between the lead couple carried this whole drama. The secondary characters were well played by the supporting actors, and the story came together well (for a mini episode drama). I enjoyed the players so much that I would have loved to see this as a regular length series so that the writers/director could develop the characters a little more.

Best to watch all episodes together, so as not to lose continuity. It was hard to break up the episodes (they are so short), but if you are looking for something short and sweet, this one is surely a contender. I wish they had invested a little more time and depth for the ending and explained some of the relationships a little more, but all's well that end happily - and this one did.

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It started well, but...

This started well, and I was really getting invested in the characters. Once I established who the ML was, I liked the pairing immediately - great chemistry between the FL & ML. The villainess is predictably disgusting, and all I want is for her and her cronies to get Karma. Good Karma.

The story took a turn into confusion after the lightning tribulation bit. Did they both die? What's with the resurrection arc? How do they end up meeting again and why, if they only just end up in a hurried cliffhanger that we don't even know will be resolved since there is no indication or information about a season two!? I hope there will be. I can't stand these WTH endings.

These short-episode format dramas really need to have a tight storyline that doesn't stray from the main point. It started out ok, but somewhere around the middle got a bit confusing and repetitious (the villainess can only obsess on killing the FL so many times) and then the end feels like they ran out of time, so just cut the scene. Bam! What the heck!?!?

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These mini-episode dramas are a waste of time!

I was looking forward to this series. The description looked interesting and so did the characters.

Then I discovered the 8-minute episode format. It was all downhill from there. 5-8 minutes is not enough to tell a story, let alone get to know the characters. This left too much room for loopholes and gaps in the story. Hurried explanations or lapses of time where you don't know what happened are just annoying and take away from the flow of the story.

The ending hints at 'more to come' - Season 2, 3, 4, etc.? Not with this poor storyline and production, No sir! I watched out of curiosity to see if the story could be told effectively and entertainingly. No to both. I will make sure to steer clear of mini-episode dramas from now on.

In all fairness however, the cast was great - the ML & FL were likeable and believable, as was the whole cast. I think they deserve a 'real' drama to show their talents, and I hope to see them in something real soon. Together, hopefully.

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Enough with stupid FLs

It took long enough for this story to start coming together. It was confusing at first, especially with all these male characters coming out of the woodwork. If you could get past that confusion, the ML was the only constant in the story. I like LHY and was willing to try to stick it out for him. BUT I just couldn't. Sorry, Li Hong Yi!

Let's talk about the FL. I have seen this actress in other dramas before. She plays the same kinds of roles. Dumb. IMO, she's not believable as a kick-ass heroine because she comes across as a silly, giggling, ninny. She wears the same clueless expression on her face and just isn't convincing. So calling her character 'naïve' and 'goodhearted' to suggest why she's so gullible is a stretch! I kept hoping she wouldn't come back from her many 'deaths' - plant or no.

The men! Cang Qi, Cang Nan, Tang Huan, Tang Yang - what a bunch of psychos! One look at FL and they are 'in love' to the point of creepy obsession? Please! Even LHY's character of the ML couldn't save this shipwreck of a story, the stalker arcs, and the awful acting by the FL.

Thankfully I didn't waste much time because of the reviews of a few reputable posters on the MDL website. Those who thought this to be a great story, to each their own. Not for me! I only gave it as many as 4 stars for Li Hong Yi.

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A drama with the potential to score, and then the writer & the director dropped the ball!

This drama had a lot of potential, but the writing was shoddy, and the director also did a poor job of telling the story. There were holes in the storyline throughout, that left the viewers guessing and wondering what just happened and why! There was no obvious character development even with the main characters.

I started watching this because of the excitement from the (mostly) followers of both Xu Kai and Yang Mi. Xu Kai was good in his role as Yang Hua – and Yang Mi as Qin Shi was passable. I found him to be a little too passive and she was wooden and barely emotional until the very end when things fell apart.

I think the thing that saved this drama for me was the chemistry between the ML & FL. Despite their poorly written roles, their connection was believable, and they were sweet together, especially Yang Hua. (Those puppy dog eyes). Yang Mi was underwhelming – not believable as a kick-ass independent career woman. She could deliver some good punchlines, but ruined the image with the whiny, petulant kissing-up to her lady boss.

Let’s talk about the story arcs. SML (Tao Junhui) – I didn’t know whether to pity him or kick him to the curb. His character had potential to be a decent person but man! Weak and spineless! And his girlfriend was such a spoiled, bratty bitch! She certainly did not deserve the ending she got. The brother (Wenyu) and his wife (Meimei) – what a dysfunctional mess! We had to guess about their ‘growth’ and they too turned up with a happy ending. Yes, ML & FL got their happy ending too, but I don’t think enough time was given to that conclusion and it felt like we were cheated out of it in the last episode.

People who deserve special mention:
Baddies – Li Dai. I see quite a few viewers admired her. I did NOT. She was a vicious bitch. With ‘friends’ like those, you don’t need enemies. Her character could have been admirable. Instead (imo) she was petty, spiteful and mean. Tang Yihui (lady boss) – what a piece of work! And FL was like her lapdog - fawning and desperate for attention. It’s a pity she got away with so much manipulation. And just a mention – Yang Hua’s mom. If I had a parent like her, I would ask to be put up for adoption.
Goodies – Yang Hua’s best friend (Cai Liang) – misguided and shallow at times, but a true friend. There weren’t a lot of those in this series. Qin Shi’s older brother – I'd like a big brother like him. But the best character of all hands down was Yan Hua’s dad! Soft-spoken and long-suffering, but wise and loving of his family, especially his son. I loved his scenes the most (after our lead couple, of course).

I wanted to give this one a high rating and a good review, but after about episode 30, it was mostly downhill for me. I can’t even say it’s worth re-watching. After the long wait and anticipation, it disappoints – and that is solely the fault of the writer and the director.

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No Sunshine in Sight

What a boring disappointment! After 25 episodes of waiting for the story to evolve and get to some point, I gave up. There was so much potential with this drama, but it fizzled almost at the start. The story was draggy and uninteresting, even with the various characters who also had potentially good story arcs.

I actually liked the chemistry between the ex-husband and the best friend. They were really meant to be together from the beginning - and so, as annoying as he was, hanging on to the FL, I'm glad they ended up together. Loved the second couple and even the third couple (hockey kids). These three couples contributed all the romance there was to this drama. Up to the 25th episode there was NOTHING between the lead couple, so I couldn't even comment on whether there was chemistry between them or not.

I loved the ML's parents, although their shouting and screaming was very unattractive - but they were refreshing in other ways considering the trope of nosy, overbearing parents who want to run their children's lives in these Chinese dramas.

This was (believe it or not) my first Xiao Zhan drama. He's easy on the eyes, and he was pretty believable and sincere with this character - but there was just no sizzle to keep me interested. I've seen the FL in other dramas, but I was definitely underwhelmed with this one.

36 episodes of a boring, draggy story was too long. TOO LONG! Writers, this was a definite failure even with the valiant efforts by the ensemble of actors. Absolutely no way I'd rewatch this, or recommend it to anyone else - let alone give it a high rating.

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This screenwriter must have something against women

I'm bitterly disappointed in the female characters in this drama, especially the FL. I am sure the actress is simply playing the role she was given, but like the other female characters in this show, the women come across as being just plain dumb & useless. For the most part (with the exception of the King's eunuch who is a blithering idiot) the male characters seem at least rational and sensible. A few are poor actors and don't look the part (the army general) - same with a few of the female characters (the dowager who looks like a cheap harlot in her shoulderless outfits). The princess is another giggling ninny. Are there ANY smart females in this show? The answer is a resounding NO!

I made it halfway and kept waiting for the turnaround that some of the reviews suggested, but now looking back at the irritating scenarios and really immature behavior of the female characters, I wonder how this drama received as high ratings as it did. I should have trusted the low ones.

Honestly, this drama's failure squarely belongs on the shoulders of the screenwriter/director; and I promise myself that I will never watch anything he writes again until he develops a respect and accurate understanding of women's roles in these dramas. If this is his personal opinion of women, he needs a serious attitude adjustment.

I am tempted to just watch the last episode to see how it ends - but if it's much the same kind of silliness for the rest of the episodes, it wouldn't be worth my time.

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Had about as much as I could take

Unfortunately, you can't change what happens in history. I just could not sit through any more senseless deaths and power-hungry schemers. I just couldn't stomach any more egomaniac emperors and rulers, schemers, and senseless sheep doing nothing. Not for 54 episodes. Frankly, when they killed off the loyal guard so early, and then one by one killed off the people who had been loyal to the prince as a child - that was it. I skipped to the final episode just to see how they tied it up. I tried hard to follow the twists and turns - but in the end, they could have told the story with one third of the number of episodes and maybe I would have toughed it out. It just dragged on and on.

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Too much heartache for me

First off - I wanted to complete this drama, I love Wang Hedi. He is perfect for these characters who start out emotionless and who develop deep feelings after a time. I don't know how his portrayal could have been described as a 'plank' - you can see the feelings in his eyes. He and the FL had chemistry - not the kind that blows your mind with passion, but a quiet kind of soulful connection that makes you long for a happy ending for both of them. After all the hype I read about the second couple, they were just so-so for me. She was flighty and silly most times, and he was more the plank than anyone. Still, I would have liked a better ending for them too.

I'm not bashful about wanting happy endings - they are why I watch these fantasy dramas. If I wanted real-life, I would stick to historical productions (which I avoid unless they are not filled with tragedy and endless violence). So, I left while the going was good and while I could still imagine them living through another reincarnation and finally having the happiness they deserved.

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I tried to hold on for Dai Gao Zheng, but not even he could carry this one on his own. The FL's acting wasn't impressive, and her character was even less appealing. It's hard not to have chemistry with DGZ but she didn't.

The writing was poor - the storyline boring and draggy. I got a good helping of eye candy but gave up.

Th e other reviews that warned me with low scores were right, but I hoped I could just feast my eyes and be satisfied. It was not to be, as I was growing increasingly irritated and losing patience with the FL. Pity. Next time, Dai Gao Zheng.

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When the Characters are Worse than the Acting

13 episodes in, I was still mildly curious about the FL's story and her past. I liked her character a lot. No shallow, silly behavior. She's confident, smart, and strong. She's good to her friends and those who work with and for her. No entitled bitchy attitude. I liked the FL's friends and their relationships with her. I would have liked to see her story through to the end.

I don't despise the ML's character although he's pretty full of himself. Unfortunately, he wasn't enough to keep me invested in him or their relationship. His character didn't seem worthy of this strong woman. And whoever was responsible for his wardrobe choices needs to be fired. Some of them were pretty awful.

So why did I drop this like a hot rock?

1) Most of all, the little sister - this actress looks like she's 12 years old, and always manages to behave like a petulant, spoiled child who just needs to leave the room. I was fast-forwarding through all her scenes from the first episode she appeared in.
2) The ML's assistant - who is just a useless lackey who couldn't care less about his job or his boss. In the real world who would keep such a moron by his side anyway?
3) The housekeeper - who got away with everything and who nobody made accountable.

Sometimes the good outweighs the bad, especially with so many episodes but there was not much good in this one. As mildly interesting as this started out to be, there just wasn't enough tolerance to put up with some of these characters (especially the little sister!) I hope the FL will get some better scripts and roles that will showcase her talent.

ZERO re-watch value.

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Another heartbreaker

Three for three: dramas I have dropped because of the endings. The acting has been noteworthy - I liked so many of the characters (and despised the villains, showing that the actors did a great job in their roles) - and despite his current troubles, I loved Li Yi Feng in this, and will continue watch his dramas regardless.

BUT I watch these shows to escape, not to be heartbroken in the end. I'm not into the 'next life', 'together in eternity' crap. I want the happy ending where the couple shares weal and woe and end up together. I couldn't invest 50 episodes only to be weeping at the end for the characters I grew to love.

So... on to the next title with more hopes of romance and intrigue and most of all, a happy ending!

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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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Romance, drama, great couple, and a sweet story!

What a gem! This was a totally unexpected find, and I am so glad I decided to watch this. Usually, I don't like the short episode format, but I was able to binge-watch from start to finish and it was great! The continuity between episodes was smooth, no repetitious scenes, and overall, a good watch! No silly, immature characters, no overused tropes, no over the top storyline, no what-the-heck moments, or loose ends. A well-written, well-told and well-acted (short) drama.

The ML & FL were superb! Can I repeat that? This couple made me want to keep watching. Their chemistry was smoking - and their love scenes were also. Even the villains had me kind of hoping for a happy ending for them. The supporting cast did a great job also. The military adviser, the little daughter, the courtesan, the maid! I wasn't rolling my eyes or skipping through scenes; all the performances fit nicely together in this story. I really liked this drama - and was sorry to get to the end of it, and what a twist! I didn't see that coming at all.

This director really has the right idea (from the dramas I have seen that he has done). In fact, when I looked at his production list, there were names of shows that I have watched and liked and didn't realize it was the same director. Good job! I'll try to watch more of his work from now on, as well as Cheng Lei's work. (He is so super-cute)

I will definitely be rewatching this one - especially for the sweetness and passion of the main couple.

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