Dori_G

The ML is an emperor. Traditionally, emperors and kings in China are supposed to keep a harem to ensure that the family line is strong as well as to build allegiances with the nobility and neighboring kingdoms. It's not uncommon for an emperor to have 1 queen and a harem numbering anywhere from hundreds into the thousands.

I hope they stick to the book and toss out that stupid not-fated-on-the-stone-pillar thingy.

Yan Chiwu is a good guy. He's just from the demon realm, hence the dark clothing. If they stick to the book, he's going to a fun character to watch. ^_^

The concept of this show is good, but the execution is patchy. It starts slow and then gets really draggy after ep36. I fast forwarded through most of the last section. The only reason I'm finishing this is because I've already invested 20+ hours. Dumb reason right?

Yes, I agree that this show was not created to cater to Western tastes. After all, their primary audience is not the Western world. And yes, the writers pretty much phoned it in after a while and created a world that is catty, gossipy, and unrealistic. Everyone believes every rumor that comes up and always jumps to the wrong conclusion. This show has some appealing points, but it's not entirely new or original in any sense.

There are a number of cultural themes that come across as downright crazy/creepy and do not translate well. It's not specific to just this show, but to a lot of Chinese shows.

1. Persistence and perseverance in pursing your crush will win his/her heart over time

2. The cutesy, child-like, and sheltered young woman (always virgin) being highly prized -- although that is gradually changing as we see more strong female leads

3. The hero (male or female) as an ethical, upstanding person who is constantly attacked, yet survives all their ordeals by remaining good and forthright

4. Devotion to those you love, despite the insane, horrible things they do (this is more true when the devotion is shown from a woman to a man) because in the end there is always a way for that person to change. There is a famous Chinese saying: The bitter sea is boundless, but repent and the shore is just behind you.

ikr i've watched the same trailer so many times... T_T

Chinese version is on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUffN2ga6wg&list=PL4P1OCiJ7Wk8at7bh9s0IDwDxqhf6_iWC&index=4&t=1098s

Apparently she just needed a kiss to end her witchiness

Don't give up on the show. She's pretty annoying when she's still in her puppy love phase, but that only lasts for a couple of episodes. Once she gets her head on straight, she's spunky and finds ways to stand up for herself.

Yes!

Where did you find out the info about the love interests? can you share the link?

In the book, it's basically the Fu Yao fan club. ^_^

Weekends are the hardest! Why can't they air 7 days a week? T_T

On ep 3 and so far the show is very refreshing. I love the gender role reversal in their dreams! It's so cute how she's constantly rescuing him. A total suspension of disbelief that a gorgeous girl like Reba can't get a guy's attention... she's really adorable.

For non-Chinese viewers... "fish" is a homophone for "rain", hence the joke in ep 3.

Ode to Joy season 3 is in development. Can't wait!

Yes, I agree with everything you're saying. For people who are supposedly really smart, they act like a bunch of pubescent nitwits. I think this is one of the worst shows I've ever fast forwarded through.

ZNX was a complete jerk and spent so much of the show tormenting a woman that he supposedly loved. I was really hoping that WN would just quit her job and be with the guy that made her laugh. I guess the writers believe that true love is supposed to feel like torture.

I have no idea why the writers decided that Yi Xin deserved a happy ending. She was a complete witch for 90% of the show. I don't care that she stood by ZNX when he was depressed. She had ulterior motives.

Anyone notice that they keep re-using the same building lobby scenes for both of the companies? The same CG keeps playing each time that it's hilarious.

The sisters were carrying some really nice Gucci and Dior handbags. And the guys were wearing ridiculously flashy LV suits and shirts. I guess the showrunners spent their budget on wardrobe rather than visual effects...

Lots of the classic wuxia novels by Jin Yong (aka Louis Cha) have multiple versions of dramas based on his book: Condor Heroes, The Book and the Sword, Fox Volant of the Snowy Mountain, etc.

Also adding to the list:
Siege in Fog
The Golden Hairpin (upcoming in 2019?)
Secret of the Three Kingdoms
Ode to Joy

Have you tried "The Starry Night, the Starry Sea"? It's a 2-season series. The first is set mostly in modern times. The second season looks like historical/fantasy setting. Adapted from a novel by Tong Hua, so should be good.

Also, the Chinese Paladin series are all historical fantasy with a dash of romance. Chinese Paladin 3 has a star-studded cast: Hu Ge, Wallace Huo, Tiffany Tang, Yang Mi, Cecilia Liu.

Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy is an epic fantasy drama, but takes several episodes to figure out who the characters are.

Nirvana in Fire 1 & 2 are both historical dramas excellent, but not necessary fantasy.

On raw EP 33. The romance between the leads is very sweet. Unfortunately, the second couple doesn't have much chemistry so far even though they are supposed to be in love.