DramaAjumma

18 episodes later I have mixed feelings about this show. The main reason why I'm still hanging on is Liu Xueyi, who is by every metric a masterful performer. I love his performance here and the character he inhabits is quite a compelling one. I also feel that there's so much potential in the show in terms of the political cat and mouse that goes on among the royals and the Beiyan side of things. The premise is interesting (although the set-up is on the clumsy side) but the execution is patchy.

I have nothing against the use of tropes. In fact all stories use tropes. But tropes have to be used sparingly and well. I've seen amnesia done really well in short C dramas. Amnesia can be used to create mystery and suspense. In the hands of a good writer, tropes can be utilized well. In this show and in other C dramas on the other hand, tropes are used to prolong the push and pull or drag out inevitable confrontations. That's what annoys people.

(More under spoiler tags)

Even Wonder Woman in various iterations (animated or live action) is a team player/ collaborator.

My view is that C dramas storytelling will never attain the heights of Hollywood at its peak because of government restrictions. Unless of course showrunners learn how to be creative under the rod of government restrictions. It can be done. Hollywood in the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s was able to produce a lot of great stuff despite strict censorship laws. Also it seems to me that the C drama industry prioritizes quantity over quality. There are good C dramas but the quality begins at the script level. No amount of good looking actors can make up for an underdeveloped script that takes the easy way out.

My thoughts on the first 12 episodes.
https://40somethingahjumma.substack.com/p/the-princess-gambit-2025-first-impressions

Definitely inspired by the John Wick universe. The set-up is not bad and located within Korean gang warfare. For those who love to see a one-man killing machine breaking bones for a few hours, it's an entertaining way to pass the time. Not for the faint-hearted.

If the show is trying to make the case against polygamy, it's doing a darn good job of it. LOL.
Who wouldn't want to marry Liu Xueyi though? :P In all seriousness, it's politics as usual. When anything is politicized it tends to get corrupted.

If it's feeling like a drag, you shouldn't torment yourself. Afterall there are so many other C dramas to watch. :D

My first impressions write-up of the show. Only spoilers from first couple of episodes. Very impressed so far with the plotting.
https://40somethingahjumma.substack.com/p/legend-of-zang-hai-2025-first-impressions

I feel like I should stop at Episode 21 when everything's fine and dandy with loads of kissing. Heh. I can tell that things will go south pretty soon because she still hasn't told him about her trauma. Things are bound to go pear-shaped since this is a C drama. 😛

I loved him in You Are My Hero and Reset. But You Are My Hero especially -- watched that series three times.

I am surprised to hear negative comments about Bai Jingting because as far as I'm concerned he's the main reason I'm still watching the drama. He is such a great actor and a good fit for the role.

I am impressed with this show from the script level to the performances. Maybe it's because I don't watch as many K dramas these days as I used to but I don't remember the last time I watched a K drama that's this detail-oriented since Hospital Playlist, perhaps. It won't be for everyone considering the nature of the beast but it still manages to be nail-biting and heartwarming in places. I also enjoy how it plays with detective elements (similarly to The Auditors) while dealing with corporate protocols. I personally thought Lee Je-hoon was terrific here. The vibe shifts that he exuded were fascinating to watch. Depending on who he was talking to and when he was talking to them, his eye acting was masterful. He was certainly reticent but he did a lot of talking with his eyes. 😄

My kind-of review of Filter:
https://40somethingahjumma.substack.com/p/filter-2025-a-look-at-perception

I can only imagine the amount of research and thought that went into writing the scripts for this series. It's good stuff although I can't always keep up with all the industry jargon.

Occasionally, this gives me a Chuck vibe. When it's funny, it's very funny.

Yes. But it does move slowly.

Who would have thought Yang Xian has the best growth arc in the show? But a job well done by the actor and the writer. That said the pacing of the final arc is all over the shop. So many characters. I feel like the show could have done with more episodes fill in the gaps. In general I think the men are more interesting or better written than the women. But as I've noted before I think the show is really about the men and how marriage is a mechanism of maturing them.

Still, I had a great time with this one. It was a lot of fun. I love the scene at the end with Mrs Li surrounded by family. It reminded me of my childhood. A really heartwarming way to close off which had me grinning from ear to ear.
I will write a proper analysis when I get the time.

Arrgh... Don't tempt me. I did feel the urge. But only momentarily.

Episode 30 was a blast. I need a spin-off of the brothers-in-law alliance. I'm now wishing there are 12 sisters. That entire initiation of Yang Xian into the Li family had me in stitches. Certainly one of my favourite sequences in the series. Possibly my favourite even. Pulling down the shades. Circling their prey, intimidating him and then giving him a good thrashing. Heh. Frankly I think this is what he needs. Good o'l down to earth family treatment. Big brothers to keep him in line and put him in his place. Afterall he grew up with sisters and has been over-indulged by his parents. And the meal table stuff is chef's kiss. His apprenticeship as a newly minted husband has only just begun.

I had thoughts and wrote an essay...
https://40somethingahjumma.substack.com/p/perfect-match-2025-so-far