Despite the ungrammatical English title, this was a masterclass in storytelling. I don't endorse everything that's said or done in the show but there's little doubt in my mind that this is a great conversation starter on a very difficult subject. Thematically it is is rich and comparisons can be drawn with Meet Yourself and the Korean series Move to Heaven. This is overall a good script and boasts terrific performances not only by the leads but by an able supporting cast. The romance (though fairytale-like in its resolution) is well-incorporated into the character arcs of two flawed leads in search of healing. Different manifestations of grief are explored here, not just ones based on the deaths of loved ones. Traditionally this has been a taboo subject and hopefully this is the beginning of a positive trend.
On top of everything else, I thoroughly enjoyed Li Xian and Zhou Yutong's chemistry which was the cherry on top.
That finale was a lovely wrap. I laughed out loud a few times and yes, I suppose Xing Zhi is still the most strategic person in the room. It's so rare to get such a good ending for a C drama. It shouldn't be really but perhaps they worked extra hard at it because of the debacle that was Princess Agents. I'm sick of open endings C drama style because they're usually terrible. But what we got can be considered a very satisfying ending.
It's a testament to Lin Gengxin's development as a male lead that he has such good chemistry with a CGI bantam. He's reached the pinnacle of his career. Episodes 1 and 2 are a hoot. I really like what I'm seeing so far. I am surprised because most of the time I don't really care for xian xia but this show has a really fun vibe so far although I'm pretty sure things will get deadly serious after the halfway mark. I notice too that people in this show have a tough time grieving and letting go. They keep holding on to loved ones. I imagine that's one of the themes of the show. It reminds me of a number of K dramas of this kind eg. Mystic Pop-up Bar, Tomorrow and Missing: The Other Side.
Good lord! It's Wu Xin from The Blood of Youth. I just realised who he is. Admittedly having hair does make a difference. :P No wonder. I kept wondering why he looked vaguely familiar. He does bear a passing resemblance to Merxat though. Such a great actor and mesmerizing too.
K-Drama 
4 
On top of everything else, I thoroughly enjoyed Li Xian and Zhou Yutong's chemistry which was the cherry on top.
https://40somethingahjumma.substack.com/p/queen-of-tears-2024-episodes-6-10
https://open.substack.com/pub/40somethingahjumma/p/the-legend-of-shen-li-2024-episodes-99b?r=kq410&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
https://open.substack.com/pub/40somethingahjumma/p/the-legend-of-shen-li-2024-episodes?r=kq410&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
https://40somethingahjumma.substack.com/p/the-legend-of-shen-li-2024-first
I really like what I'm seeing so far. I am surprised because most of the time I don't really care for xian xia but this show has a really fun vibe so far although I'm pretty sure things will get deadly serious after the halfway mark.
I notice too that people in this show have a tough time grieving and letting go. They keep holding on to loved ones. I imagine that's one of the themes of the show. It reminds me of a number of K dramas of this kind eg. Mystic Pop-up Bar, Tomorrow and Missing: The Other Side.
https://40somethingahjumma.substack.com/p/queen-of-tears-2024-first-impressions
It's great so far.