25
60
4
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
Story of dead dads
Overall:
This drama couldn't decide if it was thriller or romance and ended up only being a mystery. And there's nothing really Serendipitous about mass murder, is there, really?
Writing:
It's billed as thriller/mystery with romance being a side, which itself isn't a problem except the native title "bang shang jia xu", the trailers, the posters, the opening credits all give an easy romance drama vibe.
The romance is unsatisfactory despite the time allotted to it. A futile triangle with obvious end game. 2ML is upright but pitiful and ML is....where is he? Even an existing Wang Zi Qi fan like me did not fall for him. FL is a great sleuth but I just didn't catch any feels. Where were the heart fluttering scenes? I was more invested in secondary couple and parent triangle.
I liked that there is a big plot that unveiled after a series of smaller obstacles. The mystery is good but not thrilling. Never felt anyone was in any real danger because of the "easy watching" vibe and "get out of jail free" card (aka my pal, the prince).
Editing and pacing:
The show hook is good and first few mini mysteries are engaging but around episode 30 onwards, the show drags before the finale. I had to FF>> some episodes where next to nothing happens. You can tell it's suffered a lot of chopping leaving behind vacuous filler. If you happen to get caught in the drag, it's worthwhile to skip to the last 2 or 3 episodes for the finale.
Cast:
A good line up, all great looking and gave a good performance. Just a shame that other than FL (and perhaps Su Tang Li) they weren't given an opportunity to show their acting potential.
Conclusion:
The show lacked focus, missed its targets, whether due to editing, direction or writing and it suffered.
Would I recommend?
Only if you really like Lu Yu Xiao, she is the *jewel* of the show.
This drama couldn't decide if it was thriller or romance and ended up only being a mystery. And there's nothing really Serendipitous about mass murder, is there, really?
Writing:
It's billed as thriller/mystery with romance being a side, which itself isn't a problem except the native title "bang shang jia xu", the trailers, the posters, the opening credits all give an easy romance drama vibe.
The romance is unsatisfactory despite the time allotted to it. A futile triangle with obvious end game. 2ML is upright but pitiful and ML is....where is he? Even an existing Wang Zi Qi fan like me did not fall for him. FL is a great sleuth but I just didn't catch any feels. Where were the heart fluttering scenes? I was more invested in secondary couple and parent triangle.
I liked that there is a big plot that unveiled after a series of smaller obstacles. The mystery is good but not thrilling. Never felt anyone was in any real danger because of the "easy watching" vibe and "get out of jail free" card (aka my pal, the prince).
Editing and pacing:
The show hook is good and first few mini mysteries are engaging but around episode 30 onwards, the show drags before the finale. I had to FF>> some episodes where next to nothing happens. You can tell it's suffered a lot of chopping leaving behind vacuous filler. If you happen to get caught in the drag, it's worthwhile to skip to the last 2 or 3 episodes for the finale.
Cast:
A good line up, all great looking and gave a good performance. Just a shame that other than FL (and perhaps Su Tang Li) they weren't given an opportunity to show their acting potential.
Conclusion:
The show lacked focus, missed its targets, whether due to editing, direction or writing and it suffered.
Would I recommend?
Only if you really like Lu Yu Xiao, she is the *jewel* of the show.
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