If this had been my first 2000s Taiwanese drama, I'm not sure I would have ejoyed it as much. But since I did see Meteor Garden and Devil Beside You first, I was able to appreciate My Lucky Star. I could deal with the stupid misunderstandings and be patient to see how things work out. This was somewhat more endearing to me and I think my favorite of the 3 old school dramas.
I pretty much am learning Chinese dynasty styles through cdramas and this one felt different in a good way! I know it says Tang in the alternate titles but maybe it is Late Tang because it also felt a little Ming? Just feels slightly more modern with the mix of styles from trading with Middle East. I mean it is historical fiction so I know designers can have fun with it. I like it!
I was pleased they didn't drag it out to 16 episodes. It was nicely paced and they dedicated the last episode to satisfying glimpses into everyone's life.
Which of her other drama series did you enjoy watching her play her role?
I liked her in Rookie Historian and Run On. I feel like she has a certain delivery that people either love or hate. I tend to like her deadpan deliveries. Occasionally she will make a face like she just can't hold back her thoughts anymore which I like because I tend to let my face show my feelings.
Shin Sae Kyeong disappointed me a bit in this. I have liked her in other shows so maybe the direction was not great here? Most people felt she was too flat but I thought it sorta worked for the character because most of the time she was wound so tight you could see her eyes screaming "be cool! Keep it together. Just be cool!" However I can not defend the actress nor the FL character in the final episode. (*No spoilers: I dont mean anything bad happens. Just it ended more of a fizzle*)
On the flip side Jo Jung Suk was subperb! I haven't seen too many of his shows but they were all rom com. I really liked seeing this side of him.
Overall I still enjoyed it. Not my fav but not the worst I have seen. I was prepared to drop it based on all the comments so since my bar was low I was pleasantly surprised lol
Watch for pleasant nonsense. It did seem to get off track towards the end.
Lost points for the character Pan Duo. The actress is a cutey patootie and managed to make a very problematic character somewhat cuter. But Pan Duo is definitely a red flag.
One of my favorite things in this show is when Xu Qi An acts all cutesy with an elder and they always melt! We usually see female characters doing this but ML was shameless!
I'm glad it looks like Dylan (*and everyone really*) had so much fun working on this drama.
Odd question: I know sometimes dramas don't show "servent" or extra type characters if they are basically just relaying a message or bringing in tea. But did anyone notice the one disciple of Snow City that was often around Xie Xue Chen but he was purposely out of focus or look cropped out of the frame? Is he an actor that got into trouble?
I haven't finished the show so watch it be my luck that he ends up a wickedly important character that was purposely concealed to be "hidden in plain sight". Or maybe I'm making too much of this?
Best short drama I have seen since A Familiar Stranger. Actor for ML is definitely an up and comer I could see in more lead roles. I adored the FL in Make a Wish and thought she was solid here.
A solid 8 but I rated a little higher just to give some love to the cast. I feel short dramas get rated harshly for some reason.
3
Some fun characters and romance but unfortunately I would say it is ok to skip.
Good start to 2025!
I will always see Li Xian as a long suffering grandson that lives with a kooky grandma though! (*He lived with his gma in Meet Yourself too*)
Deng Kai is striking and I would love to see him as a ML in a full length drama.
On the flip side Jo Jung Suk was subperb! I haven't seen too many of his shows but they were all rom com. I really liked seeing this side of him.
Overall I still enjoyed it. Not my fav but not the worst I have seen. I was prepared to drop it based on all the comments so since my bar was low I was pleasantly surprised lol
Lost points for the character Pan Duo. The actress is a cutey patootie and managed to make a very problematic character somewhat cuter. But Pan Duo is definitely a red flag.
I'm glad it looks like Dylan (*and everyone really*) had so much fun working on this drama.
I haven't finished the show so watch it be my luck that he ends up a wickedly important character that was purposely concealed to be "hidden in plain sight". Or maybe I'm making too much of this?
A solid 8 but I rated a little higher just to give some love to the cast. I feel short dramas get rated harshly for some reason.