KJ2025

The best laid plans….

While it seemed a good idea for BanXia to call the demon via the mirror….they did not make any backup plan in the event the demon wasn’t terminated. Here is where I want to slap XuanYe on the back of the head for not considering his possible failure. He should have had a better backup plan to keep BanXia safe. To his credit the symbol he put on her hand did rescue her so that is a huge plus. But that know it all constable has him at the station and rain is washing away his barrier. This is the first time I have seen BanXia terrified. She was really shook when she met the demon alone and showered with pears. It gave me satisfaction to watch him get blasted for forcing that pear on her. But now she is again alone with the demon. She has moxie in calling him out tho not sure how much that pole is going to help her.

Read More

Mother / daughter pears

After the dancer collapses there is another female body that changes from young and beautiful to ancient and mummified. This has the one officer convinced the other body must be the missing Madame Zhang. One policeman wants XuanYe to help and the higher ranking constable does not. XuanYe was talked into examining the body and sends Rabbit to get it. He sees BanXia and thinks she is following him. He tricks her so that she is locked in the morgue and he’s quite pleased with himself as he tells XuanYe. He has lost his cuteness with this stunt and I am glad he got the slap he had coming. 😝 I cannot believe BanXia was so stubborn in keeping quiet. She put herself in danger and then blamed the wrong person. She was successful in having XuanYe see the mirror in the right timeframe for it to still be a portal. He now believes her about her father and agrees to help. He gets so frustrated with her butting in, but at the same time I think he admires her courage and unshakable faith when she believes something. She is unflappable facing controversy and while impulsive in her actions, she is usually correct that it is something that needs investigated. He has warned her thoroughly and repeatedly of the possible consequences of dealing with demons and she consistently lets him know she’s all in no matter what. The next surprise is somebody has already taken the pear and a root is in its place.

Read More

Truth and dare

The eel demon is on a rampage because XuanYe killed his companion. This is actually a reasonable reaction. The rabbit is all for killing him but the hunter shows mercy. Since he was used as a weapon and not truly malicious on his own XuanYe used moon bugs to consume his primordial spirit and make him a common eel. BanXia tries to hire XuanYe to find out the truth of her father’s supposed death. She brings the mirrors. I was not understanding last episode that it was one from each location her father had used. It seems like they might have served as portals but now function as regular mirrors. He refuses to help her and says she doesn’t have enough money. She sends to get more but doesn’t think money is the real issue. Neither does rabbit🤣 XuanYe reminded him that BanXia was on the hunt right after him and that they needed to keep an eye on her. He also knows the demon won’t approach if they are together. So he now can watch from a distance knowing she will most likely be the next one attacked. BanXia now knows there is an underground city and shows no hesitation to travel there if that’s what it takes to find her father. I think XuanYe is honestly surprised that she would dare to go with or without him. One of the dancers is the recipient of beauty wish. There is another mysterious death of an old woman wearing jewelry of another. The dancers meet at a wishing shrine where BanXia and maid also happen to be. Wishes and gossip is shared. BanXia learns that XuanYe may be the one they talked about when saying he killed his family. She is surprised when he tells her it is true. Knowing what she does about demons she is trying to apply a reasonable explanation on why he might do such a thing. They go out for a meal where she tries to impress ordering one of everything. Music and dancing are on bottom floor when the one dancer with beauty wish spins to the ceiling and then collapses on the floor. Everybody is running to her to find out what is going on.

Read More

Tears and travel

I liked that both the rabbit and demon hunter followed BanXia home. I also liked that she tried to figure out which one followed her with the lights. She is quite bold because she immediately leaves to find them on her own. She notices the night watchman gets burned but hides because she doesn’t want to get caught outside after midnight. There is a disturbance from her father’s residence and she checks it out. Nobody even knew he was home so that in itself was odd. He is disheveled and there are broken items lying on the floor. He persuades her to go home and she promises to visit the next day. The following morning it appears her father is dead from a fire in a rented place.. The elderly women are all lined up to start a weeping fest and she quiets them down asking questions. Things are not lining up correctly with the time or location of his death and she is wanting some answers. During the night there are fish head looking demons that are causing grief. They seem to not like discordant sounds so rabbit’s flute playing is perfect 😂 Here I don’t think Ren Jin Lun is having to act hard that his ears are pained with the noise🤣One makes a poor woman play her instrument all night so he can heal. The constsble comes in and rescues her and to be honest I am surprised he is so useful. This fight scene was much better done but he was soon knocked out by the demon. Here the hunter and rabbit take over and get him literally bagged and out of the way. He knows the constable is going to find a way to stick this to him but he handles it anyways. BanXia has looked through her father’s place and has noted that things are odd. She and maid find mirrors that don’t reflect people and she is convinced more is going on then the rented house seems to imply. No one will believe her and they all think she is going over the deep end about demons again. They do not believe they exist and refuse to acknowledge that she might be right about some things. I am liking Song Zu er’s character and acting. She is doing a really good job being strong willed and fearless. She thinks for herself in spite of the odds and refuses to back down just because she isn’t believed. When her brother firmly states that he is taking her to the doctor she packs up and leaves. I am not sure what it was she threw into the water but I am hoping it is that stupid medicine they keep making her take. For now it looks like her family is trying to marry her off and keep her medicated. I think they really do love her, but they could not be more wrong in how they deal with her.😝 There is also one who is given her wish to be beautiful. I am curious what price tag comes with that. The eel demon has escaped but the rabbit doesn’t seem too concerned. It is also fun that BanXia can tell what they really are by their shadows. They all end up meeting in the street at the end of the episode.

Read More

Duan BanXia meets demon hunter

The episode begins with a man spending his day eating noodles. He has consumed many bowls and some are commenting. A young boy is outside playing with an origami frog, when the father notes the boy has disappeared. The man jumps from the table and finds the boy being dragged underground. After rescuing him he is annoyed that this distraction prevented him from catching the murderer that likes to tear out the throats of their victims. BanXia is there to see her brother’s wedding. She is known for visions and everybody is concerned that she is taking her medicine. This salve calms her nerves and the scent keeps her from seeing things. She sees her new sis in law and something feels off — her shadow has wings. BanXia is of course upset because the last thing she wants to do is tell everybody she’s seeing things. But at the same time she wants to protect her brother. She asks questions to find out how they met and their story doesn’t reassure her. She meets noodle guy who tells her he is a demon hunter. He demonstrates that her visions are real and that she needs to tell her family what she saw and that the demon must be killed to protect her family. BanXia bravely goes to visit her sis in law and is even more convinced that something is wrong. She sees the wings again and makes excuses for a quick exit. She follows a rabbit vision into the woods and again runs into demon hunter. He tells her that the medicine she uses will keep her from visions but that it is also harmful to her. He clears her eyes of its effects and shows her an entrance she hadn’t been able to see.

Read More

Shopping with Chen Duo

This episode beautifully sums up Chen Duo and her secret wish of having choice and of her mentors respecting it. We get to see each member share a bit of her day and reflect on her impact on them. Chulan is not on same page but here he is still immature and fearful. Meng is a second because he cries more for himself than for her. But he finally begins to understand and sees the beauty of it. I think in his final moments Liao understood what she wanted. He and Meng fought the hardest to keep her, but she was not able to stay. I did not expect such a moving episode from this type of drama, but they did it well. The cast did an excellent job in showing appreciation for small things and for making the story so moving. The end song was also very beautiful and fitting.

Read More

Choices

This episode shows the forge destroyed and Leader Ma ready to go all out to defeat them. The battle was quite good and choices were being made. WangYe opted to assist but only after he made sure that they could bring Ma in alive. WangYe continues to be my second favorite. While he has a lazy appearing attitude he tends to be spot on for the big picture. He noted with both Ma And ChuLan that a woman they could not say no to was directing their choices. And that for this reason, he did not side with either of them. Chen Duo wanted freedom of choice rather than freedom. They still have not told us everything she said to Liao, but we are getting much closer to understanding. I am truly wishing there were more episodes to get all these stories understood, but am enjoying the overview we are getting of how these forces have been brought together.

Read More

Temp powers unite

Very nice fighting scenes this episode. Several different powers shown as the temps take care of village and distracting Leader Ma. He is rebuked for creating tourists rather than outsiders. They continue to show him the difference between actual cultivated skills and relying on magic tools rather than training and preparation. Ma figures out their plan and releases a guardian automotan on ChuLan. The farm skill by grandfather was interesting. It sent shock waves to everyone. Not sure where exactly ChuLan is now but it seems part of their mission is complete. Many seem to be disappointed that this series is not a direct sequel to first. To me, this is more like chapter two where the rest of key players are introduced. It is significantly shorter so we are not getting a lot of the history. But I think this story is told well and paced nicely to see how the powers work and align. I am enjoying the fighting scenes more overall because there are no fake battles. They are really blending the good and evil sides showing that it is not black and white. There are blurring of circumstances where flawed characters get to prove their moral fiber and sincerity. Even they are sometimes surprised where they fall on the scale. I’m hoping a season three brings all these characters together. Those battles will be truly epic. This is a very nice buildup to show where things are heading.

Read More

Burning down the house

Leader Ma is determined to carry out his plan and fulfill his promise to Chen Duo. This of course means no compliance with the company. Feng BaoBao continues to be my favorite as she collects the innocent and moves them to a safe spot. Her response about Ruyi weapon—if I was going to return it, I wouldn’t have taken it🤣 we are seeing the difference between true super powers that have gone through the discipline and training to gain their status vs those that rely on magic weapons to let them blunder through and not adept in their abilities. The battles were entertaining and this season we are seeing different skills of the eight. I am hoping a season 3 lets us see old and new faves combined to fill us in on gaps from these two seasons. Everybody is getting lined up for their battles while the city is burning. ChuLan’s character is much more mature this season and he does his best to be liaison between the sides and broker a truce. He is unsuccessful but his efforts were appreciated. We are finally getting a better view of the temps talents and the techniques used were different from last season. Zhuge Qing’s character is different as he has fallen for Fu Rong and Wang Ye didn’t give him a chance to explain his position before beating on him.😂 The new actor does have a different vibe, but I don’t find it inferior. He has good chemistry with the cast and the battles he’s been in were equally entertaining. WangYe definitely has less screen time but it is clear he is keeping an eye on things and present when needed.

Read More

6th sense taste vs noodles

Hyun Bong Sik’s turn started with 6th sense competition. Chef Yeon Bok made a braised pork rib curry and an additional shrimp dish for him to combine. Chef Jong Won made tacos with mole. There was much speculation over who would win and his friend chose the correct chef. Chef Poong is making noodles with a hint of Chinese and Chef Kang-rok is making barley noodle with lots of green onions. Chef Poong named his new pan Sylvia🤣 since matfia Napoli won after giving it away he now questions how lucky this pan will be.😂chef Poong was surprised by an accidental flambé 🤣 neither of these chefs have won a star yet so they are getting extra cheers and encouragement as they cook.i think Sylvia is going to be retired after this cook.😂This was a very chaotic round for chef Poong and chef Kang-rok just very calmly prepared his dish. They looked like war and peace 😂

Read More

Polar opposites and perilla leaves

The guests this episode are Son Su Ku and Hyun Bong Sik. Edward Lee has returned and Su-Ku and Poong start off drawing Chef Lee souvenir portraits. They both did a decent job tho Chef Lee did not admire Poong’s rendition. 😂 Kwon Seong Jun was called baby Hyun Seok after his defeat the last show🤣Today’s contest puts a new spin on minute advantage. Anybody can use it now but only the first one that uses it per team. So first come first serve. Chef Eun Yeong and Chef Ho Young claim the minute bonus so Chef Lee and Chef Kwon do not have the option. They agree on it since neither one has it. The first has fritters and cold udon vs a fried noodle boat with cold salad on top of warm chicken mixture. It is a fun cooking atmosphere and both chefs ended up losing their bonuses. They are saying this is a repeat of culinary wars with second perilla leaf battle between Kwon Seong Jun and Edward Lee. 😂 These two are so much more serious and quiet. They are really competing and both want to win. Ragu vs steak. All of the dishes look wonderful as usual.

Read More

The sky is falling

This episode starts with the Temp group’s comms completely cut off. This was especially dangerous for ErZhuang who cannot exist for long disconnected from her body. BaoBao and Chen Duo are getting acquainted and playing games. ErZhuang finds herself in one of the automotans and there is an eerie battle with a mob of automotans attacking her and two other temp colleagues. The company jumps to the wrong decision and assumes everybody has deserted the company and aligning with Leader Ma. This group of old guys needs a better advisor to get out of their echo chamber and really get a grasp of what’s going on. ErZhuang saves the day by making a tower of automotan parts and literally breaking a hole in the sky. The temps are working to get back together and Chen Duo is given a choice. Unlike with the company, no collars are involved. She is really being allowed to decide for herself. WangYe notes the disturbance and sees a storm is brewing.

Read More

Freedom

We learn more of Chen Duo’s story the night of Liao’s death. She begins on a mission where the target she is following can be brought back alive or dead. Her watchers aren’t concerned and think Chen Duo has everything under control. As luck would have it, her target was a disciple of leader Ma. She makes it far enough to beg for mercy from him. He has some sidekicks along and a fight takes place. He is unhappy with the condition of his follower and takes both women back to Biyou. His follower dies and he lets Chen Duo know he’s not happy about it. He takes her to the gate and tells her to be on her way. Her watchers are freaking because she is no longer on grid. The powers that be want her collar activated. Leader Ma removed her tracking device and collar. He even showed her exactly what the collar was capable of. Chen Duo shocks him by requesting the collar be put back on. She wants to stay but asks to return to see Liao one last time. Liao is happy to hear from her and rushes to the rescue. He is shocked by her requests and refuses to respond. She tries to get him to comply by infecting him so they can go to Biyou and get cured. He refuses to trigger her collar and to go with her. And the end result of that choice we saw in the beginning of story. She and BaoBao are now trapped together in Biyou. Chen Duo’s story is incredibly sad. She and Feng BaoBao are like flip sides of a coin.

Read More

Training

They slowly introduce Chen Duo to human stimuli to see if she can adapt. What is cute is her friend Chen JunYan naming her Chen Duo😄 These two have a unique bond that I think they should have helped cultivate instead of shipping him off. They could have given him a job and let her have a friend. Here I am not sure if Liao thought he was helping them both or hoarding her for himself. It was kind of cruel to summarily dismiss the boy the way they did and assumed by her lack of facial expression that she was ok with it. Liao did not give her credit for needing mind and spirit healing as well as body and I found him callous and shortsighted here. There had to be a kinder option for both of them and the overseers made no efforts for either of them.😝 She eventually excelled at her training because she has already proved herself a great survivor. She is learning to harness her Qi so that she can be among others without poisoning them. It is a great success for her but you can tell it’s a bittersweet moment for Liao as he sees his time with her coming to an end. She is adapting well and making great strides to be on her own.

Read More