Kimo Aqui

Even before the adaptation came out, I had already read the original novel, Counter Attack. Honestly, I’m still deeply invested in it because the storyline is just so good. It’s unique and emotionally gripping, definitely worth reading. So when I found out it was getting an adaptation, I was super curious whether they could pull it off accurately. It’s not the kind of story that’s easy to turn into a live-action series, especially since, as I mentioned earlier, the novel has a lot of “unique” plot points. I was also curious how they’d handle the spicy scenes from the book.

Now, speaking of the adaptation (Revenged Love), I have to say, it was amazing, beautiful, flawless... every synonym for “beautiful” applies to this series. Why?

FIRST: The accuracy of the storyline. Everything I imagined while reading the novel was exactly how it played out in the series. You can’t call this a half-baked production. Sure, some plot points had to be changed because they were a bit too much for a live-action format, but overall, they met all my expectations.

SECOND: The settings. Oh my gosh, the filming locations were ethereal. I didn’t expect them to choose such stunning places, from Shuai Shuai’s clinic to Wei Wei’s house. I’m speechless. Everything was just beautiful.

THIRD: The actors. I still can’t believe how hooked I got on them. They fit their characters perfectly. You can tell they were handpicked with care before filming even began.

FOURTH: The acting and portrayals. I have no complaints. They totally nailed it. From the couples’ sweet moments to the intense emotional scenes (especially when Wei Wei lost his mom and Shuai Shuai’s trauma from his ex), and even the annoyance I felt toward Yue Yue and Wang Shou... Gurl, I bow down to them.

FIFTH: The chemistry between the two couples. Let’s start with Zi Yu (Wu Sou Wei) & Tian Zu Ning (Chi Cheng), their chemistry on and off cam was so strong, you’d think they were a real couple or destined for each other. There was no awkwardness at all. Now for Liu Xuan Cheng (Jiang Xiao Shuai) & Zhan Xuan (Gou Cheng You), I was completely hooked and giddy over these two. You could really feel their connection, especially during Cheng Yu’s courtship for Shuai scenes and their sweet moments in the series. ACCCKKKKK I don’t even know how to explain it, they were just so lovebirds. Everyone did such an amazing job that I genuinely didn’t want the series to end. I’m still crying knowing I won’t be seeing them again anytime from now on.

LASTLY: The effort, the budget, the staff. Everything was top-tier. From the behind-the-scenes clips I watched, I saw how much hard work went into making this series. I’m also grateful that the director did such a great job, because the adaptation turned out flawless and perfect.

Even now, I’m still emotionally stuck in it. Although there were some behind-the-scenes moments that didn’t make it into the final cut (like CCWei’s goodbye message at WeiWei’s mother’s grave) and the final episodes felt a bit short (no ending kiss for the main couple, huhu), it’s totally fine because the series was genuinely beautiful. No doubt about that.

But again, I’m still here, inside the “home” this series built for me, because it stirred so many emotions in me with how well it was done. I’ll never forget all the actors or the characters, especially CCWei and GouShuai, they’ve officially earned the title of “Best BL Series of All Time.” Even now, I keep rewatching it over and over again.

Thank you for all the memories we shared this year, and for being my weekly dose of free therapy, Revenged Love.

P.S. I demand special episodes…..or maybe Season 2? Who knows, right?