mabotofu

Tofu essay incoming!

Don't worry, the angst isn't actually as bad as you think! Now WWX's flashback, *that* was angsty.

That's very exciting that you're presenting your thesis! Good luck! Maybe you can share it once you're comfortable doing so? I would love to discuss CQL at further length elsewhere as well. I'll PM you. :)

Re: HC, I'm not even sure a protagonist's halo would 100% redeem him in the latter portion tbh, though it would certainly be a fun writing exercise to try. He's SF's foil in so many ways that the story potential is almost endless. I have to give credit to the actor and voice actor too--I get chills when he shifts from the gentle shixiong to the angry deity. I'd run screaming for the hills if I met this character irl, but the character's pathos is engaging precisely because it's so far removed from what we deem "normal." IDK if you're a fan of JRPGs/anime, but to me he resembles quite a lot of the more memorable anime/game villains. In addition to that, I find the execution of the "god is evil" trope here to be rather similar to Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials, another all-time favorite of mine. In short...I've come to the conclusion that I prefer him as the villain anyway, so SF can keep his protagonist's halo! I might even go so far as to say that he might not be as interesting if not for his villainy. What can I say, I'm probably a villain at heart as well!

Re: cultural context, tbh some of the classical literature references are beyond my comprehension as well--the WZQ&ZH scene in 28, for example. (Alice says in her translator's notes that it might be written by the scriptwriter, but it's actually an excerpt from "Gua Zhi'er (Hanging Branches)" by Ming dynasty poet/scholar Feng Menglong. Text here if you're interested: https://zh.m.wikisource.org/zh/%E6%8C%82%E6%9E%9D%E5%84%BF I can only understand the literal meaning of the verses, and furthermore the wording has been tweaked to imply a sentiment of longing for an unfated encounter. Beyond that, without reading the classical text in full, I have no clue if the scriptwriter chose to use that particular work because of a greater cultural context. From a quick Google search, this collection of songs used to be widely circulated in the pleasure quarter, so we can at least be sure that WZQ does in fact consider ZH beautiful. But to be quite honest, I'm simply not cultured enough to get a comprehensive handle on classical literary references. I certainly don't envy having to translate that in a way that would make any sense in English--there are so many phrases that have no linguistic equivalent. As it is I already have to pause multiple times per episode to explain the subtext, especially when things get lost in translation so easily. I completely share your sentiment--without Alice's hard work, there is zero chance I could have convinced my husband to watch this with me. I certainly wouldn't have been willing to translate the whole show line by line for him, and who would want to watch a show with a live translator anyway?

Finally, if you want to avoid the tragic parts until you can marathon everything in one go, one way to do it is to stop at 34. Past that point, you can then wait until it gets subbed up to about 48, and then you should be able to watch straight through without having to stop on a cliffhanger. It is only a suggestion, of course. Since you first pointed out some of the inconsistencies in 20, I have to give you fair warning that some of the later episodes (~49-53) can be quite messy, especially in terms of editing and logical presentation. I also happen to be quite nitpicky though, so bear that in mind. It might not bother you at all if you adjust your expectations accordingly. Enjoy! :)

The fake wedding is actually part of what annoyed me tbh...they could've had SF treat her coldly and gotten the same point across. Instead they introduced a new character who's there to do absolutely nothing except make XJ jealous. And the side plot with the demon was so campy it had me straight up laughing through that whole scene. It's one thing if they're going to use a cliche to make her fight for him, but it has to be done well! That time could've been spent on making XYH's death more impactful, as a character that has actually played a fairly large part in the main story. Instead, she only managed to pop in to be a plot device and then died a few minutes after being healthy enough to run to SF's bedside. Also the many jarring cuts, i.e. WT and XJ both getting caught in the portal, but WT is shown falling into a volcano while XJ falls into Wangchuan. Or XJ crying after TS leaves but her face is completely clean mid-convo when she turns to talk to WZQ. Editor, I need a word with you.

Maybe I'm expecting too much now since the first half set such a brisk pace. This is precisely why I *need* a good villain. Our final boss Baidi needs to step up his game already instead of sitting back and sending his minions. YL by himself just isn't doing enough for plot progression.

Several other things:

- I'm glad HC has been killed off, he has more than served his purpose for that portion of the story.
- Similarly, XJ finally remembering all their past lives was great. Could've expanded on it more, like showing her reaction to his deaths so that we can see for ourselves that she did love him in each lifetime. Instead we only get to hear her say so to SF.
- Surprisingly WZQ&ZH reunion wasn't as emotional as expected, but TS&QL part really stood out. Their convo could've been expanded for more character growth as well. TS's beast form looked great.
- YBY is cute but...CY set the standard too high. YBY has *one* expression she uses to cry in *all* her scenes. Not sure if this is her fault or the director's fault, but since CY and ZYX are doing great with their dramatic scenes, I'm inclined to think it's her. If I recall correctly, she got the same(ish) criticism for Listening Snow Tower/TXL.
- Similarly, I wanted to see a bigger reaction from her upon finding out that HC framed SF. I mean, that's a fairly deal, and would've been a great pivotal moment for her. But she barely reacted?
- Why isn't WZQ playing a larger role in this part of the story? They made such a big deal about how powerful he was and now that he's out, he's been sidelined? It's quite anticlimactic.

Apologies for the long response again. It took some time for me to put my finger on just what was bothering me, but it turns out not to be just any one thing. I'm hoping the course will correct itself once we get more action in the upcoming heaven arc. Come on Baidi, do your worst! That's what you're here for!

Soo...I'm actually not too happy with the latest episodes, as I've spotted quite a lot of inconsistencies that I had trouble ignoring. Pacing has also slacked once it got past 48. A lot of it feels like filler. Is it just me?

So I'm probably just heartless...the entire time RY was grieving his sister my only thought was, someone needs to tell this boy that burying a body on a beach is a terrible idea. That grave will last until the next high tide at best...

You mean XYH, right? She was tricked by YL to get SF to break their contract, which hurt SF further and let YL destroy the only way SF could have lived (the 9-ringed ganoderma). She then died blocking a hit for him in XJ's fight with the heavenly beasts.

I actually couldn't stand AoL for the same reason, but I'm loving this. So maybe you can give the first 10 eps a try?

New BTS clip of Mickey He being a troll:
https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1u54y1v74r
Can they just make a whole series of this guy trolling on set every day?

Haha sorry, I know these comments aren't meant to be used like this. I can't help it! Before I realize it I've typed a whole page...

ZYX is still young, so she's only going to get better from here. I just don't usually like the roles she takes. Rom-coms have mass appeal, but aren't particularly challenging, acting-wise. Idk if I'd consider her "seasoned" until she takes on more dramatic roles, but she's already leagues above many more "experienced" idol actors. I will definitely keep an eye for more dynamic roles from her in the future, as I find her LL to be one of the more nuanced performances in this show. (CY, her, and LXY stood out to me the most.)

You know what, I think they could have totally fleshed out the "zheng pai" perspective more. There's so much room to go in-depth there, or to make some of SF's actions seem morally ambiguous even. I wish they had. Though I do get that PRC's censorship guidelines require a very clear-cut stance on good vs. bad guys, so as not to "corrupt society's three views." *rolls eyes* But the wasted potential! I want to be able to ask more questions, read between the lines more! It would have been fun if they had kept the audience guessing as to whether SF was actually going rogue, even if just for 10 min! Or they could've made us wonder if he was actually MSX! I wish the show would've tried to challenge the audience more in that entire section tbh. But without knowing the specific constraints the writer had to work with, I can't complain too much. I like the finished product regardless.

Also, I can't rewatch a lot of the HC scenes without laughing now. LXY complains *so much* about how he always has 7-8 lines to answer the other characters' 1-2 lines lol. The actor's personality is so 4D that I can't take him seriously. Have you seen the mountain climbing BTS clips? Links here if you haven't:

https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1tK4y1Y7GJ
https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1zK4y1t7Cc
https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1gp4y1v7PA

I died at the difference between YBY's energetic vlog and LXY's senior citizen mode. Comments are like, "Are they even climbing the same mountain?" And so we learn that HC is actually a grandpa in disguise, and Baidi is a god who is afraid of heights LOL.

Hmm, a story about human viciousness/cruelty is *exactly* my cup of tea. I definitely have to go read that novel after the show finishes airing. I want the BGM to get a proper release too, so I can read while listening to the BGM!

One more day until we get more! I can't wait for more ZH & WZQ!

lmao "the tofu discussions" gave me a good laugh--we sound like two monks discussing what to have for dinner!

I also really like that they fleshed out WT and to a degree LL's trauma in the fallout after "the event." I did not know ZYX was this good, and will have to keep an eye on her future projects. I had heard that the original length was supposed to be 76 eps? If that is the case, it's impressive that the story managed to stay (mostly) cohesive despite the cuts.

Thanks for sharing that article! Tbh I had the same thought about the dumbing down of some of the side characters, like her dad and clansmen, even LL and MY. It's not so much their prejudice that jumped out at me, because I think that's quite reasonable for them to react that way. It's more that I think the dialogue feels a little "copy & paste" after a while--the sense that I've heard the same line from multiple characters already and by then my reaction is, "must we do this again?" And you already know XJ being dumbed down doesn't bother me, as I find it fairly realistic that she would react that way since she's equipped with the EQ of a toddler. But, as much as I like HC's villain role, even his dialogue has become a little repetitive in parts of the last batch of eps. But then I'm sure LXY (the actor) doesn't mind, since he keeps complaining about the massive amount of brainwashing dialogue he has lol. Same lines, less memorization!

I'm also surprised that the novel is happier. Does it make me a masochist that I like the extra angst? Sometimes it can be a tad much, but if the alternative is a more lighthearted show about such dark topics, I think I'd rather take the angst. I'm definitely going to have to go read the novel after this finishes airing. So far, which do you prefer?

Lucky you! That sounds like so much fun. I had to write mine on the influence of Arthurian mythology on modern fantasy, and would've much preferred writing about The Untamed/CQL. I'd love to read your undergrad thesis if you don't mind sharing. :)

So...I lied. Prepare yourself for another essay response lol.

You raise a good point--how can morality apply to a god who (supposedly) doesn't feel? And something else you said brings up interesting related questions: "the more villainous he becomes...the more 'human' he becomes as well." I couldn't agree more. By that logic, morality cannot be applied to him at the outset, but the more human he becomes, the more human morality applies as well. But he will always have the consciousness of a god, so how could a god stop to question him(it?)self? How then do we draw lines regarding a god's morality if that god is no longer a god, or at least not fully a god?

In terms of the implications of this re: dramaverse, we're definitely heading toward a conclusion where every one of HC's actions will rebound on him--cdramas are huge on karmic fallout after all. Being "human" is as far as he can fall from his ascetic 无情 state, and therefore his godhood. He just doesn't realize he has already lost this battle a long time ago. I hope this isn't considered spoiling without the context, but when you get to 42, he has an emotional moment where he says, "It's good that I'm not too late yet." Buddy, you were too late even before she started her reincarnation cycles.

This discussion of morality also highlights another difference between HC and SF, which is how they individually value free will and how those values play out in their interactions with XJ. This is gearing up to be a main theme in XJ's journey/growth as well. SF has said time and time again that XJ should have the right to choose, whereas HC remains laser focused on the greater goal being more important than any one individual's choice. He truly cannot see the worth of worldly affairs, so why would free will mean anything to him?

Man, I wish I could sit next to you as you watch, which I've been doing for my husband (who also needs subs). Some of the translations are a tad...strangely worded, or downright inaccurate, so it is necessary for me to clarify as he goes. Unfortunately a lot of the more poetic phrasing is lost in translation, like when SF says his line about not weighing decisions based on whether they're worth it, only on whether he is willing. The '情缘' is basically a love confession, but the context is not there when translated, unfortunately. That said, I have the utmost appreciation for the work that Alice puts into subbing for us. I've done timing and encoding before--it's such a massive timesink/tedious process that no one would willingly choose to do it unless it was a labor of love.

Oh, and you are in for a treat with eps. 27-28 today. :) Enjoy!

Thank you! No wonder we're tofu cousins, you totally get me! I try not to participate in the HC hate train because I personally feel like the scriptwriter did a great job establishing HC's own version of moral integrity, though you make a great point re: the strength of the protagonist's halo. SF also has more conventional values, and you're spot on that the visual language consistently reinforces that. I agree that HC could easily have been a protagonist on his own, because imo a lot of the questions this series asks do not have simple answers. I also love the villain as ML trope, though right now I'm loving the god is evil trope in this particular series as well. This is the first time I'm seeing it utilized in the xianxia genre in this way, and would certainly look forward to seeing more unique takes on any these tropes in the future.

Sorry to keep writing lengthy essays in response. You must be a literature buff too, yes? Only a fellow bookworm would enjoy deconstructing characters to such an extensive degree. We sound like we're writing a thesis on the appreciation of gray morality lol. I realize MDL may not be the best place to write such long responses, so will refrain from spamming you in the future. I'm going to look forward to your opinion of HC in the later episodes though, because I can assure you his reputation as a villain is well-deserved. You might yet change your opinion and hop onboard the HC hate train at that time, but I will look forward to reading your take on the character regardless. He's going to break a lot of moral boundaries (even surpass LCY from GMP by quite a lot), and frankly I can't wait.

When I saw your username I knew I had to respond--how could I resist? :D

Speaking of the broader plot, what I find even more fascinating is analyzing the morality of each of these characters, especially the contrast between SF and HC. HC especially fits the blue and orange morality trope, so analyzing his viewpoint makes for some really interesting philosophical questions. Even though Baidi as HC is non-canon in the novel, I think it's such a smart move on the scriptwriter's part because every time SF and HC confront each other over XJ, it almost always turns into a conflict of their individual philosophies on love/good&evil/dao. I have a fondness for complex villains and wish we would see more of them in cdramaland, but those types of characters usually don't make it past censorship. China is a stickler for wanting very clear lines for good vs bad unfortunately.

lol glad it got a laugh out of you. I haven't read the novel, but I did read similar comments from people who did, so I decided to stay away from the novel while the drama is ongoing. It's possible that the scriptwriter had to dilute XJ's comprehension to effectively extend the story for the amount of episodes they're contracted for, without which we might have already resolved a good chunk of the conflict already. For that reason, I can overlook/understand the need to keep XJ in the dark a little while longer, though imo, it's a very fine line to walk. If they take too long, viewers would lose patience with her; not long enough, and the reveal/payoff will feel anticlimactic. So far, I think they're doing a pretty good job of it, though we can only wait and see if it stays that way with the upcoming eps.

I also agree that it feels like they cut out a decent portion of the past lives, because when I watched that episode, some of the lives barely showed us a minute before it was over. Part of me thought it could easily have been extended to 2 episodes, and that may have been the case in the original cut. But considering the overall theme of the series, another part of me is glad they kept it short, because ultimately *this* lifetime is their make it or break it moment. If they had spent more time in those lives, it would have been too easy to detract from the high stakes of their current lifetime. As it is there are more than enough plot threads to juggle without the addition of another imo. I would gladly welcome some chapters from the novel author written from SF's past lives' POV though.

Anyway, can't wait for more ZH and WZQ in the upcoming eps! And despite the ongoing HC hate train, I honestly want to see more emotional moments from him. I love seeing his gradual spiral into his 心魔 without even realizing it.

What's hilarious is that Chinese netizens gave XJ the nickname of sanjie because he keeps saying everything he does is for sanjie when it's really for her lol

Hi sulkytofu, it's your distant cousin mabotofu lol.

I felt the same, but then there are quite a lot of parts in ep. 35-44 that are a little off in pacing/logic. I always get the feeling that since they had to cut it down some 15+ episodes, it can't be helped that there will be some inconsistencies. It's also possible the order of events may have had to be rearranged by the editor for this final cut. For example, there are certain things she should already have some clue of from her flashbacks, yet she's still oblivious to them by around 40+. (Not going to be specific to avoid spoiler tagging, but from one critically minded viewer to another, prepare yourself!)

It's possible this is the best they could do considering the amount they had to leave on the cutting room floor, i.e. if they already filmed SF's curse being activated by that event, but had no choice in cutting out portions of the logic that would lead to that event. I agree that the logic behind the curse could have been more fleshed out, but it's also possible that existed at some point but simply didn't make the cut.

Knowing the extensive cutting this had to go through, we can probably guess at what some of the missing content might be and fill in the blanks ourselves. But a good dose of suspended disbelief is definitely necessary, especially in some of the tragic portions in 35-44. I have been of the same mind enough times that I hope you can continue to enjoy the ride despite these inconsistencies. The great character moments and expansive story still sets this apart from its peers imo, and hopefully it is enough to help overlook its flaws until the conclusion.

I mean to each their own. My favorite scenes to replay are actually SF reaction shots and HC reaction shots. It's a fascinating contrast because one wears all his emotions on his face, while the other barely emotes but manages to say a lot with just one glance.

I mean... tbf... if we were a part of these sects and beautiful bird demons started slaughtering our people, I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to see them as evil lol. Besides, Asian folklore is full of stories about demons disguised as beautiful people. I grew up watching Journey to the West so I might be used to it?

Oh that's her life pillar. You might have noticed they mentioned it being broken and having to be guarded by Siming many times before this episode. God of war said that she used to envy others for their complete life pillars, but now that he has given her the red string she is no longer alone. (In Chinese mythology a red string ties destined lovers together, though why he put it on her life pillar I haven't a clue.) I think we might find out soon that the red string might be something else altogether and not what god of war thought it meant.

Also, I replayed that so many times. Like you, I keep trying to get a read on HC and trying to scrutinize his microexpressions for clues is half the fun. This actor and CY are the two that keep impressing me with how good they are at those.

The period drama version of lipstick for guys :D

But he looks so pretty spitting blood! Even the director praised him for how well he spits blood~