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A viper's nest.
After growing up in the countryside, Zhuang Hanyan returns to the capital to claim her rightful place as the legitimate daughter of the Zhuang family. Her reception is mixed—some family members seek reconciliation, while others fiercely resist her presence. It soon becomes clear that the Zhuang household is a viper’s nest, but Hanyan is no naïve country girl. There’s more to her return than meets the eye, something her late sister’s husband, Fu Yunxi, quickly discerns. Their relationship evolves from adversarial to conspiratorial as they uncover each other’s secrets and forge an uneasy alliance.
The Glory/ 雁回时 is another in a recent wave of revenge dramas that starts with a suspenseful, addictive hook but fizzles in the second half. The reveal of Ruan Xiwen’s tragic backstory and her complex, scheming dynamic with her daughter Hanyan forms the emotional core of the drama. Unfortunately, after this peak, the narrative devolves into dog-blood melodrama, riddled with clichés, plot holes, and unconvincing motivations. Wen Zhenrong delivers a vehement, emotionally charged performance as the bitter and wounded Ruan Xiwen, anchoring the first half—but once her arc concludes, the tension noticeably deflates.
Though I typically adore ruthless, morally grey characters like Hanyan and Yunxi, their pairing falls flat. Their silent staring contests and psychological battles feel insipid, especially compared to over-the-top performances by older actors like Yu Entai's exaggerated facial contortions and whispered threats. That said, Chen Duling shines as Hanyan, balancing hidden depths with fiery resolve. Xin Yunlai, however, is stoic to the point of woodenness, though his awkward, crooked half-smiles carry a strange charm.
The biggest flaw lies in the overabundance of toxic characters with nonsensical motives. Why does Hanyan—clearly talented and resourceful—fight so hard for acceptance in such a dysfunctional family? The schemes lack payoff, the villains are cartoonishly petty, and the central "hidden treasure" subplot feels pointless (why hoard wealth with no heirs to inherit it?). The second half is a mess of twists without cohesion, and the ending—hinting at Greek tragedy but lacking the courage to commit—leaves a wishy-washy, unsatisfying aftertaste.
Yet, despite its flaws, I found myself oddly engrossed. Like a drink that starts intoxicating, turns bland, then ends bitter, The Glory is a flawed but strangely compelling ride. 7.5/10—great potential, squandered execution.
The Glory/ 雁回时 is another in a recent wave of revenge dramas that starts with a suspenseful, addictive hook but fizzles in the second half. The reveal of Ruan Xiwen’s tragic backstory and her complex, scheming dynamic with her daughter Hanyan forms the emotional core of the drama. Unfortunately, after this peak, the narrative devolves into dog-blood melodrama, riddled with clichés, plot holes, and unconvincing motivations. Wen Zhenrong delivers a vehement, emotionally charged performance as the bitter and wounded Ruan Xiwen, anchoring the first half—but once her arc concludes, the tension noticeably deflates.
Though I typically adore ruthless, morally grey characters like Hanyan and Yunxi, their pairing falls flat. Their silent staring contests and psychological battles feel insipid, especially compared to over-the-top performances by older actors like Yu Entai's exaggerated facial contortions and whispered threats. That said, Chen Duling shines as Hanyan, balancing hidden depths with fiery resolve. Xin Yunlai, however, is stoic to the point of woodenness, though his awkward, crooked half-smiles carry a strange charm.
The biggest flaw lies in the overabundance of toxic characters with nonsensical motives. Why does Hanyan—clearly talented and resourceful—fight so hard for acceptance in such a dysfunctional family? The schemes lack payoff, the villains are cartoonishly petty, and the central "hidden treasure" subplot feels pointless (why hoard wealth with no heirs to inherit it?). The second half is a mess of twists without cohesion, and the ending—hinting at Greek tragedy but lacking the courage to commit—leaves a wishy-washy, unsatisfying aftertaste.
Yet, despite its flaws, I found myself oddly engrossed. Like a drink that starts intoxicating, turns bland, then ends bitter, The Glory is a flawed but strangely compelling ride. 7.5/10—great potential, squandered execution.
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