The lead characters made things interesting but ending was so poorly written (Happy ending)
When I started watching, I wasn't exactly a fan of the pairing but they both grew on me. I enjoyed some of their interactions, some were far too silly which again points to poor writing. In the hands of a good writer, this drama could have done a much better job.The time travel element wasn't ever fully explained.
Why did it happen?
Who sent her the message?
What happened when she back?
What spoils the story is that they went so far to create a clear distinction between Lin Miao and Lin Wei Jun, so much so that it is very difficult to reconcile that they are one person. The ending is so rushed and ambiguous that the viewers are left to figure out what happened.
The simplest explanation should be: Lin Miao went back to her time 10 years in the future, during these 10 years Lin Wei Jun grew into herself becoming Lin Miao and that was who came back for Jiao Yang who waited for her.
But then so many new questions arise. Since Lin Wei Jun life was altered by her future self and Jiao Yang, wouldn't her future self have new memories? Would she be the same Lin Miao that visited the past? Or would she be more like her past self? And what does that mean for their relationship?
Not a fan of the ending
Both Victoria Song and Luo Yun Xi are terrific actors and powerhouses, however the chemistry between them just wasn't properly utilized. The kissing scenes between the two were very dry, just quick pecks. There's one good intimate scene in this show and it isn't between ML and FL, but flashback between ML and his ex.Don't even get me started with the ending. Another disappointing ending from a drama where where the ML has ulterior motives for approaching the FL. *Major Spoiler* The ML dies at the end. (I wish I had the reviews and someone had clearly stated that this happened.
What's more, apart from the fast-paced beginning, most of the show was boring, the second couple was the only reason I didn't skip most of it. In the beginning , both the SFL and SML were a bit cringey and too childish but thankfully they were not so bad by the end of it. I liked them together.
The story could have done without the jealous stepmother angle
I loved the cast and romance bit of the story. Seo Do Guk is another green flag of a character we got to see this year. He was always looking out for Yi Joo even when she didn't really notice his actions and was drowning in grief. His support through it all made her pull through all the horrible things she went through.Yi Joo's adopted mother was in a class herself. In the beginning, she was psychopath who decided to toy with her adopted daughter's feelings and later took her life. That was enough, they didn't need to make Yi Joo biological daughter of Jeon Noh Min (adopted father), it was too cliche. That guy got an redemption arc, he purposefully neglected the abuse Yi Joo was put through all these years and then had the guts to deny that Yi Joo was his daughter even when she brought him the proof. The point is he stood by, the bystanders of the abuse make it harder for the victim to trust anyone, a point they failed to focus on.
Yoo Se Hyeok, the ex husband was garbage, like Yi Joo rightfully said. His wife was lying in the hospital bed about to die and he couldn't muster up an ounce of feeling. At the time, all he cared about was his crush on a women who had zero morals. His character was honestly very disgusting . Him begging Yi Joo to forgive him on knees was not even that deep because it lacked sincerity and someone who only apologizes because they are in deep shit.
Saying that, all of these actors did a great job in portraying the characters. I had expected a bit more from Do Guk's grandma ad sister since the cousin made them out to be such difficult characters but his mother made up for that personality. I'm just glad that Yi Joo got her happy ending, she deserved it.
What a hot mess!
It sucked.The central love story:
The ML is an idiot and has zero reasoning skills. He decides to believe his gf time and again and just ghosts the FL and then pop's back up in her life without any explanations.
The FL gives in too easily and deserved a lot better. Her character proved how blind love can be, she kept loving despite the push and pull and didn't even stop to think that this was far too toxic for her.
They ending was confusing, claiming that they ended up together. Why? She deserved better and ML was honestly too in love with himself to ever trust anyone and went out of his way to prove that he didn't need her in his life.
When they packed up their bags and departed to home, I knew something messed up was coming.
Other characters:
My heart went out to Jiang Bai Li, FL's best friend. She just couldn't give up on a guy who was so toxic that he hit on FL the first time they met and Bai Li was right there. She deserved so much better.
Zhang Ming Rui, friend to both ML & FL was the only sane person in this entire show. I wished he would have ended up with Bail Li.
Fluffy Drama
I'm not really a fan of cats but this drama started out pretty good.Male Lead is quite adorable, however his face was so expressionless, it seemed to be made out of marble.
Even the Second lead was pretty much the same. Both were pretty likable but there range of emotions was clearly missing.
Since this is a fluff piece that works in their favor.
The drama was quite funny at times. The FL and ML's sister were more expressive. But all it all a decent watch, however I won't be coming back for seconds.
Amazing chemistry between leads
It is a joy to watch leads interact with each other no matter what they are doing.Watched all three seasons, season 1 and season 3 are comparatively better than the 2nd season. 2nd season was a bit boring for me.
The story would have been much more riveting had the flashback scenes played out simultaneously, because those scenes were really interesting compared to the whole criminal syndicate story.
All the characters are pretty great, it is the story that doesn't do justice to them. But it is certainly better written and quite memorable compared to lot of others dramas out there.
If you are into both crime and romance it might be your cup of tea. I just couldn't get into the crime part of this story.
First half is great, the second half falls short
The best part about this drama it that it constantly keeps you guessing. Just when you think that you have you figured out, it changed lanes and the transition was very smooth. Things went good till ep 18-19, after that the drama was just kinda of okay. The thrill was lost.The chemistry between the ML and FL was quite good so in the later episodes i just skipped to their parts till the end. It could be because this was an ongoing drama and I watched some other drams in between, but the second half just wasn't interesting enough in my books.
*Major Spoiler*
The time travel and dimensions was much more interesting than memory loss angle we got. That's where things went wrong for this drama.
But i would definitely rewatch it at least once, maybe then it would be better. I just want to give it one more try to convince me that the second half was not a waste of time.
Interesting Story
While the story was interesting the relationship between the two felt unbalanced. The Male lead held all the cards and made all the decisions and the FL just went with them. It worked out since the ML wasn't toxic but pretty nice and sweet. He treated her well.Once they get together they were a happy couple. The FL was so head over the heels that she didn't notice any other guys in the room when the ML entered it. ML lucked out here.
The second couple was a bit surprising but I liked them together. Since this drama is focused more on the psychology and hypnotism it was surprising to see such good couples come out of it.
Slow burn romance
Ding Xiao Rou (FL): Pretty soul. Often said nonsensical things but she seemed magical. Add to that the actress playing the role is gorgeous and looks like a princess out of Taylor swift's official music videos.Xiao Rou (ML): He was honestly a sweet guy. Despite all the things that went wrong because of the FL he always remained nice, even when they were bickering. Apart from that one scene where he said some harsh things (happens to all of us) he is quite adorable. He did need a little push to get FL back but they weren't really together at the time.
Nan Sa Sa [ Xiao Rou's bestfriend]: We all wish we had a bestfriend like that. Another gorgeous woman with a heart of gold. So, i'm very glad that she ended up with the Second Male Lead.
These three pretty much carried the show for me. I might rewatch it sometime again in the future.
Slow paced. Not living up to its potential. I used the fast forward button far too many times.
I am here because I found out we finally have Wi Ha joon as the male lead. The story didn't sound that interesting to me & I feel like this is one of the drama's where you are not sure if they will end up together or not.Ep 1: The beginning is very slow paced, the characters seemed boring in the beginning. It was somewhere around the 20 minutes mark that things finally started to get interesting. The interactions between the FL & the school teacher was so charged with friction. I liked the way the FL approached it rationally, not a fan of how the school teacher reacted. Have seen that reaction from a few men while having rational conversation. You feel as if you'll get hit for sticking to your convictions. The romance part is a bit slow. But I could see the potential in the final minutes of the episode. They have known each other for a while so there's no instant spark or meet cute that we usually see with other romances. The acting is okay, the story lacks.
Ep 2: The pacing was pretty much the same as the first episode. 20 minutes in and I wanted to drop it, but for some reason I continued. I got to see Wi Ha Joon's pretty smile at the end. I'm sad to say I'm not looking forward to watching the next episodes.
Ep 3: It seems that my patience has been rewarded with some witty communication between the leads. I love the witch and her hairstyle, she looks amazing! Her all black outfit was such a stark contrast to her greyish white hair. She is a character that has made things interesting. This episode has made me look forward to the drama now.
Ep 4: Kinda saw it coming. At least the FL was open to a different style of teaching that would benefit the student the in the long run. Here's to hoping that they'll do better in their next round against the witch. The witch clearly won this round.
Ep 5: It was okay episode with some enjoyable moments. I can't believe they are just going to let the FL go for one mistake. They aren't even giving her the chance to rectify it or work together so that they can come up with a plan. At the same time, I also like the idea of FL working with the white witch! They'll make such a powerful team (Not a fun one like our leads but at least an interesting one)
Ep 6: Finally the romance is here. Even without reading the description of the drama, you are aware that the ML has feelings for the FL. It's not clear whether she pretends to not know about his feelings but she isn't all that surprised when he confesses. The rest of the story was okay, as expected. The white witch didn't get much screen time, I wanted to see more of her.
Ep 7: The problem with the drama is that, it is unable to create that curiosity that has people waiting for the next episodes. I'm sticking around for the two main characters, they are very low key adorable and comfortable to watch. I like that the main characters will be getting together, I am not sure who is against their relationship as shown in the preview. Right now, even the white witch is not enough to keep the storyline from getting boring.
Ep 8: Another sweet episode with the leads exploring their newfound relationship.
Aww. The Chemistry is bomb. (A possible breakup on the horizon (Just a guess))
I'm definitely in this to watch these two light up the screen with their passion. They have had about 3 accidental weird kisses when they weren't in a relationship. First two when she drank the drugged wine for him, which was some sort of ecstasy. The third one when he fell on top of her as fainted due to low blood sugar. However, the first kiss they had when sober and aware was kinda a miss for me. The ML was good at it the FL not so much. But that's just a one time thing, she later made up for it and more so and I'm never doubting her skills.The 2ML is pretty decent. Hope he doesn't end up too heartbroken.
The story seems to be progressing like normal Cdramas, so, I'm sure we are in for a breakup somewhere down the road, especially with so many people out to get the FL & ML.
It has been on my list for so long! Loving it so far! The visuals ❤️
This is good. I immensely enjoyed all the interactions between the leads. It seems like Ding Yu Xi has good chemistry with all his co-stars. The more time spent on them the better for the drama because the second couple are very passive and nothing is happening there. I like both the actors but right now they feel like props, hoping that they are more fleshed out in the future episodes. The visuals are so good, from the clothing to the special effects. I especially love Ding Yu Xi's look when he goes demon!
Even with the weird curse it was a fun and intriguing.
When the show first came out, I didn't know it would turn out to be so good. Even though I'm not someone crazy about dogs, this was so sweet. It started out fun, became a bit intriguing, and ended on a good note. I had hoped that the low-key third couple whose fate the show revolved around would also end up together but that didn't happen.I have watched two drams featuring Cha Eun Woo, one is this one and the other is True Beauty. While he did okay in True Beauty, this character suited him even better. The gentle non-toxic green flag of a guy. Park Gyu Young was so fun to watch, especially when she continued inviting him for soju. Cha Eun Woo tried to imitate it but sadly couldn't match it, but it was fun to watch. The chemistry between the 2 was bomb! The kissing scenes, one of the best I have seen in Kdrama so far.
All characters were great, well-written. I do wonder if Choi Yool was Jin Ah's husband in the past life. Since she said good bye to the mountain spirit maybe they'll get together. I like both Lee Bo Gyum and Choi Yool for her, no doubt they would be good to her, but they have some growing up to do.
It is worth the watch.
In the first arc the leads have strong supporting characters.
Ep 1 to Ep 9: Okay, what I like so far is that the leads are kinda cute and there have been no silly misunderstanding. I mean apart from the one where he thought she was a spy at the beginning. The ML doesn't seem so bright in the beginning and later on he grows on you. The FL's sister is kind of a badass, I'm only hoping that she isn't the one behind all of their problems, because they seem to have such a good bond. The ML's mom is one of the nicest mom's I have seen in the history of Cdramas. Another hope that they don't change her character in the final arc and turn her into a character who stands in the way of their children's happiness.
Has angst, strong cast, &decent visuals. What it lacks most is the story, it is all over the place.
Not gonna lie, although I waited so long for Moonlight mystique i wasn't able to complete it. Feud is giving me the will to go watch the whole thing.Ep 1: The interaction between the two was so damn adorable! (Let's ignore the part of him mistaking her for another person and thinking that he could harm her) Oh, I had so much fun watching this, I started out thinking that I might not like Li Qing Yue 's character but she grew on me. I absolutely love the Bai Jiu Si's stare, it keeps dodging between ethereal beauty on the cover of vogue to the Heavenly Lord seeing through Li Qing Yue, trying to find someone else, which is pretty good considering he is looking for clues that she might be Hua Ru Yue.
Ep 2: The grown up man throwing a temper tantrum banging his feet like a toddler always makes me laugh. Aiyo, why do these sect leaders never know how to tell right from wrong. Oh look a demon, he must be bad. Oh look a murderer, but he is mortal/ immortal so he must have his reasons. We torture people for going against our doctrine but we are the good ones.
As the wedding procession started, my mind kept going, i hope that he shows up. (Eternal Love scare). Oh well I forgot that I was watching a Xianxia, that's right, they just beamed her up.
Ep 3: I hear a lot of cartoon sound effects, the sound of ice breaking while Li Qing Yue conversed with Zhang Su An in the previous episode. And the successive sounds as she tries to gift him the clothes. Our Li Qing Yue is living in her la la land, completely missing all the red flags around her. Li Qing Yue hears that there is a problem and then decides to ignore it and run right towards it. A horror movie parody, running right towards what's gonna kill you girl!
Ep 4 to Ep 6: I thought Fan Ling Er was going to be Li Qing Yue's bestie, not off to a good start. Do love Fang Ling Er's and Bai Jiu Si's wardrobe! Now, Bai Lu looks good in anything and everything. I saw that grape like hair accessory on her head and had to think that she is one of the few people who can actually pull that off. So far the best part is the pure entertainment value. It is always a treat wo watch these actors on screen and they haven't disappointed.
Ep 7 & 8: It felt like not a lot happened, especially after watching all the first 6 episodes in 1 sitting. Well, I do like that we have the gist of the past out in the open and Fang Ling Er was punished. The demoness is simply crazy, i wonder how it will unfold. Zhang Su An, oh Zhang Su An, why do you insist on climbing that hill? It is a one-way street.
Ep 9 & 10: Liang Yong Qi is so well-suited for intense roles, casting him as Li Mo was a great choice. Now, that Hong Lian's arc has been done with, I wonder if that was his only arc in the drama and if he'll be in the background most of the time. Well, there's the beginning of angst and depth I was looking for, and it is just episode 10 now. What's the future going to hold. Even if they get her out of that dungeon, it won't be long before she'll be in chains again. There's is no trust. This time it was her being able to use the power right when he weakened. Next time, it might be something else. Why questions things? Let's just assume the worst.
Ep 11 & 12: Okay then, way to mislead the audience! I put all my energy in berating the guy and that twist just puts me in my place now doesn't it. I do like how things are progressing, this is a much better story but I am still confused, here's to hoping the next few episodes help me figure things out. For one, Fang Ling Er's and the sect switching teams! Then about her always being Hua Ru Yue, I feel like I have been punked!
Ep 13 to 18: Ep 13 & 14 is where the story starts unravelling and yet it seems like it is going to slow, i need to know the whys. It felt like these 2 episodes were only 2 minutes long. Well, now we have some answers but it doesn't seem that deep. Ep 16 was so good, it takes me back to episode 2 when they were following the same old script but now suddenly he says he is okay with the guy dating a demon and that she is in fact perfect for him! The conversation between Bai Jiu Su and Siling was quite interesting. I was on Siling's side here. Let's see what direction the story is going to take this moral principal, will it be that divine have to stay out of it or if they will help the people when needed. Things are moving very slow, they are nice to watch but it needs to be shaken up a little bit.
Ep 19 & Ep 20: Okay, now i really want to know why she is so mad at him! She plays the long game, the patience she has to set it up, to sit there and pretend is scary! She is like a trickster, that comes at you and keeps fooling you every single time!
Ep 21 & Ep 22: Well, there's the answer. I thought it might be the kid when I saw the trailer, but just abandonment and a kid dying wouldn't make her seek him out time after time and try to set up such cruel traps. Let's go back in time and see the suffering, I'm ready for it! These two episodes were good, I do like it better when it isn't an illusion or tribulations with Xianxia. I miss their beautiful hair, adornments, and clothes and the way they speak, it is beautiful.
Ep 23 & 24: Yeah, that'll do it. Abandonment, the death of a child, seeing her friend murdered as he tried to save her, and the witchunt. (It did have a potential of more suffering, but they decided to call it quits. I don't know why, my mind was thinking that this is just the beginning, she must have suffered more. It's all the angst ridden dramas I have seen, though i tried to avoid ones that hurt this bad.) Here's to hoping that we'll get to see Shi'an in the future. I am not holding out much hope for a happy ending, I don't mind it, but I don't want to set myself up!
Ep 25: Trigger hungry, that's what you call a guy like Long Yuan. He has always seemed a little suspicious and could be the bad guy but honestly even if he isn't, imagine this being situation in real life and that guy had a gun.
Ep 26 to 28: I don't much care for this angle. I mean sure when that guy first showed up, it did seem out of the blue and suspicious but he didn't leave much of an impression. To me it doesn't feel like that part of the story fit in well with the rest of narrative. So, yeah sure it was him orchestrating everything. At this point, I'm done trying to find logic, let's just enjoy it for what it is. Now the fun part , this childish version of Bai Jiu Si is such a treat to watch, Not him hugging the pillar when he had to let go of Siling and calling his steward grandpa.
Ep 29 to 32: Well its done. I felt very detached by the end of it. I don't know what to say. The beginning of the drama was strong, the second arm a hit and miss, this final arc didn't do much for me. I just watched it to finish it.

