1
I Thought This Is Weird
I honestly expected the series to be weird based on the plot summary—but surprisingly, I’ve ended up liking it so far. And no, I wasn’t creeped out at all, lol!
The story follows Zefang, Haiyuan, and Xia Cha (the grandfather). At first, when Zefang’s soul was still in his body, he was completely obsessed with Haiyuan—to the point where he would sometimes force himself on him. And it’s not that Haiyuan wasn’t into guys; it’s just… who would like someone that obsessive, aggressive, and borderline abusive?
Then one day, the grandfather and grandson fell down the stairs because they argue and had a commotion. When the grandfather woke up, he found himself in his grandson's body—Zefang had died. So yes, the plot involves body swapping after death.
Xia Cha (now in Zefang’s body) becomes very dependent on Haiyuan, probably because he's still adjusting to his new body and unfamiliar surroundings. He comes off as clingy, but honestly, I find his actions really adorable. Even though his body is Zefang’s, the soul inside is now the grandfather’s—affectionate, gentle, and warm. He has that “old soul” charm, which is the complete opposite of the original Zefang. That’s why Haiyuan eventually falls for him.
That said, I feel like the later episodes took a turn—and not necessarily for the better. Xia Cha’s character started to change in a way I didn’t enjoy. I’m not a fan of this kind of writing or direction. There weren’t enough sweet or heartwarming scenes between them, mainly because of the ongoing tension surrounding the body-swapping issue. Xia Cha wants Zefang to return to his body, even though Zefang’s boyfriend (the “other guy”) clearly isn’t a good person.
And another thing—I don’t understand why the writers made Xia Cha comfort Zefang’s boyfriend so much. He keeps hugging and consoling him when, in reality, their interactions should’ve stayed more casual or even distant. It just doesn’t make sense emotionally.
Still, the series isn’t bad at all—it just could’ve been better. What I really liked were the charming actors, solid performances, great visuals, and the side couple’s storyline (though they didn’t get enough screen time). I’d still say The Promise of the Soul is worth watching. And for what it’s worth, I think the filmmakers did a decent job handling the body-swapping theme.
The story follows Zefang, Haiyuan, and Xia Cha (the grandfather). At first, when Zefang’s soul was still in his body, he was completely obsessed with Haiyuan—to the point where he would sometimes force himself on him. And it’s not that Haiyuan wasn’t into guys; it’s just… who would like someone that obsessive, aggressive, and borderline abusive?
Then one day, the grandfather and grandson fell down the stairs because they argue and had a commotion. When the grandfather woke up, he found himself in his grandson's body—Zefang had died. So yes, the plot involves body swapping after death.
Xia Cha (now in Zefang’s body) becomes very dependent on Haiyuan, probably because he's still adjusting to his new body and unfamiliar surroundings. He comes off as clingy, but honestly, I find his actions really adorable. Even though his body is Zefang’s, the soul inside is now the grandfather’s—affectionate, gentle, and warm. He has that “old soul” charm, which is the complete opposite of the original Zefang. That’s why Haiyuan eventually falls for him.
That said, I feel like the later episodes took a turn—and not necessarily for the better. Xia Cha’s character started to change in a way I didn’t enjoy. I’m not a fan of this kind of writing or direction. There weren’t enough sweet or heartwarming scenes between them, mainly because of the ongoing tension surrounding the body-swapping issue. Xia Cha wants Zefang to return to his body, even though Zefang’s boyfriend (the “other guy”) clearly isn’t a good person.
And another thing—I don’t understand why the writers made Xia Cha comfort Zefang’s boyfriend so much. He keeps hugging and consoling him when, in reality, their interactions should’ve stayed more casual or even distant. It just doesn’t make sense emotionally.
Still, the series isn’t bad at all—it just could’ve been better. What I really liked were the charming actors, solid performances, great visuals, and the side couple’s storyline (though they didn’t get enough screen time). I’d still say The Promise of the Soul is worth watching. And for what it’s worth, I think the filmmakers did a decent job handling the body-swapping theme.
Was this review helpful to you?
