4
Female empowerment but at great costs
I am going to break from my usual writing style because if I wrote everything down, this will be too long (it is already long!). There are dozens and dozens of reviews already. So just a few quick observations and we'll move on.
Firstly, I'm so glad that there is going to be a S2. While the show did end on a positive note, many threads are unresolved and left dangling. In hindsight, it is obvious that the production planned this from the start so that the show would end mid stream. We are left with more questions than answers. Which leads us to . . .
Secondly, I have a love-hate relationship with the OTP. On the one hand, I love the leads and their journey. There is no question about their chemistry and it is simply wonderful. I would go as far as to say that it is stronger than Go Go Squid because both actors have honed their skills since and the FL is definitely an equal to the ML now rather than just a naive younger love interest. They are true partners in this show.
However, this is where I have to say some choice words about their romantic journey. Why in the name of all that is holy would the writer drag this out for so long? It is still inconclusive after 32 eps! The ML is totally smitten yet the FL is still sending mixed messages. She just can't believe that he would fall in love with her because of his superior status. She always uses their "fake" relationship as a shield. She'd gently kept him at arm's length and make sure everything is a business transaction. Grrr, it is getting old. Just one kiss, one confession will keep me swooning until the next season arrives. Alas, we have nothing but vague hopes.
Thirdly, the SML is quite complex. He started as a cold, heartless man but he turns out to be very righteous and idealistic. He paid the price for his convictions though. He is starting to turn to the dark side at the end of S1. It will be interesting to see how his character changes as his moral compass is smashed and he gives in to corruptions.
Fourthly, this is related to my pet peeve, the lighting of costume dramas. Time and again, we find night scenes lit up like broad daylight in idol costume dramas. It is even more egregious when they use floodlights and downlights indiscriminately. It is laughable when you consider what light sources are available in ancient times.
Hence, I'm very happy that this show gets it. Night scenes are mostly lit with candles and oil lamps. They added some soft indirect lights to make sure the actors are sufficiently illuminated but still looks natural. Bravo! Ditto the sets, makeup and costumes are lush and beautiful. Quite appropriate for the time period. I'm sure there are thesis written on this by more learned members so I'll say no more.
Finally, the female empowerment message comes across loud and clear. Probably based more on 21st century values than Tang Dynasty ones. It is engaging storytelling but some subplots are tropey. Not unexpected but makes the progression more predictable. Oppression, abuse and virtues are weaponised.
What else can I say? Please schedule the next 28 eps ASAP. I think they have to observe the mandatory wait between airing of two seasons though. Inner peace. . . Inner peace . . .
Firstly, I'm so glad that there is going to be a S2. While the show did end on a positive note, many threads are unresolved and left dangling. In hindsight, it is obvious that the production planned this from the start so that the show would end mid stream. We are left with more questions than answers. Which leads us to . . .
Secondly, I have a love-hate relationship with the OTP. On the one hand, I love the leads and their journey. There is no question about their chemistry and it is simply wonderful. I would go as far as to say that it is stronger than Go Go Squid because both actors have honed their skills since and the FL is definitely an equal to the ML now rather than just a naive younger love interest. They are true partners in this show.
However, this is where I have to say some choice words about their romantic journey. Why in the name of all that is holy would the writer drag this out for so long? It is still inconclusive after 32 eps! The ML is totally smitten yet the FL is still sending mixed messages. She just can't believe that he would fall in love with her because of his superior status. She always uses their "fake" relationship as a shield. She'd gently kept him at arm's length and make sure everything is a business transaction. Grrr, it is getting old. Just one kiss, one confession will keep me swooning until the next season arrives. Alas, we have nothing but vague hopes.
Thirdly, the SML is quite complex. He started as a cold, heartless man but he turns out to be very righteous and idealistic. He paid the price for his convictions though. He is starting to turn to the dark side at the end of S1. It will be interesting to see how his character changes as his moral compass is smashed and he gives in to corruptions.
Fourthly, this is related to my pet peeve, the lighting of costume dramas. Time and again, we find night scenes lit up like broad daylight in idol costume dramas. It is even more egregious when they use floodlights and downlights indiscriminately. It is laughable when you consider what light sources are available in ancient times.
Hence, I'm very happy that this show gets it. Night scenes are mostly lit with candles and oil lamps. They added some soft indirect lights to make sure the actors are sufficiently illuminated but still looks natural. Bravo! Ditto the sets, makeup and costumes are lush and beautiful. Quite appropriate for the time period. I'm sure there are thesis written on this by more learned members so I'll say no more.
Finally, the female empowerment message comes across loud and clear. Probably based more on 21st century values than Tang Dynasty ones. It is engaging storytelling but some subplots are tropey. Not unexpected but makes the progression more predictable. Oppression, abuse and virtues are weaponised.
What else can I say? Please schedule the next 28 eps ASAP. I think they have to observe the mandatory wait between airing of two seasons though. Inner peace. . . Inner peace . . .
Was this review helpful to you?
