Zogitt

Final Edit: I got up to ep.22 and gave up. I skip-watched to the end and the 1OTP's confession happened 5 mins before the end credit rolls. We did not get one kiss, nay, not even a hug out of them. Enough said.

~~~~~~~My original Review~~~~~~~
I was going to write a review after I finish this series, but after watching 20 eps, I'm sorely tested. Hence a half way review just in case . . ;)

First of all, your enjoyment of this drama will be very subjective. If you are in the right demographic and/or fans of the stars, your journey will be much more enjoyable. Otherwise, caveat emptor, my friend.

This show is a youth/idol romance drama set in a college. The characters are supposed to be in their early 20s, yet the actors are closer to 30. They did ok most of the time but don't look too closely.

The A-plot is straightforward enough. We have 3 CP's. They are pre-ordained yet most are blissfully unaware. Some are outright frenemies. Others are crushes that need to be cultivated and ascend to the next level. The FL's are more aware of their feelings and what they want.

This is where the weaponised cluelessness comes in. Most ML's are looking for the light switch in a dark room when it comes to their feelings. Let alone the FL's. This is after 20 eps. (Sigh)

This is even more egregious for our 1OTP. I know the 1ML is tall and handsome but he is charmless. He has zero EQ and -100 points in social skills. Is he on the spectrum? He would literally tell you he is watching you because you are ugly and he wants to add an ugly character to his manhua.

BTW, he has been pigeonholed into drawing shàonǚ manhua, ha-bloody-ha! Most of the comedy comes from his ham-fisted attempt to do research among his college cohorts.

Don't get me wrong, there are cute and funny moments but there are plenty of cringey and awkward ones as well. Same old gags are on repeat. These are low hanging fruits.

This extends to the multiple love lines. There is a lot of misunderstandings, confusion and outright ignorance. All the usual tropes get airing.

Our FL is constantly yo-yoing between despair and hopefulness. I share her pain. I seriously question why she has such a huge crush on the ML. He is not so much a blank canvas but Teflon coated. Every overture from her is deflected. Sure, he cares for her but he would do the same for a stray cat.

Similar situations confront our other two CP's. They are clueless or in denial after 20 eps. Is that cute or painful to watch? You decide.

I know most of the reviews are positive and I can see why. It is angst lite and easy to watch. I enjoyed seeing a manhua being created.

The show is watchable, but 33 eps is a stretch. Every trick are used to occupy screen time. IMHO, it'd work better if it is tighter and shorter.

Now let's talk about the bread and butter stuff. Firstly, there are a lot of overacting. They are playing for laughs after all. Secondly, it is less acting than roleplaying archetypes. Bumbling, domineering, shy, take your pick. Most characters are one dimensional. Thirdly, costume is casual college chic. Except the FL who is always well presented but I can't shake the Lolita vibe. Fourthly, the OST is serviceable.

I'm trying to finish the show but the crystal ball is murky. I'll update as I progress or . . not. Peace.