Zogitt

When it rains it pours. A while ago we have the BFF to Lover prize fight. Now we have the "embedded world" showdown between this drama and First Night With the Duke. There are obvious similarities but they are also quite different. Let's focus on this show for now.

Dropping a modern boy/girl into a fictitious ancient world is hardly original. Most are based on the fish out of water trope. This series is no different. If anything, this drama never lets us forget that. We are constantly reminded of the link between the worlds. The in-jokes are everywhere. When the FL asked one of the random merchants his name, the reply was NPC A. The FL names their humble abode "Male Lead's Manor". Say no more!

Sure, the FL uses all her wiliness to fit in into the script world, but she also subverts it at every opportunity. She even educates the ML in the minutiae of plot devices and the power of the god like Scriptwriter. ;)

Alright, maybe the reference to Inception is a bit loose but it is not way off base. The title is a giveaway for starters. The ML also questioned whether the FL is part of a higher level script. A story within a story, so to speak. Her present-day reality is no more real than the ancient city surrounding them. Intriguing!

This is clever writing as most shows in this genre have trouble melding the worlds once the main story arc finishes. The lead might wake up from a nap in the dying minutes of the show. S/he then magically runs into the other lead in the present and is gifted the HEA ending. It is usually rushed and contrived. In this case, the ending is sweet and rewarding, but it is consistent with the overarching main plot so there is none of the crash landing back to reality malarkey.

So, does ADWAD deliver? Other than a few minor niggles, absolutely!

The basic plots are as old as time. The cleverness comes from the bending and blending them into Weapons of Mass Diversions.

You just never know when the cliché plot devices will be turned on their heads, and be totally subverted. This is particularly true in the last few eps. When most shows are winding down, this drama shifts up a gear and doubles down on the crazies!

More than once, I sat staring at the screen wondering whether the writer has been smoking a certain type of medicinal herb. The twists come on thick and fast. We recognise them individually, but the totality left me dazed. It twists the dramaverse into a pretzel. The audacity! Did they hire Doctor Strange as a consultant?

However, I think it did trip up a little mid show. It seems to be having too much fun with one particular cliché trope and got a bit carried away. Thankfully, the writer pulled back just in time.

One other minor niggle relates to the plot about the beloved Queen. Once the historical misunderstanding was resolved, the tone changed within minutes. When you consider the ML was castigated for 20 years, it feels . . off. Let bygones be bygones. Kumbaya, anyone?

In terms of acting, our leads are in their element. The romantic Force is strong with them. There is a decent amount of skinship as well, and they feel right. The support cast earned their keep. I’m sure they had a blast making this series.

The production value is consistently high. Most sets are lush and elaborate. Special effects are of good quality. The OST is pumping. It has everything. From classics to pop to hip hop. There was a bit of imbalance in the volume level in the beginning. It was soon corrected.

This show surprised me repeatedly and in a good way. This show is very self aware and indirectly fourth wall breaking. I certainly had more than the odd chuckle. It was a struggle to decide if I should rate it higher. In the end, I have to accept that It is close to, but not perfect. Kudos to everyone involved though. Its subversive nature might cause purists to roll their eyes. I for one, give thanks for this unconventional gem. Peace.