Light-hearted rom com from beginning to end
Solid storytelling that stays fun, light, and true to its rom-com roots with just a dash of political intrigue to keep things interesting and round out the show. It never strays far from its central plot and maintains a consistent, feel-good tone throughout.Major kudos to the casting director as this is one of those rare shows where it feels like the characters were written for the actors. Even the supporting cast shines--each one memorable and well-developed enough to feel like a lead in their own right.
Pacing is spot-on with 26 episodes--just long enough to develop the story and characters, while short enough to skip the fluff. Each episode breezes by with purpose and momentum.
Les Belles is a visual treat. The fashion is flawless and everyone looks incredible. The OST, while not extensive, hits all the right notes. Every song feels carefully chosen and elevates the mood of each scene.
Although the plot and storyline isn't anything new or unique, perhaps what stands out most is the strong female lens behind the show. Written and directed by women, this drama nails the themes of female empowerment and delivers a refreshingly healthy portrayal of romance. It’s sweet, smart, and effortlessly watchable.
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All Filter, No Substance
This drama is super slow burn—bogged down by filler scenes and unnecessary side plots that drag out the pacing and dull what could’ve been a sharper, more engaging drama.I was initially drawn in by the main leads and the unique premise, but to my surprise, the second leads ended up stealing the show. It feels like they got more screentime and attention than the main couple which I’m not complaining. Their chemistry is stronger, their romance more compelling, and their storyline delivers the kind of classic rom-com charm the main couple lacks.
Where the central romance falls flat is the lack of chemistry and underwhelming character appeal. The male lead’s quirky genius trope is tiresome and his obsessive fixation on each “filtered” version of the female lead—paired with his ice cold treatment of the actual Su Cheng Cheng—makes him hard to root for. Meanwhile, the female lead is defined mostly by her physical strength and ugliness (which she really isn't), without much emotional depth to balance her out. That said, there are some hilarious laugh-out-loud moments between the leads that offer some relief—but in the end, this couple probably would’ve worked better as friends than lovers.
The show really should’ve ended at episode 29, but instead throws in a random subplot out of nowhere focused (again) on the second leads. I usually welcome a few final episodes to wrap things up, but this felt like a detour to a dead end.
For a drama set in the beauty and fashion industry, the styling is bland and the OST is forgettable. The one bright spot is the production quality—especially the CGI and filter effects, which are creative, polished, and visually consistent. It’s just a shame the storytelling and buildup doesn’t match the visual flair.
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A Medical Drama That Hits Hard and Fast
Don’t be fooled by the “medical drama” label—this isn’t your typical hospital-bound series. While there’s no shortage of operating room surgeries and hospital shenanigans, the real action often happens outside the OR--giving the show a thrilling edge that sets it apart from standard procedural shows.From the very first episode, this drama hits the ground running. It is fast-paced and tightly edited--blending angst, humor, and suspense into every scene to keep the tension high and the story moving.
While this doesn't dive deep into character backstories, motivations, or personal growth, the main cast brings enough presence and chemistry to make you care. With only eight episodes, the lean storytelling and action-first approach feel purposeful and refreshing.
Slick, gripping, and never overstaying its welcome, this is the perfect quick binge for fans of high-stakes, no-fluff dramas.
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All the makings of a great drama that unfortunately falls flat
Serendipity has all the makings of a solid historical drama: tragic backstories, political intrigue, secret identities, and a hint of romance. However, somewhere between solving mysteries and its identity crises, the drama itself falls off a cliff, gets amnesia, and never quite recovers.What begins as a light-hearted romantic setup soon veers into a drawn out mystery plotline. The amnesia arc feels forgotten until the end while both the romance and overarching plot are hurriedly tied up in the final episodes.
The mystery angle starts off with promise as the leads navigate through a series of cases that chip away at a larger conspiracy. However, with minimal setup and even less payoff, each lead fizzles out. Just when progress is made, evidence is conveniently lost or dismissed, forcing yet another detour. Heroes and villains alike walk away from each encounter unscathed, deflating any real tension. By the time the story regains momentum, the suspense is long gone—you’ve known who the villains were all along and were just waiting for their inevitable and predictable downfall.
The romance aspect isn’t any better. While the male and female leads are individually well-developed with strong and compelling personalities, the chemistry between them never quite ignites. After pretending to be siblings for most of the show, their bond really ends up feeling more familial than romantic. Yes, they make sacrifices for one another. Yes, they go through emotional turmoil. But the dynamic lacks the emotional pull of a true love story. On the other hand, it is hard not to get second male lead syndrome as the second male lead is nearly flawless as he is charming, smart, kind, loyal, principled, and emotionally available.
As far as production and editing is concerned, I am really not a fan of episodes that cut out mid-sentence as it feels clumsy and takes away from the overall viewing experience. All that aside, I enjoyed the OST, the costumes and the props/scenery.
In the end, Serendipity isn’t a bad drama, just one that loses its way. It’s watchable, especially if you’re a fan of the genre, though it doesn’t quite live up to its potential.
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