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Set in dreary 1970s communist China, two single parents find love again in their middle age. Their sweet and heartwarming courtship takes place in the court of public opinion involving meddlesome community leaders, spurned suitors, supportive comrades and those hellbent against it. The couple marries despite objections from their children to become an antagonistic blended family.

As the story develops, incidents happen along the way and reveal how each character deals with them on an individual and collective level. Other than the recurring scenes of public confrontation and shaming, I find the portrayal of everyday situations and the characters’ responses to them realistic, relatable and comical.

For some reason, I find this drama comforting -- its pace, its music, the tone of voice used by the actors and the way the characters resolve conflicts. I especially appreciate how wholesome values are illuminated in this nuanced drama.

In this day and age in which revenge and violence is glorified and romantic relationships are often sexualised in entertainment, 'Wonderful Times' is a breath of fresh air. Here's hoping it will continue to impress me till the end.