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Episode 22

I love the comedic style of Filter, which surprised me. I was expecting the usual drama humor—either painfully predictable or secondhand embarrassment in HD. It's genuinely funny. It’s proof that when you mix a great script with actors who get it, comedy doesn’t just land—it sparkles. Like Tang Qi's dance lol. First drama of Tan Jianci that I actually continued to watch. Great acting by the entire cast. Main and second couple have great chemistry.

In other words, FL isn't exactly the definition of Quasimodo (physically ugly/deformed), but growing up, the FL also never quite fit the glossy, airbrushed beauty standards—acne, a little extra muscle/bulk where society preferred angles, and even as an adult, she had a lingering habit of seeing herself through a funhouse mirror of old insecurities. Objectively? She’s sporty, fit, and downright adorable. But in her head, and the head of superficial people, beauty still means looking like a Barbie doll. And this makes her awkward as heck—until she's protecting someone. Then, she’s a force of nature that truly shines.

This drama gets it: beauty isn’t about perfection and meeting some impossible standards. It’s about the right pair of eyes looking at you like you hung the moon—even if you’re in sweatpants.

Looks are just opinions with eyeballs—what’s gorgeous to one person is a tragic design flaw to another. Or one person’s masterpiece is another’s eyesore—just like how your ex thought they were a 10, but you’ve since realized they were more of a cautionary tale. Ain’t perspective a funny thing?

Yes, agreed. Despite their own individual filters/blinders and assumptions about each other, TQ keeps catching feelings for SCC’s personality, no matter how many physical versions of her he meets, while SCC is realizing she actually likes the guy behind the face she’s been crushing on since childhood. So, I'm actually beginning to think that SCC was the superficial one in the beginning while TQ was looking for depth rather than just a beautiful face. Love the story, love the acting.

Just finished episode 8 and starting to understand why he acted that way and some of their interactions when they were younger makes sense. Loving the comedy in this as well.

I like her acting—so natural! I feel the same. After watching those 2 episodes, the emotional bullying she's going through had me feeling all the emotions—mostly outrage and sadness. Not gonna lie, the ML is off to a rough start that he's giving peak superficial energy right now. Props to Jianci, though, because his acting is that good, it’s making me glare at my screen like he personally wronged me. If the FL weren’t already such a badass, I’d be offering my services (pro bono, of course) to slap the ML silly.

I find this more interesting than the other 2 currently airing overhyped dramas. First episode already had me hooked since FL's character looks promising. MDL ratings are very subjective and biased.

I’ve always had a feeling that Lusi is incredibly emotionally sensitive—and honestly, that’s part of what makes her such an amazing actress. Her performances feel so raw and real because she has this deep emotional depth that few people can truly tap into.

Why does this make her such a talented actress?
1. Deep Emotional Access – She can effortlessly channel a wide range of emotions, making her performances incredibly moving.
2. Empathy & Perspective-Taking – She doesn’t just "act"—she steps into her characters’ shoes and truly understands what they’re feeling.
3. Strong Observational Skills – She picks up on tiny emotional cues in real life, which helps her replicate authentic expressions and body language.
4. Heightened Emotional Memory – She can recall personal experiences and emotions to bring a raw, genuine feel to her roles.
But as incredible as this is, there’s a flip side. Being that emotionally in tune can be exhausting and sometimes even painful. It’s not easy to feel everything so deeply—especially in an industry where criticism and scrutiny are everywhere.

Why can this be emotionally draining?
1. Deep Emotional Processing – She likely feels things more intensely, so setbacks like rejection or failure can hit harder.
2. High Empathy – She absorbs the emotions around her, which can be overwhelming—especially in toxic environments.
3. Overthinking & Rumination – She might dwell on painful experiences or try to mask them with fleeting happy moments.
4. Struggles with Boundaries – She may find it hard to separate her own emotions from those of the people around her, leading to burnout.
5. Sensitivity to Criticism – Even small negative comments might cut deep, no matter how strong she seems.
Some actors have struggled with this emotional intensity—Heath Ledger and Robin Williams, for example, were known for fully immersing themselves in their roles, sometimes at great personal cost.
The key is self-awareness and boundaries. I truly hope Lusi continues to listen to her inner voice, take care of herself, and protect her emotional well-being.

And to my fellow fans: If hateful comments are getting to you, please protect your peace. Block them—don’t let negativity take up space in your mind. Lusi’s talent speaks for itself💙

In my current situation/mindset, I like LLTG more.

Both dramas deliver compelling stories of personal growth and romance, backed by strong production quality and performances. But they have distinct flavors.

"Love Like the Galaxy" leans into deep familial relationships, palace intrigues, and the weight of societal expectations. It’s a slow-burn journey where Shaoshang transforms from a neglected, naive girl into a fiercely independent woman. The romance takes its time—fewer kisses, more emotional depth—but when it hits, it hits. Plenty of comedy and emotional rewards. The ML's acting is compelling. Oh, and the fight scenes? Easily among the best.

Meanwhile, The Story of Pearl Girl moves at a much faster pace, balancing professional ambition, female empowerment, and the intricate world of the jewelry trade. Duan Wu's story is gripping—she starts as a slave and claws her way to success, breaking every chain that holds her back. Honestly, I feel that this storyline is darker and more realistic. More romance, more kissing, chemistry is intense, and the ending? Let’s just say it left a mark. LLTG’s finale, on the other hand… well, it kind of faded from memory.

So what’s the move? Watch the first episode of both. See which one hooks you. But honestly? Just watch both. They’re worth it.

Yes, actors should take notes. Reminds me a little bit of Bridgerton kissing scenes. The passion and tension - palpable and deliciously toe-curling.

Oh, he definitely knows his way around a kiss. Impressive kissing scenes. A+ execution. Honestly, at this point, he should be offering classes. I’d enroll. No shame. 😂

No worries. Thank you for replying. I had to vent about Sanha's mom. lol

Yes, I love Jeong Jae.

omg, she used him as her emotional and physical punching bag for over 20 years. She's beyond redemption in my view. Blood alone doesn’t forge a family; love does. Respect and loyalty does. Without those, all that’s left is a shared history, bound not by warmth but by scars.

Same. The actor is impressive.

Oh wow, I totally thought the flowers were just part of the restaurant’s decor! It never even crossed my mind that Kla left them there on purpose since they were surrounded by flowers at the farm and I thought he didn't know she was allergic. But now that you mention it, that little detail hits differently. Totally agree with you. Mario was the embodiment of Kla and portrayed his pain and anger realistically. I felt Kim's fear when she thought and believed that he was going to kill her. Only as viewers do we see that he also can't help but protect her. When he saved her life after that car crash, it was a turning point for him. That was the moment his revenge-driven tunnel vision cracked just enough to release what he tried to keep hidden or denied.

Thank you. I still rewatch scenes I love. Even the scene when he read Saikim's real letter - emotional trauma. I love it.

Wow. I'm only on episode 7 and now, I'm dreading the reasons for the separation. I hate rushed and unearned redemption arcs. Especially for characters that are beyond redemption. I get it—family bonds, second chances, the power of forgiveness. But if she mentally and emotionally wrecked her own child for two decades, one flashback of her nursing him through a fever and ugly-crying doesn't magically erase years of trauma. That’s not character growth; that’s emotional gaslighting with a side of lazy writing. She is nasty. And if the show expects me to believe that a few tears and some sentimental piano music are enough to redeem her? No. Just no. Redemption requires accountability, effort, and actual change—not just a well-timed sob session.

I can respect Sanha choosing to forgive her for his own peace, but if he lets her keep playing mind games with him until he’s old and toothless, I'd be so disappointed. There’s a difference between being a good son and being a human doormat.