janec

CCTV is China's public and most authoritarian, most influential television station. It has about 16 thematic channels (or more). Young people usually don't watch TV, only online platforms, so CCTV usually has suggestions for more serious viewers. It is generally accepted that if something or someone appears on CCTV it has the approval of the authorities. When XZ was under fire from bad people, CCTV invited him to participate in some projects and that's where he could show himself. In January 2021, when things were still tough, CCTV screened "Jade Dynasty 1" and in February it started screening "Douluo Dalu". Since CCTV is a serious, "smart" not entertainment TV, everyone was surprised that Douluo was on its air because such fantasy dramas never hosted on CCTV, so everyone thought it was a way to support XZ. Douluo was screened three times achieving scores much higher than TOoL, but that's the advantage of appearing on CCTV.
When I watched the rankings on TV with TOoL, the top 5 spots were CCTV's offerings. The sixth was TOoL. CCTV simply has a worldwide reach and reputation and a very large audience that has been loyal for decades.
Even I, in Europe, used to watch XZ dramas on CCTV, without subtitles and not knowing if it counted towards the ratings, but I watched it :)

If you are a new XZ fan, be sure to watch Our Song season 1, on YT with eng sub. XZ appears from episode 3. This is a must watch item and I don't know any XZ fan who wouldn't enjoy this show. You definitely won't regret it! I promise!

Yes, several. For example, You are My Glory. But that's not the point. TOoL is categorized as a TV drama and is shown on a station that is not popular lately and cannot compare to CCTV channels. Plus, it's a cute drama that is already objectively outdated. On top of that, it has few episodes and few viewing days. Many people were afraid that these factors would make TOoL unpopular. Meanwhile, TOoL has done very well despite these obstacles. It is not the best ever, but it is surprisingly good, really good when viewed objectively. TOoL is a hit. Many people are very surprised. But maybe TOoL's popularity shows that people need a little hope and warmth, especially since we live in such times. Well, and it shows that the XZ really can carry drama. Not for nothing does the industry call it the god of wealth.
Currently, TOoL is unrivaled in its category and surprisingly strong outside of it. It has even beaten CCTV hits in some rankings. So these numbers really are very, very good.

In China - very good. It's a hit drama.

After two episodes I find that it's heavy stuff, but I like it. Definitely NOT recommended for lovers of light romance. Even with pixel censorship, the drama can shock the viewer. So far I like how it is psychologically driven. Definitely not violets and roses, but a very serious thing with chains.

Totally feel you. I couldn't watch TOoL but after a week off, it's somehow ok. In my opinion, XZ didn't choose this drama because he wanted to, it was probably the first offer after he became famous so he grabbed the chance. I'm afraid that if XZ starts choosing scripts, they'll get a little too ambitious (for me) :)
Although I'm not a TOoL fan, I'm glad he starred in this drama. It'll give it a wider, less defined audience. Same with AT. However, I'm still hoping that Xiao Zhan will star in a drama that will completely enthrall me. Judging by the variety of his roles, both you and I have a chance to fulfill a similar dream.

I'm going to be painfully honest. When I started watching this drama, I didn't see anything positive in it. I quit it around episode 7 unable to watch it. Today, I saw that it appeared on YT and turned on a random episode. And you know what, I started laughing and had a pretty good time.
I don't know if it's a matter of my mood, the weather, the fact that these episodes are better, or if I just got used to the idea that TOoL is a silly drama about nothing, but a week ago I couldn't watch it, now I can.
I still think it's very weak in terms of script and plot. I still think I've seen these actors in better roles. I think I began to sympathize with GW, a grown man who has trouble breaking free from the influence of overprotective, domineering parents. As if to say - I can identify with him. Plus, he's less romantic than me. I'm also used to LZX's idiocy and she doesn't annoy me so much. But I needed a week break for that :)

I see. For me, Douluo Continent is the best drama he starred in. I'm talking about the whole production, not just his role.But, of course, that's just my opinion.

Thank you, I just added it to my list of dramas to watch

I picked up this drama on-hold. I watched the first season a few years ago and really enjoyed it, but I think it might be different now. Now I know a little more about psychology, especially criminal psychology, and watching the second season I can see how naive, how outdated the knowledge of it is. It put me off.

Someday we will see which rumor was true. Although I think now every production with XZ has a high budget because his name alone will attract investors ;)

I will definitely check it out, thanks :)

I appreciate the recommendation.

I would support a sci-fi movie. I know XZ likes this genre (I don't know if he's a fan, but he once recommended "Three Body Problem") so he would have fun shooting something like this. Besides, it would be something completely new than before.
But actually every new movie rumor talks about an interesting role, so which one of these rumors wouldn't turn out to be true, I'm rubbing my hands with joy :)

Thanks, I'll check it out. I didn't like the anime, but maybe the version with actors will be more to my taste :)

If only half, then you probably didn't have the best experience with this drama. Personally, I think the second half, the one where there's more XZ, is better :). XZ is one of the few actors to act in a wide variety of dramas, genres and types, so even if a certain title isn't to your liking, you can always watch another one. I saw him for the first time in 2018 on FBS and while I didn't become a fan, I really regretted that he's not ML and has so little screen time. He was so good, I wouldn't have thought it was the second role of a total amateur :)

Thank you, I have watched them all. I have a great fondness for the Shinsengumi. But I also have a weakness for guys in coats running around with katanas, like Duncan McLoud in "Highlander".

j-dramas are quite specific. I've gotten a little unaccustomed to their style. But I like the fight scenes here, definitely better than in the best c-dramas. It's a completely different style and I missed it.
I'm just switching over to j-dramas, so if anyone knows something similar in style - realistic fight scenes in the modern world, I'll ask for a recommendation.

Hurry up with this drama! I really need some good acting by Ji Sung and some good drama!

Thanks. Too bad it's only once a week. I'm used to two episodes a week.