Flawed but delicious, heartwarming drama
We watched Sleuth of Ming Dynasty rather quickly because the show’s pace is quick, the storylines are engaging, and the main cast is adorable.
The main couple, Tang Fan and Sui Zhou, balance each other out nicely. Tang Fan is brilliant, zany, petulant whereas Sui Zhou is the caring, righteous, strong but silent type. However my favourite character was by far the powerful commander of the Eastern Depot, Wang Zhi. Eunuchs, especially during Ming Dynasty-set stories, are often depicted as snivelling, simpering, and conniving figures. It was refreshing to watch a nuanced portrayal of a ruthless and cruel but also loyal and intelligent eunuch. Wang Zhi’s little smirks and bravado made my day. I found that he stole every scene. The way in which he toyed or teased his friends, or just trolled his enemies were too enjoyable.
The show’s strengths are the dynamics between the characters and supporting cast, including Dong’er. It’s often funny and light-hearted. The cooking scenes followed by a cozy dinner made my 老公 complain that we couldn’t watch the drama on an empty belly, because it made him too hungry.
Unfortunately things start losing the thread towards the last 5 episodes. There are some illogical bumps in the road at some point, but at the end, everyone becomes supremely stupid. It’s a common issue in many dramas: sticking the landing seems hard.
My friend who read the webnovel told me that the show diverges too much from the original material. I can’t comment on that. Still, I’d recommend the drama for anyone looking for something fun and heartwarming!
The main couple, Tang Fan and Sui Zhou, balance each other out nicely. Tang Fan is brilliant, zany, petulant whereas Sui Zhou is the caring, righteous, strong but silent type. However my favourite character was by far the powerful commander of the Eastern Depot, Wang Zhi. Eunuchs, especially during Ming Dynasty-set stories, are often depicted as snivelling, simpering, and conniving figures. It was refreshing to watch a nuanced portrayal of a ruthless and cruel but also loyal and intelligent eunuch. Wang Zhi’s little smirks and bravado made my day. I found that he stole every scene. The way in which he toyed or teased his friends, or just trolled his enemies were too enjoyable.
The show’s strengths are the dynamics between the characters and supporting cast, including Dong’er. It’s often funny and light-hearted. The cooking scenes followed by a cozy dinner made my 老公 complain that we couldn’t watch the drama on an empty belly, because it made him too hungry.
Unfortunately things start losing the thread towards the last 5 episodes. There are some illogical bumps in the road at some point, but at the end, everyone becomes supremely stupid. It’s a common issue in many dramas: sticking the landing seems hard.
My friend who read the webnovel told me that the show diverges too much from the original material. I can’t comment on that. Still, I’d recommend the drama for anyone looking for something fun and heartwarming!
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