Nicely Crafted but left with a Discontented Surface
I was quite hooked when I first saw the trailer for 'Pursuit of Jade.' So, I was quietly waiting for their release, and honestly, it was worth my wait. The first few episodes were so funny, engaging, and informative. Along with the main leads, the side characters played very well, and later those supporting personages became a strong backbone throughout the series.
When it comes to judging the story, I wish I could say, "The script enchants me." I had really enjoyed the series from its start to the middle, which was great, like a 'fully packed content.' But the downfall commenced with the last few episodes, and I gradually started losing interest in the wrap-up episodes. The emperor's immature expressions and actions seem quite unrealistic. In the series, his character is depicted as a 'puppet ruler,' but the point that still keeps knocking me is, 'Can a puppet ruler be this much puerile?!'
The second thing that pissed me off was the 'Machiavellian' character played by Deng Kai. With no doubt, he just nailed that role, but the way it was scripted in the storyline exasperated me quite a bit. To accede to the throne, how ruthless a person can be! He spared none, and the worst part is, he even tried to kill his own son!!
Another thing I would like to highlight is the monotonous tagline 'Seventeen years ago' throughout the series. I'm not criticizing it because the event that happened seventeen years ago is the main point of the series; everything else in the drama is based on it. What I am trying to say is 40 episodes feel quite long to me to bring up the issue or the hidden truth that affects everyone's life.
Maybe that's why the ending of "Pursuit of Jade" is not up to the mark!
Lastly, the series concludes on a happy and satisfying note for all the protagonists, obviously including the main leads. But I am a bit doubtful about the 'epilogue' in the last episode. I feel quite dubious about the necessity of the 'extras.'
Anyway, long story short, "Pursuit of Jade" presents a good storyline. All the characters are well-played, and I am satisfied with their acting. The production was also very good. Overall, IT IS A GOOD ATTEMPT.
When it comes to judging the story, I wish I could say, "The script enchants me." I had really enjoyed the series from its start to the middle, which was great, like a 'fully packed content.' But the downfall commenced with the last few episodes, and I gradually started losing interest in the wrap-up episodes. The emperor's immature expressions and actions seem quite unrealistic. In the series, his character is depicted as a 'puppet ruler,' but the point that still keeps knocking me is, 'Can a puppet ruler be this much puerile?!'
The second thing that pissed me off was the 'Machiavellian' character played by Deng Kai. With no doubt, he just nailed that role, but the way it was scripted in the storyline exasperated me quite a bit. To accede to the throne, how ruthless a person can be! He spared none, and the worst part is, he even tried to kill his own son!!
Another thing I would like to highlight is the monotonous tagline 'Seventeen years ago' throughout the series. I'm not criticizing it because the event that happened seventeen years ago is the main point of the series; everything else in the drama is based on it. What I am trying to say is 40 episodes feel quite long to me to bring up the issue or the hidden truth that affects everyone's life.
Maybe that's why the ending of "Pursuit of Jade" is not up to the mark!
Lastly, the series concludes on a happy and satisfying note for all the protagonists, obviously including the main leads. But I am a bit doubtful about the 'epilogue' in the last episode. I feel quite dubious about the necessity of the 'extras.'
Anyway, long story short, "Pursuit of Jade" presents a good storyline. All the characters are well-played, and I am satisfied with their acting. The production was also very good. Overall, IT IS A GOOD ATTEMPT.
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