This review may contain spoilers
Better than RMP
Compared to Red-Moon Pact, Love in Pavilion is definitely a step up. From the casting to the story execution and even the fight scenes—this installment feels more put-together. But even with the improvements, it still didn’t completely pull me in.
With the plot this time around, the story was clear from the start: unite the demons and humans, and take down the Black Fox. Unlike the first installment, where it constantly felt like we were guessing the direction or waiting for the story to kick in, this one actually had structure. The stakes were understandable, and you could follow the bigger picture. The fight sequences were also miles better—well-choreographed, intense, and actually exciting to watch. Action-wise, this drama delivered.
Casting-wise, Liu Shi Shi as the female lead was a better than Yang Mi in the first installment. She brought a quiet elegance to the role, which suited the character—but to be honest, it got repetitive. Her character was too composed, too calm, and frankly, too bland. She rarely spoke, always looked like she was exhausted or over everything, and her overly arched posture to appear graceful just felt unnatural after a while.
Leon Zhang, playing opposite her, was more engaging. His character had emotional weight—reckless, passionate, and deeply conflicted. As the leader of both the Yiqi Alliance and the Masked Group, his decisions weren’t always the smartest, but they were human. He definitely carried the emotional side of their dynamic. Their romance was a slow burn, but very slow—I honestly didn’t feel anything between them until the very end. By then, it was too little too late.
The supporting cast, however, had some real standouts. Wangquan Zui and Yang Yitan, as well as Qingmu Yuan and Zhang Zheng, had natural chemistry that was way more compelling than the leads’. Their connections felt real, their scenes had tension, and their deaths—cruel and honestly meaningless—hit hard. I found myself caring more about their arcs than the main one.
One thing I wish the drama had done better was showing more of the Masked Group together. They’re supposed to be this tight-knit, elite unit, but it often felt like only one or two members had any real connection while the rest were just kind of... there. More group scenes and bonding moments would’ve made their teamwork and sacrifices land more emotionally.
Overall, Love in Pavilion is a more cohesive and polished drama than its predecessor. The plot is clearer, the fight scenes are more exciting, and the casting choices are stronger. But with a flat lead character and romance that barely sizzles, it still didn’t manage to fully pull me in.
Rating: 7.5/10 — better in many ways, but still lacking that spark.
With the plot this time around, the story was clear from the start: unite the demons and humans, and take down the Black Fox. Unlike the first installment, where it constantly felt like we were guessing the direction or waiting for the story to kick in, this one actually had structure. The stakes were understandable, and you could follow the bigger picture. The fight sequences were also miles better—well-choreographed, intense, and actually exciting to watch. Action-wise, this drama delivered.
Casting-wise, Liu Shi Shi as the female lead was a better than Yang Mi in the first installment. She brought a quiet elegance to the role, which suited the character—but to be honest, it got repetitive. Her character was too composed, too calm, and frankly, too bland. She rarely spoke, always looked like she was exhausted or over everything, and her overly arched posture to appear graceful just felt unnatural after a while.
Leon Zhang, playing opposite her, was more engaging. His character had emotional weight—reckless, passionate, and deeply conflicted. As the leader of both the Yiqi Alliance and the Masked Group, his decisions weren’t always the smartest, but they were human. He definitely carried the emotional side of their dynamic. Their romance was a slow burn, but very slow—I honestly didn’t feel anything between them until the very end. By then, it was too little too late.
The supporting cast, however, had some real standouts. Wangquan Zui and Yang Yitan, as well as Qingmu Yuan and Zhang Zheng, had natural chemistry that was way more compelling than the leads’. Their connections felt real, their scenes had tension, and their deaths—cruel and honestly meaningless—hit hard. I found myself caring more about their arcs than the main one.
One thing I wish the drama had done better was showing more of the Masked Group together. They’re supposed to be this tight-knit, elite unit, but it often felt like only one or two members had any real connection while the rest were just kind of... there. More group scenes and bonding moments would’ve made their teamwork and sacrifices land more emotionally.
Overall, Love in Pavilion is a more cohesive and polished drama than its predecessor. The plot is clearer, the fight scenes are more exciting, and the casting choices are stronger. But with a flat lead character and romance that barely sizzles, it still didn’t manage to fully pull me in.
Rating: 7.5/10 — better in many ways, but still lacking that spark.
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