Reviews

I really don't get how people say the writing was good, especially toward the end.

What was the point of poisoning Li Le Jun, besides making it so that when Wuyi kills her, it doesn't feel as bad because she was going to die anyway? It seemed like the only reason was to make it easier for Li Mao to forgive him later.

And since when was Xie Jia Yu okay with using her weapon to kill people from the Beifu Army and even Xiao family?

What happened to Xie Jia Yu's secret guard?

And let's not even talk about the mysterious healer, whose identity we were never told, or the name of the person Li Mao saved. And then he made a promise to save three people. Quite convenient, isn't it?

The writing really falls off in the last four episodes. Personally, I never thought it was a masterpiece, but it was a good watch. However, the writing in the last four episodes was really disappointing

1-24 - 8.5
24-28 - 6

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Watch It For What It Is & You'll Likely Enjoy It

Aka, manage your expectations.

The best advice I got before starting this drama was (and I'm paraphrasing here) 'This drama does not care about politics. Do not expect a story that cares about political intrigue or machinations. The story knows that its idol drama audience is here to simply look at good-looking people being good-looking and falling in love.'

That helped me better manage my expectations. I knew that:

1. We had a smart ML and FL. They would win against their adverserives but we would not see the process. A bad guy appears, the FL and ML quickly find out about it, and 3 days later, the bad guy has been apprehended, exposed, and confessed. They win, and we move. No long explanations on what happened. We don't even see the bad guy getting apprehended or investigations happening. Everything just falls into place as needed, and the main characters come out of it unscathed and victorious. Overpowered final bosses, these ones.

2. A cold FL, a harem of sorts, and a puppy ML - Everybody wants her, and she couldn't care less. The ML *really* wants her; they are best suited for each other, but she would make him WORK for it. This is my favourite trope, so I had a lot of fun with it. It reminded me of the drama 'Glory' that I watched earlier this year. That too had a harem, a cold FL, and a puppy ML. Gimme 15 dramas with this trope and I'll eat them all up.

Knowing these two factors, especially point number 1, allowed me to enjoy the drama a lot more than I would have otherwise.

Side note: I know we are supposed to love Hua Yong and Xi He the most. They are our main characters after all. However, I will say that the couple that stole the show for me was Cui Jin Bai and Bu Shu Lin. I found myself smiling every time they were on my screen. Their dynamic was so good (and hilarious) that they overshadowed the main couple. I wish we had had more time with them.

Ps. The fact that they did it once and ended up with twins?!?!?! What kind of fertility rates are these? Bu Shu Lin needs to make her man wrap it up, or she'll end up with a litter, and then her civil service dreams will be dashed. Now that I think of it, what did they use for condoms way back when🤔? Lemme go google

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Loved the villagers

Things I liked:
1-the villagers. They were fun to watch, and I loved seeing them work together to kick butt.
2-We got a wedding!!!! Thankfully this wasn't rushed past, as K-dramas tend to do. The whole thing was beautiful and was only made more beautiful by Jung Hae In's glorious smile.
3-Jung Hae In wearing a suit.

Not so much:
1-Jung Hae In as a gangster. Completely unbelievable.
2-The actor they used for the ML teen years. I don't know if it was the way it was filmed, but all I could think of was how much taller he was as a teen.
3-The FL. She seemed uncomfortable. She wasn't portraying vulnerable, like you'd imagine someone with amnesia would. I couldn't figure out if it was her or the writing, but I didn't care for her. And she seemed too worldly against his innocence.
4-Writing issues. Things that always bug me. 1) FL is in danger, you take her to a small town but don't even tell her she's in danger, so she's running around to Seoul and back. 2) People are absolutely attached to their phones, but whenever you need to contact someone, the phone is either not with them or the battery has died. 3) He's sending you to Japan to save your life, but you're going to do what you want. 4) Amazing how she knew how to ride a motorcycle.
5-The romance just seemed too uneven to me.
6-The length of the drama could have been shorter; there were long periods of nothing going on.

So, my search for a satisfying rom-com continues.

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A mediorcely produced show full of red flags.

I will start off with what the show deserves props for:
- Bi-representation in media that isn't stigmatized but instead normalized. Sexuality in the show felt extremely natural, and it felt like everyone had a chance with everyone, which created a super unique vibe compared to other dating shows.
- Decent games/ways to get characters to talk to different people

NOW, for the critiques of the show:
- The. Age. Gaps. It is extremely odd how large an age gap was allowed within the cast. We have the youngest being born in 2006 (20-21 years old), and the oldest being born in 1994 (32-33 years old). It's easier to be forgiving of age gaps in dating shows when all the cast are older, but I can't comprehend how it would be acceptable for a 20-year-old and a 32-year-old to ever be paired or even have anything to connect on.
- Dates were quite repetitive and didn't stand out much. It was essentially either a random artsy workshop, or eat by the beach.
- Production overall was just lacking on many fronts, such as shot choice, editing choices, etc.

AND NOW, for the critiques of the contestants (my main beef with the show):
- Some of the cast have the self-awareness, communication skills, and emotional maturity of a plate of stale bagels. I was surprised at how half of the cast were experts in leading people on and miscommunication tropes. And as with many dating shows, there's an emphasis on a main couple, and that couple turned out to have so many red flags --->
- Seungho: might be the BIGGEST RED FLAG I've seen in any dating show. His age really showed, and the way he played with people's feelings was arguably malicious. Flaunting the fact that someone else is interested in him, comparing his options RIGHT IN FRONT OF the options themselves, DEMANDING his partner quit smoking otherwise he doesn't "truly love him", unable to communicate seriously with anyone, egotistical, the list goes on. The way he treated Jin-woo was evidently cruel, and I am glad they didn't end up together (Jin-woo saved!).
- Hyeyeon: I liked her personality and the beginning, but when it came to Seung-ho, she became the worst "pick-me" I've seen on any dating show. In her talk with Seung-ho while he was fighting with Jin-woo, she repeated over and over "I would never treat you like that", "I love you more than him", "You deserve someone better". How terribly dishonest of a way to try to win Seung-ho over, and like Hee-jin said earlier, she is quite two-faced when it comes to love. I was so glad that she and Seung-ho ended up together because they can create a field of red flags together.

The show overall was mediocrely produced, and nothing really stood out besides the premise. But I can say that I was entertained during my time consuming this, and although I wouldn't recommend this show for its quality, I'd say if you enjoy getting frustrated and emotionally invested in people's ill-advised decisions, this would be a fun watch.

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The Uncle–Nephew Bond Was the Real Highlight

I’m so glad I waited until it ended to watch it, because those cliffhangers would’ve kept me awake every night! The story was so good, and Yi An was honestly too kind and innocent for such a dangerous palace where everyone seemed to want him dead.

I wish Hui Ju had been written as a stronger character. She had the audacity to pursue the Prince, yet once things got serious, she completely shut down and begged her father for such an obvious solution. For a rich and powerful businesswoman, I expected much more from her.

I also needed more Yi An—he’s such eye candy, but also so gentle, elegant and well-mannered. Surprisingly, I loved his relationship with his young nephew, the future King, even more than the romance. Yi An protected him despite having every reason to see him as a rival, while his nephew trusted him completely. Their warm uncle-nephew bond was one of the best parts of the drama, and I really wish they had more scenes together.

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Too boring

This will be one of my short reviews. I realize that it's a waste of time to try to give all the reasons I didn't like something, so I prefer to focus on what I like and write long reviews for the dramas I loved. So from now on anything that gets less than a 7 gets a short review.

The FL didn't work for me. She was sweet and supposedly funny but I've seen so many dramas now that I spot right away the ones who can't act. She tried too hard and it came out as immature and annoying behavior rather than funny and cute. That's me though since I've seen many praise the actress. I won't look for any other of her dramas but if I run into one I may give her another chance.

The ML was terrible if you ask me. He reminded me more of a schoolboy who tried to act mature and cold and professional and in love and he didn't pull any of these. In the last episode he irritated me even more for some reason. I won't watch anything else with him for the simple reason I can't imagine any role he could nail. I'm in love with Cdramas and there are so many actors to choose I don't need to fret over someone who doesn't make me care.

The script was non existent to be honest. I'm not sure what was the point and I love fluffy and tropey scripts. Well, at least they tried.

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Spoilers!!

I started this series without knowing what I will be getting myself into. No prep, no clips just jumping straight ahead into the series. I saw this was one of the series that was rated quite high so I trusted the audience that it would be a good series and I’m glad that I trusted the audience.

Spoilers!

Can I just say that the ost is so fucking good? Like I have it on repeat on my youtube playlist. Every single day I be putting that music on repeat like there is no tomorrow. Honestly, they needed to have another ost cuz i bet that it would be just as good or even better ;)

Anyways moving on to the plot of the story, I think the concept of the story is interesting. I think there are some BL series that has a similar concept but I have yet to watch it. The way the characters were introduced and how the main character expresses their struggles and handle their situation was quite realistic.

Some scenes did questioned myself like is this even allowed?! Though the main storyline is about Armin fixing his owns mistakes and gets revenged to those who had hurt him in the past. I think the revenge part could be more intense, this is just my opinion. It wasn’t underwhelming its just that when he said he’s gonna get the people who tried to hurt him I expected it to be more darker.

I also like the additional scene where they included Tada’s perspective in the past. It was a good touch to see like the world after Armin died and the fact that he cannot live after Armin’s passing just shows how deep his love is for Armin. I do like a yearning male lead ❤️

I do recommend watching this show!! I think there is a slight Gen Z humor and comedy element in the show. One more thing, Wei Nai i love him smm!! I wished his character was further developed rather than just being a capable personal assistant. Like I would like to know a bit of his backstory. Anyways! Amazing show!!

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WARNING! There are some freaky scenes but its a good kind just make sure u watch alone!

I feel like the opening was quite good, I kinda like how Akin (Mc) and Jin (ML) was introduced. Akin was this popular actor and Jin was a newbie. Their chemistry didn’t started off strong but as the episode progressed so did their chemistry. You need to give a few episodes a watch cause it gets better.

The plot wasn’t bad, it could be slightly better? I feel like most of the time Akin is the only one facing the problems. Like somehow he’s always the person who got targeted in the series. Which is kinda repetitive, and I feel like communication can be improved. Like the part where he thought he slept with Johnny he couldn’t bring himself to day it to Jin. He just left without saying anything. Thank god Jin wasn’t dumb and he was able to catch on! I guess its soulmates instincts ?❤️.

Nothing much to say,. But I feel like they should just end it there. I feel like at the end of the last episode, there could be potential for season 2 but there wasn’t much material or anything more that they could add on so it’ll be interesting to see if there will be a season 2 but i’m not expecting it. Overall a fun watch when ur bored

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Spoilers ahead!!

First of all, can I just say that this might be one of the sweetest, cheesiest and lovable bl series ever?! I love it smm!! I didn’t expect it to be so cute and attack me with their chemistry. There are a lot of comedic and adorable moments in the series!

I think that the plot of the story is quite unique because it doesn’t just follow the normal base storyline of a school life BL but they have its own twist! I also find a lot of their music quite good like it’s literally in my playlist. I think one of the scenes that i like about this series was the male lead never gave up on pursing the main character until he fell in love with the male lead. It was my favorite scene because the main character was also going through a hard time and the male lead didn’t push his love towards the main character instead he was there comforting him. In my opinion, its really romantic and sweet.

There is also some parts of the story that felt realistic like when Tinn’s (male lead) parents knows that their son is gay and they didn’t know how to react especially the mom. Because they are worried how the world will view him for being gay. Small little things like this do exist in real life and its not just based on the series. I’m not saying that they added these scenes to make it realistic, I mean it could be but i’m saying that the real world is much more scary. It doesn’t have to be about your sexuality it can also be about the job you worked as or the things you like. There is always people who would nitpicked on the things you like and Tinn’s parents already worrying about this just shows how much they really love their son.

All in all, I really do enjoy this series! Hoping that the same actors will starred in another drama together :). I do recommend this sm!

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New obsession unlocked

I genuinely did not expect to love Blossoms of Power as much as I did. I went in for the historical setting, the palace politics and the revenge plot, and somehow walked out of this drama with a full-blown He Yu problem. 😭

The story itself had me hooked pretty quickly. I loved that Shen Xihe wasn’t written as some helpless heroine waiting for a man to come and save her. She was intelligent, calculating and more than capable of playing the political game herself. Watching her navigate all the schemes, betrayals and power struggles was probably my favourite part of the drama. And the fact that she and the Crown Prince actually operate as equals made their relationship so much more satisfying. They weren’t just falling in love; they were constantly trying to figure each other out, testing each other and slowly building trust.

BUT THEN THERE WAS THE CROWN PRINCE.

Because excuse me???? 😭

I had actually never watched He Yu before this. I don't really watch modern day Cdramas so somehow this man had completely escaped my radar. That will not be happening again!!!! I genuinely did not know I was about to discover a new obsession.

Xiao Huayong had EVERYTHING. The seemingly frail Crown Prince act, the intelligence hiding underneath it, the quiet confidence, the way he could look completely harmless one minute and then casually reveal that he had already figured out everyone's entire scheme... I was SAT. And He Yu somehow made every single one of those little moments ten times more effective.

At some point I stopped watching Blossoms of Power and started watching He Yu: The Crown Prince Experience lol😭 This man has been living rent-free in my head ever since. I am now shamelessly thinking about him at completely inappropriate times and honestly I blame this drama.

I also really enjoyed the romance because it wasn't the typical instant, overwhelming love story. Their relationship developed through mutual respect, suspicion, cooperation and eventually genuine affection. The Crown Prince being so obviously gone for her while Shen Xihe was still trying to figure out whether she could trust him was especially entertaining. Watching this man quietly orbit her while she remained focused on her own agenda had me LOSING IT.

The drama isn't perfect. There were definitely moments where the pacing dragged a little and some of the political schemes became more complicated than they needed to be. A few supporting characters also had me questioning their life choices every other episode. 😭 But honestly, none of that was enough to make me stop watching because the central story kept pulling me back in.

And visually? Gorgeous. The costumes, sets and overall atmosphere really suited the story. It had that lavish palace drama look that makes you want to pause every five minutes just to admire somebody's outfit.

And one more thing: Cui Jinbai? I NEED to see this man in a leading role and I need it to happen very, very soon. 😭

Overall, BOP was such a pleasant surprise for me. I loved the strong female lead, the political intrigue, the revenge storyline and especially the dynamic between Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong. But let's be honest: my biggest takeaway from this drama is that I apparently needed He Yu in my life and nobody bothered to tell me.

I came for the Crown Prince.

I left with a new actor to shamelessly obsess over.

10/10 for the He Yu-induced brainrot alone.😭

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Boring with a mess of a script

This will be one of my short reviews. I realize that it's a waste of time to try to give all the reasons I didn't like something, so I prefer to focus on what I like and write long reviews for the dramas I loved. So from now on anything that gets less than a 7 gets a short review.

No chemistry between the leads. Both not great actors. The script was terrible and didn't have any redeeming qualities. The rest of the stories wasn't better and the actors were there for the paycheck. The FL tried too hard to be cute and the ML isn't lead material. The whole love triangle if I can say it like this was a waste of time and felt toxic.

In short, move on, there's nothing to see here.

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