Reviews

Yes, yes, a hundred times yes

Goodness does this show make me emotional. Every single episode made me cry, maybe that’s because I’m a crybaby, but still!! Even though I have no experience with Korea in the late 80’s and early 90’s (I wasn’t even born yet) this drama manages to feel so nostalgic and it’s truly amazing. It’s funny, it’s engaging and relatable.

I remember when I first saw this show, I was so young and it was christmas break. It actually altered my brain chemistry lmfaooo.

Just an all time favorite to me for sure, give it a chance if you haven’t already, you might just love it.

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Not a coincidence

Summary: This short but loveably sweet mini series captures the heart with unshakable devotion between the two main characters. I like that the storyline was straightforward (with easily solved misunderstandings), tying the past to the present in a way that builds retention for the audience. Love the soundtrack as well. And surprisingly, no blatant ads? Amazing. An easy re-watch, if you want some simple entertainment.

Something that irked me though is that the Viki synopsis is totally off; it was not a heartbroken crush for the female lead as was described. In fact, it was the other way around.

Details: Let’s just be clear. The real reason Lee Hong Ju was “deeply skeptical when it comes to everything love-related” wasn’t because Kang Hu Yeong, it was because of someone else. I wished that was captured in the synopsis because it changes the color and expectations of the story. That aside, I found this drama an enjoyable mini series, which I’m starting to think all Asian dramas should be (like eight episodes or less, lol).

There were funny bits like Lee Hong Ju’s heroic stance on fighting for global warming vs. her own love llfe; and when she forced Kang Hu Yeong to do ancient Korean dynasty cosplay dress-up, with her as the king and him as the servant. Lol. Also, the plot development reminds me of that classic Hallmark formula in which their fates are tied together wherever they go - nothing is a coincidence. XD

I got a bit antsy at the last episode because they literally left less than 10 minutes to resolve a plot twist. But they did it, and they even had time to fill in more of the backstory as well. Impressive. I’m happy with this show. :)

Side Notes:
- Episode 1: I was annoyed by the unrealistic dialogue between Kang Hu Yeong and his friend who was harassing him about “dumping” a blind date. It was one date and it’s HIS life to make those kind of decisions.
- Episode 1: I found it strange and cringy when all the other supporting characters spoke better English than the main character, who supposedly lived in the U.S. for several years. It irks me when filmmakers create a storyline but don’t use people with matching skills for the scenarios. Why even write that type of scenario then? They could have faked it much better with him having gone off to some other country (like Singapore or something).
- Backstory throughout: The way that Lee Hong Ju came at Kang Hu Yeong in high school was straight up harassment and bullying. I get that she was simply protecting her friend but he totally had the right to ignore the situation rather than give an answer, if that’s what he preferred. He shouldn’t have to be humiliated while doing P.E. or attending class or trying to do research in the library or…
- End of Episode 8: Realistically, if someone broke their foot, wouldn’t they be on the ground in excruciating pain instead of being able to walk away? I’m surprised Kang Hu Yeong didn’t even make a face, and that Lee Hong Ju didn’t try to help him but just stood there.

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Sorry for being biased

Personally, I didn’t like the drama. The only reason I watched it was because of Shen Yue, Ding Yu Xi, and Zhang Ruo Nan. Although I knew they were supporting characters, I believed that even if they had limited screen time, they would appear throughout the drama — and that would be enough for me.

Additionally, I was curious to know who would be Shen Yue’s love interest, and deep down, I hoped it would be Ding Yu Xi. But after watching a few episodes, I realized I was wrong. Nothing was going the way I had hoped. I felt upset. However, I started liking the chemistry between Wu Xuan Yi and Zhai Xiao Wen.

I don't know why I continued watching the drama until the end. Maybe it was just to see my favorite actors and the chemistry between Wu Xuan Yi and Zhai Xiao Wen. But in the end, I was disappointed because many characters had a sad ending.

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Not just a BL - FOCUS IS FRIENDSHIP

This might be one of my favourite bl dramas, definitely from GMMTV. I liked that it didn't have some deep mafia or fantasy plot, whilst I love them (Trapped is legit my fave bl ever), sometimes you need a nice sweet simple plot so you can focus on the characters and their relationships. I have seen a fair bit of criticism around the pacing, and to be honest, I'm not sure I agree. I think if this show was supposed to be a simple BL, then the pacing is a valid concern, but I saw this show as being about the friendship group itself and how they support each other in finding love. With this mindset, the pacing makes a lot more sense, especially considering they need to showcase the story of four couples. Some might see Phum and Peem's storyline as being too long, but I think it did its job as a contrast to Toey and Q and Tan and Fang perfectly. Peem was focusing on his art rather than throwing his university degree away to fall in love like we often see in GMMTV, Q told him from the get go that he needs to work out how he feels and he was doing that just at a slower pace because it wasn't his main concern at the moment, it just felt like they were in the talking stage for slightly longer which happens sometimes. The friendships were healthy, the relationships were healthy, no unnecessary toxicity that GMMTV likes to throw in sometimes. I loved it. Could the acting have been a bit better? Perhaps. But as someone who has been watching BLs for years now, I enjoyed the acting and found myself replaying so many scenes to laugh at (something I rarely do).

I think the show was supposed to act as an almost reset and introduction for these couples, AouBoom in particular, who have skyrocketed since this show. It's nice to be able to just stick a show on and enjoy it without having to watch them suffer trauma every single episode.

If you're looking for a straightforward BL drama, then you might not love this as much as I did, but if you want a show about friendships akin to that of Friends, How I Met Your Mother, and the like, then this is perfect. It has become a comfort show at this point purely for the friendships. It features university students simply being university students, and I loved that it focused on the art students rather than engineering for once and didn't make it seem like a throwaway degree.

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no, just no - awful writing

Overall: the writing in this is terrible. It's the worst cliches written in the worst ways possible. Episode 5 was awful writing and episode 6 wasn't much better. Based off a book which I haven't read and I reviewed the series on its own merits. 6 episodes about 45 minutes each. Aired uncut on WeTV https://wetv.vip/en/play/fva9tft4vxjyol2/j4101l2vf7x and cut on on WeTV https://wetv.vip/en/play/efp3uken3u5ahjm/w410159dtry (the first episode seemed to be the same run time, they shortened NSFW in future episodes)

Content Warnings: rape (episode 5), torture, manhandling, hit, dub/non con sex, vomiting, bullying, cyber bullying, punch, beaten up, violence, kidnapping, drugging, non con picture/video taking/sharing, unwanted outings, gaslighting, threatened self harm/death

What I Liked
- visuals
- though kind of random in the beginning, I did understand the plot
- laughed at the line "lucky you for choosing to be a medical student because your acting is super fake"
- GL, especially eps 4-6
- the high school MLs in eps 4 & 5

Room For Improvement
- it was awful to watch how the rape in episode 5 was shot romantically, that was zero romantic and there were hints that they would end up together romantically and zero consequences for the rapist
- Sun was supposed to be the hero but he was anything but, why on earth would he listen to his enemy over his boyfriend/jump to conclusions, he cheated (kissed and had sex off screen) and then had the gall to ask why his boyfriend broke up with him and then when given evidence said he deserved to have 1 mistake?!!!
- started with a voice over to describe a character instead of showing it thru actions/interactions
- choppy, characters were in university and then suddenly we saw high schoolers with seemingly no connection between them
- love triangles
- cliches: drunk sex, hobbling the day after and a fever, multiple evil women, childhood connection (with the gross kids' "kiss"), refusing to communicate/listen
- applying the ointment (on the uncut version)
- piano music over NSFW
- mom vanished from the finale
- no resolution for the high school couple in the finale
- cliffhanger ending
- nonsense: how he was apparently not attractive with glasses and then removed the glasses and became irresistible, bodyguards were there until they were needed and then they were gone, CCTV cameras located far away that picked up crystal clear sound, the contest was apparently people standing around doing nothing, a fully grown person can't live by himself?

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Unexpected

At first I thought the story would be something casual, but the topic was heavier than I expected. You see teenagers trying so hard to be the best that they even resort to choices they wouldn't normally make if they weren't under the pressure of the strict grading system and the high expectations of adults. They all cross lines one way or another, and I believe this was presented to us very well. The acting is good, and so is the storyline.
And I kind of did expect this to be a GL, so I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't really get to see the two main characters, Je I and Seul Gi, get together. You only saw hints of it, but I still think the series is worth watching.

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It's Hospital but not Playlist

If you're a Hospital Playlist series fans and watching this to get the same vibes, you will be disappointed. So please, hold your expectations. While Hospital Playlist series has a more relaxed plot, this show surely has a bold and tense storyline from the very first episode. In HP series, you just watch a casual, yet-not-so-normal day as a doctor in a hospital. In this show there are clearly goal or let's say storyline: they need to survive their first year of residency. So whatever it takes it will be around them and their mistakes as the first year, as well as their desire to give up at any time. And also no band sessions after working hour here! In my opinion, this show is more like Dr. Romantic, but with more laid-back style.

I like the choice of the cast. There are some uncommon faces here, but yet they deliver excellently, just like typical Shin PD's show! Go Youn-Jung is playing with a disgust face towards her job, which is hilarious. Shin Si-A is somehow has the most "doctor" aura between the R1s.

Even it's still good, the first episode is kinda messed up for me. This episode is somewhat dragging and doesn't match any other episode's vibe because of the tensions building between characters, as well as the romance that hit too early in the beginning. Character development is very strong in this show, at least for the R1 doctors. But for me it's not easy to identify Nam-Gyeong's. We can easily identify that I-Yeong is there because of her debt, Sa-Bi is of course trying to be number one, and Jae-Il is trying to hang on amidst his lack of intelligence, but Nam-Gyeong? At the first episode she is boasting about her grades, but throughout the show nothing notable shown. She also seems to prefer enjoying luxurious lifestyle compared to what she gets in the hospital, but it is unknown whether she's trying to quit her job or to hang on. Is she doing all these solely because of Yeo Mi-So?

I love the Hospital Playlist casts cameo. But some cameo scenes need more work so it will become enjoyable. Seok-Min and Seon-Bin's scene is too short and not really impactful. Also no band sessions don't mean that there won't be any good soundtracks!

On top of that, this is still a highly recommended series! If you feel that Hospital Playlist too slow and boring, maybe you should try this one because it has more intense storyline, but still relaxing to enjoy at the end of your exhausting days!

Oh, and I prefer the second season of this compared the third season of HP. Imagine what would happen when they're in R2 year and having R1s under them? The last episode is not fulfilling and left some things kinda hanging. There will a sequel, won't it?

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Worth watching

I recently finished watching a GL series that completely captured my heart, and I can’t help but share how wonderful it was. From the very first episode to the emotional finale, this series delivered a touching and engaging story that kept me hooked throughout. The chemistry between the leads was so natural and heartwarming, making every scene feel genuine and beautifully intimate.

One of the strongest points of this series was its storyline. It wasn’t just about love, but also about understanding, growth, and the silent battles people fight within. The plot moved at a perfect pace, balancing romance, drama, and heartfelt moments so well. I found myself smiling, laughing, and even tearing up at times because of how deeply it pulled me in.

The acting was outstanding. Each character felt real and relatable, and the leads did an exceptional job portraying the subtle emotions of love, longing, and vulnerability. I also have to mention the OST — it was absolutely beautiful. The songs blended perfectly with the story’s mood, enhancing every scene’s emotion and leaving a lasting impression on me.

It’s bittersweet that the series has come to an end. I honestly didn’t want it to finish. It deserved every bit of the love and attention it received on YouTube, with views climbing high for good reason. I would wholeheartedly recommend this series to everyone. It’s a story worth experiencing and one that will stay in your heart long after the credits roll.

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Cute & Easy Watch

If you’re wanting a fairly easy watch that you don’t have to invest a lot of brain power into, I say give this drama a try.

Despite the toxic love rivals/ coworkers & all the drama they insist on stirring up, I still enjoyed this show. It’s a sweet love story between a top idol in the wold of dubbing who keeps his identity a secret from the public + the fan who’s inspired to chase her dreams because of him. Through the randomness of life that often happens, the FL ends up working for the ML, thus starting their journey to their well-deserved HEA. 💕

I have no knowledge beyond what I’ve learned in dramas when it comes to the world of dubbing, so I can’t speak for the accuracy of that aspect of this drama. I do know that watching this furthered my fascination with the people who do the dubbing IRL. Honestly, before watching Asian dramas, I had no idea dubbing even existed for tv shows/movies. The thought just never entered my mind. I knew it was done for video games & the like, obviously. But it truly never occurred to me that it also plays a huge role in the things I watch.

Anyways, I found this to be a cute, fluffy story that I like to rewatch once in a while to see the Leads fall in love all over again. As mentioned above, the love rivals bring some annoying drama to the scenes, especially the female. She’s hecka toxic & delusional. I’ll never, ever, EVER understand people like her who can do such despicable things while calling themselves a friend & professing to love someone. That’s. Not. Love!

Okay, sorry, moving on….

The Leads are super cute together. They have immediate chemistry, but the ML’s hidden identity adds some issues between them once the FL discovers the truth (which happens early on, fyi.) I appreciated that they didn’t draw that trope out too long so that the couple didn’t have a huge break up later down the road. After they get past that bump, there’s one more that does cause them to split but it’s resolved in the very next episode & then they’re 100% solid from there on out (see spoilers below for more info on that). Thank goodness, that’s how I prefer my shows to go. 🤗

The secondary couple is a bit… odd. I didn’t dislike them, per se, but I also wasn’t real invested in their story. They weren’t a nuisance, but I also would’ve enjoyed the drama just as much without them.

The Leads have a lot of cute & memorable scenes that I enjoy rewatching from time to time. They’re just one of those easy couples that aren’t ashamed to show their affection so we don’t have to watch fish kisses or a level of awkward shyness better fit for a preteen to experience, not a fully gown adult. 🤪 From their roles as coworkers to their romantic relationship, this duo acts their age & responds accordingly in whatever the situation may be.


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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.9💋
- Together : ep.9 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp : ep.10 💔
- BackTogether : ep.11❤️‍🩹

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How to make your main character dislikeable: tutorial

Should be a title of this drama. Though on a second thought "Something's not right" is also pretty spot on. Because unless the creators intentionally wanted to deliver one of the most dislikeable main characters in the history of love stories, something most definitely went not entirely right.

It's not that the drama focuses around misunderstandings and lack of communication. While it's a popular trope, it can still be done in a way that creates enjoyment for the viewers. It's that Do Ba Woo is unbelievably self centred, with no regard to his (supposedly best) friend's feelings throughout the entire story. And he never improves. Until the very ending of the drama, he remains the same self centred jerk.
Having an unrequited crush on a friend is tough, for sure. But it does not excuse Do Ba Woo's behaviour. Having a broken heart is not a free ticket to being an a**hole towards people around you. Especially people who evidently care and try hard to right whatever it is you're not telling them they did wrong. The entire plot of the drama is Do Ba Woo treating Ji Hoon like trash because he has a crush on him. And it's not done in this endearing tsundere-type-of-way. It's literal mistreatment. First he confesses in a vague way, then he tells Ji Hoon he wants to cut ties with him after they've been inseparable besties for years (with no proper explanation), then he asks Ji Hoon to date, but only for laughs, then he wants to cut ties again... In the meantime he constantly ignores Ji Hoon's phone callas and messages. And then when Ji Hoon finally realises what the hell is happening (not thanks to Do Ba Woo's clarification) and confesses his own feelings, Do Ba Woo is like "no, you don't really like me, you pity me, I don't want to see you ever again". Not even once for a brief second did Do Ba Woo stop to consider how terrible he made his friend/love interest feel.

Then when we finally get the "happy ending" it is still NOT Do Ba Woo who has to make the effort and make up for his wrong behaviour. It's Ji Hoon who has to think hard how to confess properly. And I am asking "why?". What was wrong with his previous confession? He wasn't the one who kept treating Do Ba Woo poorly for the entire 8 episodes. If anything, he was an image of patience and perseverance.
And sure, one might say that Ji Hoon is not without blame, considering he hid his own crush in the past and was super slow in realizing Do Ba Woo's feelings (but I mean, I don't know if ignoring someone and telling them you don't want to ever see them again is the most obvious way to confess your love... but that's just me). However his actions never entailed treating Ba Woo like crap. Moreover, he had a reason to misunderstand Do Ba Woo's confession (considering he was basically still a kid when he heard Ba Woo telling their mutual friend he doesn't wanna date anyone and the friend in question even added to his worries when she said she regretted confessing because it messed up her and Do Ba Woo's friendship). Everything Ji Hoon did was to ensure he and Do Ba Woo can always be together (while at the same time still trying to fulfil Do Ba Woo's wishes). Do Ba Woo on the other hand, did everything for himself. And even that was not entirely correct, because he kept being miserable with his own decision.

Instead of cheering for the main leads to get together, I kept feeling bad for Ji Hoon, simultaneously scolding Ba Woo in my mind. I genuinely didn't want Do Ba Woo to end up with Ji Hoon. I also didn't want him to end up with the other guy either. I just wanted him to mature up by himself. I don't think that was the response the creators of this drama were aiming for, considering they still gave us Do Ba Woo/Ji Hoon ending.

Were there any pluses to this drama? The acting was ok (the boy playing Ji Hoon definitely outshined others though), soundtrack was decent, the comic relief group of silly friends was somewhat funny... the other guy's sister was pretty... I am trying real hard here ;)
I think the show wasn't that terrible if not for the fact that Do Ba Woo was really, really dislikeable. If that was intentional, if Something's Not Right was a comedy about some grumpy dude who hates people then sure, it could work then. But I'm pretty sure we were supposed to like Do Ba Woo, maybe even relate to him or at least hope for his happy ending.
That was impossible for me. For what is worth, I did like Ji Hoon's character and spent a lot of time sympathising with him ;)

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Can'tttt stop crying

I just finished watching Love In Pavilion yesterday, and I'm still heartbroken. I liked this drama from the moment I saw the trailer, it got me so excited! Episode 1 was so satisfying that I instantly got hooked and started following the episodes every day.

The story is great, the pacing is well done, and the actors are all so beautiful and attractive. But whyyy did they have to kill off so many characters in the last few episodes? I just can't believe it, it broke my heart.

One of the most emotional moments for me was in Episode 35, when Wangquan Hong went to Dongfang Huaizhu's house. The deep sorrow on his face made me cry so hard. Why did they all have to go through such deep trauma? And when all the Mask members died... I had no words, just tears.

This cdrama is now added to the list of shows that made me cry so hard. I really hope Sword and Beloved can heal this pain with a happy ending.

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“I Create Opportunities Even in Hellish Situations”

A struggling student is determined to improve his grades despite his track record & inability to successfully study. To overcome this “flaw”, he forms a study group at his new school. But the school hierarchy isn’t okay with this new change, so the ML finds himself constantly having to defend & protect his new friends from the countless bullies. Thankfully, what he lacks in an ability to study he makes up for with his dynamite fighting skills. Look out, suckas, there’s a new her in class!

This is a really well-made drama. From the story, to the special effects, to the cast - it was all very well done. The pacing is good as it’s constantly moving the plot forward without much time to “slack”. Only having 10 episodes keeps it from dragging in the middle or relying on lots of filler scenes. Something’s always happening or about to happen so it keeps the viewers’ focus. And the fight scenes are just… whoa. I won’t even attempt to do them justice with my messy review, you just need to witness the awesomeness of the scenes for yourself.

Be warned this is bloody & gory. They don’t pull their punches (pun intended 😉). This drama is filled with fight scene after incredible fight scene. It’s dark & disturbing because it’s realistic in the horrors of HS (though I sincerely hope no HS is as bad as this fictional one!) It delves into the horrific world of bullying & how much damage it can cause. It tells the heartbreaking stories of so many youth who don’t necessarily want to be bad, they’re simply trying to survive & made the wrong choices. I loved seeing so many of the bully figures redeem themselves in the end - proving that sometimes people just need a chance to change & someone to show them the way while believing in them to succeed (like the ML & the wonderful teacher do here).

Alongside the gritty, though, is the geeky & cheesy to shed some light & bring some balance. It’s heartwarming & freakin’ hilarious because the ML is so totally clueless about everything that you can’t help but adore him. Kudos to Hwang Min Hyun for bringing this role to life so spectacularly! And, honestly, a round of applause for the rest of the cast too because they all did phenomenal in their respective roles. Villains, heroes, & grey characters alike! 👏🏻

The study group’s motto (taken from the ML) is:
“I create opportunities even in hellish situations”

They live up to this standard. Their perseverance & determination in the face of such huge adversity is admirable. The teamwork & bonds of friendship that develop are a joy to behold, not just between the initial five, but those outside the study group as well. The teacher is included in this, too, as she fights to protect her students & seek justice for her late mentor. {And can I just say that the scenes of the students protecting her are freakin’ awesome?!}

All it takes is one single person to make a change. One small spark to start a flame. One small ripple to create a wave.

Evil can’t be left to rule the masses - these students are brave enough to stand in its way. And I heard there’s a confirmed 2nd season so I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them next….

*****As a complete side note: this cast is overflowing with gorgeousness so if the spectacular fight scenes & wonderful storyline don’t do it for you, then the amazing eye candy will 🫠*****

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Unmissable: when living is the best revenge against your enemies.

The Double, a historical drama from 2024, explores themes such as revenge, justice, corruption, and loyalty. The story follows Xue Fang Fei, who is betrayed and buried alive by her own husband, Shen Yu Rong, after being falsely accused of adultery. Against all odds, she survives and assumes the identity of Jiang Li, the Prime Minister’s daughter, who had died after being tortured in the Zhennu Hall. Determined to seek revenge not only on those who destroyed her life but also on those who harmed Jiang Li, Fang Fei returns to the capital. There, she finds herself immersed in a complex power struggle where political rivalries and family affairs intertwine in an intriguing way. With the support of Duke Su and loyal friends she meets along the way, she overcomes numerous obstacles and draws closer to her long-awaited revenge.

One of my favorite quotes from the drama appears in the very first episode: “As long as you're alive, there's always a second chance.” This idea drives the entire journey of the protagonist. The performances of the cast were one of the series’ greatest strengths. Wu Jin Yan, as Xue Fang Fei, was especially remarkable in portraying the transformation from a vulnerable woman to a determined figure driven by strength and a sense of justice. Wang Xing Yue, as Duke Su, played a character of integrity, strategy, and calmness, whose emotional depth is revealed through restrained glances and elegant posture. Joe Chen shone as Ji Shu Ran, a cold and manipulative woman who, under a virtuous facade, deceives and destroys with subtlety. Liang Yong Qi portrayed Shen Yu Rong with a calmness that contrasted with his cruel actions, and his character’s development was coherent and disturbing. Li Meng gave an intense performance as Princess Wan Ning, masterfully portraying the instability and obsession of a villain on the verge of collapse.

The plot is well-structured and coherent, with multiple story arcs converging around the central themes of revenge and justice. The chess game metaphor presented in the drama’s opening is particularly effective in illustrating the dynamics of power and strategy that permeate the entire narrative. Fang Fei is not only confronting her personal enemies but also stepping into a broader political board where silent alliances and betrayals shape the fate of society.

The identity switch between Jiang Li and Fang Fei is one of the pillars of the plot. This narrative decision is crucial in allowing the protagonist to return to the capital and infiltrate the elite. Although the age difference between the actresses might have posed a challenge, especially in convincing the audience of the identity switch, I believe the casting choice suited the drama’s intent. Jiang Li represents youth and fragility, while Fang Fei embodies maturity and strength. By assuming this new identity, Fang Fei is entirely transformed, adopting a new demeanor and revealing how much her suffering has shaped her character. Thus, the story builds a calculated revenge, grounded in precise alliances and strategies.

The romance unfolds in a slow-burn style, with patience and delicacy, developing gradually through glances, gestures, and subtle flirting, without ever overshadowing the main plot. A fast-paced romance wouldn’t have made sense, given that Fang Fei, deeply scarred by betrayal, wouldn't be emotionally ready to give her heart away so soon, and Duke Su, being a strategic and reserved man, wouldn’t easily allow himself to be carried away by emotion. Their relationship blossoms gradually through adversity, grounded in mutual respect, trust, and support. While I would have liked to see more moments between them, the romance was coherent and emotionally satisfying. The chemistry between the couple is evident, and the tension is present from the very first episodes. Despite the actors’ age difference, their characters naturally fit together, as they share intelligence, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to justice.

Friendships are another highlight of the series, serving as emotional relief in such a heavy narrative. Unlike other dramas where supporting characters are excessively cruel, The Double features genuinely good characters who offer true support to the protagonists. The friendship between Duke Su and the Emperor, as well as the bonds between Fang Fei and Tong, Jiang Jing Rui, Liu Xu, Ye Shi Jie, and the Ye family, bring lightness to the story, showing that there is still room for loyalty and compassion even in dark times.

The development of the antagonists is also noteworthy. The drama prompts deep reflection on how far a person is willing to go in pursuit of status and power. Characters like Ji Shu Ran, Wan Ning, Shen Yu Rong, and King Cheng each resort to despicable actions to achieve their goals. Their development is impressive, revealing that all of them have complicated pasts. While their backgrounds help explain their descent into cruelty, they do not justify their evil actions. Some of them tried to blame others, claiming they were forced to act as they did, but did they truly have no other choice? The truth is, manipulated or not, each one had the power to choose and could have taken a different path.

The visual aspects of the series also deserve praise. The costumes are sophisticated and visually striking, especially the red garments worn by Fang Fei and Xiao Heng, which were stunning and symbolized not only beauty but also power, courage, and passion. The soft makeup, particularly the pearl embellishments on the face, gently complemented the characters’ aesthetics. The settings were immersive: the Imperial Court conveyed grandeur, while the homes and gardens of high-ranking officials reflected their status. In contrast, the simpler dwellings realistically portrayed the social disparities of the time. One standout setting was the Zhennu Hall, with its dark and cold aesthetics that evoked a sense of oppression and suffering. The outdoor scenes showcasing nature were also breathtaking, enhancing the drama’s beauty.

The OST is another charming element, one of the most beautiful I’ve heard recently. Usually, I don’t enjoy every track in a drama’s soundtrack, but in The Double, I liked them all. With 9 tracks, the soundtrack flawlessly complements the series’ atmosphere, featuring gentle, introspective, and melancholic compositions that perfectly capture the emotional tone. Typically, I watch a drama’s opening and ending only once, but with The Double, I rarely skipped them because I loved listening to them.

Despite so many strengths, there are aspects I would adjust. One of them is the punishment of Ji Shu Ran. She was an extremely cruel character, responsible for the death of Jiang Li’s mother, falsely accusing Jiang Li of her son's death, making her suffer in the Zhennu Hall, murdering a concubine’s daughter, and repeatedly trying to defame Xue Fang Fei (in disguise as Jiang Li) after her return. Considering all the pain she caused, her punishment (madness) seemed insufficient. The gravity of her crimes deserved a harsher consequence. Additionally, I felt the deaths of characters like Tong and Duke Su’s companions, while impactful, were unnecessary and didn’t significantly contribute to the plot’s development. I would have preferred for these characters to have had more positive outcomes, without further sacrifices. As for the cinematography, it was excellent, with good camera movement, color palette, and lighting. However, in my view, the number of close-ups was occasionally excessive. While not a major issue, a more moderate use would have worked better.

The ending of the series also left me with mixed feelings. After the victory against King Cheng, the wedding between Duke Su and Fang Fei, supposed to be a joyful moment, is interrupted by a questionable mission, where Duke Su leaves to calm unrest in nearby regions after the King Cheng death. It felt forced, as if added just to create more dramatic tension, ultimately leading to the death of two of Duke Su’s companions. The final scene, if not for the special episode, could easily be interpreted as Duke Su’s death, since it closely mirrors a similar dream Fang Fei had in the first episode. As for the special episode, although I found it sweet, it doesn’t connect well with the ending of episode 40. I would have preferred it to begin with Duke Su returning and reuniting with Fang Fei, followed by scenes of their married life, which would have brought more cohesion to the narrative.

Overall, The Double is an engaging, well-produced drama with outstanding performances. Despite a few details that could have been improved, the work delivers a solid, emotionally resonant, and strategically constructed narrative. My final rating is 9.5/10.

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