My favorite trashy romance.
This is the drama version of the perfect trashy romance to curl up in bed with on a rainy day. It is not overly ambitious in terms of plot and will not satisfy hard core fans of the detective genre but overall it is an unpretentious hidden gem that will bring you on a delightful romantic journey.Our titular character Su Ci is a brilliant young investigator with a hidden identity as the daughter of a traitor. Her reason for existence is to unravel the conspiracy that led to her family's downfall and murder. In the middle of a case, she runs into Prince Qi who is traveling incognito. He is also trying uncover the traitor behind his army's crushing defeat and his consequent demotion. They fall like a ton of bricks for each other well before they figure out each other's hidden identities. They form a fast friendship with another couple they meet on their first case and team up to solve a number of cases that lead to the ultimate unraveling of a bigger political conspiracy and redress old injustices.
The main issue with this drama is aside from some really steamy romantic scenes, the various plot threads lack intensity. The main characters only superficially interact with the characters in the cases and the investigations seem to largely involve the four friends solving the case by talking to each other. As a result there is no build up of suspense and excitement in the gradual reveal of the cases. The overarching plot and main antagonist is known from the get go but is still better written than the short cases and at least there is a small twist at the end. Oh you didn't notice? Yups... that's what I mean... The main villain is well acted and it is a shame they left the only heavy face to face clash between him and our leads until the end. The whole point of revealing the villain early in the game is to let them face off a few times.
So why watch this? Because it is a lot of fun and even though it shows that it is a young cast, there is great rapport between them and both romances are very good. The OTP have boatloads of chemistry, they look gorgeous and fitting together and deliver many squeal-worthy moments - I mean who cares that it makes no sense that they retreat into a cave after an ambush when help is just around the corner? You have to embrace drama logic - they go to the cave because they can wow us with more hot kisses there, don't worry about whether it is safer to reunite with their friends and guards instead. They are written to be smart characters and they generally are when they are outmaneuvering their enemies or busting criminals. But there are also many times when heavy suspension of disbelief is required.
Newcomer Zhang Linghe really impresses in his debut performance here as Prince Qi and my sense is he is an actor to watch. The main relationship is (outside of one short lapse) very well written - mature, mutually supportive and I just love how Prince Qi is very amorous he does not hesitate to pounce on Su Qi at any opportunity.
I really enjoyed this drama and if I were to rate it on fun factor and romance alone it would be a 9.0 for me but all things considered, I think an 8.0 is appropriate.
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Fighting Hand-in-Hand
This drama is a much-needed drama with a sweet romance to compensate the angst in the recently aired Love and Redemption, and numerous other open-ended dramas. It has a super handsome new actor who is making his debut and it is also one of the many cross-dressing dramas released lately. The story is semi-serious with cute and funny moments littered throughout. The pace is good and the storyline is not complex. It is certainly a very relaxing watch.This is a story about palace power struggle. Right from the start, the antagonist is already made known to the viewers. Though unknown for the protagonists with no concrete proofs that all the mysteries and crimes they’re trying to solve are linked to the antagonist, nonetheless, the eventual outcome does not surprise them.
The Prince of Qi (Zhang Ling He) is a wandering prince who holds no political power. He has a great relationship with his younger brother who is the Emperor, but a nemesis of his uncle who wants the throne. He disguises as a wealthy aristocrat as Pei Zhao and frequents the brothels. There he meets and falls in love with Su Ci (Sebrina Chen) who disguises as a man working as a high-level investigator. Pei Zhao is patient, forgiving, condoning and protective towards Su Ci. He is strategic and very intelligent. Su Ci is upright, unbiased and detailed which makes her a great investigator. Together with their friends, a medical genius, a skilled sword man and the best cook, they make an ideal team with enviable friendship. Right from episode 1, Pei Zhao and Su Ci begin to work hand in hand, literally, solving crimes and unfolding a bigger conspiracy. They’ve never been separated since, everywhere they go, they go together and everything they do, they do it together. It is really very comforting to see they are always at each other’s side and trusting each other. Any misunderstanding is resolved almost as soon as it arises because they are being very honest to each other; it is indeed very heart-warming to see the couple holding hands all the time.
I’m delighted with Zhang Ling He’s portrayal of Pei Zhao/Prince of Qi. This is his first drama but his performance is beyond my expectation, far more convincing than many other more experienced actors. He has a very handsome face and a well built body. Acting as a flamboyant playboy and later as a devoted lover, Zhang Ling He’s performance is believable and lovable. I cannot help myself but looking at his handsome face all the time.
Su Ci has a calling – to find out what had happened seven years ago when her whole tribe was massacred, leaving her the lone survivor. Her investigative prowess helps her unravel the conspiracy and eventually bring justice for her tribe. Sebrina Chen has cross-dressed in several other dramas and she is very convincing, dressing as a man. Having a matter-of-factly demeanor, Sebrina Chen’s portrayal is authentic and wonderful.
The second couple is perhaps the cutest and sweetest side couple. Their love for each other is unmistakable and they help solve many crimes together. The other cast members are both good looking and wonderful in their respective roles. The ending is concluded properly with justice served - the good is being rewarded and the bad is being punished, and the lovers are happily ever after.
This is indeed a very enjoyable drama not to be missed.
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Wuxia’s most pleasant leading maiden
Maiden Holmes is about romance (60%), solving cases (30%) and political intrigue (10%).It has elements of light humour (50%), moderate seriousness (40%), thriller (9%) and angst (1%).
The one key quality that it has in abundance, in my humble opinion, is Wuxia’s most pleasant FL (100%).
What’s great:
The FL - She’s calm, level-headed, intelligent and smart. She demonstrates a certain quiet resolve and mental resilience, yet also displays tender affection and emotional vulnerability. The character is sensibly written to be relatable to the viewers, rather than an unrealistic Mary Sue or the usual insufferable whiny, clingy and ridiculously idiotic damsels in distress.
Chen Yao – Her portrayal of the character Su Ci, an individual who possesses much inner strength and insecurities, struggling with a heavy burden of her past, is nothing short of amazing. Her down-to-earth demeanour coupled with such low-key and soothing voice, adds emotional nuance to her depiction. This is in stark contrast to the helium-inhaled high pitched hysteria of the spoilt princess stereotypes. Being her second gender bender role of the year (the other being My Unicorn Girl), her version of the crossdresser is one of the best for the historical genre this year – realistic without being unnaturally pretty (In A Class of Her Own) or unusually weird (The Heiress).
Romance and OTP – This is not intense sacrificial love the likes of which most have observed in Love and Redemption. The romance is endearingly adorable and charming that warmly culminates in a near-perfect chemistry that is further enhanced by countless steamy kisses between the OTP.
The OST – I truly enjoyed the entire soundtrack of this drama, from the opening to the closing credits, and especially throughout the numerous MV scenes in between where the songs and the BGM added such beautiful layers ever so subtly into the emotional scenes. The playlist comprises the following songs:
斯琴高丽 (Si Qin Gao Li) – 倾城小时光 – Qing Cheng Xiao Shi Guang
崔子格 (Cui Zi Ge) – 镜花水月 – Jing Hua Shui Yue
叶炫清 (Ye Xuan Qing), 李行亮 (Li Xing Liang) – 望归人 – Wang Gui Ren
崔子格 (Cui Zi Ge) – 是我非我 – Shi Wo Fei Wo
陈瑶 (Chen Yao) – 生根落地 – Sheng Gen Luo Di
The ML – Played by the up-and-coming young star in his very first drama role, Zhang Ling He. He is extremely raw and lacks obvious experience yet he manages to imbue the character of Prince Qi with a charming enthusiasm and youthful exuberance that enlivened the exciting chemistry he shared with Chen Yao’s Su Ci throughout the show. It certainly helps that he exudes charismatic appeal to his boyish good looks and witty personality that serves to endear him to the viewers.
The support cast – Comprising the second couple and a sidekick, these lovable characters join the OTP to complete the band of loyal friends in their pursuit of justice and happiness through their adventures together.
What’s not so great:
The action choreography – There are many action sequences and much martial arts proficiency depicted throughout. However, the choreography is sub-par, in comparison with many of its peers in the genre. It’s certainly not the worst but it is painfully obvious especially to avid followers of the martial arts choreography.
Cases and investigations – Romance takes central stage at the expense of more compelling cases and mysteries, which in turn, diminished the attention on investigative prowess and case solving. Viewers who initially tuned in for this sub-genre would no doubt be left dissatisfied with the lack of captivating and thrilling investigative plot.
Comparisons:
This show is not as heavy and intense as Under the Power in terms of case solving and the villainy of the antagonist but the romance here holds its own against Tan Song Yun and Ren Jia Lun. It fares much better against Miss Truth in terms of storytelling, pacing, acting and overall plot which is straightforward and uncomplicated without the angsty love triangle. It doesn’t quite reach the lofty standards set by full-fledged detective dramas such as Ancient Detective, Detective Dee and The Four, but then again the romance there doesn’t match up to this drama.
Overall:
Maiden Holmes is a light hearted romance with the titular protagonist who is more Nancy Drew than Sherlock. This show is not meant to be taken too seriously. Just sit back, relax and have fun with this heartwarming series. I certainly did.
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Started great and then fizzled out
It started out strong. Smart and independent FL. Powerful but not overbearing and super BF material. Their chemistry was good and the balance between romance and other genres was great. Somewhere after ep. 20ish it lost its original spark and FL started becoming too emotional. ML was awesome all the way through- the character was written well and the actor did fantastic!The story really fell apart during the last 2-3 episodes. All reasoning fell out the window and things felt clumsily wrapped up. The investigations always required some suspension of disbelief with the flimsy “evidence” and leaps of logic but I was willing to let it slide. The big climax and ending was just too cringe though. I am still sitting here and asking how no one else suspected the antagonist when he was so not low key about his attempts at influencing the court and the young puppet king. So much eye roll. Ultimately I started this as a 9, it dropped to 8.5 midway and by the end, we’re at 7/7.5.
The only thing I’m walking away from this drama with is that I’m glad to be introduced to a great new actor and I’m excited to see what he does in the future.
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Beautifully made
Let's start with the story, right from the beginning we know who our bad guy is although our main leads still don't know. We also have our young emperor who is basically a puppet king but lets say thats due to his young age Something I liked about this story was the fact that even though our main female lead was disguising as a guy the main male lead didn't take ages to figure it out, which is very refreshing. Throughout the story there where no misunderstandings that dragged on between our main leads. They were pretty much attached to the hip and trusted each other. Then we have our second couple which were so sweet and of course our little feiyuan. I love how prince qi treated him as a friend rather than his servant. The dynamics all five of them was spectacular and they all had a solid friendship were they all trusted each other. Something I really liked was that the relationship between prince qi and the emperor was so healthy. In no moment did the king ever think his brother was trying to take the throne. Which unlike other historical dramas where there's always a toxic relationship between the brothers, it was very refreshing to see. Also we got our main leads fighting hand-in-hand, i liked how he never tried to hide anything from her or make decisions for her which is often seen in dramas. Overall the story was very relaxing and that twist at the end was really unexpected.We also get a smart female lead that doesn't become a damsel in distress once she meets the male lead. Like I've mentioned they are both equally as smart.
Now the acting:
Sebrina Chen(Su ci/Bai Yi An)- This was the second time i see her as a main lead and from what I see she is a great actress. She portrayed Su ci very well.
Zhang Ling He(Pei Zhao / Prince Qi / Pei Yan Zhi)- I was really but really impressed in his first performance here as Prince Qi and I will definitely keep an eye our for his future dramas.
Zhang Jia Ding(Xie Bei Ming) and Wang Yi Zhe(Dong Ru Shuang)- This is the first project I see from both of them and I was very impressed with their acting.
Huang Yi(Fei Yuan)- I fell in love with his character. Despite only being 17 he was able to portray all emotions clearly and it made us the viewers fall in love with him
Andy Huang(Emperor)- Although he wasn't one of the leads I do have to comment on his incredible acting. Despite his really young age(16) he was able to portray the role of king very well.
The ost was very memorable at least for me.
Now is it worth watching? HECK YES. Like I mentioned before this story was very relaxing, you don't have to worry about big misunderstandings, or evil parents and not even second love interest for our main leads. From begging to end both prince qi and su ci were very loyal and trusted each other. They fought hand in hand along with our other 3 leads.
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From the very first scene, from the very first episode, I was hooked because the show doesn't make you wait around for all the good stuff to happen. The plot moves at a swift pace and just keeps the goodies coming along the way. There are conflicts to keep things interesting, but never anything too serious or frustrating, and all has satisfying resolutions. The cast is young and likable. And, of course, the romance is especially cute, and surprisingly passionate. The leads' interactions feel natural; I attribute that to good directing and acting. Also, I must confess, the male lead is so eye-catching. I'm almost always staring at his face whenever he's on screen! Seriously, he is so fine. I should also mention that he portrays an amazing character. Cold, arrogant male lead is a given these days but he totally proves being a nice guy from the beginning can be just as attractive. He is nurturing; always ready to support his love, as well as be kind to his subordinates and friends.
Hence, if you want to watch a historical drama that isn't too heavy on intricate plot or angst, and you want a high quality fluffy drama to enjoy and pass the time, then this one's for you.
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This review may contain spoilers
An Excellent Surprise!! Exceeding expectation and Serving the Best Quality~!!
DEFINITELY A MUST WATCH!!This production proves that anyone can create an exemplery drama with minimal and limited funding.
Honestly speaking I got so used to Low-Mid Tier budget drama serving just the bare minimum, something that is created to simply catch it's viewers attention and I never felt wrong about that as it made me enjoy it even more due to the fact that I can avoid unexplainable and ridiculous plot scenes and such.
BUT, this drama is indeed a cut among the finest piece. Almost everything about this drama is well planned and is comparable to those High Budget excellent dramas. So, lemme enumerate them to the best I can.
First and Foremost is the Excellent Writing and Plot allignment. These days most of these are being overlooked and neglected just to cater to the audiences liking but this drama used it in a more favorable way by making sure that they're not only serving what's on-demand and highly sought out but also made sure that it's with 'Great Quality'.
Next, Graphics, Cinematography, Lighting, Costume and Production. It feels like the director and all the people behind this project made sure that they'll never miss a single spot unless out of coincidence and/or inevitability reasons cause the entire time I was watching it, never, even once, had I encountered any distraction and aloofness towards the drama. Instead, I was expecting for more greatness each coming episodes.
Last but not the least is the Artist/Cast. The Main Leads look so good together + their chemistry is on point. While the 2nd Lead has their own charm for being unique, comical and entertaining 99% of the time. Also, our adorable Fei Yuan whose appearances tend be on the sidelines but never failed to deliver consistency with his acting and emotions.
Story - 10, Excellent Writing. This drama really went all out with their Solving Case Scenes and executed to nearly Perfection while making sure that it won't ruin the plot and story even one bit.
Acting/Cast - 10, Spectacular set of Artist who's delivered impeccable performances and emotions. I never felt awkward watching them cause they really felt natural and in-character the whole time they're ON with their respective scenes.
Music - 9.5, Music is decent but I usually have 1 or more songs I truly like out of the all tracks in a drama BGM list yet for this production nothing really stood out the best for me. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed it and never once got bothered about it.
Rewatch Value - 10, This drama deserved more views and positive word of mouth to people around the C-drama community because it truly went above and beyond the usual expectation to most Low-Mid budget dramas.
Overall - 10, Anyone who will tell me otherwise is welcomed to fight me. I would never forgive any slander over this drama as it truly went over the 'norm' and usual general expectation. Highly Recommend~!!
If you find my review helpful please let me know.
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Smart is as Smart Does
For a "female Holmes", this FL sure tripped over her own feet an awful lot. I don't remember Watson having to catch Holmes in his arms on a minute-by-minute basis. We get that the FL has to enchant the ML with falling into his arms repeatedly, but this was ridiculous.Also, the FL can't act. Sorry, Sebrina Chen, but you have only one facial expression, and it's a blank look. I've never caught this actress actually acting, so I really wish she had chosen another profession. Maybe she is a good, kind person, but acting just isn't her forte. Her icy stare may work for MLs, if they don't have to do anything but be good looking, but when the drama is built around the FL, then the onus is on the FL to deliver in the acting department.
As it stands, this ML is excellent. I have seen him in many dramas where, even as a secondary character, he still manages to stand out because of his acting skills.
EDIT: I was sure this was Leon Lai Yi!!! My apologies, I have never seen this actor before, but I still think he was excellent, as is Mr. Leon Lai Yi. I don't know how I got them mixed up, but I guess they really resembled each other in this drama, in my mind.
Both the ML and the FL were meant to be rather cold, calculating individuals, but if the Holmes character isn't interesting in any way, then there is no incentive for the audience to keep watching. I finished this drama for the ML alone. I remember thinking that the ML never needed the FL's help in any case, since he already solved the cases himself using his equally good deduction skills, so she wasn't even needed as a sidekick in the first place. Actually, she continuously needed to be saved by the ML, so her character was rather pointless and unnecessary, except to add romance.
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Solid plot, 2 sets of romance, 5 friends
Worth starting inspite of the tropes? Yes.Worth the time for 32 episodes? Yes, most of the time.
Things worth mentioning:
- Both ML and SML are steadfast and sure in their love. For SML its sort of love at first sight. PS: ML and SML have diff love interest, which is refreshing
- ML is wise, just and does not covet power.
- FL is observant and skilled at problem and crime solving
- FL has a lower EQ and initially close off due to prolonged staying as a loner
- ML initially appeared flamboyant and despite some post war trauma and eye injury, he is a warm person, quick to smile.
- ML is very attentive and tender to FL. Yet he balances between supporting her with trust and pride and protecting her from harm
- SFL is a bright and straight forward person. Not afraid to take intiative and unpretentious. She is also skilled in poison and alternate medicine.
- Both romance arc was nice
- FL's backstory is poignant and i feel for her. This makes her dancing scene pretty moving.
- Friendship among the 5 of them was gem and this was thankfully retained til the end. Teenager FeiYan was a great character too.
- Other secondary characters that are very likable like the da ren that helps Qi prince and the princess.
Deduction in score cause of some issues:
- Issues with pacing even though overall the plot is good and looseends were tied. But i felt they steamroll the first 5 to 6 episodes. Progress a little too rapidly. Would have been more organic and natural if they allow their interactions to progress steadily. This caused the romance arc to hit a plateau too early. By ep 20 there is a stagnant feel as it loses steam. Hence theres a lack of addicitve feel. ( For comparison: I hav previously watch a historical drama and did not lose that addictive must watch feel for 46episodes.)
- The makeup on SuCi especially her lipstick did not make sense since shes suppose to desperately hide her gender
- Emperor and later the dowager were characters that was very 1d. While the villain who was after power sadly only has that in his life.
Overall in spite of the usual tropes of cross dressing, tragic past, underwater kiss- the whole plot was mostly well thoughtout. It is serious in most cases and doesnt count as fluff drama. It doesnt have the soul searing romance feel that it could be. The acting was ok, not bad at all but wouldnt say amazing either. Sebrina's resting face have a same-ness expression. But other emotions she can still potray. Zhang Ling He is a newbie and while he's still alittle green; he manage to be charismatic and not wooden. The two were believable and manage to be non-cringey but again not out of the park chemistry imo. Was a good drama to binge-watch.
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I liked Sabrina Chen after watching her in My Unicorn Girl. However, she was even lovelier in this show. She has the perfect features to play a flower boy but easily transforms into a charming and beautiful maiden. I enjoyed watching her portray Su Qi, a female lead that was independent, rational, and has a high IQ and EQ. Even the dubbing used for her voice was suitable, quite unlike the usual high immature voices that C-dramas tend to use for female characters. Being a newly debuted actor, Zhang Ling He did well, with an ability to display a wide range of emotions. He was perfect as Pei Zhao/Prince Qi, who is now one of my favorite male leads. How can one resist a handsome ML who was absolutely committed and devoted to the FL, plus had the skills and power/influence to protect her? Pei Zhao complemented Su Qi so perfectly when it comes to physical appearance, intellect, and maturity. This OTP had many swoon-worthy love scenes with lots of well-done kisses. I love that Su Ci often initiated the kisses, and Pei Zhou always followed with deeper steamier ones! Also, the amount of attention paid to little details during their hugging and kissing scenes made me smile; like the way their gazes held, or the way the Su Ci tightened her grip around Pei Zhao as their kiss deepened. They were so cute together, even holding hands as they went about solving cases.
The secondary couple was also adorable together, and they were likable characters that added value to the plot. It was a good-looking cast overall (notable mentions: Zhang Jia Ding, Zhu Min Xin, and Li Jin Rong).
I like the song that played every time there was a meaningful moment between the OTP, but I did not find the OST memorable in general.
Rewatch value is high because I am a sucker for a good romance drama with great kissing.
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Best Female/Male Leads of a Campy Rom-Com
The beginning and the middle are loads of fun. The side characters can be on/off fun then irritating. For the most part, they're great additions to the show.The "investigation" or "palace" part of the plot aren't some in-depth, elaborate plot. It's fairly insubstantial. That was fine by me, because, in this particular drama, that's what makes it great. It's just pure CAMPY fun, and it's meant to be that way.
The ML & FL are truly 100% likeable individuals in every way. There is nothing I can say negative about them. These two legit make me smile, they are adorable and wonderful whether together or apart. I mean, these two have great chemistry and skinship. Some of the best realistic intimate moments I've seen...but *that* is not why I like them so much. That's just the *cherry* on the top. They're both just really **good** people!!
Every character is clearly defined and there isn't any really any time that a character starts to act against their pre-set personal nature. The characters almost nearly stay consistent from beginning to end. In this way though, there aren't necessarily any *big* surprises, although they do manage to weave one in at the end, which was kind of interesting.
Unfortunately, I must sadly state that, the writer started to meander in the plot once the FL didn't have to hide as much, for reasons, and I'm trying to not spoil the show.
I'll say that for me, the ending really didn't do these characters justice. It's not like it was necessarily a 'dud' but the show just wandering off and then ended. I wanted all the bells and whistles of a "completed" story, and all the things that come with a couple being together, but they didn't give it to us.
What they gave us instead was a ML who, from start to finish, 100% respected women. Not only that, but *working* women. Jealousy? *slight* Domineering? *never* so, in that sense, giving her and him the ending they did, in its own way, was true to thier form.
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This review may contain spoilers
Watch for the Romance
I was recommended this drama a while back but forgot about it and then was reminded again because I'm watching Tiger & Crane with ZLH and this was his first drama. Though called Maiden Holmes, there's less emphasis on the case solving and more about the Romance of the leads. So watch for the romance.Pros: I love the Fab 5! Their dynamic is great from episode one. You've got the FL who pretends to be a man by cross dressing to clear her family's name after being what she thought to be the sole survivor of that massacre. Her detective skills are pretty good and she has solved many cases. ML is the prince who is ousted from office by his rebellion seeking uncle (also the main villain of the piece). Thankfully his brother was the new emperor and had a good relationship with him where he could help him out. SFL is a genius doctor and SML is a great martial artist though can't read the room for nothing is quite dumb most of the time. Adding on is ML's teen aid who's a great cook. The chemistry between the leads is obvious especially when the ML turns those seductive eyes onto FL, it's like ok it got a bit warm in this room. Furthermore, the kisses are real! And there are enough of them. For ZLH's first gig ever, he was hella convincing especially in terms of being intelligent and trapping the bad people. The entire group really complimented each other. Misunderstandings if not immediately cleared up, are done so in a smart fashion. There are a few baubles with FL temporarily seeming to lose her sensibility but she regains it more or less quickly. Good fight scenes when they happened.
Obviously a lower budget production but it worked out. The villain was obvious from the get go. The one moment that made me legit shed a tear was when ML's guard sacrificed himself to protect his prince towards the end. That guy was awesome the entire time and it really brought forth their strong friendship. Comedy was decent.
Cons: The cases though leading to the main antagonist weren't very strong and they could never bring someone in alive. Once our group had the evidence, the evildoer was either disposed of or killed themselves. Every single time to the point that it was laughable. You were just waiting for it each time a new case popped up. Also while the SFL thought the FL was a dude, she developed a crush on her and that whole thing was rather cringey. Suspended logic also was a must for a lot of things; like the cave thing because they had to figure out their misunderstanding and realize they were soulmates from a young age, add a really great kiss at the end and then it was worth it lol!
The showdown in the last two episodes was relatively lackluster as it just had the villain walk around the throne room yakking about his plans only to be outsmarted by the ML.
Would I recommend it? Only for the romance of the leads and the moving along storyline. It's a good in between series especially if you like an intense seductive ML ;).
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