Royal Nirvana Special (2020)

Its in their nature.

I almost didn't watch this. Although many plot threads were left unfinished, I could accept the way they left things for the main protagonists. Why not leave well enough alone? Because I still wanted to know if how things play out with Gu Fengan, Prince Zhao and Xu Changping and who does not want to see more sweet moments between Wenxi and Dingquan?

There are some unexplained time gaps but these last 12 episodes are surprisingly well edited and neatly tie up all of the remaining important plot threads. What I like best is that the villain is really good, probably the best one in the entire story and he is taken down by the person he least expects. The plot is also not too convoluted nor overly mired in excessive detail so I found it easier to follow. I am also quite impressed with Zheng Yicheng's portrayal of the more mature Gu Fengan - this promising young actor needs to take on more complicated roles like this.

What remains painful is the relationship between the crown prince and the emperor - it evolves and yet is still the same. Its like watching an unstoppable force meet an immovable object. Neither can help themselves, it is in their nature. The crown prince is an amazing, uncompromising idealist with a big heart and the best of intentions but he is also a most unsuitable person for the job. He is the one person in the entire story with no free will. Everyone, including his soul mate Wenxi tries to force his hand. The outcome is inevitable and frankly, a relief.

I am glad that with this, I watched the show in its entirety. If you have already watched the first 60 episodes, I don't need to remind you that this is a beautifully written but heavy, depressing story. It is a strong finish, I give it a 9.0 although if I have to rate the drama in its entirety it is still an 8.5.

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Must watch both Royal Nirvana and Royal Nirvana Special! It's just A. M.A. Z.I. N.G!

I do love watching a heavy political C-drama. Thank God I have decided to watch this! Royal Nirvana (60 eps) and Royal Nirvana Special (12 eps) combined is one of the best political C-Drama ever! It's an exciting rollercoaster! The male and female leads do deserve the best actor and actress award! All out tremendous acting from both, Luo Jin (the sociopath Crown Prince) and Li Yitong (the gracefullly beautiful, smart gentle heroine Lu WenXi). Wicked storyline and plots, epic production and beautiful cinematography supported by great music, casts and acting! The conflicts in this drama was sadistic but the romance was romantically hot! The shadow of Luo Jin and Li Yitong's romantic moments behind the screening was astonishingly beautiful and intellectually romantic. Moreover, the catepillar kiss and 3 years longing kiss are def the best kissing scene in all C-dramas I have ever watched! It's just A. M. A. Z. I. N. G!

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