Two Steps From Heaven
Essex
This review may contain spoilers
Heaven help me but I hated this
Update:
I dropped this series at episode 11 but felt compelled to hate-watch a few more episodes and read other recaps and reviews to help check any biases I might hold. So, now I have a better understanding.
Firstly, the screenplay was written by a guy who clearly didn't understand how to parley history in a manner that would be palatable to younger viewers, especially if the series is being presented as a "historical romance". Likewise, the director, who, at 60 years plus, did not understand whether her target audience should be the older generation who are bound to appreciate this type of archaic but factual storytelling, or the younger generation who are inundated with a newer more dynamic method of incorporating romance within a historical drama. A perfect example is the Story of Yanxi Palace which was loosely based on the love story between Emperor Gaozong of Qing and his favorite concubine. Not only did we get factual historical events but also an exciting and compulsively watchable drama. The failure of director Li Shao Hong to read the trend is one of the reasons Palace of Devotion failed to appeal to the audience, prompting the many low ratings (and ridicule) it got while it aired in 2021.
Initial review:
The synopsis made this series seem like an epic love story interspersed with historical palace politics but we were given a docu-series of an Emperor who didn't love the FL or care about her well-being. Additionally, this Emperor was written in the most bizarre manner. He came across as weak, indecisive, and lacking in discernment.
Since I started watching Chinese palace dramas I’ve seen a dozen or more that are historically accurate yet entertaining because the scriptwriters know it's imperative to provide the audience with not only history but one that’ll keep us invested in the protagonist. Had I wanted a historical accounting then I’d watch the History channel.
It being a harem drama doesn't mean I want to see the ML having intimate moments with other women. Like, how was this even allowed? I never ever want to see multiple women being loved by the ML to the point the supposed FL is nothing but a blip in his journey of being Emperor. Also, with an Emperor as weak as this one was portrayed, I couldn't help but hate him.
Only watch this if you like all of the above. Three stars is being generous.
I dropped this series at episode 11 but felt compelled to hate-watch a few more episodes and read other recaps and reviews to help check any biases I might hold. So, now I have a better understanding.
Firstly, the screenplay was written by a guy who clearly didn't understand how to parley history in a manner that would be palatable to younger viewers, especially if the series is being presented as a "historical romance". Likewise, the director, who, at 60 years plus, did not understand whether her target audience should be the older generation who are bound to appreciate this type of archaic but factual storytelling, or the younger generation who are inundated with a newer more dynamic method of incorporating romance within a historical drama. A perfect example is the Story of Yanxi Palace which was loosely based on the love story between Emperor Gaozong of Qing and his favorite concubine. Not only did we get factual historical events but also an exciting and compulsively watchable drama. The failure of director Li Shao Hong to read the trend is one of the reasons Palace of Devotion failed to appeal to the audience, prompting the many low ratings (and ridicule) it got while it aired in 2021.
Initial review:
The synopsis made this series seem like an epic love story interspersed with historical palace politics but we were given a docu-series of an Emperor who didn't love the FL or care about her well-being. Additionally, this Emperor was written in the most bizarre manner. He came across as weak, indecisive, and lacking in discernment.
Since I started watching Chinese palace dramas I’ve seen a dozen or more that are historically accurate yet entertaining because the scriptwriters know it's imperative to provide the audience with not only history but one that’ll keep us invested in the protagonist. Had I wanted a historical accounting then I’d watch the History channel.
It being a harem drama doesn't mean I want to see the ML having intimate moments with other women. Like, how was this even allowed? I never ever want to see multiple women being loved by the ML to the point the supposed FL is nothing but a blip in his journey of being Emperor. Also, with an Emperor as weak as this one was portrayed, I couldn't help but hate him.
Only watch this if you like all of the above. Three stars is being generous.
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