How to Implode a Drama in 30+ Episodes

Step 1: Decimate the Male Lead's character so much he becomes a shadow, a ghost, a forethought, leading to viewer chaos and anger. For me, the male lead must be established early. There can be some competition, but there should never be any doubt by the middle of the series, who the FL likes. By episode 37/40, I was still unsure. Here, the director/writer/producer created a mess of the boundaries between ML and SML. But that's okay. ZLH will rise from the ashes of the character they destroyed like the Phoenix that he is.

Step 2. Make it as confusing as hell. If this story didn't have the MDL forum, it would probably have a much lower rating on here. The character's misunderstandings and motivations need to be frequently explained by those who have read the book. You lose me when I have to watch a drama where the story, the characters, the direction ARE NOT the one's letting me know what is going on. I keep reading in the comments, "Oh....I read the novel, so now I, forgive, understand, etc." I'm sorry....but I'm not an avid reader (don't judge), and I don't feel I should have to read anything to supplement me watching anything. A great TV drama should stand by itself. This, unfortunately, needs book legs. When I'm constantly pulled out to ask...why did he/she do this, it makes me want to give up watching.

Step 3. Make sure to lack direction regarding your actors. I've watched many of the ML's dramas, and I think he has played very diverse rolls. I am a fan. I'm not familiar too much with the FL except for one drama. I do like her; however, I believe ZLH is doing a better job at conveying his feelings, making me sympathize with him, etc. As for the FL, she's gorgeous, but sometimes, I said, sometimes, her unfitting-to-the-scene expressions actually pulls me out of the moment. During one scene, while the ML was crying and pouring his heart out, her rather blank expression didn’t match the passion of the scene. I wanted to be pulled in, engulfed in the moment with them. Instead, I was left drenched with disappointment in my living room. (Insert Michael Scott angry meme face here). This does not mean I don't like the actress. I think she has plenty of potential, and I was looking forward to watching her grow and mature into one of my favorite actresses.

Step 4. Rushed Production: The Boat Scene. I know we were all starving for some sort of amazing "skinship" between the main couple; however, I don't know if it was the angle and shakiness of the camera or the the reaction of the FL, but something about the VERY QUICK, almost overly aggressive interaction left me unsettled as opposed to enamored. The director should have taken more time to smooth this one out so it didn't look so uncomfortable to watch. (Some on Douban have echoed the same reaction).

This does have a happy ending, for the most part. Unfortunately, there was so much baggage you had to drag along with you to get there to actually enjoy it.

For the record, I tried to walk away from MDL earlier today, but after this last episode, I feel it's important to support ZLH more. What they did to his character was hard to watch. I do believe he will rise like a Phoenix from these ashes; however. As well he should.

This review pained me to write because all the other dramas the ML was in, I loved. There were just too many problems with this one.

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It was okay.

I have a love hate relationship with cooking dramas. The cooking aspect was okay, but regarding the characters, She seems very immature to me, and so many aspects, and then someone what snobbish. When characters are like this, I have a hard time trying to figure out why the ML is falling in love.

I really couldn't fall in the love with the FL. I really need to in these dramas. The story was a little far fetched, but I liked the ML. There was a tremendous age gap which for me was also unsettling.

Overall, I believe it could have been better.

Best I can say is 4.5

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Endearing Drama with Endearing Chemistry

This was such a wonderful and easy drama to watch for me. I'll admit I started watching this because of the FL. From what I've seen of her so far, she seems to nail every scene she's in.

From beginning to end, I fell in love with the characters and the cast. Although I'd never watched the ML in anything before, and why it took me so long to give this a try, he was so, well, ENDEARING. And the enamored way he would glance at the FL lead gave me butterflies...even when he was supposed to have eyes for the SFL. His little mannerisms and caring shone through, even when he had to make the harshest decision regarding her. The agony of this scene was, I think, one of the highlights of the series. During this particular scene, the FL was extraordinary. Her expressions and the way she becomes the character is amazing to watch.

The costumes were beautiful and the CGI was better than I thought it would be.

Another plus is the second couple. I saw the SML in LLTG, and hoped to see him in a bigger role. He doesn't disappoint here. I am glad he had his chance at romance, although he sure took his time getting there.

I did have to take a half a star away for the ending. It's happy, but I wanted to see more than a glimpse from across the way. The leads deserved a run into each other's arms, twirl around, and kiss sort of ending. They went through a lot to get there.

A SOLID 9.5 rating

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