First of all 90 something episodes is just insanity - so for those who are curious about rewatch value, for that reason alone the rewatch value goes down no matter how good a production is. HOWEVER, if you didn't mind all those hours of your life gone after the first time then I guess it's worth it for the overall high quality production (rightfully so with its massive budget) and an eye-catching aesthetic fest that is the most vividly stunning accessories, makeup, costumes, sets and people galore that can make one easily lose track of time when watching and can never get bored of. The production is the best I have seen to date for a historical series. All the concubines and of course Wu Meiniang has the best outfits. I believe she did not wear the same outfit twice in this drama. I think they spent way too much time and focus on her story with the first Emperor Taizong, not that I didn't like their relationship. Her story with his son Emperor Gaozong could have used some of that time/elaboration in my opinon for a few reasons: 1) Wu Meiniang has much better history, chemistry and development with the son Emperor Gaozong than father. Historically speaking she was a non-factor during Taizong's time, neither favored nor was much known about her at this point until.... 2) Emperor Gaozong who is the young handsome son of Taizong. He is also similar in age to Meiniang unlike the former, therefore this couple got these going for them. Historical speculation also plays on their side, as it was widely believed that even before Emperor Taizong passed, she had an intense affair with Prince Li Zhi (future Emperor Gaozong). Or at least Li Zhi was infatuated with this particular beautiful concubine of his father's and she seemed to return the sentiment too. And the 'sparks' between these two continued after the son became emperor, eventually giving her the significance in power to become who she became. Of course the drama has their own version of this relationship so you'll just have to see for yourself This series is not without its criticisms of course and the most common one yet is how the political shrewdness and cruel reputation of China's first and only female Emperor has been greatly downplayed in this drama to essentially being a non-issue. Instead we get a lot more focus on her romantic life and all these developments illustrating the 'humane' side of her. Here's how I see it: this drama is more of a 'romantic' chronicle of her life and ironically aims to do exactly what the garnered criticisms concerned - focus on the more humane aspects of Wu Zetian's life story which contrasts her notorious reputation. Many historicals in the past have already beat the dead horse about that so this is rather a different take on this controversial figure. This matter is a double-edged sword, and which side you're on depends how you look at it I suppose. The performances are solid from a generally well-rounded cast and you gotta give them more credit for keeping audiences interested throughout a long 90-something episode journey. Not once was I bored of the relationships between the leads, in fact once Gaozong takes over the drama becomes more captivating (and rightfully so as this is where Wu Zetian's legacy truly begins). The theme songs used were beautiful and really captured the element of this drama perfectly.