Like many others, I enjoyed “Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II To the West” more than season 1. To me, everything is better - acting, production quality (budget), and the strange tales themselves. I hope fans of season 1 will eventually watch this new season. The # of watchers is just too low for a quality drama like this. However, it did take me a few episodes to truly get into the drama. The first arc did not appeal to me but once their journey to the west started, it was a lot of fun.


Strange Tales/Plot
I enjoy the mysteries a lot more than in season 1. The first arc is the least interesting to me, but is needed to set the stage for future events and journey. It’s the most political and less “human”. But subsequent storylines cater to more human experiences and emotions, and I had a much better time watching them. The stories and clues are beautifully entwined with each other. I was unable to guess the culprit for the most part, until the end. Even if I could guess who that person is, I couldn’t figure out how the murder was done. I enjoyed learning and discovering the new clues as they were unveiled.

Friendship/Party of 5
We are way past the growing pains of trust between Liu Ling Feng and Su Wu Ming, and their friendship and camaraderie are at a different level. Liu Ling Feng has matured and become a much better partner to Su Wu Ming. The party of 5 believes in and cares for each other, and have great chemistry with each other. A lot of words and feelings can be conveyed just by a single look. And with great acting, that one look is subtle and knowing (not a crazy, exaggerated ‘wink wink’). In the first half of the drama, I started to complain about the use of the two female leads, Pei Xi Jun and Ying Tao. They are both capable and smart, yet they were used in such minor ways (a fight or a drawing here and there). However, I was glad that they were utilized much better in the second half. They actively participated in the investigation and contributed to solving the mysteries through street and book smarts.

Romance
I will continue to complain about the romance, as in season 1. Now that we have two established couples, I had wished the drama would incorporate their romance better into the plot, and/or during downtime in between cases/arcs. I am not expecting a great romance (as that would be inappropriate) but some more words of encouragement/endearment or act of affection would be nice. The women acted like all they did was to follow their men around and do whatever they’re told. They’re not an equal partner in the relationship, and I am pissed off for them.

Production
It seems like season 2 has a higher budget. The special effects, sets and designs look so much better. Aside from Lu Ling Feng, most of the characters still wear the same clothes everyday. But I like them as they’re appropriate for their roles and statuses. I enjoy the fight scenes and they’re much better than most xianxia and wuxia dramas. At least both Yang Xu Wen and Sun Xue Ning look the part when they are fighting, and not flailing or twirling. I also appreciate the lack of slow-motion fight scenes, though the editing gave me a little motion sickness when I was watching this drama while commuting on the train.



If you are fans of mysteries, investigations and ‘strange tales’, I will definitely recommend this drama to you. I can’t say I am a big fan, but I like Yang Xu Wen and know that this drama will not disappoint. It has solid acting, great friendship and interesting investigations. I hope I don’t have to wait for too long for season 3.


Completed: 11/4/2024 - Review #508