Peridot83
I don't think anyone asked for another alpha CEO drama. Let alone one where all the characters are as morally and ethically suspect as the alpha CEO . . but this is what we have here.
All three people in this love triangle have emotionally cheating affairs with each other, try to have their cake and eat it too, lie, misrepresent and just generally act in infuriating ways every single episode.
What's worse, the message to women seems to be:
1) If you are ambitions and strong willed, you need a strong man who can 'handle' you and put you in your place.
2) It is foolish to think you can succeed in your career without men, and men who are not related to you or in a relationship with you will treat you badly, the best way to handle this is to get married and partner in work/business together. Our main female lead has been floundering for years, and it's because she just hasn't had the right male backing.
The one relationship lesson I agree with is that you truly don't know another person unless you allow conflict to occur. Avoiding conflict and always giving in delays finding out if a couple is truly compatible together. This lesson was not enough to keep me watching this show.
Was this review helpful to you?
As the younger generation tries to negotiate new ways of organizing government, society and marriage, we get to feel the satisfaction of our main characters doing the right thing and never losing their way. But, this premise has no conflict, or tension, or character development, and at 40 episodes it's just way too long.
One strong point was a very accurate depiction of domestic abuse.
The main characters are all likeable enough, but the acting is very on the surface, and chemistry is more like good buddies trying to do a group project. Music was adequate and there isn't really anything to rewatch.
I grade on other criteria as well:
Complex Themes (7.5)
Why are we wasting the talents and strengths of women and failing to recognize their obvious complementary strengths? Why indeed. I am all for this theme, though it was bit simplistic done. I did deeply appreciate illustrating the pitfalls of trying to leave an abusive relationship in a traditional, patriarchal society and why leaving isn't easy.
Complex Characters (3.0)
Just no. There were too many characters and they all had one distinctive personality trait.
Complex women and relationships (8.5)
While all the characters are simply drawn, there were lots and lots of women collaborating and being in friendship, and it was a joy to see that so front and center.
Cinematography/Production values (7.5)
Average for a historical show produced in the last couple years. Nothing really stands out.
Was this review helpful to you?
This is full stop an advertisement for joining the firefighting service with a nod to other frontline emergency services. All the plot and lingering scenes are devoted to their heroic ever sacrificing adventures. There is no overarching plot or theme, just an 'episode of the week' emergency.
In the background is a truly addictive romantic plot, with the female lead's family being truly villainous in keeping our two main characters apart. The actors do have charisma and chemistry. But, this is stretched out so long and given so little time, that at 22 episodes in I just can't stick with it.
Was this review helpful to you?
What else is there to say that hasn't been said already about the primary romance? Male lead takes no action or initiative, Female lead bounces around the edges hoping he will take notice. Doesn't make for great chemistry or interesting watching.
HOWEVER, the secondary romance between Guan Ji and Bi Ruo Shan, is sexy, mature and intriguing. I really liked the intrigue there between two sophisticated people who have dated around. I also bought into the conflict! Two people used to being slick and superficial having trouble being vulnerable makes sense to me. But, in the end, this relationship wasn't given enough screen time to keep me watching . .
Was this review helpful to you?
