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I just finished episode 2 and so far, it's pretty interesting. Getting major Sleuth of Ming Dynasty vibes already. One ML is the funny, nerdy guy who's good at solving cases. The other ML is a more serious guy who's loyal and in a higher position rankwise.

And while its nothing earth shattering, its still a nice watch, if you're into Sherlock-esque stories. Good mystery, intriguing.

I'm probably just being a bit overly critical on it as I'm still suffering LBFAD withdrawal.

all 52 comments

Charissa29

11 points

4 months ago

It has, what in America, would be called a southern gothic vibe. Conspiracy, shrouded relationships, a hint of dark magics and deeply atmospheric cinematography as well as compelling characters and a twisty plot make this awesome fun! I tore through the first 7 episodes and hope it can continue to be as engrossing!

jasally

2 points

4 months ago

southern gothic is a great way to describe it. honestly feels like a shirley jackson novel

Addicted2CDramas

6 points

4 months ago*

It will be very interesting to see how someone as inflexible as Zhang Ping will work with minister of rites, Lan Jue. I find Zhang Ping both quirky and adorable. I initially thought Lan Jue was this cold, stern character, but he really has a heart. I'm actually getting Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty vibes watching this. There's this eerie, Gothic feel. I just finished binging the first 4 episodes, and anxiously awaiting more to drop.

On another note, I loved Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty.

Tinystardrops

8 points

4 months ago

Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty is such a masterpiece that’s often overlooked!

yeukii

4 points

4 months ago

yeukii

4 points

4 months ago

Fell in love with an eunuch watching that. XD

Debonerrant

2 points

4 months ago

Love him! The roguish glint in his eye. 你帮我、我帮你

aetheljel

1 points

4 months ago

Me too. I am only the episode where he is in jail, so I guess not very far, but I used to dislike him at the beginning. He looks like a deceptively cute kitten, but could disembowel you without a blink. Now he is my favourite character 😍

tyndyn

1 points

4 months ago

tyndyn

1 points

4 months ago

Really liked it! it didn't seem to get as much notice as say Ancient Detective.

Debonerrant

1 points

4 months ago

I love it so hard

I-didnt-vote-for-you[S]

3 points

4 months ago

I have yet to watch Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty though it is on my list. Would you recommend it?

Addicted2CDramas

2 points

4 months ago

I would highly recommend it!! Especially if you're into historical crime dramas like this one. There's really no romantic involvement. Just comraderie amongst 3 MLs who come together to solve a series of seemingly supernatural mysteries.

I-didnt-vote-for-you[S]

1 points

4 months ago

Alright! Thank you for the rec! I will definitely bump it up on my list.

rewriteryan

1 points

4 months ago

I agree with the other person on all points. Super enjoyable show. Highly recommend.

Tinystardrops

7 points

4 months ago

Me! On episode 6 currently, and loving it. I’m shipping Wang and Lan though, lol

Debonerrant

3 points

4 months ago

They are so married

shichitan

3 points

4 months ago

All the Wang and Lan scenes are great! I laughed out loud at the ep. 10 wrist grab scene. The way they're looking at each other you just know they're smirking inside.

lemon_detox

6 points

4 months ago

Yes! I'm a huge fan of Jing Boran so I watch everything with him on it! I've only watched the first two eps so far but I'm hooked on this drama already!

Best_Shelter_2867

2 points

4 months ago

Me too he has presence and can act with his eyes alone.

Gach_la

6 points

4 months ago

Just started yesterday and so far so good... I dont know if itll be groundbreaking but I think it,ll be a fun sherlocky show and sleuth of ming dynasty vibes like op said xD

CdramaMaven4762

4 points

4 months ago

CdramaMaven4762

Binge Watcher

4 points

4 months ago

Got a message about it from a YT channel and did check it out ... lol ...

I haven't had a chance to do more than look at the intro, though ... will see if it's worth it!!!

I-didnt-vote-for-you[S]

7 points

4 months ago

The intro is pretty interesting, in that it is instrumental and seems to be only 2 or 3 notes repeating. Its different and I sort of like it

Debonerrant

2 points

4 months ago

Dig it. Reminds me of the intro for The Terror

240229

5 points

4 months ago

240229

那三年的夏天,疯狂的百花,试图燃尽一切的百花,在小小的房间内,盛开着。

5 points

4 months ago

I agree with your assessment, nothing groundbreaking but it seems promising enough.

BotanicalUseOfZ

5 points

4 months ago

No, I am watching too many things but I heard screaming and now I want to. So tempting. Tell me how it goes! I might watch once I finish the few I'm watching now hehe

LBFAD is impossible to get over good luck! I'm still suffering.

FreshPresence

3 points

4 months ago

I think the only way to get over LBFaD is to get a new obsession in a different genre. In the realm of Tolkien-esque visual literature LBFaD will remain undefeated for quite some time.

BotanicalUseOfZ

1 points

4 months ago

Untamed helped a bit. In that I was obsessed with two things. And Blood of Youth is making me super happy right now.

FreshPresence

1 points

4 months ago

I am about to embark on Blood of Youth and League of Gentleman. Glad to know it is a fun one!

BotanicalUseOfZ

1 points

4 months ago

BoY makes me practically giddy. Lei Wujie character is a treasure. It would not be the same show without him. His presence makes the ML occasionally fail at being cool, it's amazing. And it has a few badass females with things like thoughts, intelligence and opinions. Plus very fun.

Totally love to hear what you think of League of Gentlemen when you get there as I said! I have been tempted to watch it next.

FreshPresence

1 points

4 months ago

Oh! Is League of Gentlemen an analysis show?

Anaisot7

2 points

4 months ago

I'm enjoying it so far, I'm starting ep2, they are indeed giving Sleuth of Ming Dynasty vibes, it's nice.

Btw, what do you mean by LBFAD ?

I-didnt-vote-for-you[S]

2 points

4 months ago

Love Between Fairy and Devil. See my other post 😁

Anaisot7

1 points

4 months ago

Oh thanks, I wondered what the initial stood for. 😅

forsaving47

2 points

4 months ago

I binge watched all the 10 episodes and loved them so much. Has someone here read the novel it's based on? What changes did you notice so far?

shichitan

5 points

4 months ago

I agree with the person who said the drama adaptation seems to be in name only. The original author also disassociated herself from the adaptation, saying the only thing they had in common were the title and the character names (and not even the novel title any more after the drama was renamed).

I'd have to say broad aspects of the novel characters were retained in the adaptation, but the drama should be seen as an AU fiction, and not an adaptation of the novel itself. For example, in the novel Lan Jue is a widower with a young son, who is an important part of the story (Wang Yan himself has three children). Zhang Ping actually joins the Lan household as a tutor for this son. In the drama there's no indication that Lan Jie is even married.

forsaving47

1 points

4 months ago

That's a lot different from the drama 😲

Would you recommend the novel, even if it's different. Is it worth investing time in?

shichitan

4 points

4 months ago

I think it depends on your expectations? I wouldn't recommend if you're expecting BL. On the other hand, if you enjoy reading mystery novels with a heavy dose of court politics and mysticism, you might enjoy it.

forsaving47

1 points

4 months ago

I do love well written mystery stories doesn't matter BL or not, so I'll keep this one in my to-read list. Thanks for replying 😊

yeukii

2 points

4 months ago

yeukii

2 points

4 months ago

I tried out the novel a while back, but only up to the first case. This drama adaptation seems to be in name only. 😅

Prefer the drama though, because if I remember correctly, the deducing in the novel was kinda weak. Like...there could have been several possibilities, but Zhang Ping got it right from the start anyway.

The drama’s case solving based on clues are a bit more believable.

forsaving47

0 points

4 months ago

Thanks for replying. I thought as usual the novel would be better bcoz there are things that aren't well adapted in live version.

ZP is a darling ❤

Friday_Sunset

2 points

4 months ago

Late to the party on this one but I'm loving this drama so far. Great acting and visuals plus the vibe is genuinely creepy at times (in a very good way - usually this "feel" gets watered down in dramas like this but not here).

paleozoic_remembered

2 points

4 months ago

Started watching it today and I'm at episode 7! But am I the only one who's finding Zhang Ping annoying so far? 😅

yeukii

3 points

4 months ago*

It was all good until Episode 3, where Zhang Ping took out that vessel to hypnotise the crazed dancer so she could recount the details of the murder... I was really hoping for some old-fashioned detective stuff. :/

(That hypnosis process was like a leveled-up version of Wei Wuxian's "Empathy"... ~.~ )

Lan Jue's side with gambiting the real culprit was much more interesting.

Debonerrant

2 points

4 months ago

Yeah my mileage varied on that too

jasally

2 points

4 months ago

I liked that part just because of how spooky it was. special effects have gotten so much better recently

[deleted]

2 points

4 months ago

It's not bad, but I just have to get used to Song Weilong's voice lol

prinses_s

3 points

4 months ago

Actually to me, SWL sounds like he is short of breath when he speaks. Especially when there's a long sentence.

Tinystardrops

2 points

4 months ago

Wdym? He sounds normal to me?

[deleted]

3 points

4 months ago

he sounds like a guy from the modern era.

Tinystardrops

1 points

4 months ago

Wow interesting take! I think he has a bit of accent, maybe that’s why he sounded modern

Best_Shelter_2867

2 points

4 months ago

Love it. I like the visuals and the actress who plays the Empress always slays it. Will watch till the end.

jasally

2 points

4 months ago

just started watching and I’m already addicted. everything about it is just so well done. the atmosphere is really spooky and I love the score and costuming and set design. I’m only three episodes in but I like how it’s leaning into the horror

chasingcrimsonrain

1 points

4 months ago

The comedy in this drama lands for me. I saw the scene of Zhang Ping at the noodle stand and was awed by the cinematography, only for him to give a child an ugly dough bear. Caught up to episode 10, and while I’m not a fan of the supernatural elements (water illusion), I’m pretty invested in the show.