IpohBanana

rumour has it that Youku will air this towards the end of this month... hwaiting!

@40somethingahjumma when I mentioned TS&TB, I was referring to the focus on the household and its affairs, the chaos and politics among the wives in the family, though it's not about the wives of one man (in the case of the TS&TB) but all the women in the Cheng family, including that batty Matriach. I completely get where you are coming from wrt CSS' mum, though I shudder to think about what it's like to be in the daughter's shoes, often hearing praises being lauded onto someone else's daughter. As an Asian, I've had my fair share of that when I was growing up and I think most Asian children can say they've had a good dose of that form of 'medicine' before. As an adult now, and a mother myself I suppose I can understand why someone would say something like that to a child, but it doesn't mean that I laud the act. [I thank the heavens for her brothers and her gentle third aunt (plus her doting father) who help to moderate the over-zealous mother) I am sure the drama is slowly revealing how CSS will (eventually) develop a different perspective and learn to see things from her mother's POV. In the latest episode, the mother makes a comment about CSS thinking that her life was miserable; she comments that CSS should try being in her shoes, witnessing what she did throughout 15 years of wartime. I suspect she means the death and misery that accompanies any form of war, which is then proudly presented on a platter to CSS who thinks she's on a tour of the country side only to discover that it's probably more than what she bargained for when she gladly flees her family's home. (What I find interesting about CSS is how she's not painted to be a super-heroine, you know the Jun Jiu Ling kind of character who is a know-it-all, but how she can be weak, inept in some aspects but good at others; a very human, believable portrayal. I just wish they had given us the back story of how she became good at those aspects (like a flashback of sorts). I can't tell if Mdm General is partial to LBY from the teasers, I only know she's curious about how the two seem to be acquainted and can tell that LBY is interested in her daugher (ice-face general cares enough to escort her daughter around, gee he can't be disinterested in her right?). But she certainly knows that her daughter can't marry into a household where the womenfolk are dogmatic and expect a typical daughter-in-law, for which CSS is certainly not. Preferably she should marry into a household where the hub's parents are dead or insane or can't control the son - in which case, LBY's parents fit that to a tee. So, if that's the case, then yah, she would be partial to LBY. Updated: Based on the novel or at least what a Ytber summarised abotu the novel, it seems that...

@40somethingahjumma glad you are enjoying it. I was laughing so loudly that my hubby said he heard a mad woman in the room. There's a manner in which the comedy has been balanced with the seriousness of the story that is rather appealing, though I have to say the story is going a bit too slow for my liking. However with 54 episodes (? now that part 1 has reduced by one episode and possibly part 2 as well?), I suppose there's plenty of time to kill. For the first few episodes, it felt like I was watching The Sword and the Brocade, but with a touch of dark humour plus someone poking fun at gender roles (look at how timid the men are in comparison with their wives, I am at E12 already, and the story of cutting one's own ear off has me half horrified and half in awe of that woman). This is one show where I am watching as it unfolds, feeling regretful and wishing I had waited till more episodes had been released. At the same time, I am not feeling too stressed about the waiting game as I am entertained but not so vested in their story that I am gnawing at my knuckles waiting for the next episode. Then again, this week the drama gods have been good, because it's been a daily release - I think I will start to suffer next week when there's only three days of airing per week. [sigh] I've watched the teasers till E18...and erh...what day is it today? not Tuesday yet? I think ZLS is doing adequately well to portray a 15 year old, and I am not reminded of her other characters which means she's managed to portray herself differently in this drama. I feel bad for her that she's getting flack for her diction and her acting. I wonder how much more is expected of her? (I like hearing her own voice and she's not a seasoned voice actor, gee...that's obvious ain't it?) As for Wu Lei, his face is rather bony and he is truly stoic (another set of criticisms aimed at him) - but is it that bad? @abs-oluteM I wonder when our General will confess to CSS? [I watched the trailer and there's this voice over of him saying they've shared an intimate moment when he was undressed and she treated his wounds...keh keh keh] Gee, CSS agreed to marry that timid-looking boy? Why because she wants to be alpha female in the household like she told her aunt? hahah

@abs-oluteM I agree with you. I think LBY wasn't criticising her, but she converted everything he said into a criticism. Like mother, like daughter. And they have no idea, lol I watched E06, which involved the stupid study table, it was heart-breaking. About the mother - "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" I feel so glad that the 3rd aunt has appeared, I have liked watching her from another drama as well (was it The Sword and the Brocade?), so gentle, dignified and refined, the sort of mother-figure that CSS needs right now and a peer-like voice, the voice of reason, that can defend her in the face of her pride-fool mother. And I am equally glad that her two brothers have emerged, how they dote upon her and defend her. Had it not been for them, I think her life would be 10-fold more miserable. I am really wondering who is her elder brother, the accomplished one that is the talk of the town and the pride of the family. [on a side note, I tried going to Baidu to see who is going to play her eldest brother but from the looks of it, the genealogy map only shows these two younger siblings, there is no evidence that the eldest will make an appearance, so he will only be referred to, but not show up.] I've heard about the anecdotal mother who is jealous of her daughter-in-law for 'stealing' away her son. This is the first time I get to watch one in action. Adds a whole new dimension for me, such mother-in-laws, and this actress who portrays the Chen Matriach is truly fit for the role.

Ooh! The teaser for E12 is intense...our Wu Lei has his torso exposed, and its the scene where she removes the arrow head from his body. It's an intimate moment ..... He clearly has expressed his interest in her but I think being the highly distrusting CSS, she probably isn't opening up to him (yet). And I must say, listening to ZLS speak in the hushed tone, lacking that loud, rambunctious style that I am used to is quite erh distressing...I just can't get used to that 'weak, defenseless female tone of voice', not coming from her anyways. I'd much prefer TLB, though I know that wasn't her, it was VOed.

@movingwheel I've watched all the teasers up till E10, and I must say the story isn't as light-hearted as TLB or even A Dream of Splendor. When I watched both, I could do so easily, this one has dark themes lurking beneath the seemingly funny/comical family and its antics. I get the feeling that from the way they did the casting, trying to balance serious with comical was intended. Look at LBY's bodyguards, both jest and make light of things, one is chubby and jovial, this is in sharp contrast with LBY; his intentions and mannerisms are far from that. And the way the family schemes, and retaliates, and tries to pull people down, like crabs clawing at other crabs in a basket is quite, quite disturbing. [sigh, I think the too stoic comments will always come, regardless of which actor] I think I know why the mother is the way she is; she initially felt some sympathy for the daughter when she first arrived. But then she realised that CSS is scheming and shrewd, and her behaviour is more than meets the eye, all these has raised her defenses. She can't believe she has a daughter who appears naive and innocent child but isn't, a bit like a wolf in sheep's clothing (though I admit that CSS isn't doing it for the sake of being evil, but she's become distrustful, is retaliating, and doing so for self-protection). In addition, I think to begin with, as a female general, the mother herself has got trust and authority issues, more so as the hubby's family is out to get her. Like I said, this isn't a happy family to watch. [So, I finished all 4 episodes, and the mother said it out loud to CSS, that she tends to interpret all her daughter's behaviours in a negative light because of how she (CSS) has behaved in the past. I seriously think the problem with her mother is that she uses the same approach as she does in the army towards the daugther. It's all tough, using discipline and corporal punishment to bring her to task. But with CSS, that's not going to work, we can clearly see the way she hungers after TLC. So, I don't know when they are both going to come to their senses. I thought army generals need to use strategy to win battles/ the war....and I wonder when she realises that her approach isn't going to work. As for CSS, I wonder when she realises that she isn't going to get the kind of love she expects from her mother, but it is there, just hidden beneath layers of steel.]

@movingwheel @Tofu @abs-oluteM watched the first 2 eps....and the 4th one. I must say the comical family juxtaposed against the extremely serious Ling Bu Yi (Wu Lei) is rather entertaining. It's like one feels a sense of seriousness when looking at his face (it's even more serious than his portrayal of The Long Ballad, Ashille Sun, and from the previews, a lot darker, this character) but then one breaks out into laughter looking at how Shao Shang's clownish family behaves (more so as the mother has such a dead-pan face).

@abs-oluteM my sentiments exactly. Then again, this has happened before, there's a funny trailer and a not-so-funny one. I am sure another trailer will be released soon for the latter. You think?

@Tofu this is the first time I watched a proper trailer. I had no idea, there would be so much laughter and mischief contained within. LOL This is really going to be quite fun to watch, well at the beginning anyway before things go southbound somewhere just after the middle [keh keh keh]. But then again, with two episodes, where is the middle - the end of part 1???

No kidding...but this one particular incident was at the request of the director, so I can't say it's his choice altogether. I've seen a coming soon on the online poster for this drama on WeTV, would we be lucky enough to get this right after a Dream of Splendor ends? And imagine, Immortal Samsara not long after that...what a fortuitous summer

@themarchioness thanks for the history lesson! You must be one heck of a history buff. Gee, the actual emperor depicted in a scroll hanging in Taiwan (courtesy of wiki) was erh horizontally challenged, no wonder he was unwell. And based on my brief reading of his background, there does seem to be a connection. I agree the discussions parts went awry with people watching at different tempos, but then again, I watch very, very much later on for most dramas, so it doesn't bug me as much. However, I've witnessed what happened to a drama that I watched as it aired, and I could see how people were expressing their frustration at not being able to participate in conversations; so I saw it first-hand happening. Still, there's a VIP vs non-VIP now, so I guess, it will never be a completely level watching-field. @gilaswan sorry to hear work is taking its toll. Nope, I don't think you'd want to be sick just so you can get time off, the side effects may be quite nasty and long-lasting, depending on how you take it.

@Tofu I saw some of the trailers before this, and there was one where the director said "You have to really hit him (Wu Lei) so that the veins appear/ are prominent (I suppose the veins on his forehead?). Hitting him was using that paddle thingie where one lies down and gets smacked on the buttocks. So I hope he didn't get hit too many times, poor guy, what dedication to art. I like how ZLS's brows aren't as defined here, they are more faint which makes her look very much more gentle/timid, of course we know that's a facade, but still it helps to differentiate her from her other roles where she comes across as being more authoritative.

@themarchioness same here, watched 38-40 w/out subs and will rewatch when subs are available. I get the gist of what is happening but not the details. Still, it's good enough for me that I didn't have to wait till this Sunday. I was surprised at the express package because I thought it was a government ruling, but perhaps they've found a clause to get around it or positioned it in such a way, it doesn't violate any rules. Though I understand why there are people who are against this 'express' deal, I'm always thrilled that I can catch endings faster, so no complaints from my end. Of all the dramas I've watched, this has got to be the most unconventional Emperor, I mean...

@themarchioness @SilverMoonTea I saw a fast track option on Wetv for sale, a package price. I can't believe it, it's back? All 40 eps are out but I watched it elsewhere first....erh the ending I mean (LOL, so typical of me I know...as I am just at about 20-21, but I know why @themarchioness was fearful of the eps this week. me too, but the way things panned out in E40 for me were gratifying, though it felt like I was watching a manhwa... a little surreal. @gilaswan I ROFL-ed at your description of The Night Revel. Oh, you'll get clarity about the Evil Empress eventually, and understand why I used the word surreal. For Ou Yang Xu, I'd add on delusional and deranged as well.

I might skip here and there I am waiting for Mr Bad. haha

@Tofu coming, coming! Wait for me.....

@SilverMoonTea premieres on june 2, finally! after teasing us with so many trailers.

@Tofu @40somethingahjumma yes, caught my attention immediately. The trailer was such a laugh. I heard it's part of their Sweet On series, should be in the next few months. Yay!

@Tofu I am excited for Mr Bad, didn't know there was such a drama, but I saw the trailer and just can't wait now. Summer in China is from 21 June-23 Sept...So that's when these dramas should appear.

@SilverMoonTeayes, looks thinner from the days of Nirvana in Fire. Probably a requirement of the drama? or the one before that?

@gilaswan

@40somethingahjumma I just finished WRTW and MOMO, so I was looking for something to watch and this came rather timely. I like the FL and though her acting has room to grow, it's not that bad that I would get distracted. [my main grouse is not being able to watch The Golden Hairpin, I liked the novel and was really looking forward to it; fingers crossed the rumours about LGX taking over are true.] Thanks for letting me know that some episodes are missing, saw on MDL that they've got the license to air about 2 months back, so hopefully it will air soon. The reason why I mentioned about the factual elements is because I won't mind learning a thing or two from the psychological observations, as they would be helpful for my actual work .

@gilaswan @themarchioness which is why I said it felt like watching LOTR (lord of the rings), with their endless rounds of battle. I agree with you about the notion that I could have enjoyed it even more, ditto. For a drama, I would watch this once but I think I wouldn't rewatch it, unlike Novoland PE which tugged more at my heartstrings, the emotions felt more raw and the angst served some purpose to reel me in and beckon me to empathise with their respective stories. That felt like a story an ahjumma could relate to better while this was clearly was targetted at a younger market segment and their respective fans. [though from what I heard, fanwares are being waged right this very moment as I share my thoughts here, and you probably can guess whose fans are being hurled abuse at, poor thing.] There's always this fan-fic universe about what happens after, tis better left to the audience's imagination I suppose. Makes me recall a question Oh Yeon Joo asked her comic-artist father, what happens to the characters in your world after the comic story ends? Do they continue going on living? What's next? I was waiting for My Wife Is a Thief but that's still some way to go, though iQiyi has it as coming soon. Heroes? Song of the Moon (when it does air)? Cang Lan Jue or Eternal Love (no other title ah)? Immortal Samsara?

@movingwheel Seven Tan (my bad, I tend to use her English name, rather than TSY) I think a 2022 premiere expectation would be too much, right? earliest might be Q2 of 2023? As it's not a costume drama, post-production shouldn't be that demanding, no? @themarchioness ah, the proverbial 'turning into ashes and I can still recognise you' was something I commonly heard in TVB dramas, while growing up. Though I understand what it's trying to say, I truly question the person's logic for coming up with that phrase. Even forensic science might find it rather challenging to do so Hhmmm I wonder if snippets on YT portraying Seven Tan in pig tails are from this drama or possibly from another? Meaning, if the drama is gonna go to and fro, we'll get to see them as teenagers? Yes? @40somethingahjumma I've watched 5 eps of

@SilverMoonTea when is summer? June-August? hhmmm I can imagine all the wet faces that are to come. Btw, has anyone read the novel? What is the ending like? Mixed bag, HE, SE (I'd much prefer sad to bad)?