The Eternal Love 2 (2018)

Decent, better than the first one imo.

NOTE: I'm usually pretty generous when rating lol. Also, this contains spoilers for The Eternal Love 1 (not 2), so if you haven't watched that yet and don't want spoilers, I don't suggest you read this review.

☆☆☆☆☆ Story... yeah I think that's where it was better than the prequel. But there are still some flaws (I will address them later). First, I really liked the idea of the future Lian Cheng and his role. It's an interesting emotional feeling, because it's not really brotherhood or "love", but it's his bond with himself (?). I'm glad Yi Huai is less "possessive", but he still is creepy in the end, ngl. It's really like a whole lesson on "the things we do for love". I really hope Yi Huai finds a lover in The Eternal Love 3. Qu Xiao Tan is a very loveable character, yet a very silly character. It's pretty much the stereotype; a smart and strong male lead with a goofy and cute female lead. Though Tan Er may be a little too immature, always falling into people's traps. In this drama, Tan Er is less of a "savior" compared to the first drama. She doesn't play a very heroic role, if you know what I mean. One thing that I don't really think is super strong is the future Lian Cheng's reason to stay in Dong Yue. Apparently, his only motive is to make sure history doesn't repeat itself; basically making sure Yi Huai doesn't die during the fight for the throne. So when Yi Huai suspected Liu Shang and Lian Cheng being the same person, obviously Yi Huai knew about the "person coming from the future", so future Lian Cheng could have explained to Yi Huai that his motive was because he didn't want him killed like history shows. But of course, the fight for Tan Er became the highlight when the writers wrote this story, so I just think the link between future Lian Cheng's purpose to stay in the story and Yi Huai and Lian Cheng's rivalry isn't all that strong. But at least, I think this drama's storyline is better than the first, mainly bc Yi Huai isn't all creepy and possessed.

☆☆☆☆☆ If you read my review for the prequel, you know that the reason why I chose to watch this series in the first place is because of Xing Zhao Lin and Liang Jie. Liu Shang was also an amazing character. But I really really loved Jing Xin. From what I've seen, Jing Xin is pretty much the shoulder for Xiao Tan (Tan Er). She suffered so much and is pretty much like Xiao Tan's sister. Props to those actors and actresses.

☆☆☆☆☆ Overall, I would recommend you watch it, of course, if you've watched the first one already that is. I don't think I'd rewatch it- personally I'm not a "rewatching" type person, and I'd just watch the sequel. But as of now, I think I'll take a small break and go watch a modern drama, since historical dramas aren't exactly my thing, I still love them if they have a good plot (ie The Long Ballad). Anyways, if you haven't watched it yet, I'd encourage you to watch it!

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It felt like I was watching poorly-written fanfiction of season 1

Came into this season right after binging and loving season 1. I was shocked at how much I enjoyed season 1, but season 2 shocked me again with how much I /didn't/ like it. All the enjoyable things about season 1 was pretty much gone, and the only theme that carried over was the main couple's intense romance that everyone loves. I feel like they not only butchered Tan-er's character from a smart, capable heroine who solved the puzzles with her partner to stale paint in the background, but also Mo Yi Huai's character where they made him cannon fodder for the sake of the plot. Instead of the characters being pro-active in dealing with antagonistic schemes like season 1, they were passive and reactive. I dunno, season 2 lost a lot of its charm and I don't think I'll follow the couple's story into season 3 since it seems like the same thing, rinse and repeat.

PROS
❀ Romance, romance, romance | Just like season 1, at the core focus of this drama is the main couple Tan'er and Mo Lian Cheng. Even though one of Mo Lian Cheng's love rival is literally a past version of himself (seemingly in a different dimension), the main couple stays true to each other. The way they reconciled Mo Lian Cheng's different selves was... okay. I guess the only way they could have ended that plot point. I know some other viewers weren't a fan (based on YT comments LOL) but I thought it was fine. At that point in the story, I was speeding through and could care less.
❀ I liked the modern setting in the first couple of episodes | To be honest, it would have been refreshing to keep the story but in modern settings. But the writers said "nah" and decided to rehash all the characters and premises of season 1. Original, much??? (/s)
❀ Still love the supporting characters | Tan-er's maid, MLC's bodyguard, and his younger brother prince are my fave.

CONS - caution bc I be ranting in here
✕ The way they butchered Tan-er's character | In season 1, I love how she worked with Mo Liang Chen and even Qu Xiao Tan to figure out the antagonists' schemes and get back at them. She was smart, and even though she was a little obnoxious, at the end of the way she got things done. In this season, only the obnoxious part of her character carried through. She barely did anything in terms of plot (most of the action was Mo Liang Chen trying to get a happy ending for this dimension and his fam), and her plans usually backfired (with the exception of like, 1, towards the end lmao). She wasn't annoying, per se, but she wasn't helpful for anything outside of the main romance. It was really disappointing to see a smart (and kind of powerful, with the orb magic!) FL regress into the same ol' same ol' Chinese historical heroine that runs around doing nothing and having dudes fall in love with her for doing nothing.
✕ The way they butchered Mo Yi Huai's character | Loved his bittersweet character in season 1, but in this season he's crazy. His character is inconsistent (in one scene he's obsessed with and 'loves' Tan-er, in another scene he laughs at her trying to seduce him) (Granted, he knows she has something up her sleeve but still homeboy really acted like he hated her), his motives are dodgy, and in general he gets pulled like the wind in whatever direction the writers want him to take. I'm tired of Chinese drama writers making villains mentally ill/obsessive... it's not only lazy, but leaves a bad taste in my mouth. We in the 21st century, surely we can think up of better villains? Anyway, all his charm and pure love in season 1 gets thrown out the window and he regresses into the stereotypical obsessive/possessive villain who will do anything, at all costs, to get a woman. Sigh.
✕ From pro-active to reactive | Like I said, the scheming/court intrigue became frustrating in this one with the characters finding things out last minute and figuring out a way to fix things. The crux of the problem was Mo Liang Chen trying to save his older bro (who the writers must hate as a character bc they always be doing him dirty) and because of that, tries not to stir stuff up. Oh, but other people be stirring stuff up. So MLC's there to act as a janitor and sweep everything into rights... until he can't. And shit hits the fan. And now they have a BIGGER mess to clean up. And as a viewer I'm done and skipping scenes.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 4+/10 | I honestly don't remember since I finished this a couple weeks ago but definitely more than the first season. Mo Liang Chen has Tan-er in CIRCLES with him acting as himself, being himself but in an earlier time/different dimension, and acting as himself with a mask aka lookin like another dude. To be honest, I couldn't keep up with the actor switching roles and I don't think he did a good job. I had to constantly read the YT comments to figure out if it was the OG Mo Liang Chen or the new one. Comments be like "ohh he's colder as the new MLC and much sweeter as the OG one" and I was like "who???" bc they both be having the same ":|" expression. The FL was confused, I was confused as a viewer, and in general the execution was Very Messy (TM).

OVERALL
The Eternal Love lost its charm for me. I really don't understand why this season is some viewers' faves - maybe bc of the unnecessary angst that was created? Season 1 was fun and fresh, season 2 was the opposite. We got reuse, reduce, recycled characters/background, romance that felt cheapened (especially with Tan-er losing ALL her memories of season 1. Like she gains a little back but not the whole thing, it seemed like (although it was not clearly showed)), and heavily wasted potential on plot elements. I feel like I should have skipped this season and went directly to season 3. Nevertheless, I'll be taking a break on this series before moving on (if I do so at all).

(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)

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Enjoyable yet underappreciated

This was equally as enjoyable as the first season, I don't understand the negative reviews that this season has gotten. Honestly, it was good or better than the first and held up to the hype. Most times, when dramas or movies get sequels they are not as good as the first season, but this was an exception.

Plot: The plot was amazing, I must say. I love how it left off from season one so it make sense for this season with the time traveling arc. Many people was complaining about it being confusing yet they didn't finish or watch it until the end. Because, when Mo Lian cheng(Future) went back in time to help save Xiaotan, he had sparked the butterfly effect. Which is why everything was different than in the first season. Of course, anything with time traveling is going to be complex instead of being simple. Aside from the time travel, I loved the endless amount of romance that was in it. The kiss scenes was very steaming making you wish that you had a love life. Which I would have to give Zhao Lin a lot of credit. Furthermore, the costumes were pretty and better than season one. The humor was also excellent making me want to spit out my drink as their are so many modern/ future references.

Characters: Most of the character's are the same in personality so their wasn't much character development from the first season. There was character's that we didn't see in season one such as the consort of the emperor (Lian Cheng and Yuhai's father) ,the foreign princess and Lui shang (Lian Cheng in disguise). What also was bring to my attention was that both Pan'er and Yuhai didn't even learn from season one since they both had a second chance at life. Pan'er did sacrifice herself but because she knew that even if she kept on living Yuhai would never love her.

In conclusion: I would definitely re-watch it and suggest it for people who haven't watched it.

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What I liked the most was the days the main couple spent in modern times. I liked how male lead educated himself to fit this new era and tried to find female lead. After he did, I loved how he tried to make her fall in love with him again and tried to protect her! I liked their story after they got back to the past too. They were so cute together! I loved watching their scenes! Male lead was so intelligent, brave and loving while remaining very funny! I liked the actor who played male lead's mask . I liked female lead's craziness. It was a much better production and it definitely remained interesting. It is basically a romantic comedy so it was very funny, but it also had some sad things happening. All in all, it was a very nice drama to watch! I would definitely recommend it!

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Can I just say I love this drama so much? Initially, I was a bit unsure about watching this sequel because drama sequels are normally nowhere near as good as the first. I feel like more time and money has been spent on this drama and it's even better than the first season! Before the drama was aired, I wasn't sure about the description because it seemed like all of the first drama would be written off, but Mo Liang Chen (the future one) often refers to the story in the first drama, etc. so it doesn't feel like it's all been forgotten even though we're currently in a completely new timeline. I think the writers handled this really, really well and far more seamlessly than I was anticipating. Hopefully with a bit of luck, the two timelines might coincide near the end. Actually, the plot is so unusual that I'm not sure how they'll end this!

The actor playing masked future Mo Liang Chen has done an amazing job as well. The way he is acting feels really believable and not like an actor swap but just a 'face swap'. Therefore, it doesn't break the immersion and pull you out of the story. My favourite part of this drama is the dynamic between Tan'er, the eighth prince and future eighth prince. I do feel like future prince is the clear winner here, but he does have a massive advantage XD And it's so funny that the past prince and future prince are both jealous of each other. I can't wait for the past (well, current??) prince to find out that Liu Shang is actually future him! I also don't know which I should ship. Like I said, future prince is playing more the hero here BUT past prince will one day become him or maybe not because how the time lines have all gotten messed up? XD But he's the version of Mo Lian Cheng that Tan'er should have fallen in love with until the future version interfered. The chemistry is amazing between Liang Jie and Xing Zhao Lin, whether it's Tan'er and current prince or Tan'er and future prince, I love all of their interactions. And when the future one is masked, the actor playing this version of Mo Liang Cheng fits in so seamlessly and feels like the same character.

I mean, how anyone not love this sequel??? Instead of one Mo Lian Cheng, we get two!! Does that mean in the third season we will get three Mo Lian Chengs?~ (I've heard rumourings of a third one, not sure if it's true but I hope so!!!)

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Personally, I enjoyed this one even more than the first one. I love love loved it!

It’s so over the top and it’s amazing
I was also so glad we had a bigger budget this season, especially loved everybody’s new costumes.

I would have been totally down for a continuation of the modern world - with Mo Lian Cheng pursuing the Xiao Tan that hadn’t gone back in time yet. I can't believe he asked her to marry him in like one (1) episode lol, mo lian cheng has absolutely no chill
And let me tell you, Xing Zhao Lin in modern gear? Hard smash, he looked so good

Xiao Tan’s character also improved so much. And this time we didn’t have to worry about her switching back and forth! She is much more cheerful and fun than before, I enjoyed her constant modern references even more than before. I just love her so much. She even said #feminism and #employeerights. Even doing a street dance with the crowd, making a scooter, having a Victoria’s secret fashion show, just everything. An icon.

And Xiao Tan’s kink is Mo Lian Cheng’s chest muscles, I actually love it. Girl loves those pecs
“I just want to live ordinary days of petting a cat and touching your chest muscles” XD Don’t we all
And let’s not forget “Even if I’m about to die, I must get his clothes off!”

Meanwhile, the plot is actually so good?? I never thought having a battle with yourself would be such good material!!
I loved how there were TWO versions of himself. This show’s solution to solving second lead syndrome? Just make two of the same guy!! and give one a face-changing mask lmaooooo

But also: Imagine two versions of your boyfriend flirting with you, lmao. How does Xiao Tan cope constantly seeing them together, it would mess me up

Oh but can we talk about the kisses!! There were SO many good ones, we were BLESSED.

And a side note: My favourite thing that is never explained? Mo Lian’s Cheng can just…fly?? As far as I know, nobody else can fly. But nobody even bats an eye, like ‘oh that’s normal’
It’s so funny and I love it. Keep it unexplained pls
But also, I feel like he should have done that in a LOT of situations

My only complaint I would have is that last third of the show is a very stressful watch? Towards the end, my bbies never get to have a break for 2 seconds. There’s always a new big bad, like can everybody just chill. Mo Lian Cheng is injured/near death in every episode, my poor son. So yes, my anxiety was high in this show.

Especially every time anybody blood related touched him and it was like he was having an epilepsy fit on the inside (‘conceal don’t feel don’t let it show’) Poor dude!!!!

I appreciate that they made the Queen Dowager good in this version though.

And I was also SO down for the secondary couple: 14th prince x Jing Xin.
Speaking of Jing Xin, she is SUCH a good friend and loyal servant, she is an actual angel. All the awards for Jing Xin.

On the whole, the first 2/3rds of the show are REALLY good, the last third is stressful and does get a bit on the weird/crazy side but at least we never have to go to that damn ‘spiritual realm’ again.

I can’t wait for S3!!! They did a really good job of wrapping up loose ends while also preparing the groundwork for the next season. The hype is real

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So good

I'm in love with this drama. Both seasons were very beautiful, especially because I saw Jingxin and Jingxuan together. But to tell my opinion, I think Xiaotan was more immature this season, though I understand that all the future has changed. And the fact that Mo Yihuai always gets hurt, that is, I understand he is the negative character but I think he and Taner have gone through too much to be together and if his logic was not good, he wanted the throne just because he believed that if he had power she can be with her loved one. And I'm sick of all this. That is, the fact that in most historical dramas that have a happy ending the main couple remain together but the second gets separated. It's sad to see him die in the first season and in the second he looses his mind. I want season 3 to make some changes. Well, I really enjoyed it so much I mean, and so it should also matter to those who want to see it, but they need other opinions. So, don't wait and watch it because you'll love it and trust me,I am an expert when it comes about asian dramas,especially chinese dramas.

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There’s definitely better things about this season and worse things about this season, compared to the first. The chemistry still remains, with plenty of kisses! Some of the plot got lost from the first season, and some opportunities I think were lost that would’ve been good for the story. I don’t think they spent enough time in the future, for instance. And they could’ve spent a little bit longer on the identity switcheroo part. Also, the main female kept some of her feistiness from season one, but lost a bit of intelligence I think. Overall she was still a lot better than most female leads you see in Chinese dramas. The ending leaves a possibility of a season three. But unlike season one, it doesn’t leave you hanging necessarily. It leaves the ending with you satisfied, but with the possibility of their son growing up and having a story of his own.

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If you liked Eternal Love, what are you waiting for?

Eternal Love 2 is a very natural continuation of Eternal Love. Whilst this time it is the male actor who plays two parts, otherwise in terms personalities, acting, plots everything is in perfect consistency to what happened before. If you enjoyed Eternal Love, you'll enjoy this. If you disliked Eternal Love, why would you watch this?

Watching Eternal Love and Eternal Love 2 almost in a row, was a bit too much. By the end, the crazy silliness/endearing aspects of the series had worn a bit thin. I had hoped some 40-50 episodes in, that Qu Xiao Tan would become a more equal partner, but unfortunately Mo Lian Cheng is always the leader in this one (perhaps even more so than Eternal Love). Also, there was a side inner palace plot that I didn't like as much as in Eternal Love.

But still, it is absolutely worth the watch.

Other Criteria I score by:

Complex Themes - 3
(Still none really . . .)
Character Growth -7
(As with Eternal Love, the split personality takes a fair bit of good acting and thinking. It's nice to see the ultra-serious, secretive old Mo Lian Cheng, next to the more mischievous and light-hearted new Mo Lian Cheng)
Nuanced Women -5
(The female friendships are tamped down in this one since there is no split personality on the female side, and this time Sun Yi Ning (the maid) has a romance plot of her own to take up screentime)
Cinematography/Production Values - 5
(Still not great, but an improvement from Eternal Love. They didn't try to do a mystic world on a low budget, more money was put into the costumes and interior design, and the modern scenes were done in the 'real world' without tons of green screen )

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DONT BINGE SEASON 1 & 2 TOGETHER> GIVE A GAP OF 6 MONTHS TO FORGET S1

I was hoping the story will start from where we were left off.. i.e ML and FL back in Modern World based on few clippings i saw on youtube.. But I didn't think that the ML will go back to the Past.

The directors made a complete mess of everything. The things which made logical everything last time.. completely disappeared this time. The character of FL was drastically different from season 1. For me it was like I was watching two different characters. Perhaps those who saw Season 1 about a year or two ago will be able to watch it without much issues. BUT I WARN YOU>> DONT BINGE THE 2 SEASONS TOGETHER.

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