Maiden Holmes (2020)

a good watch with a breath of fresh air !!

i was just waiting for a this is it drama this summer and i think i found it. although this has so many tropes (like cross- dressing and meeting as children) it manages to deliver it less cliche and cringe.
things i liked:
- the story was alright, i really like detective/ mystery and the plot was very fast paced and easy to understand
- both the main and second couple have amazing chemistry (especially main hehe)
- the whole cast is practically new/ young actors but they did better than i expected
- thank goodness there wasn't a love triangle, i'm so tired of that trope
- the misunderstandings between ML and FL were solved fairly quick which was also effective in allowing the leads to grow together and earn each others trust
- really appreciated that the ML was not the typical overbearing, physically pinning girl to the wall type of person if you know what i mean, he genuinely cared about FL which we can tell from the way he always sticks with her and supports her
- i loved the bond between the 5 main characters, everyone had such distinct personality which made the story a lot more enjoyable
- the ML's visual, that's all i got to say, i found him meh in the beginning but over time in the drama, he definitely proved me wrong with his charisma

aspects i thought could have been improved on:
- i felt like during the first 6 ep, the romance development between main leads was too rushed like everything happened too fast
- the part where FL thought that ML killed her parents, there should have been more evidence or reasons for the FL to think that since i she just believed it was ML from just a voice like . . . people's voices change over time right

overall i think this is a great watch for someone who has time on their hands as the whole thing is fairly long with 32 ep. if you are also looking for a not so cringe but light drama, i highly recommend.

Lire davantage

Through The Rain and Dust, a Deep Love For You!

"Maiden Holmes" is a captivating drama that will keep you glued to your screen. It's a drama about love, investigation, adventure, and justice. "Maiden Holmes" follows the story of Xiao Yan Zhi (Prince Qi) who was forced to relinquish his military power by the villain of the imperial court, even after he won numerous war, and sustained many injuries and scars while serving the country. During the last war he fought before he was forced to relinquish his military power, someone in the imperial court colluded with the enemy, blocking all reinforcements, but Xiao Yan Zhi being a skilled and experienced general, he won the war nevertheless, but his army suffered many casualties. After returning, from the war, the villain of the court schemed against him, Xiao Yan Zhi seeing the situation, he relinquished his military power willingly. During the last battle he fought, he knew there was someone who wanted him and his army to perish, so he began his investigation.


In the course of his investigation, he met Su Ci, a skilled detective of Mingjing Office who's from the wronged and falsely accused Bai Liang Clan. Su Ci disguised herself as a man, became a detective so she could investigate the wrongful extermination of her family. One wants to discover the truth behind the his last battle (Honggu war), and the other wants to prove the innocence of her family and her entire clan. Eventually, two hearts that wants to find out the truth and bring justice to the dead meets, and formed an unbreakable bond. Xiao Yan Zhi and Su Ci began their investigation and quest for the truth and justice, in this quest they made two friends Xie Bei Ming and Dong Rushuang. Together they discovered the truth, bring justice to the dead, and finally cleared the names of the wrongfully accused.


What do I love about this drama? What I love about "Maiden Holmes" is how Xiao Yan Zhi and Su Ci relationship blossomed into a romantic one, and how their bond became unbreakable. Hence my title, "Through the rain and dust, a deep love for you". Indeed, through all situations, they never let go of each other's hands, for that, I admire their relationship. While this is not the best detective drama, it's a unique drama, that I know for sure. Honesty, I've been pondering on whether to watch this or not, but finally gave it a try because of Zhang Ling He. And as expected from him, he delivered, there's also Sabrina Chen, her acting impressed me. Without leaving out the supporting characters of course.

So, is this drama worthwhile? Without a doubt! Is this a must watch? Most definitely. "Maiden Holmes" is a drama that's worth every hour, minutes, and seconds. So, don't miss out this wonderful drama, it's a drama anyone wouldn't want to miss!

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Just like what show in the trailer

I just finished watching this drama with Chinese subtitles.

The storyline is based in a historic setting where they meet two friends to solve cases and along the way they find the secret of ML and FL case. Perfect acting skills, sweet romance and interesting story plot. Totally recommend this drama for people who love historic setting and mystery cases.

I really love the ML, for his first drama he expressed the character well and he is really handsome. I do think the ML and FL have perfect chemistry between one another. I watched the behind the scene the ML and FL were comfortable with each other. Hopefully, i can see them act together again!

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love and friends on the way........

This drama is a much-needed drama with a sweet romance to compensate the angst in the recently aired Love and Redemption, and numerous other open-ended dramas. It has a super handsome new actor who is making his debut and it is also one of the many cross-dressing dramas released lately. The story is semi-serious with cute and funny moments littered throughout. The pace is good and the storyline is not complex. It is certainly a very relaxing watch.

This is a story about palace power struggle. Right from the start, the antagonist is already made known to the viewers. Though unknown for the protagonists with no concrete proofs that all the mysteries and crimes they’re trying to solve are linked to the antagonist, nonetheless, the eventual outcome does not surprise them.

The Prince of Qi (Zhang Ling He) is a wandering prince who holds no political power. He has a great relationship with his younger brother who is the Emperor, but a nemesis of his uncle who wants the throne. He disguises as a wealthy aristocrat as Pei Zhao and frequents the brothels. There he meets and falls in love with Su Ci (Sebrina Chen) who disguises as a man working as a high-level investigator. Pei Zhao is patient, forgiving, condoning and protective towards Su Ci. He is strategic and very intelligent. Su Ci is upright, unbiased and detailed which makes her a great investigator. Together with their friends, a medical genius, a skilled sword man and the best cook, they make an ideal team with enviable friendship. Right from episode 1, Pei Zhao and Su Ci begin to work hand in hand, literally, solving crimes and unfolding a bigger conspiracy. They’ve never been separated since, everywhere they go, they go together and everything they do, they do it together. It is really very comforting to see they are always at each other’s side and trusting each other. Any misunderstanding is resolved almost as soon as it arises because they are being very honest to each other; it is indeed very heart-warming to see the couple holding hands all the time.

I’m delighted with Zhang Ling He’s portrayal of Pei Zhao/Prince of Qi. This is his first drama but his performance is beyond my expectation, far more convincing than many other more experienced actors. He has a very handsome face and a well built body. Acting as a flamboyant playboy and later as a devoted lover, Zhang Ling He’s performance is believable and lovable. I cannot help myself but looking at his handsome face all the time.

Su Ci has a calling – to find out what had happened seven years ago when her whole tribe was massacred, leaving her the lone survivor. Her investigative prowess helps her unravel the conspiracy and eventually bring justice for her tribe. Sebrina Chen has cross-dressed in several other dramas and she is very convincing, dressing as a man. Having a matter-of-factly demeanor, Sebrina Chen’s portrayal is authentic and wonderful.

The second couple is perhaps the cutest and sweetest side couple. Their love for each other is unmistakable and they help solve many crimes together. The other cast members are both good looking and wonderful in their respective roles. The ending is concluded properly with justice served - the good is being rewarded and the bad is being punished, and the lovers are happily ever after.

This is indeed a very enjoyable drama not to be missed.

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One of the best in Cdramas

I love the characters! Especially the main leads. Zhang Li He - is one of my favorite artist nowadays, he is a good actor to think this was his first Drama; his debut yet he was really good portraying the role and so handsome! I will recommend this to my friends who wants Cdramas as well. After this will then watch Sparkle Love. I hope ZLH will have more projects. I will watch out for his future projects. The story, the love team, the sweet scenes on this drama were really good! I hope ZHL will have future main roles like this genre! I soooooo loveeeeeeeeeeeee this drama!!! Kudos to all the artists and the management!!!!

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Nice Light Hearted Romance/Detective Drama

The story is interesting with a mix of romance, prince charming, cross dress, imperial feud, sweet sibling love, cute second lead romance, humor; basically, it's a hearty feel good drama. The acting is great and the chemistry among the actors were good. The back drop production set is beautiful. The detective works are concise and short pieces of a large puzzle that conglomerated for a nice finish. The whole story is short and concise, not drawn out nor dragged out making it a delightfully feel good drama. There are some flash backs but not irritatingly overdosed. There are also a bit of joyful funny moments. I can't say it is something I would re-watch but I can say that it was definitely worth time watching it.

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A cute love story

At first I was hesitant to to see this cdrama series, maybe because the ML is just new as an actor but I read a lot of comments that he was so good looking on the screen and the FL was the main character in My Unicorn (recently cdrama series) So why not? Then I started to open my Ipad and press the WeTV for the Maiden Holmes, Episode 1 was good :-) the music was also goodddd!!! Similar soundtrack to Love and Destiny or The Eternal love of Dream that is why I decided to dig in until the next episodes, again and again until I found out I am in 20 episodes hehehe. The storyline was cute! Its a light heartwarming love stories of the ML and FL, same with the second couple. The 4 main characters are really a good combination plus a loyal assistant of the ML character. A prince ML, a cross dresser official FL, a Physician, A spoiled brat expert in martial arts (2nd lead) and a cute assistant of Prince Qi.

For me, this is one of my favorite Cdrama. If you are looking for a light, happy ending series I highly recommend Maiden Holmes :-)

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A drama to watch when the watch list is empty and it is enjoyable

WHAT I LIKED:
- The main couple: I thought the two of them were both goodlooking and cute together. It was nice that there was no rival and they both quickly fell for each other. No angst because of misunderstanding and they basically spend the drama discovering each other's story, sharing cute and romantic moments and supporting and helping and saving each other.
- The story: I thought the story was clear and well developped between the different investigations. Some investigations were linked to the main plot some were not but overall the pace and writing was good enough to make sub plots and plot interesting without being gripping. You don't end each episode with a cliffhanger and dying to see what is going to happen but most episodes were enjoyable.

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE:
- The secondary couple: They were both cute and nice persons and helpful but I felt that they had no other meaning but to be sidekicks. The SML was a bit simple minded and he lacked depth until the last eps were his character took a bigger dimension. The SFL had absolutely no character development and her background was very unclear so beside her poisons she looked very bland. Their love story really suffered from the comparison with the main couple's one.
- The villain: He was a little bit too wordy and did not get his hand dirty while his lackeys were eliminated one after another so he looked not so mighty but rather annoying.
- The drama lacked of punch as most of the time the leads did not look really endangered or challenged.

OVERALL:
It is a drama which does what it has to do: entertain with a consistent story and some sub stories to develop and support the characters. There is a good dose of romance and cute moments too. An OK drama to watch when you are bored. A very decent cdrama with a nice ending I appreciated after watching the Heiress.

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Romance, funny, cross dressing and suspense

This is a light romance comedy with some suspense and plot. The story line is very light and easy to watch. There isn't too heavy suspense and plot, but good enough amount of suspensions are there.

I also discovered a new promising super handsome actor named Zhang Ling He. He was only 22 years old when he acted in his very first drama as main roll, yet he acted very mature character despite his real young age. This tells me he is already a super actor at his young age. I found him a bit of younger version of Caesar Wu with little sweetness. Caesar Wu is great to play cold at first yet warmer later type of rolls, but Zhang Ling He is good at more of sweeter rolls. Now I became a big fan of Zhang Lin He as much as fan of Caesar Wu.

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Historical rom-com love story with extremely boring investigation cases

This drama is about the female lead who joins the investigation bureau pretending to be a man in order to gain access to the secret documents related to her painful past. The male lead, who has a hidden identity, joins her in unravelling the crime cases.

The first 10 episodes were engaging with a meet-cute love story and mysterious cases on the side. However, with each passing episode, the drama became more and more dull and boring. There were around 5-6 investigation cases in total. The first 2 were ok to watch but afterwards the investigations became too repetitive and predictable. The female lead would touch objects, ask a bunch of questions, walk around and bam, case is solved. I somehow managed to get to episode 24 and then I pretty much skipped 95% of each episode just to see how the story ends.

I loved the male lead. I watched the drama for Zhang Linghe and he did not disappoint me. I love that his character felt unique as he had eye sight problems. At times he reminded me of the cool Daredevil superhero when he was fighting while blindfolded.

The romance was cute and at times felt like a rom-com with many funny moments. It had a strong start but quickly fizzled out. The male lead is a green flag and a feminist who fights for women’s equal rights which was nice to see. But the plot of the drama was all about the investigation cases which were boring and irritated me too much.

POSITIVE:
- Intelligent female lead.
- Green flag male lead who fights for women’s rights.
- Hot kisses between the leads (not a lot but those that were shown were good).
- Sweet romance.
- No love triangles or side characters obsessed with the main leads and trying to break them apart.
- Mix of investigation, romance and comedy.

NEGATIVE:
- Boring, repetitive and predictable investigation cases. Since the plot was all about the cases it made the drama extremely difficult to watch.
- Not enough angst. Plot was boring. Side characters were boring. Love story had a strong start but quickly fizzled out.
- Second couple was ok but nothing special. The drama would have been the same without them.

OVERALL:
This drama was not my cup of tea but it doesn’t mean it was bad. If you like investigation cases with lighthearted romance you might enjoy this more than I did. However if you want to watch an older drama of ZLH, I'd suggest you see Love Crossed instead.

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