I had not read the novel and have not watch the anime - the only thing I knew about this series was based on the previews - and it isn't what I expected. But considering this is a lunch-time tv show, it makes sense.

What I didn't expect:
- how much humor is in this show - I somehow walked into this thinking it's a fighting drama, but it's half comedy. The goofballness of it actually took a minute to get used to, but once I did, it was something I look forward to. The 7 monsters just feels like little trouble-making monsters to me. So cute!
- not as much fight scene as I expected - but I read somewhere that some of more bloody scene had to be cut to get on TV (unsure if there is truth to it, but there are some places where I feel like there is an obvious cut-away - namely a practice fight with the phoenix against the helpers).
- xz is the clear lead, but I grown to care about the ensemble. I don't usually care about the "side characters".
- at the same time, I wish for more character development. Each ep is only about 30min (because it's on TV and has to account for commercial time???). I think each ep can use extra 15 min, and that'd help
- I half thought I would find the FL to be too cute, but actually I find the cuteness fitting of a bunny character. I liked her.
- costume - how many change of clothes did xz have? I liked them all.
- the positive values the show try to teach - I guess that's how it ends up on CCTV...
- I do think the editing favor these moments of teaching vs story / plot... (I chalk it up to the price of being on CCTV. if this is only an online drama, i think it'd be differently edited... but I guess I have to support shows trying to get a wider audience......)
- the trailer made me think this is a xianxia/wuxia shows - but it's much more contemporary than I anticipated, which I enjoy***

What I expected:
- I watched this show because of xz, and he didn't disappoint
- I don't know what's the online grip about the FX. It looks so pretty. I want to go to the secret garden

What I hoped and didn't get:
- While I haven't read the novel or watch the anime, so I don't care how strong ts is supposed to be. But he has his hammer spirit, and clearly someone special. I was very much waiting for that one moment where he comes to that full power (even if it's not as powerful as the novel version, within the limit of the tv version). He kinda sorta does at the last ep (which I do enjoy that last ep), it's still lacking. It isn't his hammer that won the fight, it's FL - which may play well into the partnership / lover thread but I really want ts to have that winning moment. (I guess they're saving something for s2...)
- There are definitely choppy plots. I assume it's due to editing / censorship, etc. It's not so much that I can't enjoy the story, but clearly the story can be better developed.

Bottom line: A lighthearted hero drama - it's not so light that it's without substance. It's not so heavy that you feel like to you need to take a moment to absorb it all. It's one of those shows that feels like it's good for the family - there is something for everyone, young or old.

***edit: since I'm experiencing withdrawal from the 7 monsters, I started binging the donghua (which I had planned to do knowing I'd likely have such withdrawal). I must place the caution here that this drama draws from the source materials, but don't compare. For whatever reasons (market, audience, rules, "wholesomeness"), you see clear inspirations but you won't see the same things at all. I enjoy the donghua. I enjoy the live-action. But each really should be viewed on its own merit. It also explains why it's more contemporary than I anticipated - the source material is very contemporary!