Ultimately flawed.

The show had good intentions, but ultimately flawed.

With so many variables and ineffective challenges, there is no way they can say they found the absolute best physique or specimen out of all contestants.

In my opinion, it's not a show entirely focused on actually and accurately finding the perfect body.
Many good contestants and top athletes were eliminated too early without having the chance to showcase their true abilities, and also some developed injuries which also did not help.

The team challenges sets were incredible. And while were most exciting and fun to watch, did little to actually single out the best of the best. Rather I saw it as them wanting to slash down on contestants.

My biggest gripe was the final episode. So much momentum and excitement was built only to be letdown on the finale. Not because I didn't like the finalists, but I felt the challenges were lazily put together. I expected a lot more especially for the chance to win a quarter-million dollars.

Some, if not most of the games were just to create a wow-factor or to stir excitement, rather than set out to actually determine the best physique among contestants. If that were the case, there would be more one-on-one challenges.

It's a good watch to burn time and but I wouldn't take this show too seriously because there's just way too many variables and too many flaws.

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True Romance and Chemistry

The main reason many love this drama was because of the romance and chemistry between the main leads -- Princess Weiyoung and Tuo Ba Jun. What makes the story better is knowing Tang Yan and Luo Jin's relationship became more serious after this series and eventually lead to their real life marriage.

Besides, the supporting casts were very likeable and all of the music was exceptional.

1. Story
Centers around Li Weiyoung and you will catch on quickly since its quite straightforward. Although it does become repetitive towards the middle-end portion, there are enough surprises and intricacies to keep you enticed. Moreover, the supporting cast does wonderfully to keep you engaged.

2. Characters
Li Weiyoung (Liang Xin Er) -- grows within the series and she has to overcome many challenges through using her intuition and wit, which made viewers connect and root for her.

Tuoba Jun -- Prince Gaoyang also has his mysteries to solve and his character is intertwined with Weiyoung, and makes a complementary balance. Entirely likeable and Luo Jin's acting is very natural.

Li Minde -- Another strong character who might be overlooked but his role was essential. He also has to make his sacrifices in this story so viewers can definitely relate to him. I also really admire his acting, he might be under Luo Jin's agency since he also worked with Luo Jin in Investiture of the Gods.

Jun Tao -- She brought in the much needed martial arts and fight scenes, cause without her character, this drama might have entirely lacked that action. She did not do much but her loyalty was strong and a very likeable character.

3. Romance/Love
Undoubtedly many watch this drama for the main leads since they are both very beautiful and handsome. The chemistry, you can see is very natural and realistic. The romance between them was entirely appropriate and very sweet. Coupled with the outstanding music, their story is a real tear-jerker and heartbreaking.

There's also many other types of love exhibited in this drama - sisterly, motherly, and also hidden love. The relationship Weiyoung had between Jun Tao, Bai Zhi, Real Li Weiyoung, Li Chang Ru, and Princess Di would be considered sisterly love. The loyalty that Jun Tao and Bai Zhi exhibited was very touching. Family or motherly love was also present and self explanatory.

Though the evil supporting casts were sinister, they also did it out of love so you could sympathize with them eventually though they did many despicable things. Mainly speaking of Tuoba Yu, Li Chang Ru, and Li Chang Le.

4. Costume/Scenery
Beautiful costumes, they made Tang Yan really beautiful, definitely have crush on her after this. The males also were wonderfully dressed like Li Minde, Tuoba Jun and Tuoba Yu.

Not much scenery, since I believe they only filmed within a defined area. There were not many scenes from faraway places. And if there were CGI, they were subtle and very appropriate, none were silly.

5. Music
In my opinion, it was a perfect soundtrack to go along with this drama. The ending theme to each episode was sung by Tang Yan (Weiyoung) and Luo Jin (Tuoba Jun) themselves! Also another song that was played during sad moments between Weiyoung and Prince Gaoyang was actually sung by Chiyun Nan (Jin Han)! Link below

Fate Because of Me - Jin Han
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWkuLgyOmeA

6. Ending
The story is well paced and the ending is considered tragic and sad but for me it felt rushed. After all Weiyoung and Prince Gaoyang have been through, I would have desired a bit longer end to celebrate their happiness or achievement. The end was not entirely sad because of what occurred but IMO more so that they did not show us more story about the lead couple.

I would have also loved if Princess Jingmu, Tuoba Jun's mother and the Emperor was there to witness the end.

Overall entirely re-watchable and a good story with exceptional casts, all played their roles very well and though at some times it gets repetitive and maybe some elements were annoying such as the face masks being used or how they rushed a bit at the end, its still worth watching for the cast, acting, music, and romance.

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Enchanting Visuals, Splendid and Engaging Characters

Reasons to watch -- main leads naturals in roles, endearing characters, gorgeous and detailed set designs, beautiful aesthetics, and outstanding soundtrack
Reasons to critique -- something left to be desired after ending

1. Story
Personally, I preferred the earlier half of the story when Wei WuXian was reminiscing in the past. For me, the intrigue, mystery, and villains were more interesting than the second half of the drama since it was became predictable as to how events would unfold. Story was well paced but the ending wasn't as climatic as I had hoped.

2. Characters
You could say some of the actors, specifically the main leads, were born to play their roles. Wei WuXian and Lan Zhan were as natural as actors could be. This entire drama and cast had a very youthful and lively aura.

Supporting casts were equally exceptionally chosen, such as Xue Yang, Shijie (Jiang Yan Li), Lan Yuan, Wen Ning, Wen Qing, Madam Yu, and Jin Zi Xuan.

The most memorable relationships besides the main leads were between:
Jiang Cheng - Madam Yu
Wei WuXian - Shijie
Wen Qing - Wen Ning
Wen Ning - Lan Si Zhui (A'Yuan)
Xue Yang - Xiao Xing Chen

The last relationship being the most intriguing and actually heartbreaking.

3. Costume / Set Production
No question, a ton of attention to detail went into the set design, small props, wardrobes, swords, and pretty much everywhere else. This was highly appreciated by me and added to the enchantment of the drama. A big thumbs up to the team for being so cognizant of the aesthetics.

4. Music
Nothing short of touching and beautiful. A pleasure of a soundtrack, rivals my other highly recommended soundtrack of Princess Wei Young (2016).

Listen to the entire soundtrack but in particular this song -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pZQZX30IVk

5. Ending
I do feel as though it was slightly rushed and less anti-climatic as I would have liked. For me some questions lingered and it seemed like they tried to wrap things up maybe a bit haphazardly.

Some things I would have liked seen --
(1) The death of Wen Cao and how he died. We saw him suffering but they never revealed how he died.
(2) A moment and scene of remorse with Wen Zhu Liu that perhaps meant something but never developed
(3) Relationship between Wen Qing and Jiang Cheng never developed or settled. Oh well, I liked WWX and Wen Qing though.
(4) Jin Ling and Wei WuXian never had their moment at the end, this was a big disappointment
(5) Second half of the story was predictable since most already suspected Meng Yao as the main culprit.

Overall, a drama exceptional in many categories and deserved a solid rating but maybe would have been even better if some things were different.

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Lighthearted and Fun

First drama I watched after nearly a decade of watching none!

A fascinating story with a bit of mystery, and a mixture of lighthearted comedy, silliness, romance, friendships, fantasy, revenge and scheming.

1. Story
Good pace, the mystery behind the main character was reason the drama flowed quickly. The character mixture of mortals, immortals, demons, and gods were interesting and added to the watch value of the drama.

2. Characters
I discovered Luo Jin casted as Yang Jian, through this drama and was not disappointed. Very much enjoyed his natural acting and a very likeable character. The stronger performances were that of the Fox Demon (Deng Lun), Xiao Er, Jiang Ziya, Crown Prince and Empress. Other supporting characters who were also enjoyable were Li Er, Lan Ying, Wu Ji, Bo Yikao, Ne Zha, both Consorts, King of Zhou, and Jiang Ziya's wife with the celestial broom.

Less enjoyable characters were King of Shang, Shen Gonbao, Fei Zhong, and didn't really care for Su Da Ji.

3. Romance
The main relationship is a bit complicated since the adopted son and main character, Yang Jian technically isn't blood related to Su Da Ji but is still her sibling, so although the chemistry is there, its also awkward. However Luo Jin, brings genuine passion and sentiments into this relationship which makes it believable.

There are many side relationships and some are equally as romantic. There is Wu Ji and Lan Ying, Yang Jian and Xiao Er, Fox Demon and Su Da Ji, and Jiang Ziya and his wife (more lighthearted).

4. Costumes
Well above average design and I liked the variety they showed. Clean aesthetics and very appealing.

5. Music
This series is obviously incomplete due to some censoring in China but the ending theme is already an exceptional tune. Very moving and beautiful -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxXMqhxsBpc

6. Ending
Well, there is no ending yet since it stops at Episode 53 and hasn't updated in a while as of October 2019 which kind of brings down the watch value since there was a ton of momentum in the story but sadly cut short.

Will they ever show the intended remaining episodes? Who knows but it was definitely fun to watch and I still recommend it! Only boring parts were the palace scenes which is a bit more serious.

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Encore, encore!

What a pleasantly surprise of a drama!
Entirely refreshing though has a somber tone. Slightly familiar story but presented in a different way, without predictable moments or lack of intrigue. Very well written and a highly recommended watch!

1. Story
Wan Mei's journey from an impoverished birth to being betrayed and having to fend for survival, ultimately reaching her destination was filled with dark moments and decisions that tested her moral conscience, yet out sprung a beautiful romance and unexpected alliances.

This drama is very well written, many times in some dramas I would be left with questions or asking myself what happened to that particular scene or part of the story but this drama appropriately addressed in within the script.

It is well paced and rarely a dull moment with the characters being so open ended and sometimes you could not tell which side of moral conscience they were on. At 36 episodes, its filled with mystery, intrigue, and surprises. It didn't feel lacking or anything dragged out.

2. Characters
The main leads were exceptional and exhibited natural chemistry. There were some stronger characters that I will highlight below but the majority of the supporting cast did a wonderfully in their roles.

Wan Mei -- an exceptional actress; she brought to life this character and throughout the story, she held with her, her humble beginnings and though she took on a new identity, Su Qi Xue could still be seen underneath it all. Her chemistry with Chang An was genuine and moving, they definitely created a memorable relationship even if I initially thought it was unlikely.

Chang An -- complimentary to Wan Mei's character and he was her main foundation. His character was a calm, thoughtful and loyal opposite to Wan Mei's indecisiveness and fragile character. He remained her source of inspiration and his role heavily influenced the development of Wan Mei. Their chemistry was very alluring since there were many moments where they weren't able to show affection, yet you could still feel it there.

Gong Zi -- an interesting character; he exhibited antihero tendencies and other times heroic capacities. He was the silent supporter of Wan Mei and she sort of filled a hole that was left in his life. He fit this role perfectly, and he portrays a mysterious and slightly dark personality very well.

Yue Ying -- she was one of the more hapless characters as all of her intention and feelings went towards Gong Zi, he never reciprocated the same sentiments with only one scene a saving grace. A very likeable character and very much similar to Chang An in some ways. I really wanted her to end up with Gong Zi, it was a perfect match!

Wan Xiang -- in the beginning, a very detestable character that closely resembled the main villain, however she entirely changed and became a person to root for in the later half of the story. She played her character extremely well.

Xing Feng -- maybe the most interesting character since he is a Shadow, similar to Chang An and Yue Ying, yet his master was the main villain of the story and his character is closely associated with her. However like Gong Zi, he showed heroic capacities towards the end and holds secret to the hopeful ending.

Cha Luo -- the main villain and a very good (bad) one. Her performance was entirely believable and a great cast for the role. In the story, she could be compared to Wan Mei in terms of her journey and also romantic relationship with her shadow, yet she was on the opposite side of the moral spectrum to Wan Mei. There were many "Yin" and "Yang" characters in this drama and she could be considered the Yin to Wan Mei's Yang in terms or morale.

I also really enjoyed Liu Guang's character.

3. Costume / Set Design / Cinematography
The other drama with highly exceptional set production and attention to detail was The Untamed. I think these dramas are on the same level since the set design fit so well as if it were actual and authentic. Costumes were outstanding, it all fit together so well.

Cinematography, no question was superb. Almost any frame could have been considered very artistic. It is something to highly praise about and comment on.

4. Music
It was different but somehow the soundtrack fits so perfectly. The main theme can be considered haunting yet moving and beautiful. They also featured many instrumental pieces that were outstanding as well.

The soundtrack very close to being one of the top soundtracks, but its a matter of tastes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL_VDLnrRkU&list=PLXNBJ-hfssNYmf9YOulQSUGCtqVAURocO&index=12

5. Ending
If the ending had not been open ended or hopeful as the last scene insinuated, I would not have given such a high rating. Luckily though, it was neither good nor bad since it left room for a possible Season 2, or if not, it retained one of the main characters -- Chang An.

Overall definitely a recommended watch, a very good surprise of a drama!
Only reason I hesitated to watch this was because of the title, which I feel could be renamed.

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Justice, Revenge, and Lasting Friendships

A well planned and executed scheme to shed light on past injustices.
Watch this for the well written script, seasoned acting, and virtuous friendships.

1. Story
Certainly a drama where watching a second time would make things more clear. I admit the first 10 episodes were slightly dull to me being that it is more heavily on script than others. Though the story actually builds momentum gradually throughout and never slips until the ending, which is how dramas should be.

Its definitely not everyone's cup of tea but besides the exceptional leads and supporting cast, it also had some of the best war scenes without too much CGI used I have ever seen.

2. Characters
Mei Chang Su's chemistry with all of the cast was outstanding but the obvious is with Prince Jing. They shared an authentic connection and engaged viewers through their relationship.

Princess Ni Huang (Tamia Liu) also had fantastic chemistry with Hu Ge but it wasn't the main focal point, though I wish somehow they would have allowed more moments between them cause the chemistry could have rivaled other romantic dramas.

There were many supporting characters to like in this drama so its too much to list them all, however there were a few intriguing characters that maybe you could have sympathized with.

(1) The Emperor -- towards the end where Xiao Shu entered the palace to plead the Emperor to re-investigate the case, they shared a moment which I thought was very interesting. Their relationship seems to be complicated.

(2) Prince Yu -- once you learned about his story then its entirely appropriate to sympathize with him. He was another actor who played his role perfectly.

(3) Xia Jiang -- one of the main culprits in this drama yet you could find reasons to sympathize with him. The scene when his Son was revealed to him as still alive was very touching.

3. Romance
More friendship than romance but again, if this story had been a romantic drama between Xiao Shu and Princess Mu Ni Huang, then no question their chemistry would have been off the charts.

4. Costume / Music
An exceptionally moving soundtrack yet was only sparingly played throughout. Its one of those times where I felt the soundtrack actually did not play enough but when it did, it made an impact. Costume and wardrobes were average, the drama had an old feeling about it, also not to mention this drama is very hard to find to watch in HD.

Soundtrack -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4US7gLYPEJk&list=PLA-Ut9mBTLeIM4dJIeSvpT5m6sbaUHm5X

5. Ending
Very tragic ending though lightened by the directors by not directly showing the tragedy, it was a fairly quick wrap up. Perhaps they felt it was unnecessary to extend such a sad moment.

However, one thing that lacked was the explanation or showing of what happened to the other supporting casts. Though the story was based on Mei Chang Su, I was very curious about the other characters and how they ended up.

A drama that deserves a re-watch to fully grasp indeed for some.

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Enjoyed the series.

I don't typically watch "reality" dating shows but clips kept popping on YouTube as recommendations so I caved in and gave it a go.

Never watched the first season so it was intriguing from the start for me. To be honest my entire reason for watching was Choi Seo-Eun. One of the most beautiful girls I have ever seen. If only I had a chance to date her.

However as the show progressed, I really began to like more and more characters. Some may disagree with me but I think the show is scripted to a degree, if not a large percentage. If you are mindful you will know what I mean. Too many coincidences for me to say this show was completely spontaneous and natural.

I would even say some were paid actors and actresses (more below), but I'd be happy if I was wrong.

I'm gonna comment on some characters.

Choi Seo Eun
Truly cannot believe more guys weren't attracted to her. I'd choose her everyday anyday.
Crushing big time, she's so gorgeous. She added a lot to the show with her ability to generate conversations within the womens camp.

Kim Jin Young
As a guy even I found him to be admireable. He has a carefree vibe about him, whether it was the hair, his walk, or overall demeanor, it certainly captured the womens attention. But I did think he may have been an actor since he has already appeared in many other TV shows. I definitely wanted him to end up with Seul Ki or even Lim Min Su. Seul Ki and him were just so compatible and dynamic. I liked Jin Young even more after he revealed he may not be able to date seriously due to his current circumstances, even though his feelings towards Seul Ki were genuine.

Shin Seul Ki
I think she is a genuine girl. She's still young and was down-to-earth saying she needs time to know a guy. Which was exactly how it went. She's undecisive because... well girls are naturally undecisive and plus the show is only a week or so. There's no doubt she's most interested in Jin Young, just watch her body language, how she adjusts her hair, and smiles around him. I liked her character and don't think anything negative of her.

Shin Dong Woo
This guy may have already known Seul Ki was the daughter of a famous plastic surgeon in Korea, so that might have motivated him more since it may have boosted his career. But really, he was just too forward. Its fine since considering he's near marriage age and already has everything established so he wanted to move faster than the average person. I was also shocked not more women were into him. Also random but, Jin Young only won the tug-of-war because Dong Woo was already exhausted from his match against Yoong Jae.

Lee Nadine
Meh. Why even add her to the show? She's so awkward and with her age, studies and language barrier, how in the world would she find any real connection? I didn't think she added anything personally. Same can be said of Seo E for me.

Park Se Jeong
More heartbroken for her than anyone, along with Han Bin. Se Jeong was another person who I was shocked didn't receive more attention from opposite sex. Maybe it was her diversion from traditional Korean pale skin and natural black hair, but she along with Min Su and obviously Seo Eun were just too beautiful. Jin Young said "cute and sexy" but totally missed one here.

Lim Min Su
I would have rather her on the show from the beginning than some other girls. If weren't for Seo Eun, Min Su for me would have been the most attractive. Her face is so beautiful. Wish Min Su was added from the beginning. And maybe Jin Young too.

I honestly didn't think too much of it when I started watching but it grew on me so much. The beginning episodes were more interesting than the last few episodes which was rather boring except for the mud pit competition between the men.

I'd rewatch it again, not entirely but just the cute moments, good portion being from Jin Young and Seul Ki.

And again, I do personally think some parts were scripted and even go far as saying some were acting. This theory actually might be true, since I learned more tidbits about the casts afterwards - like SoE and Min Su also acted in other dramas on Netflix (See Ep 6. of The Fabulous for Min Su). Jin Young and Nadiepne are YouTubers and Han Bin also appeared on some YouTube programs.

Keep an eye out on YouTube as netizens may find out and reveal more connections the casts have. Knowing it may be scripted does suck the fun out a bit but I will go with my initial feelings and say it was fun to watch and like Jong Woo said - it made my heart skipped at times.

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