Took me a few days to process and get my head around everything that happened, needed time to let everything sink in before I could write this (especially the emotional ending). First off, I have to say the only reason to watch this drama is to watch our two leads, their dynamic, exchanges, emotions and intense relationship/soul mates/brotherhood vibe. What a pairing, such intense chemistry and solid acting that really carry this whole drama and are the only reason the rating for this drama is so high. The plot, story, production all fall flat and the acting is the only thing that can make up for it.

Story
The story itself and premise is interesting, though poorly executed. Largely attributed to the cheap visual effects, lack of production quality, comical CGI effects and the fantasy animations. I appreciate the multi facets of genres this brings including supernatural, fantasy, crime, science combined together along with light comedy and brilliantly crafted character interaction. The story started strong for the first 20 episodes, we got to know all the characters, a good look into the SID and solving small crimes and also see our two main lead’s friendship flourish and develop from their initial meeting. We went through two main antagonists that propelled the story, but by the time we got to around 29 and our major villain appeared, it really dropped off and went askew. Full of plot holes, scenes that occurred with no explanations, others poorly explained, messy random scenes, and characters running to and fro with no purpose. And the ending episodes, though filled with drama lacked finesse. In terms of the ending (that everyone keeps saying is tragic), I agree is sad. But there was a sense of finality to the whole drama and to the characters which I really liked. But in addition to that finality, of case solved the world is safe, they also added this element of a continued story. Our two main lead’s story is not over and though we won’t be able to see it, we know that it will be there and they will find a way back to each other again. They have an undeniable affinity toward each other. So though sad, I appreciated it and understood why the ending was done like that. But overall I would have liked a tighter and better executed storyline. I also think the cheap production made the story comical, almost laughable and unrealistic at times which didn’t help. Also notions of hatred and revenge appeared too frequently and were characterised by all the villains, they became so two dimensional with no real motivations or complexity to their character. And this whole thing of misunderstanding as the resolution to a lot of the problems was used way too much e.g. evil guy being evil because he thought A happened, but then it’s revealed actually B happened. Used so many times it got old. I also really like the ideal of suppressing evil and spreading virtue, which was a clear strong message, unfortunately only really delved into nearing the ending. They should have really delved into that early on and have it play throughout.

Acting/Cast
I cannot imagine a better casting of our two main leads. Their chemistry was off the charts, their banter funny and cute, their emotions intense. Though censored, I could feel how deep their relationship was. Hands down some amazing acting. Props to ZYL who did an amazing job at portraying three characters, good and bad. Loved their every moment and honestly the way they looked at each other, gosh so much emotion, love, devotion and care. So much intensity and power in their expressions, I literally teared up just by looking at them look at each other. Every expression from Shen Wei hit me straight in the stomach and left an ache in my heart. His feelings were so clear to me. I was always craving more from Yun Lan’s side, just wanted more in his response to Shen Wei. Their characterisation was done so well, they emobodied these two to perfection. Loved the lollipop motif throughout, also the glasses/black mask. I enjoyed the supporting cast as well and thought they each did a great job at being distinct yet complimenting our leads.

OST
Amazing and so emotional. Listening to it while I write this review. Loved the intro song, felt it tells the whole drama in the one tune.

Rewatch value
I felt so emotional coming off this drama and feel like I’ll need to take a breather before I can go back to it. But I’d definitely rewatch our two main leads and their interaction with each other. As for the oddly paced and muddled plot, I’ll have to take a pass on that and skip over that.

Don’t be put off by the ‘sad’ ending and loose story/plot. If you enjoy top acting, then this is for you. Watch it for the two leads and their interactions as they face the trials and tribulations together. Watch them grow from friends to something so much deeper, past your typical cutesy superficial relationship to a well crafted nuanced and highly emotional charged duo. I’m really glad I picked this one up (because I am in no way a fantasy fan) and saw it through to the end, well worth my time. Keen to hear your thoughts!! xx

My fav scenes (Commending ZYL’s performance)
- When SW says you’re worth it (god I could watch that over and over again)
- When SW gets the lollipop stuffed into his mouth (such an adorable expression)
- When SW’s kneeling in the rain