Okay, so when they announced DaouOffroad as the leads, I was like, “Meh, this could go either way.” No offense, but their last stuff was like plain toast—okay but forgettable. BUT HOLD UP. This series came swinging, and I’m here screaming, “Where was this energy before??” Let’s break it down, gurl.

THE CONCEPT THAT ATE:
Picture this: 1970s-80s Chinese aesthetic, forbidden love, AND reincarnation drama? Ugh, it’s giving poetic chaos. So, we’ve got San (Daou) and Ms. Wat, who are in love but can’t be together because society (yawn, predictable). They decide to elope, but Trai (the certified villain of this tea) isn’t having it. San, heartbroken and melodramatic, does some ancient ritual to live for a century just to find Wat’s reincarnation. Commitment? Yes. Healthy? Absolutely not. Therapy, perhaps?

Fast forward: San meets Wee, the reincarnation of Wat, and starts spiraling because, oops, it’s a guy this time. And guess what? San goes into full denial mode—until a steamy wet dream rocks his world. LITERALLY. 💀 My man was like, "Wait, am I into him? Or is this indigestion?" Spoiler alert: it’s both. Throw in a mysterious woman who looks like Wat, and the drama EXPLODES. Love triangle? Yes, queen. Betrayal? Oh, you better believe it. The twists had me gasping, clutching my pearls, and screaming at the screen.


THE CHARACTERS:
Let’s start with Wee (Offroad). Honestly, I can’t decide if I love him or wanna shake him. He’s smart, but also dumb as hell. Like, one minute he’s all family-man vibes (love that he prioritizes his grandma), and the next, he’s making questionable life choices. Boy, pick a lane. Now San (Daou) is the epitome of repressed boomer energy. Sir, it’s the 2020s; being gay isn’t illegal anymore. Stop acting like it’s still 1970. That said, Daou’s acting? ICONIC. He serves old-school mannerisms with a sprinkle of tortured-soul realness. Someone get this man an award, STAT.

Also, can we talk about Pond just showing up out of nowhere as the second lead? Bro, aren’t you busy filming Fourever You? But honestly, he came, he saw, he served. His role added that little sprinkle of ✨drama✨ we didn’t know we needed.

THE DRAMA WE LIVE FOR:
The love triangle? Spicy. The betrayal? Juicy. The emotional tension? CHEF’S KISS. Every character carried their weight like pros, and not a single scene felt out of place. The pacing? Smooth like butter. The plot twists? GAGGED. Especially when the betrayal hit. If you’re not screaming at your screen by episode 8, are you even watching it right?

THE AESTHETICS & MUSIC:
THE VIBES? Chef’s kiss. The 70s-80s Chinese setting is immaculate, from the costumes to the sets. And the OST? I didn’t expect to cry over a love ballad, but here we are. It’s got this soft, vintage feel that perfectly matches the romance and heartbreak. I was swaying, imagining myself in a vintage qipao, living my best dramatic life. I’m downloading it on Spotify as we speak.

WHAT COULD SLAP HARDER:
Okay, imma say it. The bedroom scene. Look, I get it—they’re sticking to the aesthetic, but why does it feel like I’m watching two dolls kiss? Give me tension. Give me heat. Give me the fireworks we deserve. It’s giving PG-13, when I need TV-MA. Like, I get that we’re keeping it classy, but give me something, you know? We’re all adults here.

FINAL VERDICT:
This series? It’s giving everything. From the heartfelt acting to the dramatic plot twists, it’s the type of show you binge and then think about for days. The reincarnation twist was done so well, and the love story is just chef’s kiss. Daou absolutely killed it with San’s emotional depth, and Offroad brought the perfect mix of humor and heart.

Watch it, rewatch it, then force your friends to watch it too. It’s THAT good. And if Daou doesn’t get some awards for this, we’re rioting.

12/10. Now excuse me while I replay the wet dream scene for research purposes. 💅