Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• sourxie78

  Overall 3.5

  Story 3.5,  Acting 7.5,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 1.5

  This review may contain spoilers
  Edit: Initially, my enthusiasm for this legal series was palpable, but as the plot twisted and turned towards the finale, my disappointment burgeoned like a poorly argued court case. The much-anticipated climax felt hurried and incomplete, leaving the very essence of the show - as promised by its title - unfulfilled and in the lurch. Character arcs remained flat, as if the scribe behind this enterprise had taken a creative absence, leaving vast knowledge of the law to spill over...

  into the narrative, uninvited and unwelcome by its audience.
  
  It's a sorrowful echo of the iconic legal drama where the role-reversal idea once sparked my imagination. The ensemble cast delivers performances that shine like polished legal briefs, but the narrative pacing is akin to a sprint through a labyrinthine courthouse – breakneck and disorienting. The romance subplot between two characters is undercooked and hastily dismantled, offering no satisfying resolution or emotional depth to their previous close-knit bond.
  
  As for the enigmatic LiNa, her presence is intriguing, yet her storyline remains tethered to the periphery, her love unrequited and her potential underutilized. The screen time allotted to our central duo is regrettably scarce, their chemistry bubbling yet never quite reaching a boiling point. Their interplay is the series' cornerstone, both contrasting and complementing, yet the scarcity of their shared scenes is like a courtroom lacking its key witnesses – deeply felt and to the detriment of compelling storytelling.
  
  Currently mid-series, moments of brilliance do emerge amid the verbose legal jargon – glimmers I find myself clinging to as I fast-forward through the procedural tedium. There's a plea within me banking on an increase in intimacy between our protagonists, for a touch of romance to spark amidst the heavy law-laden atmosphere. Should the show pivot in that direction, it could very well elevate from its current state of mediocrity to become a titan of courtroom drama.
  
  In short, my aspirations lay with the hope for richer character development and a deeper dive into their relationships. A pivot towards these elements could swing the verdict for this series from a tragic misfire to a triumph worthy of a standing ovation in the hallowed halls of television acclaim.

• FastHe

  Overall 9

  Story 8,  Acting 10,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 8

  Please be aware that this article might reveal key plot points.
  Embarking on crafting this critique is a fresh endeavor for me—forgive any novice missteps. However, I can assuredly convey that upon immersing oneself in this series, the charm and depth of the non-antagonistic characters make them compelling and loveable. It's pivotal to recognize that the narrative development doesn't follow a traditional long-form arc; it's quite episodic, embracing a 'mystery-of-the-week' structure. The hook here is the ensemble itself—endearing individuals that easily capture your loyalty and...

  interest. For me, this connection more than compensated for the lack of an overarching storyline.
  
  The series is consistently engaging, not lapsing into the mundane. I found particular elements, such as the use of slow-motion sequences, to be sources of genuine hilarity. The casting deserves high commendation, achieving an impeccable synergy onscreen. The standout performance by Lyric Lan, portraying the role of Dai Xi, is worthy of particular note.
  
  Moreover, the series showed an admirable attention to the evolution of character through costume design—observing Dai Xi’s style transition from street-smart casual to sophisticated chic under the influence of her colleagues and the narrative itself offered a subtle but meaningful touch that did not go unnoticed.
  
  The sectional structure might not appeal to everyone's tastes; yet, it's fair to say this series pleasantly strays from the pitfalls typically encountered in Asian dramas—those of narrative padding that often prompt disengagement. Alas, the series does not remain entirely immune, as the latter episodes do succumb to an overuse of flashbacks—admittedly, a somewhat irritating trope.
  
  But let us not dwell on the minor gripes. Looking at the bigger picture, I'm happy to stamp this show with a hearty recommendation. As for its legal-minded theme, should any challenges arise, consider this an enthusiastic, albeit cheeky, endorsement.

• grumpymel3

  Overall 7.5

  Story 8.5,  Acting 8.5,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 5.5

  As someone who savors the unfolding of tales on screen with the eye of a casual observer rather than that of a sharp-eyed critic, I found myself deeply engaged by the series in question. To my mind, it stands as an intellectual tapestry, woven with subtleties that perhaps informed my appreciation for it. While the series may not lean heavily into the melodramatic, its charm is infused in the smaller narrative threads that meander throughout, providing a rich background tapestry.
  
  It's true that the characters may...

  not evolve extensively as the episodes progress; however, this did not detract from my viewing experience. The essence of the narrative is a reflection of everyday individuals, capturing the ebb and flow of ordinary lives. For me, an American viewer, it was a compelling window into the lived experiences impacted by Chinese legislation, both in defense of the individual and within the fabric of society.
  
  Of all the personages within this drama, Da Xi emerges as peculiarly fascinating—a character study in nuances. And while characters develop modestly, there exists a paragon of style and poise in the form of Li Na. With a wardrobe to admire and an aura that is at once cool, collected, and savvy, Li Na commands attention whenever she graces the scene.
  
  My journey through this drama was an emotional one, with moments that both moved me to tears and coaxed laughter from my lips. It was a pleasure to dive into this narrative, and indeed, I can say with a heart full of emotion: I liked this drama.