I've always had kind of a love hate relationship with Chinese historical BLs. Some are genuinely excellent, but then there are others that cram in so much plot that keeping track of all the layers of betrayal and scheming gets exhausting, and I end up checking out mentally. Part of the issue is also just how much content is out there in this space, so something really has to stand out to keep me hooked. In this case, the production value is genuinely impressive, top tier stuff, but story wise, I just couldn't bring myself to actually care about these characters. There's a ton of political scheming and backstage manipulation running throughout. Somewhere in the middle of all that chaos, a hostage ends up falling for his own Prince Charming. The show runs eight episodes, each around 50 to 60 minutes long. After spending three years guarding the border, Fifth Prince Yin Qi gets called back to the capital because of a secret letter, only to end up walking straight into a deadly...
What a terrible terrible show. WIth just 7 episodes each of about 45ish minutes, the acting, story, direction; everything was so badly done (in the name of a high and posh production value) that the episodes seemed to go on forever. The story is disjointed with self-indulgent characters that bully and intimidate others around them. Filled also with over-the-top gay characters who portray 'gay' behavior in the worst possible way. The worst thing is that not only did I have to endure the show, I have to now relive the memories while I write this review.
Ethon is a big shot actor who works in BL series. A new upcoming actor is his competition and since he is younger he starts to get work. The production company that he works for, the daughter of the boss throws herself all over Ethon. One day Ethon meets Bryce, a import from the village/mountain who is in the big city for art and to make some money for his family. Ethan likes Bryce and in some oddest way creates situations for the two of them to spend time together. Then I am not sure what happens, but then somehow the two end up living in same house (I think Ethon hires Bryce as his helper) and somehow Bryce and Ethon are in a relationship that we don't see except through a montage. Something happens in episode seven that affects Bryce and Ethon's relationship.
The storyline was all over the place and extremely confusing. I have to say that this month in new year is not going very well for me with all these worthless shows and movies. This drama was a hot mess and I wonder if anyone ever saw the show after making it. One minute Ethon is bringing Bryce in to pay off debt and then by then within the next few scenes they are laughing and having a good time and they’re like crushing hard over each other. The whole story of professional rivalry with that other actor suddenly was sidelined. The actor playing Bryce was clearly an insider because not only is he a bad actor, he doesn't even look good. Why would anyone hire him? All the other actors are so over the top all the time. And then we have Ethon's voice over throughout the episodes trying to spoon feed us the story and characters, who keep getting introduced to us till episode 3, even the people who we really don't care about. I am so annoyed after watching this that I am even struggling to find cuss words and and review to write about my feelings here because whatever I write will not be able to reflect what a royal mess this show was. Everyone associated with the show should forever be embarrassed for life. (0.5/10)

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