Drama Digest
This series tells the story of the doctor Bai Qi who helps spirits get rid of their possessions. Adapted from the novel ‘Peng Lai Jian’ by Lu Han. He does not take monetary payments for his medical services instead asks for one thing that is the most beloved to the patient and takes that as a compensation. By accident, Bai Qi gets into a contract that now has to be respected by residing together with a human girl named Lin Xia. As their lives intersect, a dormant memory that has been under the wraps for thousands of years finally comes to the surface.
The Feel-Good Part
The story has a lot of flashbacks and elements of supernatural fantasy in it. right in the prologue it is explained that there is a civilisation called Penglai and a spaceship from that area crashed into the earth shattering into different pieces. The survivors called heavenly soldiers, of the spaceship were given the responsibility to collect the pieces. Ban Qi becomes a spirit doctor in that process and is waiting for his love heavenly soldier who disappeared. He meets Lin Xia who is the reincarnation of his previous love. There are a lot of unique elements in this series that make it especially interesting in the beginning. The actors paired with each other have good chemistry as well and make it work for the most part. The male lead has to act two different characters in the series and does manage to pull off his roles both times amazingly well. The series is also a good antagonist, and irony and seems a bit influenced by American plot pacing. The story initially seems comical but sets in quickly with the fantasy. The actors were cast perfectly for their roles, with plenty of character development. The music was also used sensibly as per the setting and emotional sequence of the scenes which helped in giving an immersive experience to the audience.
The Disappointing Factor
Too many things are thrown together one after the other. There is a kidnapping that occurs twice, Amnesia happens in the plot twice, focus on multiple personality disorders, The female lead wants to leave- this happens twice by the way, and there is a ton of mini stories and secondary love stories that is added which just makes no sense if you look at the big picture. There is also a possibility that Lin had little to no development or maybe a case of arrested development of her character in the series. But for the most part the show manages to hook the audiences on the first half despite trailing off track in the second part of the series. Some minor plot holes that are never directly addressed in the course of the duration of this series.
In-Depth Analysis
There are several smaller stories in the storyline and this series may require a rewatch if you end up liking it. this is because at first watch the meaning behind the stories might not come as plain easy and will require further scrutiny. The Ost and background music is amazing. Actors did their job well. The drama though starts a bit comically, quickly pays its due and shows why it’s a supernatural fantasy, subplots that focus on amnesia, and multiple personality disorder are integrated into the plot. There is a trope of reincarnated lover too and the supernatural fantasy element boosts that storyline beautifully. The plot is captivating as it reflects the regret of losing a loved one, not telling a loved one the truth that might kill them, and the guilt of not having done things differently. As viewers of this fantasy drama, we are taken through these emotionally taxing scenes involving our characters that stick for a long time.
Star Power
Bai Yu has previously worked on a number of tv series and shows and in this series, he plays the role of Bai Qi. Jade Cheng who previously appeared in the drama series- My Mowgli Boy has lent her acting skills to the role of Lin Xia in this series. Estelle Chen has a cameo in this show amongst other supporting actors who also worked the roles of the various side characters in the story.
Overall Opinion
This drama is perfect for those interested in the supernatural fantasy genre with romance and tropes of a reincarnated lover who has forgotten their past life. The story has amazing subplots and secondary love stories that make it all the more worthwhile to invest time in this drama. Not to mention apart from the unique storytelling this drama also relies on comedy to make the viewing experience enjoyable for the audience. Light-hearted and fantasy set in the modern world. This series really puts into perspective how much people have trouble letting go of things in their past and moving on. Though it drags a bit and could have done with summing the show up in a few fewer episodes, becoming quite predictable in the latter part it does manage to keep its viewers entertained for long enough. I would suggest this series as a watch if you are someone who enjoys supernatural fantasy in the modern world setting. The world-building is something to look out for along with the amazing character development for most of the characters. There are really good side stories that integrate well into the series and overall give the viewers an amazing experience full of happiness, crying, anger.
