The Lion's Secret (2021)

Great 1st half, disappointing 2nd half and confusing/complicated ending episodes

Completed - 1/23/2022
First Half - 8.5
Second Half - 7.0
Overall - Very Generous 8.0

When I first read the synopsis of this drama, I was expecting a mature romance centered around a contract marriage (my favorite trope). But I was pleasantly surprised that there's so much more to this drama than just about our main leads' romance. It's a drama about friendships (bromance & sismance), business, recovering from tragic pasts and revenge. This is no t like the usual rom-com contract marriage. Imagine my delight! But the ratings of this drama tanked after the last episode is aired. I think many watchers are just as disappointed as me.

It took me a couple episodes to get used to the personality of our leads. Our FL lead is mean and cold to our ML, and the ML is a little too over-the-top childish and carefree. But once I am used to it, I believe they complement each other and I am enjoying this very slow-burn romance. There's plenty of comedic moments, thanks to our ML, and also bickering between the couple. I would not call Zhu Ya Wen (ML) handsome at all, but he fits this role so well. Yang Zi Shan (FL) is really pretty in this drama and she got a great wardrobe of clothes for her business and evening attire. They are both mature adults and handle crisis and misunderstanding (and secrets) in a sensible way. I would have loved to see more cute scenes as a couple but I am satisfied. Our secondary romance develops a little more organically than our main romance. Li Yuan (2FL) really looks like someone who can box and run a gym. It's hard to find an actress who acts the part as someone who is so strong physically (thought she's quite skinny). Mike He (2ML) looks handsome and dashing. He's probably the best-looking guy in the whole drama. Both couples have great chemistry.

I quite enjoy the plot in the first half. We started with the contract marriage, and then we got to see how our ML supports and solves problems for FL behind-the-scene. I also enjoy the business talk and crisis (though I am still not quite sure that FL's company really does). When the big bad wolf pulls strings to get the three former soldiers back together, and the revenge plot officially starts, that was fun and entertaining. With the three friends back together, we also learn of ML's tragic past and how it continues to affect him to this date. The bromance is strong and they are fun together.

However, I feel that the story went downhill once they went to Thailand. It feels like a completely different drama. The trip is an overly complicated to find out who the big bad wolf is - the battle to takeover the orphanage, sex trafficking, drugs dealing, etc. Whatever happened to the lost document of the orphanage? That was such a big deal to steal it, and then what? It seems like everything happened in Thailand is for them to suspect Li Mo as being alive when he killed the big bad wolf.

Speaking of Li Mo, I am still not sure if he was trying to seek revenge or not. Was all that happened his way of just using ML's hand to kill the one who's controlling him? Or was he really mad at ML for leaving him behind, and actually wanted him and his other comrades to suffer? In the end, was it revenge to involve him in the arms dealing, or just really needs the help? Was he really still the same person at heart, who would sacrifice himself to save his friends? I am not quite sure.

Other Observations:
1. It is quite mean for FL and her friends to use fake kidnapping to force ML to confess his feelings. He has PTSD!
2. Too many secrets hidden from FL by ML and their friends for the sake of protecting her.
3. In the second half, I guess no one has to go to work anymore.
4. Really enjoy the bromance and sismance in this drama.
5. English dubbing is poor and inconsistent and it has nothing to do with the nationality of the characters.
6. It's implied that FL knows that she's the girl in ML's picture, but I can't find a logical way for her to find out.
7. In the end, FL still doesn't know she had a childhood connection with ML. Poor ML.
8. I like the songs in this drama.

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