Scarlet Heart 2 (2014)

Let me start by saying that I LOVED the 1st season of Scarlet Heart. I had recently come around to watching period dramas and was recommended that I watch it. And boy was I not disappointed...I wish the same could be said of this second season. Let me begin with the obvious: season 2 is set in modern day, so the feel is completely different as are the problems all of the characters face. The beginning started somewhat strong for me. There were flashbacks to season 1 and a few of the characters' reincarnated selves in modern day was a nice touch.

story: the plot was weak sauce. Nothing we drama fans haven't seen before: love triangle, poor girl catching the eye of the rich heirs and deciding who she truly loves. The revenge plots did keep me interested with just how far the characters will go for 'justice' and the truths behind long-kept family secrets. But the doppelganger storyline wasn't needed AT ALL. Plus, after the first few episodes, there isn't a whole lot of interaction between the main couple (Zhang Xiao & Yin Zheng) until episode 15, and even then the build up felt too rushed. Maybe because I couldn't really get a sense of time passing, or how much time passed from one problem popping up to another being resolved.

cast: the actors did what they could with the script they were given. And after watching the whole drama I know why more actors from the first season didn't sign on for the 2nd. From episode 1 to the finale the main actress was ALWAYS crying or on the verge of tears. It got to the point that her tears meant nothing to me as a viewer because she cried SOOOO much.

music: It didn't move me, and it wasn't memorable. But it served its purposed to give dramatic flair when needed.

Rewatch: Dear God NO! Knowing how it all came together and ended, I'd rather just rewatch the first season and pretend that (potential SPOILER ALERT for season 1) Ruoxi chases after 4th Prince in the museum with a smile on her face and a sense of hope. Honestly, had the 1st season ended on that note I wouldn't have bothered with the 2nd.

Overall: I'm harsh on this BECAUSE the 1st season was so good. In comparison, season 2 is a 5, but as a standalone I'd give it a solid 7.5. So in fairness, the actual 7 i'm giving this is more than it deserves :-(

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