Friends, I am OBSESSED with this show. While it featured many familiar character archetypes (sweet and innocent female lead; cold and obsessive male lead; boy next door secondary lead; bitchy friend jealous of female lead; etc.), the way they were written and portrayed was refreshingly unique. Donfang’s character arc is utterly transformative as he transitions from unfeeling dictator to a meltingly loving romantic partner, and Dylan Wang delivered a performance of a lifetime. Not to be outdone, Esther Yu shined as she went from naïve fairy to composed regality. The range these two actors had, and the chemistry between them, was literal gold. I can't imagine these roles portrayed by any one else.

The secondary cast of characters were just as wonderfully complex as the main leads. The secondary male lead was perfect as the foil to the main love story. I loved him despite not wanting him to end up with the female lead. This show also had some of the best morally grey characters. Even when these characters were doing something morally wrong or problematic, I always understood the reasons behind their madness. Additionally, the general production and scope of the show was also done so well. The action sequence were tense, the cinematography gorgeous, and the camera shots interesting. I adored the OST - its sweeping and romantic score is something I could listen to every day.