Subjective Gut Rating - 7.75

The setting of “The Silence of the Monster” is an interesting one. The unique genius duo of He Chu Feng (locksmith extraordinaire) and Luo Bin aka Robin (master appraiser) is the highlight of the drama. With the introduction of Sui Yi (trainee lawyer) added to the mix, their cohabitation shenanigans are fun and interesting. However, I think the drama tries to do too much. If it has focused on the main characters and their experiences, but removed the unimpressive crime investigation, it might be a better one.

What I Like:

1, The three main characters - This trio of He Fu Cheng, Robin and Sui Yi is the real highlight for me. They are three very distinct characters with unique quirks and personalities. Yet when you put them together, they create real chemistry and are really fun to watch. The first half of the drama focuses on how they met, getting to know each other, and living together harmoniously. They are all like-able and lovable, but not perfect.

2. Bi Wen Jun - This is my 4th drama of Bi Wen Jun, and I wish his roles are more diverse. The characters I see him play (“Sweet Tai Chi”, “Sweet Teeth”, “Double Love” and “The Silence of the Monster”) are very similar - cool and smart, not super friendly to begin with but warms up eventually. But I have to say his role as He Chu Feng is a little different in that there are many more emotional scenes. This is not a romantic comedy, and the complicated past of He Chu Feng allows Bi Wen Jun to show a different side of him. His acting has definitely improved since his first role in “Sweet Tai Chi” in 2019. I wish to see him more in challenging roles and I believe he has a lot of potential.

3. Zhu Zheng Ting - My first drama starring Zhu Zheng Ting and he is so pretty. ? LOL. What a good-looking guy and he plays a very lovable Robin. Robin brings me a lot of joy when watching this drama. Towards the latter half of the drama, his silliness and optimism do die down a little, and we go into more of the secrets he hides. Zhu Zheng Ting did a good job in switching from an outgoing and lovable boy, to a hurt and confused Robin towards that last few episodes. I look forward to his future projects.

4. Sui Yi (played by Sun Yi Han) - I love to see a go-getter female role such as Sui Yi. Yes, she might be idealistic as a trainee lawyer, but I also appreciate seeing her standing up for herself and not backing down on ideals she believes in. Sui Yi is not perfect but she’s someone I root for. She could be shy when it comes to her relationship with He Chu Feng, but she is also not afraid to initiate physical contact or express her feelings honestly.

5. Main Romance (He Fu Cheng & Sui Yi) - A slow burn romance that I very much enjoy watching. Both are quite inexperienced with love but the chemistry is definitely there. It’s nice to see a healthy relationship where they support each other through hard times, be patient with each other and communicate their honest feelings. Though the kisses aren’t great, they do give off a very cute and fluffy vibe during some of their scenes and I can’t help but smile.

6. OST - There are quite a few songs and they are all pretty good. There are times in the earlier episodes that I think the songs are a little overplayed, but they are good songs.


What I Don’t Like or have Mixed Feelings:

1. Investigation/Cases - I see why these investigations are needed to showcase the characters skills and personalities. However, none of them is interesting to me. They seem too simple and did not create enough suspense to make me want to find out the truth. If they are written better, it might add to the drama. In this case, I think they just prolong the drama and drag the pace. This could have been a better drama with one or two expertly written cases, and cut down to 24 episodes.

2. Preachy? - I find the drama a little preachy when talking about safety education during Hu Chu Feng’s classes. I wish the writing was better to educate viewers without it being straight out of a class.

3. Revenge Plot - The revenge is so dragged out. The character was introduced quite early on and you know he’s up to no good. We knew this will be in the big finale but the wait for that to happen is long. I had to fast forward some of the scenes in the last third of the drama because I was bored.

4. Secondary Romance (Robin & Xiao An) - I don’t see much chemistry between the two and it’s hard for me to believe they fall for each other. For Robin, maybe he doesn’t need a reason since he’s chasing after the Love at First Sight romance. For Xiao An, I don’t see her showing much affection. She acts like a big sister and at times annoyed at the little brother.

5. Poor writing in the end - What is up with the kidnapping plots? The first kidnapping incident is just a joke. We have villains busy bull-shitting instead of doing some real damage. Even when they had weapons, they got easily beaten. Where are the bodyguards? I thought the victim had an injection of some sort. What was the consequence? They could still walk around and fight as if nothing happened. I thought the effects would be disclosed in the last episode, but that didn’t happen. The introduction of the boss and villains were confusing. The editing in the last few episodes feels off and incoherent.

6. Minor annoyances - Too much heavy makeup on Robin. He’s too “white”. Characters claimed to be cold but they wear short-sleeves and don’t wear coats or jackets in the winter. Facial scratches/injuries don’t seem to heal even when another character who suffered more serious injuries is discharged from the hospital.

If you are a fan of the leads, then I would recommend this drama. It’s unfortunate that it has so much potential but the writing isn’t solid. I really enjoy the trio and each of their characters and had an enjoyable time watching the first half of the drama. The writing of the angst, tragic past and revenge should be interesting and a focus of the drama, but they are not. At least, we have some decent acting from the three main characters,


Completed: 2/11/2023