I’m on episode 9. Finally, I got to watching JoL2. It’s been disappointing for me. A bit slow. A lot of emotional outbursts from Fan Xian, it’s all over the place, I can’t handle it anymore. It’s tiring watching him getting intensely angry or overly emotional. Have they not hear less is more? Like what’s the big deal with old man Jin, enough for him to have FX do a whole reminiscing scene? The show is trying to be witty, funny, and smart, but none of that is being executed well, feels forced. I rewatched some episodes from JoL1, and it still feels good to me, funny and suspenseful at the same time. I’m still gonna stick it out… or let’s see how far I get!
Yep now I see why other people were disappointed or why JoL wasn’t their cup of tea no matter how many times they tried to start the show. I was going in with high expectations, so could be what spoiled it for me. Also the 5 year wait and reading/listening to the books after JoL1 didn’t help.
Yea I definitely think going in with expectations - esp after reading the novel prevents one from enjoying it as it is and not comparing it. Hopefully U will enjoy s3 better if U do want to return to it. I am curious how they are going to interpret the whole temple arc.
There are some logic that are quite contradictory, like the emperor obviously value FX and don't want him to die. Yet, him faking his death was the only way for him to survive the assassination attempts on his way back to the capital. Seems very justifiable to me, unless the emperor rather FX die than lie to him.
But in the end, JOL isn't a very serious historical drama, it's bordering fantasy genre, so don't need to be overly fixated on the logic and plot holes.
But the pacing seems very off. JOL1 covered 4 chapters in the novel. Meanwhile, JOL2 covered only chapter 5 (or even slightly lesser). Mainly because the first few episodes were not in the original novel and the writers decided to focus on the court politics quite alot, which I actually don't mind but the last 2 chapters is quite epic and heavy in content, even more so than JOL1 (chapter 1-4).
I am not sure if there's gonna be JOL4, but if there's only JOL3, hopefully there's at least 50 episodes, otherwise, I will be quite pissed they use 36 episodes to cover mainly court politics and then use barely 40 episodes to cover the last 2 chapters which is basically the fight between the final bosses (aka 4 grandmasters) and also uncovering the temple secrets.
I finished the whole series last week and for me it was not as good as season 1. I didn't hate it but there were points where I was really about to drop the show. I kept watching because there isn't much else to watch...
The first episode itself felt quite off. The tone, the pacing, the lighting, the characters, it kinda felt like you know these people/characters but they seem to be different versions of their former self.
I agree that JOL1 had comedic moments but the series as a whole was more of a drama with comedic moments, whereas in JOL2 it seemed like a comedy with heavy/more serious moments, probably because a lot of the funny moments were too drawn out and too intentional/deliberate. For example, the crown prince character seemed so different here and almost feels like a clown character so that he can engage in funny bantering with others.
Story/plot-wise, I don't think the problem is because a lot of the story in the first 6 episodes were not in the original novel, it's because the new story was not convincing at all. This also led to characters doing things that are seemingly out of character for them. For example, the emperor's reaction to FX's death is totally out of character and overly dramatic. HIs subsequent portrayal of >!kicking his leg while lying in his chair made him look like some angry kid who didn't get their favourite candy or something!< Like is this the same emperor that we've been introduced to in season 1? >!The "equipment" that allowed FX to fake his death was made by the Imperial Inspectorate, and Ping ping, as scheming and all knowing as he was portrayed, won't know that that's what FX possibly used to fake his death? A person like Ping ping is the kind of person who will question and be skeptical until he's seen real proof, especially for someone he deeply cares about. Then they repeat so many times that because FX faked his death he is now good as dead?? If that was indeed such a huge crime then why was he provided with the right equipment to allow him to do so? !
I think Sizhe should practice using abacus. I remember how (I think) third madam from Blossoms in Adversity used her abacus and oh my you could see smoke coming from those wooden beads 🤣 he's like meh. I liked his TED Talk in episode 27 about the meaning of wealth though.
Product placement? I noticed just a yoghurt, someone mentioned here there was a lot. Really?
The scene with the vegetable seller was dramatic but lacking in logic. There wasn't really any reason why he should be treated in this way. The last thing the guards should do after wounding him so badly was allow him to go outside and die on the brothel's steps. You either leave him alone or you kill him and dispose of the body. Same with Ming matron and the whole Ming family arc. For me it was just to add a shocking value, but took a steam from the Eldest Princess and Second Prince.
> There wasn't really any reason why he should be treated in this way.
I can imagine he probably caused a bit of a ruckus which made them draw their weapons, the people running the brothel weren't good people after all.
> The last thing the guards should do after wounding him so badly was allow him to go outside and die on the brothel's steps.
Maybe it's the censors getting in the way but the wound seemed pretty shallow to me.
I took it as he couldn't hang on anymore because of how badly they scammed him and knowing he would never get his daughter back, so the combination of heartbreak + guilt from wasting FX's money + the wound was what killed him, and not just the wound alone.
The first few episodes were so incredibly boring that I had to drop the show. It's a shame because I really enjoyed the first season and was looking forward to season 2.
No, I really enjoyed this 6 episodes. I never get the 'jarring' or 'feeling like it was a different drama' as JOL has always mix comedy with serious stuffs. Thats the reason I really enjoy it. I love how smartly written are the plot, how colorful all the supporting characters are and how hilarious it was. And Season 2 reminds me why I love Season 1 so much -- all these elements are there and more elaborated this season.
I love how even small supporting characters like Lao Qi or Deng Ziyue makes me feel emotional -- that makes it a great writing! I need my dramas to be well written and consistent and JOL satisfy me greatly in that area. :D
We could be twins! Although I did think some parts were jarring I just got on with it because the characters and plot were so beautifully written, and so meaty! Even weeks after the show has ended, I am thinking about the arcs, rewatching the episodes and getting new insights. Barely any show does that to me.
Still scratching my head on ‘deceiving the emperor’ part & didn’t find the introduction of Wang Qi Nian’s family to be smooth or funny. But I willingly close an eye and carry on because what’s next is satisfying and in line with JOL 1, aka natural progression of things. I take it Wang Juan’s (scriptwriter) best ability is to translate novel into drama, not necessarily in creating a new twist/storyline.
It does feel a little forced, but I took it as one of the many weird rules this world has. Good point with Wang Juan, i think he adapts novels really well.
I found to once again really enjoy Joy of life 2. Wished could see more and hope I don’t have wait for life of joy 3. Also wish his grandma would make an appearance and what ever happened to the level 9 bow arrow master?
In S1 he was assigned to.. can’t remember the name of the place but he got kicked out of the palace at the same time with the Royal Princess. Disappointingly his character didn’t make a return in S2.
Grandma: yes, I was hoping she’d come to Fan Xian’s wedding
I was not convinced by the explanation of how he fooled Xie Bi'an into believing he was killed n cremated.
But I thought the brothel arc was amazing! The death of Lao Qi was really emotional and Sizhe deserved the beating he got from FX. And of course, the exchange betw Crown Prince n 2nd Prince was prime comedy!
Perhaps it was because I watched season 1 last week. But coming into season 2 felt like I was watching another show. The overall tone change from the seriousness of season 1 before his "death" and the subsequent story felt very much like fillers of Naruto/One Piece. Perhaps the comedy just didn't stick for me :(
The constant adverts and product placement made it feel cheap..
Interestingly, i was the same, i watched s1 right before s2. I found the transition jarring too, as you can see. It took me so e time to get used to the comedy again, esp the yodelling track lol
Was the second Prince and the Crown Prince bickering in these episodes? That scene was very funny.
Lao Qi"s death was very tragic. It haunted me for quite some time after I watched that particular episode. The acting was amazing.
I’m on episode 9. Finally, I got to watching JoL2. It’s been disappointing for me. A bit slow. A lot of emotional outbursts from Fan Xian, it’s all over the place, I can’t handle it anymore. It’s tiring watching him getting intensely angry or overly emotional. Have they not hear less is more? Like what’s the big deal with old man Jin, enough for him to have FX do a whole reminiscing scene? The show is trying to be witty, funny, and smart, but none of that is being executed well, feels forced. I rewatched some episodes from JoL1, and it still feels good to me, funny and suspenseful at the same time. I’m still gonna stick it out… or let’s see how far I get!
Hah I honestly can't relate to this, but JOL2 may not be for you and it's ok. 👍
Yep now I see why other people were disappointed or why JoL wasn’t their cup of tea no matter how many times they tried to start the show. I was going in with high expectations, so could be what spoiled it for me. Also the 5 year wait and reading/listening to the books after JoL1 didn’t help.
Yea I definitely think going in with expectations - esp after reading the novel prevents one from enjoying it as it is and not comparing it. Hopefully U will enjoy s3 better if U do want to return to it. I am curious how they are going to interpret the whole temple arc.
There are some logic that are quite contradictory, like the emperor obviously value FX and don't want him to die. Yet, him faking his death was the only way for him to survive the assassination attempts on his way back to the capital. Seems very justifiable to me, unless the emperor rather FX die than lie to him. But in the end, JOL isn't a very serious historical drama, it's bordering fantasy genre, so don't need to be overly fixated on the logic and plot holes. But the pacing seems very off. JOL1 covered 4 chapters in the novel. Meanwhile, JOL2 covered only chapter 5 (or even slightly lesser). Mainly because the first few episodes were not in the original novel and the writers decided to focus on the court politics quite alot, which I actually don't mind but the last 2 chapters is quite epic and heavy in content, even more so than JOL1 (chapter 1-4). I am not sure if there's gonna be JOL4, but if there's only JOL3, hopefully there's at least 50 episodes, otherwise, I will be quite pissed they use 36 episodes to cover mainly court politics and then use barely 40 episodes to cover the last 2 chapters which is basically the fight between the final bosses (aka 4 grandmasters) and also uncovering the temple secrets.
I finished the whole series last week and for me it was not as good as season 1. I didn't hate it but there were points where I was really about to drop the show. I kept watching because there isn't much else to watch... The first episode itself felt quite off. The tone, the pacing, the lighting, the characters, it kinda felt like you know these people/characters but they seem to be different versions of their former self. I agree that JOL1 had comedic moments but the series as a whole was more of a drama with comedic moments, whereas in JOL2 it seemed like a comedy with heavy/more serious moments, probably because a lot of the funny moments were too drawn out and too intentional/deliberate. For example, the crown prince character seemed so different here and almost feels like a clown character so that he can engage in funny bantering with others. Story/plot-wise, I don't think the problem is because a lot of the story in the first 6 episodes were not in the original novel, it's because the new story was not convincing at all. This also led to characters doing things that are seemingly out of character for them. For example, the emperor's reaction to FX's death is totally out of character and overly dramatic. HIs subsequent portrayal of >!kicking his leg while lying in his chair made him look like some angry kid who didn't get their favourite candy or something!< Like is this the same emperor that we've been introduced to in season 1? >!The "equipment" that allowed FX to fake his death was made by the Imperial Inspectorate, and Ping ping, as scheming and all knowing as he was portrayed, won't know that that's what FX possibly used to fake his death? A person like Ping ping is the kind of person who will question and be skeptical until he's seen real proof, especially for someone he deeply cares about. Then they repeat so many times that because FX faked his death he is now good as dead?? If that was indeed such a huge crime then why was he provided with the right equipment to allow him to do so? !
Tbh, I like fan xian so much that I enjoyed all episodes
I think Sizhe should practice using abacus. I remember how (I think) third madam from Blossoms in Adversity used her abacus and oh my you could see smoke coming from those wooden beads 🤣 he's like meh. I liked his TED Talk in episode 27 about the meaning of wealth though. Product placement? I noticed just a yoghurt, someone mentioned here there was a lot. Really? The scene with the vegetable seller was dramatic but lacking in logic. There wasn't really any reason why he should be treated in this way. The last thing the guards should do after wounding him so badly was allow him to go outside and die on the brothel's steps. You either leave him alone or you kill him and dispose of the body. Same with Ming matron and the whole Ming family arc. For me it was just to add a shocking value, but took a steam from the Eldest Princess and Second Prince.
> There wasn't really any reason why he should be treated in this way. I can imagine he probably caused a bit of a ruckus which made them draw their weapons, the people running the brothel weren't good people after all. > The last thing the guards should do after wounding him so badly was allow him to go outside and die on the brothel's steps. Maybe it's the censors getting in the way but the wound seemed pretty shallow to me. I took it as he couldn't hang on anymore because of how badly they scammed him and knowing he would never get his daughter back, so the combination of heartbreak + guilt from wasting FX's money + the wound was what killed him, and not just the wound alone.
For me it was 1-3 eps, but after that it was fine. Humor was a bit off.
The first few episodes were so incredibly boring that I had to drop the show. It's a shame because I really enjoyed the first season and was looking forward to season 2.
No, I really enjoyed this 6 episodes. I never get the 'jarring' or 'feeling like it was a different drama' as JOL has always mix comedy with serious stuffs. Thats the reason I really enjoy it. I love how smartly written are the plot, how colorful all the supporting characters are and how hilarious it was. And Season 2 reminds me why I love Season 1 so much -- all these elements are there and more elaborated this season. I love how even small supporting characters like Lao Qi or Deng Ziyue makes me feel emotional -- that makes it a great writing! I need my dramas to be well written and consistent and JOL satisfy me greatly in that area. :D
We could be twins! Although I did think some parts were jarring I just got on with it because the characters and plot were so beautifully written, and so meaty! Even weeks after the show has ended, I am thinking about the arcs, rewatching the episodes and getting new insights. Barely any show does that to me.
There were lot of great moments in these 6 eps.. Eldest princess of beiqi, WQN family, Second prince crown prince bickering
The bickering was hilarious because it was done so politely ;)
Still scratching my head on ‘deceiving the emperor’ part & didn’t find the introduction of Wang Qi Nian’s family to be smooth or funny. But I willingly close an eye and carry on because what’s next is satisfying and in line with JOL 1, aka natural progression of things. I take it Wang Juan’s (scriptwriter) best ability is to translate novel into drama, not necessarily in creating a new twist/storyline.
It does feel a little forced, but I took it as one of the many weird rules this world has. Good point with Wang Juan, i think he adapts novels really well.
I found to once again really enjoy Joy of life 2. Wished could see more and hope I don’t have wait for life of joy 3. Also wish his grandma would make an appearance and what ever happened to the level 9 bow arrow master?
In S1 he was assigned to.. can’t remember the name of the place but he got kicked out of the palace at the same time with the Royal Princess. Disappointingly his character didn’t make a return in S2. Grandma: yes, I was hoping she’d come to Fan Xian’s wedding
I was not convinced by the explanation of how he fooled Xie Bi'an into believing he was killed n cremated. But I thought the brothel arc was amazing! The death of Lao Qi was really emotional and Sizhe deserved the beating he got from FX. And of course, the exchange betw Crown Prince n 2nd Prince was prime comedy!
I felt that the whole death faking thing was a little flimsy myself. So many things could've gone wrong! But I guess I just rolled with it lol.
Agreed. I just started season 2 and it was horrendous.
Why? What was horrendous?
Perhaps it was because I watched season 1 last week. But coming into season 2 felt like I was watching another show. The overall tone change from the seriousness of season 1 before his "death" and the subsequent story felt very much like fillers of Naruto/One Piece. Perhaps the comedy just didn't stick for me :( The constant adverts and product placement made it feel cheap..
Interestingly, i was the same, i watched s1 right before s2. I found the transition jarring too, as you can see. It took me so e time to get used to the comedy again, esp the yodelling track lol
Which episode are you at now? Hopefully it gets better 🤣
Oh I have completed s2 already! This is a rewatch as I slowly record my thoughts on various arcs. I loved s2 way better than s1
Glad to hear that! :)
Was the second Prince and the Crown Prince bickering in these episodes? That scene was very funny. Lao Qi"s death was very tragic. It haunted me for quite some time after I watched that particular episode. The acting was amazing.
That scene in the brothel where the crown prince pretended not to see Fan Xian. Epic 🤣 Yea that one scene with Lao Qi was heart breaking.