"Destined"-Advantages & Disadvantages

"Destined" has some strengths. First of all, the actors' performances are excellent, including the supporting roles, which are well-portrayed and satisfying. Secondly, the portrayal of the true couple is truly moving, as they manage to convey a strong sense of sweetness and affection even without intimate physical contact, impressing the audience on screen.

However, there are some peculiarities in the plot logic within the drama, and the later part of the storyline becomes chaotic and lacks cohesion. According to book fans, these deviations are adaptations from the original work, and it is unclear how the original story unfolds.

Additionally, the pacing of "Destined" also presents an issue. Personally, I prefer fast-paced dramas, but the show's pacing doesn't seem well-controlled. Many crucial plot points are rushed through, and sudden shifts in time catch viewers off guard. For instance, the segment about the couple's escape, the three years in Youzhou, the three years in Dongdu, and the Yellow River restoration are all treated too briefly, leaving an unsatisfactory impression. On the contrary, some everyday life scenes are overly detailed, leading to an inconsistent viewing experience.

Furthermore, "Destined" suffers from character setting issues. The author's ambition is vast, involving romance, business, military, official careers, and even water management, making the overall scope too grand. The character development is also too perfect, with the female lead being a business prodigy and conveniently having a mother-in-law equally skilled in business. Meanwhile, the male lead is portrayed as possessing both literary and martial talents, excelling in his career with a smooth and successful ascent. These idealized characterizations come across as unrealistic.

In the initial stages, the sweet atmosphere created by the true couple provided an enjoyable viewing experience. However, as the story progressed and the sugary elements decreased, along with the disappearance of the rosy filter, the aforementioned issues became more evident, resulting in a less engaging experience. In conclusion, "Destined" had the potential to be even better, but unfortunately, it failed to fully capitalize on its strengths and wasted the talents of a group of excellent actors.