Editor's Note

The "First Episode" series helping everyone catch up on shows is here! Are the recently launched dramas worth getting into? Let's take a look at what's good and what's quirky.

Some dramas might gradually improve, while others may start strong and decline. Therefore, this article only represents the author's opinions on the first few episodes and is for reference only. If future developments contradict this, we will inform everyone at any time.

"Limitless Future"

Broadcast Platform: CCTV Channel 8, Youku, iQIYI

Premiere Date: August 18

The quality of this drama depends on the perspective from which you view it.

According to the promotional materials, it's a workplace drama about small players in a bank. Looking at it from a workplace angle, many one-star reviews on Douban describe it as "unrealistic," "the writers haven't worked a day in their lives," and "they don't understand the domestic banking system."

Stills from "Limitless Future"

In the first two episodes, Bai Yu's character Lin Qiang is demoted from the headquarters to a remote branch as the vice president due to a loan issue. On his first day, he finds himself assigned to a storage room for lodging by the branch president's secretary, which feels quite dramatic for a real workplace setting.

For the sake of Lin Qiang's character development, a group of bank clerks treats him like a star, protesting in front of the president and speaking up for him, regardless of their own futures. Their overall behavior is quite juvenile.

To build up Lin Qiang, the script even has him selling 700,000 in financial products in just five minutes, which in the current context comes off as more like "fraud."

Further embellishing his character, he's depicted as completing a task with a five hundred million deposit target within a week, discovering a massive fishing upgrade order along the way, while bringing in relatives and friends to deposit over a hundred million in a remote branch.

The male lead shines under his protagonist halo, with all leaders favoring him, every opportunity falling into his lap, and everyone around him unconditionally trusting him. This show captures the dramatic flair of "Hanzawa Naoki" but misses the essence of a compelling and rational plot. Viewers won't feel like they are the protagonist; instead, they may feel like ordinary customers being manipulated by the bank, leading to a disconnect with the main character group.

However, when viewed from another angle, treating it as a comic adaptation or a palace intrigue drama, it becomes more entertaining. Setting aside the bugs of realism, Lin Qiang emerges as a righteous and passionate young man, surrounded by a great teammate, Zheng Shuai, and a group of like-minded individuals ready to rebel against the world. The supporting cast consists of characters with extraordinary skills, who through Lin Qiang and his small organization pit their abilities against one another. Lin Qiang struggles to survive amid these experts, all while seeking to flip the world controlled by them upside down. The focus is not on banking operations, investment plans, or Lin Qiang's abilities, but rather on the interesting dynamics among the characters—those vying for power through flattery, a domineering female CEO who harasses subordinates, duplicitous leaders, and merciless rivals.

Putting aside expectations of logic and realistic themes, simply enjoying this drama can be quite satisfying.

"Sifang Pavilion"

Broadcast Platform: iQIYI

Premiere Date: August 23

As summer continues, enjoying watermelon and icy drinks, it's perfect for watching light-hearted dramas, and this is the positioning of "Sifang Pavilion," a period comedy rated around 6 out of 10.

Tan Jianji and Zhou Yiran star as a pair of comedic adversaries, while Du Chun plays a detective solving cases at the Sifang Pavilion. After several episodes of back and forth, the investigative team is officially formed.

Stills from "Sifang Pavilion"

However, the overall pacing feels slow; even though the plot moves along, there’s too much irrelevant dialogue and overly long scenes, with just one case resolved by the end of the six episodes. If viewed as an anthology series, it lacks brevity and urgency; as a longer story-driven drama, the character relationships and setups are not interesting enough. While the dialogue has a touch of modernity, it's not sharp or witty enough, often relying on forced conflicts and obligatory setups for humor.

It may not qualify as a must-watch drama, but if you're not keen on the intense series like "The Edge of the Water," and prefer something light and comedic for leisure, it can certainly be a viable option.

"Back to Reality in Ten Days"

Broadcast Platform: iQIYI

Premiere Date: July 19

Among the recently aired series, while there are shows like "The Real District" and "Behind the Truth," rated around six points, you might just prefer to check out this highly dramatic social experiment variety show.

"Back to Reality in Ten Days" is a new variety show from the Chen Wei team at iQIYI, featuring stars like Zhang Youhao, Li Gengxi, Wang Herun, Lin Gengxin, Li Xueqin, Zhangyun Long, Wu Qilong, Chen Yihan, along with some elite individuals from brain research, esports, psychology, and academia, participating in a closed survival program lasting ten days. Thirty-nine participants are split into three teams entering the base, facing challenges daily that test their mental acuity, psychological strength, and physical abilities, with self-chosen paths for challenges, where those who succeed stay and those who fail are eliminated.

At first glance, it appears to be a challenge-based game show, but the show brings a flavor of a grand human nature experiment. As the guests engage, they seem to become quite invested.

Stills from "Back to Reality in Ten Days"

Trending topics feature conflicts among stars such as Li Gengxi and Zhang Youhao, with many netizens feeling the emotions are overly intense and contrived. Nevertheless, I recommend watching the show itself. Even though the games are merely games and failures don't mean much, issues like respect for rules, the essence of human nature, betrayal vs. trust, avoidance and confrontations provide a glimpse into deeper matters. When injustices occur, who chooses silence or rebellion? Do they choose belief or follow the crowd?

You might think there's a script in front of the cameras, but consider "Youth with You 2" for example; it too unfolded dramatically in front of the camera. You may just witness the birth of "Ten Studies."