[Editor's Note] To help you watch the "first episode" of a drama, are the recently aired dramas worth watching? Some dramas may gradually get better, while others may start high and end low, so this article only represents the author's opinion on the first few episodes, for reference only. If there are any follow-up comments, I will notify you at any time.
The Knight's Journey
Broadcast platform: Tencent Video
Start time: April 11
The costume comedy "The Knight's Way" is directed by Zhong Kanxie and Zhang Renjie, starring Xu Zhisheng, Fan Jingyi, Wang Shuai, Chu Junchen, and also features guest appearances by many talk show hosts.
Poster of "The Knight's Journey"
The drama is adapted from the manga of the same name by Tokiwa Yuushe. It tells the story of Gou Lingfeng, a wealthy businessman's son who is born with a fierce appearance but kind-hearted and aspires to become a hero. However, he mistakenly worships the Demon Cult as his master. Because he has practiced magic skills and has a scar on his face, he is always misunderstood as a villain of the Demon Cult when he is doing justice.
The cowardly and bullied hero and his character mismatch naturally have a sense of comedy, and the fusion of comedy and martial arts elements, coupled with Xu Zhisheng's unique comedy style, add a lot of highlights to the show.
Popular talk show actor Xu Zhisheng plays the leading role in the TV series
Talk show actors come to team building
At present, the plot of this drama is not as good as the previous "pleasant" team-building "Don't Panic, Great King". The screenwriter seems to lack experience and sense of rhythm in comedy writing, and there are many awkward parts. But it wins because several actors are popular with the public. For example, a plot between Xu Zhisheng and Niao Niao has sparked discussions online. It is okay to watch it while eating.
Hao Mei, played by Niao Niao, confronts Gou Lingfeng, played by Xu Zhisheng
However, if Xu Zhisheng is really determined to be an actor, the most urgent task is to improve his acting skills. In many single scenes, it seems that Brother Xu can't even find the camera, and he doesn't know how to locate himself or how to perform.
Audiences love talk show hosts because of their interesting personalities and hilarious jokes, but film and television performances are aimed at shaping characters, not continuing to be yourself in front of the camera. When you are being yourself, you are speaking lines and not telling jokes. So why are the audience spending this time watching a close-up of you, Xu Zhisheng?
"Carefree Crossing"
Broadcast platform: iQiyi
Start time: April 12
The fantasy and strange historical drama "Wuyoudu" was "airdropped" on April 12, and the release date was announced on the same day and it was broadcast that night. The drama was directed by Lin Yufen, co-directed by Liang Shengquan, Cao Hua, and Huang Xiaoying, written by Zhao Na, and starred by Ren Jialun and Song Zuer.
As of press time, the popularity of "Wuyoudu" on iQiyi has exceeded 8,500, the fastest for a new drama in 2025.
The drama is adapted from Ban Ming Ban Mei's novel Ban Xia, which is divided into 6 strange story units. It tells the romantic love story of Xuan Ye, a mysterious monster catcher who possesses 5 swords with different functions, and meets the girl Ban Xia. The two solve one strange mysteries after another in a world where humans and monsters coexist, and unravel the mystery of Xuan Ye's life experience.
The ill-fated "Wuyoudu" was actually completed at the end of 2022. The cast of the show is quite good. The chief director Lin Yufen's representative works include "Eternal Love" and "Love and Destiny", and she is considered a top director in ancient puppet dramas.
Screenwriter Zhao Na's representative works include "Love and Destiny" and "Princess Agents". The recently aired "The Unparalleled" is also her work. One more thing to say, the author watched a few more episodes of "The Unparalleled". The plot is not bad, and the characters and lines are all brilliant. However, the costumes and makeup are too ugly, and the camera makes the male and female protagonists look too ugly. I can only say that Director Guo should go home and learn some aesthetics before returning to the stage, okay?
Stills from "Worry-free Ferry"
After watching three episodes of "Wuyoudu", the aesthetics are online, the plot is smooth, the actors' performances are just right, and the theme is novel in the assembly line ancient idol dramas. After all, it has been a few years since we have seen a good female ancient idol drama with a strange story theme. But the female protagonist's character seems quite uninspiring at present. If it had been broadcast two years ago, it would have been fine, but now it seems bland.
The drama was broadcast for one day, and the popularity on the site exceeded 8,500, and it is expected to become a small hit. To be honest, I am very happy for Director Lin Yufen. It is not easy for her. She has not broadcast any dramas in the past few years. She has fallen behind the first-line directors. Why? In addition to "Wuyoudu", "The Legend of the Blue Hairpin" which started filming in 2019 is also her work. It is said that after the lead actor is changed, it is expected to be launched this year. From a metaphysical perspective, I feel sorry for Director Lin for a second.
Black Mirror Season 7
Broadcast platform: Netflix
Start time: April 10
Black Mirror Season 7, which has been highly anticipated by fans around the world, has only been on air for two days, and has a Douban score of 8.8 (13,000 people rated it). Old fans of the show are really crying and calling it a great show.
Black Mirror Season 7 poster
The Black Mirror series has always been famous for its unique perspective, profound connotation and sharp criticism of modern technology and social phenomena. This season, each episode is still an independent story, exploring the impact of technology on human life, emotions and morality through different science fiction or fantasy settings.
Stills from Black Mirror Season 7
At present, my favorite episodes are the first and third. I won’t spoil the plot here, but I will share some of my thoughts.
First, the "Black Mirror" series has been able to maintain its overall level in the seventh season. On the one hand, we have to acknowledge the strong level of creation, but on the other hand, it to some extent illustrates the vitality of science fiction themes, especially in the field of high-quality short dramas.
Since the emergence of Black Mirror, there have been many short series imitating it in China, but most of them are "venture capital" works for young directors to practice their skills, such as the several series invested by bilibili. The quality is... Forget it. I can only say that the idea of "using science fiction short series as a work for young creators to practice their skills" itself is a manifestation of a not-so-smooth mind.
Science fiction films and TV series are the genres that require the highest levels of creative production skills and experience. Using this as a "training ground" for young creators not only pits the subject matter, but also pits the creators, investors, and the platform itself. This has caused domestic science fiction themes to become even more sluggish, and few people dare to touch them.
But! However, the creative space of science fiction itself is huge, and it is extremely fresh to the audience and the market. At a time when various platforms are pursuing "short dramas, fine products, novelty, and perfection", this is a genre that is very worthwhile to develop.
Stills from Black Mirror Season 7
Second, the "Black Mirror" series also proves that no matter what the subject matter is, the more extreme the insight and ability to summarize reality is, the more it can touch and shock people's hearts.
Science fiction is not a castle in the air. Throughout history, science fiction, which has ample hypothetical and metaphorical space, is the most suitable genre for creating works that touch upon the deepest parts of society and the darkest side of human nature.
