My Secret Roommate (2022)

GOOD FUN but it could have been great

Hi,

I won't spoil at first but then draw a line when the spoilers begin, okay?

In general this was a good idea and a lot of fun to watch. Watching two strangers get stuck with each other -- and all that entails -- was super fun, especially since this is a Chinese drama. If you've watched the trailer and are interested, I'd say it's good enough to watch and that you'll be happy (enough) that you did.

You'll like the leads. Especially 'the boy' who does some serious heavy lifting here. He essentially plays two characters with two character arcs, which means he plays four 'individuals' and does so really well. In fact this aspect may be the best part of the series.

I was a little disappointed with 'the girl' because. well... she came off as a little too girlish. Young bright eyes but she's a big reporter. I think I needed more of a Lois Lane, you know? And she didn't seem to be a strong enough actress until the last quarter of the series where her red sad eyes finally made her truly compelling. Apparently I wasn't the only one who found this actress weak because I gather the producers dubbed her voice with a different actress, which in America is verbotten but maybe people in China don't care. Still why bother having two actresses playing one character when you could simply find a better actress in the first place. Hmm. But she's okay and enjoyable in the role just the same.

***************************** SPOILERS BELOW *****************************

There were actually a lot of things that bothered me in this series. Nothing big as much as little pesky issues.

The first was they simply never explained this time overlap thing in the first place. Going to the internet and studying up on time travel was simply an embarrassment of story telling. Every last word regarding entropy and overlap was painfully juvenile writing. These two kids are not experts and so they neither know where to look for information or what to make of what they've found.

Science fiction has a well worn tradition of an 'expert', which is an old male scientist with white hair whom they consult. They could have modernized this cliche by having a blind genius of a scientist woman in wheelchair, a former client of the lawyer who is sort of in on what's happening to them and trying to help them. Sometimes I get this strange feeling that the Chinese are so new to producing any movies or TV that they're literally still in their early days of all this.

The next thing is related an absolutely critical to explain: where did the origami 'bird' come from and why it is magical and why did it pick on these two crazy kids? Just because it exists doesn't mean it 'is' yet. Like the monolith in 2001 you must explain what it is, where it came from, what it can do, and why it is doing it. Or what you're watching feels like a silly Saturday Morning cartoon.

Okay, now, early in the story our leads were aware that there was a 'girl' in 2022 as well. This girl would be perfectly aware of their situation since she's already lived through it. She'd be a CRITICAL source of information on what to do about their dilemma. For reasons that make no sense our couple avoided her like the plague. Because the writers did not wish to reveal her predicament yet. The problem is --

-- you can't do that. The couple would seek her out. And so by episode 3 or 4 you MUST deal with this issue. I would have simply had her GONE. Without a trace. POOF! What happened to her? Where is she? Nobody who knew her knows. This creates a GREAT mystery and allows the story to move forward without pretending the characters wouldn't look her up for help.

So basically LOVE IN TIME is an interesting premise that isn't properly set up to be utterly engaging. The origami bird and ignoring the girl in 2022 for too long kept me out of the story because the viewer needs to know what's what with these critical details.

The story was laced with many subplots to... frankly... make the story last 24 episodes. They were okay themselves but rather cumbersome and clutter. A lot of names and faces and events to keep straight, especially when they'd try and try to change outcomes. In general all the characters were interesting and well played, but I felt it all distracted from --

-- a more interesting drama that could have happened with our girl and her two boys. What if this story had been about how the girl first falls in love with the boy she can only see for 40 minutes a day... but over time... she finds he's more about fun than being serious... and that... she begins to fall in love with the boy in 2021 more?

That would have been a fascinating portrait of a girl who fools around with a better version of the boy she thought she first loved. A real live LOVE TRIANGLE but with this unique twist. Imagine her cheating on the man she loves with himself? I think this would have been more interesting and worked even better.

So LOVE IN TIME is really okay and worth trying. But I think there's a better series hiding inside this concept.

Leia Mais

Dragged in a loop

The premise was interesting. A shared space for past and present at a fixed time.

It started fine but after the initial both parties found out about it, the plot stagnates. It could not sustain the whole intrique of what happen to the female star was jus too slow. Seriously draggy. I start and stop so many times, it was a chore getting to the finishin line. And dont get me started on the syspect so obvious, i was jus waiting for the story to call him out.

As with time fantasy, loopholes often becomes an issue in the plot. How FL for over half the drama never question abt her present self especially since she knew in the present the ML lives in her apartment. I also find it odd that when the past is changed the memories go to the present male, but all the other characters who are in the present arent affected.

The actors for ML and FL i like them both and enjoyed their previous work. I kind of blame the plot and direction of the drama that affected me enjoying their romance. I jus dont quite buy how they went from enemies to being in love. It felt so "written on paper" and not something that should have been tangible and torrid. I guess this is me feeling maybe expecting too much cause I enjoyed W. And this is a far cry from W.

Watch only if you are a fan of both leads. But as a fantasy/time riff drama, it lacks in proper plot execution and intrique. As a romance drama, it lacked intensity and soulfulness.

Leia Mais

Can you fall in love with someone who you can only see one hour a day?

Time travel dramas are tricky to watch, but this one was pretty good, in regard towards answering questions and ending loop holes.

The premise of the drama is the FL and the ML are from two different time lines. There’s only a 4 month difference in time, but it’s impactful enough to know these characters don’t belong in the same period.

I liked the casting, even though the FL is 8 years younger than the ML, she acts and looks older. I hope they did use her real voice and just pitched it high in recording because in the behind the scene footage, it was deeper. The main leads have great chemistry and it’s no wonder the whole drama is focused on them.

I do like having a secondary couple to grasp and even though there was a secondary couple, there wasn’t enough screen time to really warrant their own story. The secondary couple’s storyline was the plot device to the main couple’s focus. So you kind of knew how the secondary couple would end up because, duh, we see it in the future.

At times the drama does drag here and there and it feels like some conversations are repetitive or lengthy. I mainly wanted to focus on the main couple. The FL was REALLY annoying in the first few episodes and I was questioning if I was going to like her character, but eventually she became endearing and 100% grew on me!

The main plot to the entire series is basically, can I change the future? So the main leads try different things to try to change it. I loved that they worked together and as they did, they started to form an attachment. It was very organic and romantic. You really do get the feels for the couple.

I questioned how they would wrap up the two different time lines and to my surprise it was wrapped up very neatly. Overall, there are some ups and downs to the drama, but more ups than downs. Watch it for the main leads.

Leia Mais

Just watch the original T-drama instead!

As everyone probably knows this is the mainland Chinese adaptation of the Taiwanese drama Meet Me @ 1006. Compared to other Chinese adaptations that I've seen, this one is at least genuinely similar to the source material. They may have changed a great many things, but ultimately we can still recognize the story & censorship did not ruin the time travel-ish ending, not this time.

There are three major things that can be considered improved over the original. For starters the cdrama's cinematography is just gorgeous. The plot of the cdrama flows far more smoothly, the writer did a reasonable job of fixing some of the flaws the original script had. For example Jia Lan knows how to use the Internet, so that's a huge plothole dealt with too.
Da Jun's big plot has been completely cut as well, which is HUGE.

Despite the above I cannot recommend this drama at all, I suggest to just watch "Meet Me @ 1006" instead.
So what's wrong with the adaptation? Well lots of things really. It's normal for cdramas to have far less emotional impact than their Korean, or Taiwanese counterparts, but here the difference is just way too jarring. We go from really intense and lively acting to emotionless Vulcan characters, well almost. The leads had strange chemistry, they had some obviously, but the acting was not very believable so the OTP couple did not really work for me. Also FL's voiceover sounded really weird & ill fitting. She was like 18-19 when they filmed this & the makeup artist did not really do a very good job hiding her baby fat. I'm fine with age gaps, but FL's age does not fit this role, it could not have been any more out of place.
I did praise the writer a little for fixing some of the script's flaws, but there are some negative developments as well. Some people tried to imagine a love triangle involving the same person from different timelines, watching the original I thought this was super silly. In the adaptation however the writer went all in with this, there is a real love triangle between the two He Zheng Yus. This is not too bothersome or anything, but feels unnecessary.
And finally the OST of this is perhaps the worst cdrama OST I've heard thus far. It annoyed me immensely, I did find myself turning down the volume a lot, when I could not take it anymore.

So yeah, just skip this one & watch the original Taiwanese show, if you can!

Leia Mais

Feel the difference

you will love this drama. For me, I am not fun of dramas with magic sort of stuff. But this drama allows me to appreciate it. The Crew did a good job. like the editing team, because you will not see the bad sequence on shifting the time difference in the story in where the ML or the FL disappears when they are not in their time zone so to speak. They really done a good job.

The story is not also boring, it made you think sometimes that is it possible. What if, this happened in real life.? What if you meet your future self or past self, what should you do? things that made you think while watching this. Also, the ML is kinda great portrayed a different character from the past and future self. Well done dude.

The FL also is great, sometimes, I think otherwise but, in the end, I liked her.

Watch and experience the time difference. hehe

Leia Mais

Good Slow-Burn Romance, Underwhelming Story

Love In Time Review

Slow-Burn Romance, Super Slow Story Development

This version has similar pacing to the Taiwanese version. It's a slow-burn time-travel romance that includes some twists and turns. However, this version focuses slightly more on slow-burn romance while the case surrounding them is far less dark and taboo compared to the Taiwanese version.

For the Good, For the Bad:

What I like:

- The main couple’s chemistry. Their characters' personalities play very well off one another. He's quite stoic and aloof while she's cute, physically strong and a bit immature at times. A bit cliche but it works for their story. Their relationship development was a pleasure to watch play out.

- I love how there’s actually 2 relationships building, one with the ML in 2021 and one with the ML in 2022. You get to see different sides of the ML’s personality which Yang Xu Wen plays so well. Both versions of his character are so satisfying to watch. This was my favorite thing about this version that I don’t remember being as good in the original version.


What I dislike:

- I forgot how slow this story plays out. Even the Taiwanese version’s story is quite slow,
however, the Taiwanese version's murder case is much more complex and interesting with many layers and twists involved. In this version the cases aren’t as complex. They really don't need so many episodes to tell this story and solve the case/cases. Also, the first main “case” has repetitive themes. It’s just boring.

- No shocking twists. The original version includes a few pretty shocking twists. Those twists kept you guessing until the end but this version doesn’t have any of those intriguing elements. It’s all pretty straight forward expect for a few details. Most of this version is predictable. I wasn’t on the edge of my seat at all.

- There were times when I was quite bored. I was watching, ready and waiting for something interesting to happen. Unfortunately, this drama is very draggy at times. The surround themes just aren’t engaging. Divorce, online bullying, and celebrity gossip are tired topics compared to the themes in the Taiwanese version.

- Reoccurring themes. To be fair, some of this is expected in a time traveling type of drama but the problems they face are the same things. It just feels quite lazy and boring. The solve a problem and then the same problem happens again. Couldn’t the writers come up with anything more interesting??

- At times things were really confusing and not in the mentally stimulating way. Its annoying and frustrating.

If I hadn’t seen the Taiwanese version and known to expect some twists and turns I would have likely dropped this. My curiosity to see how this version as a whole stacks up to the original is what kept me watching. If I’m being honest though, this version is very draggy. I would not recommend this drama. Watch the Taiwanese version instead...

Would Not Recommend (this version)
Would Not Re-watch

Leia Mais

Started out great but downhill after :(

This drama had so much promise from the beginning! I absolutely loved it from episode 1. Reaching Ep 5, the FL was getting on my nerves, and after ep16 I started FF a lot. I then skipped to Ep 23 & 24 just to see the ending.

The basic plot is the time space and travel, both of them meeting each other in the apartment. He is from 2022, and she is from 2021, exactly 4 months difference, so it’s not that much. At first both are freaked out, then they realised what was going on, but hated each other. Eventually they start falling for each other. They try to change the future and save their friend and their marriage, but in the process one gets into an accident, and at the end another one dies.

I thought the storyline with the time space and travel was very well done. I especially liked how the front door leads to 2022, and the back door leads to 2021! That was a brilliant idea! So they could enjoy dates in both timelines. Majority of it made sense, and you have to pay attention quite a bit to the timeline. In terms of production, it was very well done too. Acting was top notch by our leads, but I didn’t like our FL’s character. She came across too naive, act before thinking, and quite irrational and self righteous. Our ML had to act two different roles from 2022 and 2021- and he pulled it off flawlessly.

The romance and chemistry was uhmmm not great. The kissing scenes looked quite forced and not natural ;);) They seemed more like good friends than lovers. The storylines with Jirong, husband Jiang Shengyao and the brother Anwen was so annoying. Jirong’s character was just dumb. No brain, cannot think for herself. Her bro Anwen was very manipulative, a gambler and used her to try to pay off his debt. To be honest, I thought the writers gave him too much screen time. It is because of their divorce, scandal and what not that caused to rip in the time space.

After Ep 16, things seemed to repeat itself, just with different sub plots and it got boring. Didn’t have the patience to watch anymore so just FF and skipped to last two episodes. The final twist at the end again was super interesting and I thought was well crafted. But unfortunately the in between just didn’t cut it for me.

Do give this one a try, it’s better than most of the Cdramas out there. Oh and the best part- the OST is super nice. About 3 to 4 songs which were very memorable and emotional ;)

Leia Mais

I like time travel dramas but half way through I usually have to come to terms with the fact that it may not be a HE and I’ll have to take what I can get. This drama though I was pleasantly surprised and liked how it wrapped up the storyline and gave us a pretty good HE.

ML and FL I loved in this drama. ML is handsome and charismatic and played his two roles so well that it really did seem like 2 different people. FL is a natural beauty and when she smiles she lights up a screen. I felt the chemistry between them and loved the progression of their relationship. I would to see these two team up again!

There are plot holes and overall, I agree with others that you can’t overthink or over analyze. I watched this for the main leads and it was a fun and enjoyable watch where I didn’t hit the fast forward button (at least for me!!).

Leia Mais

don't go on comparison

I watched it without knowing that it was a remake. and I enjoyed watching it. not gonna bother myself to wath real one. of course it's a remake so they make it more better than before with some changes and by adding more logic.

~when FL said that she don't like candle and roses like big surprise and happy with little surprised. believe me we need more girl character like her.~
their acting was great. specially ML. he literally nailed it.
people like me who like mystery with romance. have to give it a try..
I dislike drama with too much fluff or quickly move on.
a drama must have a story. that fans can enjoy.

if you wanted to watch it. then watch..
story gonna hook you up from beginning.

Leia Mais

A good mix of Romance, Fantasy and Crime Investigation

“Love in Time” is Chinese adaptation of the Taiwanese drama “Meet Me @ 1006”, which I also watched. But it’s been a while and I don’t quite remember the details. “Love in Time” has a good mix of romance, fantasy and crime investigation. I think romance might be stronger and has a larger plot than “Meet Me @ 1006” (but I might be wrong).

Storytelling using multiple timelines could be confusing but I think “Love in Time” did a pretty good job. It shows clearly on the screen whether it’s in 2021 or 2022 and it actually isn’t hard to tell apart even without the words on screen. If you are really picky about consistency and things always make sense in different timelines, then I am not sure if this drama will satisfy you. What happened to the jealousy of the co-workers? How about paying at the convenience store when you’re not from the same timeline?

I think the strength of the drama is giving the three genres (romance, fantasy, crime investigation) equal time and integrating these elements well throughout the drama. However, even though the drama is only 24 episodes long, there are moments that I felt like the story is not moving fast enough. Technically, there are two big “events” that the main characters want to change, and I feel certain smaller events are repetitive and could have sped up the pacing.

I enjoy the acting by the two main leads, especially Yang Xu Wen as the male lead. He basically plays two characters and you can tell just by looking at him which timeline he’s in. He looks so handsome in this drama in nice tailored suits (better looking than in his period dramas). I enjoyed his acting here a lot more than “Strange Tales in Tang Dynasty”. The female lead, Julia Xiang, did an admirable job as well. I really like her character in the first half of the drama. She’s adorable and smart, and has a strong sense of justice. I also want to see more of her challenges as a newbie reporter. But towards the second half of the drama, she cries too much and I miss her brighter personality.

Unfortunately, I do not think the acting of the supporting cast shines as bright as the leads. Wang Men Li (as actress Wu Ji Rong) and Xu Kai Xin (as reporter Mu Shi Ming) are especially disappointing and bland. I had high hopes for Dai Gao Zheng after seeing his sexy acting (aka abs) in the popular web drama “Maid’s Revenge”. Unfortunately his role as Jiang Sheng Hao will not be his breakout role. He was OK, but he didn't stand out. I also think the script for the supporting cast is not doing the actors any favors. There’s barely any character development and the supporting cast only serves to move the plot along. This show is made for the male and female leads. Anyone else is an afterthought without depth.

As a romance junkie, I am satisfied with how the romance develops between the leads, in both timelines. I really do feel like the romance takes center stage in this drama. There are fun enemies-to-lovers bantering, cute and sweet scenes, a couple kisses and some really good, genuine hugs. I am glad that the male lead doesn’t turn dumb and useless after falling in love. He’s still smart and still level-headed. He really does have character development and has become a better person at the end of the drama. The second half of the drama becomes a little more melodramatic (because of the plot). I still think the female lead cries too much and I wish there are more heartwarming and sweet scenes here and there to balance out the melodrama.

I am satisfied with the ending of the drama. I was worried it’s going to be a cliche ending where someone would wake up from a coma or recover lost memories. Since this is a fantasy drama, I can’t use the word ‘realistic’ to describe it. But I would say it’s reasonable and not abrupt. There’s time between the end of a certain important event for the lead to recover, adjust and slowly come to terms to how they feel and to finally move on.


Other Random Observations:
1. I’m glad the actors are using their own voice. But I wish there’s more live recording and less post-production voice over. The quality of the dubbing isn’t great.
2. like Yang Xu Wen even more after this drama. But for some reason he is giving me a playboy vibe, which is weird because his character is definitely not a playboy.
3. My notes reminded me that I criticized the FL in the Taiwanese version for not showing enough of her judo. I think FL here does a little more MMA, butI still not enough. I want to see her beat up some bad dudes.
4. The apartment here is really big and nice. The Taiwanese apartment has a little more character and fun, definitely not as swanky especially for a down-on-his-luck lawyer.



Completed: 12/25/2022

Leia Mais