Hello, the Sharpshooter (HTS) turned out to be a decent watch. True, the show could have been executed better, but it had enough good elements to keep me engaged until it finished airing. It is not a serious and deep drama, even though its primary theme centered around the main characters dealing with psychological issues.

The plot was nothing new. First loves reuniting with amnesia as a starting obstacle, but I liked how the show wrapped things up so nicely. Some commented that it was too draggy, and yes, a few episodes may be slow, but I felt that the show used the extra episodes effectively to show how the main characters overcame their trauma. At least, unlike other shows in which the character miraculously became better overnight within one episode, HTS took the time to show the process of healing for the main characters. Via Dr. Ding, the sharpshooter team's psychologist, the show provided details that helped to explain how the ML and FL finally resolved their issues. I liked seeing how the ML and FL worked with Dr. Ding to try out methods on the other, and it made sense that ML's journey took a longer time, having the extra burden of guilt.

The best part of the show was the casting, especially with the main and second couple pairings. The show hit the jackpot with the chemistry between Hu Yi Tian as Shen Qing Yuan (SQY) and Fair Xing as Tang Xin (TX). As individual characters, they were tropey (think cold, emotionless ML, almost perfect in every way except his EQ, and clumsy but endearing and plucky FL). However, as a couple, they made the romance come alive so naturally and so adorably that it kept me coming back for the next episodes. Similarly, the relationship may have developed differently for the second couple, but their path to being together was also a fun watch. The supporting cast, especially SQY's wingmen also deserved credit for adding flavor to the story. Also, there were some great scenes where the show balanced well between humor and poignancy.

I enjoyed watching SQY and TX grow together and individually from the natural conflict of their budding relationship and also having to deal with their past history that casted a dark shadow over them. What was ultimately gratifying to me was how the two healed so beautifully together, finding common ground and knowing how to bring out the best in each other. They complemented each other and reveled in each other's strengths. When conflict entered the plot that kept them apart, it was not a test of whether it will break them up but more of a testament that their relationship was healthy enough to adapt and overcome. I appreciated TX's patience and sweetness as she knew how to coax SQY during his fits of jealousy or moments of gloom, and I loved how SQY was consistently there for TX, even when he was struggling hard with his issues.

There were some frustrating moments that can only happen in dramaland. No matter how much they crossed the line or how unprofessional they were, the antagonists were able to get away with their actions multiple times. Fortunately, all the primary villains getting their just deserts provided the satisfaction that I typically needed for a happy ending. I wish that they built up the coach's character better since he seemed to turn a blind eye to all the atrocious things done to his sharpshooter team. Additionally, I will insert my usual rant about how terribly the c-dramas style their FLs. I simply do not understand why the MLs and SFL are usually dressed so stylishly, while the FL tend to be dressed in dowdy, old-fashioned, and oversized outfits.

Visually, HTS is a feast for the eyes because no matter who you look at - either Hu Yi Tian, Fair Xing, Kido Ma, Luo Qiu Yun, or most of the supporting cast, it was good looks galore. Acting-wise, most of the cast did a fine job, but I felt that both Hu Yi Tian and Fair Xing have not expanded beyond their current acting abilities since their characters in HTS were similar to those in their other dramas. They did well in general, but I would love to see them break the mold.

Musically, the OST was memorable, and by that, I mean the songs were effective in evoking memories of the scenes for me. I like the opening song, sung by Liu Yu Ning, and it reflected the hopeful aspiring tone of the underlying sports theme throughout the show. For posterity, I included the tracklist at the end of this review.

Overall, HTS pleasantly surprised me and I would re-watch to catch the nuances I may have missed during the first run..

I do recommend that you try this drama out and decide for yourself. If nothing else, the chemistry between Hu Yi Tian and Fair Xing might be enough to keep you watching.

[TRACKLIST]
The Daughter Of The Sea 海的女儿 - 王韵韵 Wang Yunyun
It's All Worth It 都值得 - 张玮 Zhang Wei
Sadness Is You, Joy Is Also You 悲伤是你，欢喜也是你 - 王韵韵 Wang Yunyun
Extraordinary Love 不平凡的爱 - 郑人予 Zheng Renyu / 徐艺洋 Xu Yiyang
What Happened Yesterday 昨天的事 - 冒朋呈 Mao Peng Cheng
Holiday 假期 - 兔子牙 Tuzi ya / Rabbit Tooth
Everyone Knows 大家都知道 - 薄何 Bo He / 李星彤 Li Xingtong
The Only Light 唯一的光 - 刘宇宁 Liu Yuning
Chain 连锁 - 硬糖少女303陈卓璇 Hard Candy Girl 303 Chen Zhuoxuan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa9t3cnggpU