What a triumph this was, I don’t think I have ever seen such perfection before in all forms: production, story, cast, music, CGI bam bam bam all integrated into a consistent coherent and powerful story. I stumbled upon this one by accident and thought I’d give it a go. I was not expecting it to be this good, it exceeded my expectations a hundred times over and I can see why so many people have fallen in love with this. I actually can’t fault it and am so impressed by how well-crafted the drama is and how much thought was given into every scene, every battle, every game and strategy, the timing, balance between light and heavy, character contrast and dynamics. Watching online gaming may not be your thing (it’s not mine), but The King’s Avatar immerses you into the world of Glory and makes you never want to leave it again.

Story
I wasn’t all too familiar with the background of this (this live-action being based on a novel and anime), but no matter, I found myself drawn in immediately from the first gaming scene. We follow Ye Xiu’s rise and fall in the professional e-sports arena, and his journey to forming his own Xing Xin team, meeting a lovable and unique bunch of fellow Glory enthusiasts. The story arc was beautifully done and was very consistent (you may feel it drag in some places, but please just stick it out and keep watching, it’s worth it). From beginning to end, the story, the plot and the message was there and strongly delivered.
There is no romance in this, but it doesn’t need it at all. It purely focuses on commaraderie, friendship, never giving up despite when all odds are against you, believing in yourself and your ability, it’s okay to make mistakes we’re only human, the value of teamwork and every good thing we can all learn a thing or two from.
The production, the online gaming component was all spot on. And also the script was so smooth, all the conversations had double meanings within in them and were deep and complex.

Acting/Cast
You know what, I was pleasantly surprised by Yang Yang’s performance. From Love020, I thought he was just a pretty face and acting subpar. But boy was I impressed. He was the perfect cast for Ye Xiu and I commend his acting ability. He embodied Ye Xiu’s character so well, I didn’t feel like he was acting, it felt so real and fit him so well. He was able to bring out Ye Xiu’s cheeky side yet tad arrogant self, serious gaming face, and the feelings of hopelessness, loss and triumph simultaneously.
As for Maggie Jiang’s character Chen Guo, I can totally understand the comments on her looking older and also being annoying at times. In the first few episodes we see her, she does come off as clingy, hot tempered for no reason and annoying and also later on, making foolish and stupid mistakes. She wasn’t my favourite character, but I appreciate her persistence and positivity and her belief in the team.
The whole team’s acting was spot on and I couldn’t fault anyone’s performance. Everyone did their character justice and I loved seeing the team dynamics and interactions. For those burning for romance, you can maybe see a very subtle romantic undercurrent between Ye Xiu and Su MuCheng. And I loved seeing them to be able to help each other and comfort each other during tough or sad times, they were always there for each other.

Music 100% on point again and fit in so nicely with the whole production. Listening to the OST on repeat.

Rewatch value 10 again. After just finishing it, I’m already going back to the beginning and rewatching it again. I am pining for Season 2, please come out soon!

I just want to stress again, of all the Chinese dramas I’ve seen, this is by far the best thing I’ve watched. Pure glory in every form. Every scene had a message or meaning behind it, everything fit in so well and I was on the edge of my seat gunning for team Xing Xin. I felt everything Ye Xiu felt and was with him every step of the way. Do yourself a favour and watch this drama now. Keen to hear your thoughts as always! xx



Ponderings and Musings *SPOILERS*
- Why didn’t Ye Xiu ask Qiu Fei to join his team if he was his apprentice from before?
- Please explain why they put up Lu Ji and Chen Guo up to play despite them having zero skills
- If I’m nitpicking, I would have loved to see more vulnerability and character development in Ye Xiu’s character. He was able to help out so many other people in different and unique ways. I wanted him to rely on his team a bit more and just show a little bit more of his vulnerable side. He is not always invincible and that’s okay.
- The brother thing was a bit weird, I know they were trying to stick with the original content
- The final battles got a bit technical and I had trouble following every single move, had to rewatch it a couple of times. Appreciate the easter egg in episode 1, but would have preferred if they did a bit of reminding in the later episodes so we would be ready for it.
- Character development and growth. Would have of course loved to see more of this from each team member. But understand the nature of 40 episodes (felt so short, it went by so fast) and the fact they had so many people to introduce. I commend them for being able to break into a new character in around 3 episodes.