Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• FastTron

  Overall 8.5

  Story 9,  Acting 10,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 7

  I gotta admit, I didn't jump into Under the Power right away. I mean, Allen Ren and Seven Tan didn't exactly fit my idea of the typical candy cuties with their fairy-like faces and charming smiles. But boy, was I proven wrong! These two brought their A-game in terms of acting and chemistry. Looks aside, they deserve some serious recognition for how they portrayed their characters. Lu Yi's constant frowning face somehow made me fall head over heels, and Jinxia's mischievous personality had me hooked....

  And let me tell you, the supporting actors were no slouches either. Dong Han nailed it as the sexy and handsome villain, Yan Shifan. Seriously, he had this captivating charm that made you question your own sanity for almost rooting for the bad guy.
  
  As for the plot and writing, I gotta say, it had me hooked from the start. I loved that the crime-solving was just the icing on the cake, pushing the story forward to unravel the overarching conspiracy. And let's not forget about the kick-ass female characters. It wasn't just the main lead who shone; there were multiple strong, intelligent, and brave ladies sprinkled throughout. I appreciate that the drama didn't waste time with filler scenes. Despite its length, the main romance didn't take forever to develop. The writer took a more logical approach, crafting believable scenes that showcased the blossoming relationship. Lu Yi and Jinxia's love story wasn't some clichéd, love-at-first-sight or self-sacrificing kind of romance. It felt real and genuine, even without a full-on kiss to prove it. The characters were written exceptionally well, and their consistency throughout the series was spot-on. No dragged-out problems here, just satisfying resolutions that kept me invested till the very end.
  
  Now, here's the important part: if you're looking for a drama that's purely crime-solving or purely rom-com, you might be a bit disappointed. This series has the perfect blend of elements for everyone. You've got a healthy dose of crime-solving, the intense unraveling of the main plot, and of course, the delightful romance between the leads. It's like a well-crafted recipe that hits all the right spots. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the balanced mix of excitement and romance that Under the Power has to offer.

• calmrussell38

  Overall 8.5

  Story 7,  Acting 9,  Music 8.5,  Rewatch Value 8.5

  Under the Power is a captivating historical c-drama romantic comedy that stands out in the genre. The story revolves around the unexpected romance between two vastly different individuals who must overcome their divergent backgrounds and past obstacles. The romantic plotline is entangled within a larger investigative storyline involving a group of imperial spies aiming to expose a powerful noble family's corruption. While the overarching premise is intriguing, the storytelling loses momentum in the second half. However, the series succeeds primarily due to the exceptional chemistry...

  and side-splitting performances by the two main leads.
  
  Lu Yi, a highborn jinyiwei, clashes with the fiery young constable Yuan Jinxia when he takes over one of her cases. To make matters worse, he forcibly takes her pistol and coerces her into collaborating with him. Initially, Jinxia comes across as obnoxious and immature, leading to some initial resistance from viewers. However, as the story progresses, her endearing qualities shine through, making her a lovable and comical character. Lu Yi, on the other hand, portrays a more aloof and serious persona, but his changing expressions effectively convey his evolving feelings for Jinxia. The chemistry between the two leads seamlessly transitions between light-hearted comedic relief and intimate moments, leaving viewers both laughing and yearning for more.
  
  While the main characters and their budding romance drive the series, the remaining elements are considerably messy. Numerous flamboyant side characters make initial grand entrances but then fizzle out or become entangled in tedious unrequited love stories. Additionally, the unnecessary angst introduced into the romantic plot in the latter half proves detrimental to the overall narrative. The tired trope of "your family destroyed mine" is employed, testing the durability of the main couple's relationship. The writers choose to sacrifice the external plot, neglecting an intriguing villain and robbing viewers of a satisfying final confrontation. Ultimately, the ending falls flat, relying on a pointless sacrifice and leaving the main characters' fate in the hands of a capricious emperor.
  
  Despite these shortcomings, Under the Power is still worth watching for its exceptional lead performances and the comedic yet touching moments that pervade their relationship. Viewers may need to suspend disbelief at times and overlook certain plot holes and irritating characters. Fast-forwarding through certain scenes is also acceptable. While the series may not be a perfect production, the chemistry between the leads is undeniably engaging, making this romantic comedy an entertaining choice for those seeking a lighthearted escape.

• CrazyMeerkat60

  Overall 10

  Story 10,  Acting 10,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 10

  OMG, let me gush about this drama I just finished! It seriously blew me away! It's this incredible love story between Luyi and Jinxia, and the way it was told had me hooked from start to finish. I binge-watched it in just over a week, that's how obsessed I was!
  
  The plot is so well-crafted, going from action-packed scenes to the couple working together to solve cases. And the chemistry between Luyi, a royal guard, and Jinxia, an assistant, is off the charts. I was literally...

  ugly crying towards the end because their struggles and love for each other touched my heart. And the ending, oh my gosh, it was satisfying and happy, but I lowkey wanted more, like let us see them getting married and having kids, you know? Still, I can't complain too much because the overall story was solid.
  
  This drama has it all - sweetness, humor, mystery, and heart-wrenching moments that had me crying like a baby. And let's talk about the cast, Allen Ren and Seven Tan were absolutely amazing as Luyi and Jinxia, respectively. This was my first time seeing Allen Ren in action, and boy, did he impress me. His portrayal of Luyi was so on point. I wasn't even a fan before, but now I'm a die-hard Allen Ren supporter.
  
  And Seven Tan, oh my goodness, she's just a gem. I've loved her in every drama I've seen her in, and this one was no exception. She's smart, sweet, and always nails her characters with such naturalness. I can't help but adore her. Plus, can we talk about how handsome Allen Ren looked as Luyi? Such a cool and dignified character!
  
  The soundtrack deserves a special shoutout too. The songs added so much beauty to the drama, especially "Wish/Yuan". The lyrics and rhythm are so touching and they fit the scenes perfectly. And let's not forget about Allen Ren's "Heart Wall" - it's just so good!
  
  Overall, I can't recommend this drama enough. It's perfect for a rewatch, and I would love to see Allen Ren and Seven Tan together again in another drama. Their chemistry is off the charts! Kudos to everyone involved in making this drama a masterpiece!

• CoolZhao

  Overall 9.5

  Story 9.5,  Acting 9.5,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 9.5

  This drama features an exceptional cast, gripping romance, and a satisfying ending. Ren Jialun delivers a remarkable performance as the character Lu Yi, showcasing his acting prowess and perfectly embodying the role. His portrayal of Lu Yi's authoritative, strategic, and intelligent nature is commendable. Tan Songyun shines as Yuan Jin Xia, effortlessly transitioning from a spirited police officer to a mature professional. Her chemistry with Ren Jialun is undeniably captivating, and their bond throughout the series is truly heartwarming. The addition of Han Dong as...

  the cunning and manipulative antagonist, Yan Shi Fan, enhances the story and keeps viewers engrossed in the plot.
  
  The story itself is engaging and straightforward, with the pacing executed flawlessly. There is never a dull moment, and every scene contributes to the overall narrative. The romance between Lu Yi and Yuan Jin Xia is endearing, and their relationship evolves beautifully over the course of the series. Their unwavering support and willingness to sacrifice for each other is deeply moving. The drama also excels in providing a perfect blend of adventure and mystery, keeping viewers intrigued until the very end.
  
  In addition to its captivating plot, the drama wraps up with a great ending, providing a sense of closure for the characters and their journeys. It is a feel-good drama that leaves viewers satisfied and uplifted. Overall, this sweet and wonderful drama with amazing leads is highly recommended. It deserves nothing less than two thumbs up.

• bluntmeryl

  Overall 9.5

  Story 9.5,  Acting 10,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 10

  Hey guys, I just finished watching this drama and let me tell you, it's definitely one of the best shows to kick off the year with! I actually started watching it because of Tan Songyun, and boy, was I not disappointed.
  
  Now, don't be fooled by the synopsis or summary of this drama. It's so much better than what you might expect. Trust me, give it a shot and prepare to be amazed.
  
  Let me give you a quick rundown of the main characters. First, we have...

  Lu Yi, a cold and rude guy who's serious about his work and follows the rules. But don't judge him too quickly, because when he's at home, he loves music and reading. He's actually warmer than people think.
  
  Then there's Jinxia, a food and money obsessed gal who's all about the hustle. She's a skilled fighter and even though she has a buddy who's always by her side, she takes on the fighting and interrogation herself. She's goofy with her close friends and family, but she takes her work seriously.
  
  What I loved about this drama is that it mixes two of my favorite genres: historical and crime, plus there's a bonus romance thrown in. And even though Lu Yi holds a higher position than Jinxia, I appreciate that sometimes she works faster than him and solves cases more quickly. She's even skilled at examining dead bodies and clues. It's refreshing to see a female lead who's strong and capable.
  
  Their relationship develops really well and what's great is that it doesn't take forever for them to realize their feelings. Each episode has those small moments that add up to their romance, so you won't have to wait too long. And let me tell you, their innocent and sweet moments together are just adorable.
  
  This drama isn't just about them though. There are other characters like doctors, gang members, and more that add depth to the story. I also appreciate that it doesn't focus too much on political issues or forced marriages because those can get tiring. It keeps things interesting and avoids unnecessary drama.
  
  Now, let's talk about the costumes. They may seem simple, but they are absolutely stunning. Lu Yi's outfits are especially beautiful, which makes sense considering his high position and wealth. Jinxia is supposed to be poor, so her clothing is more simple, but there are times when they give her these gorgeous and elegant dresses that will take your breath away.
  
  I must say, the scenes, script, and novel adaptation are all amazingly well done. It's been a while since a drama made me shed a tear, laugh out loud, and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. They really nailed it with the emotional moments.
  
  The actors also did a fantastic job. Han Dong, who played the villain, was absolutely brilliant. You'll hate him, but that just means he did an outstanding job with his character. Even the minor roles, like the bodyguard, play a significant role in the story.
  
  Overall, I highly recommend this drama to anyone who's into historical, crime, and humor shows. The story is captivating, the characters are well-developed, and the actors really bring everything to life. From the OST to the ending, this drama has become one of my all-time favorites. Fingers crossed that the actors get paired up again in the future because they have amazing chemistry.
  
  Trust me, you don't wanna miss out on this one!