wow, very few of us here feeling same w/ your comment...I do believe that I saw improvement in 霍建華's acting when he really reached 'character' during last few eps...of course, I began watching this series due to 周迅 , cinematography and 張叔平, then been surprised w/ entire production that is worth savoring
had completed viewing “延禧” prior to this series and feel that there is noway to compare the two; one is like a drive by fast food (eat and run) and one is a dining experience w/ a few close friends, have meaningful conversations over a few glasses of fine wine w/ some laughs and tears. I do agree that mid eps were too choppy/frivolous but the artistic value of set, costume and cinematography cannot be denied. different strokes for different folks !