Worth the 4.5 Years' Wait? Not...Really...Joy of Life 2 [CC]

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[@titabrun923]

I respectfully disagree :) the plot makes sense. In my opinion it's not hypocrite of him to advocate for equality while using his privelleged background. It's development. He understands that in an era like that he can only make justice, by reaching power, and that can only be done using his privileged background. He sacrifices his idea of living a 'joyful life' for this mission. Women characters could have more development indeed, but woman were not allowed to play a big role in politics in those days, so makes sense to not have as much screen time in s2. The FL love for Fan Xian makes sense since she wasn't close to her parents and FX was the first to give her a healthy life, by treating her disease and showing her love

[@KR-nango]

I thought the same, I don’t understand how it’s hypocritical of him. For example in the Spring Examinations it would have been better for him personally to let the corruption continue - even the CP and FiL were part of it, and he would risk everything up until that point by going against it. But in the end he chose the hard path because he recognized his privilege and with his position he has the possible chance to change things for the poor scholars who don’t have that power. He was risking everything important to him personally by standing up.

[@ivywalowe7821]

This was also well brought out when he had that discussion with the guy during the spring exam whose name was swapped. As they ate dinner it was well explained how they want power to reach more. Even his brother in the discussion about the wedding says that he wants to open more shops to employ more people. That whole power to create change is a theme and it's easy to see it

[@TheExtraterrestrial99]

I think this girl just hearing the debate going around and spread it. Even in the drama itself, the MC didn't talk about wanting equality, he himself didn't believe in equality existed. He just wanted 相对公平, fair enough equality.

[@funnybunny3823]

@@ivywalowe7821 Ain't that the truth and reality? It would be naive to think that one can make changes that can shake the very foundation of a country without power and influence.

[@reysolo3672]

now this is how you respond to opinions and critique

[@yvette4933]

IT WORTH ALL THE WAIT, I’m loving and enjoying it❤

[@wildwildwest1662]

Me toooooooo❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ it❤❤❤❤❤❤.

[@babykilanaia3542]

me too

[@gintasasd]

When the pirate site respects your time more than the site that u pay to watch

[@ashura199]

I do enjoy season 2. I rewatched season 1 about 3 weeks ago to prepare for season 2. If comparing it to season 1, yes, definitely not as gripping, but as a drama on its own, alot better than other 2024 period dramas. I didn't like the slapstick or overflowing fan service moments, but once the main story kicks in, it's good.

[@Vladimirputin11111]

Absolutely true...

[@arielmoondance]

Totally agree with this.

[@xploreSA]

Where can i watch season 2

[@arielmoondance]

@@xploreSA Tencent or Viki

[@chauhle]

@@xploreSA youtube and viki has full series with subs

[@spawilliams]

I appreciate the POV, but I am still loving it. I watch the new episodes as soon as I wake up in the mornings. Most of the issues that you have with the show doesn’t bother me mostly because I’m not as educated on the technicalities of Chinese dramas as you are. My criteria are does it make me laugh, does it make me want to watch the next episode, am I connecting to the characters and does it make me want to keep watching? The answer to all is YES!!!

[@h.a7688]

Couldn't agree more

[@anara967]

I would disagree with the Lin Waner part. From what i remember in season 1, because lin waner's mom and dad were not married, she was never acknowledged as their bio kid. When she was small, she lived with the royal family and then moved to the house she currently lives in and because of her sick health, her food and vistors were confined and limited. Fan Xian for her is bascially freedom, he went to meet her constantly, got her food restrictions lifted and took her out of the city. Marrying Fan Xian would also mean that she would get to live in the same house as her husband and his family. A husband and family that would acknowledge her as a member. There's also the scene between her and her mother in S1, where lin waner goes ' you don't know what I like, but FX knows what I like' . So it's definitely a choice she is consciously making by putting FX in the center of her life. In season 1 she was shown to be quite distraught when her elder brother died and almost breaking up with Fan xian over this. But because FX didn't directly kill her elder brother, he was able to sell a half lie to her. .

[@tysm1532]

Yeah, totally on point but at last, killing brother thing Lin wan'er wanted kill herself if it was really fan xian who was behind her brother's death

[@vespertyne2169]

I very much disagree. I’ve read the novel twice, and there’s no doubt that the screenplay writer continues to do an excellent job of distilling a very complex, multifaceted story that the novel tells. I love the novel - I first read it immediately after part 1 of JoL, reread it (and rewatched JoL part 1) in April so it would be fresh in my mind when JoL2 started, and will almost certainly reread it a third time after this second part ends. Being so familiar with the novel, I continue to be impressed with the skillful manner in which the screenwriter has managed to distill the novel’s complex plot - and its complex, well developed characters - into a screenplay that captures the spirit and tone of the novel. I am very satisfied. I also love the way the screenwriter is using foreshadowing to set the stage for major events that will come. Again, very true to the essence of the novel’s plot. Also, I’m a paying subscriber who is watching this on both Tencent and Viki (which has significantly better subtitles, translated by humans instead of AI), and I have ZERO ads. None IMO it is patently unfair to factor your experience of constant ads and ad banners into a critique of the content of a drama. That criticism should be reserved for the streaming service. This is even truer if you have an option to avoid ads, like I do with my subscription. Your ad experience is not appropriate in assessing drama quality. My only criticism of the drama is that the producer has gone overboard with the comedy that made part one so delightful. In part 2, the comedic scenes are often not organic to the story, and are too heavy handed. I fault the director for that, because I think it’s a directorial decision. Other than the heavy handed, over-injection of “comedic” scenes, I am really enjoying the drama. I am very curious about where it will take us, and hope I don’t have to wait another 5 years for the next part!

[@Kaori832]

❤ well said 🎉🎉🎉

[@Mialogan2009]

She never read the book..

[@adhibirodala4859]

I agree with you. Her take on this one is wrong I finished watching season 2 now rewatching season 1 then going to season 2 again but after watching season 2 and now back to 1, it’s totally stays in line with the first season. I can’t wait for season 3

[@MomiAubrey]

In the novel, what happened next to the last scene?

[@augustmist]

I’d like to read the novel - is it in English? Can you share where I can read it? Thank you

[@gokuson2778]

Maybe because i started JoL s1 a few weeks ago and carried on with S2, I am enjoying s2. I find it as good as the 1rst season. The plot still strong. The acting is top notch. I love dramas like this. Since Nirvana in fire I have not been able to find a drama this interesting. I am glad to have found JoL s1 and 2.

[@vespertyne2952]

I'm the same. NIF is my number one drama, and JOL is my second fav. But NIF2 was average, not something I plan to ever rewatch, and JOL2 so far is making me pretty happy as a fan of the novel and of JOL1.

[@BJBee]

Same for me. It's difficult to find excellent dramas. So I just hold Nirvana in Fire as the standard, and watch others with the understanding that it won't be the same quality. Apart from JoL, I've enjoyed The Disguiser with all its flaws, because it's the same production company for NIF. Reset, The Bad Kids, and The Long Season are good too.

[@gokuson2778]

@@BJBee me too. Nothing so far has surpassed Nirvana in Fire

[@bluefire3297]

​@@vespertyne2952 sameee, NIF is by far the best drama I have ever watched, JoL is second ❤ anyway, I would recommend blossom in adversity too, not as good as them both, but it's nice to watch ✨

[@sakurastorm1124]

There are some moments in JOL2 that makes me think I may like this season better than the first. It is not as bad as you're ranting it out to be. I'm genuinely grateful they didn't change too much on the aesthetics and the costume designs because that would've taken away the whole feel from the first season. And I love the increased melancholic tone to it. Also, sorry not sorry, I'm watching it on D+ so I'm comfortably unrestrained from ads. 😎

[@tracyOnIPad]

What is D+?

[@arielmoondance]

@@tracyOnIPadDisney +

[@theNfl_Esq]

I agree with the background music. It’s top notch. Like you I don’t watch anything with ads. Is D+ on the same episodes as Tencent?

[@sakurastorm1124]

@@theNfl_Esq D+ airs the exact same time as tencent.

[@sakurastorm1124]

​​@@theNfl_Esq D+ airs the exact same time as Tencent.

[@theNfl_Esq]

They caught lightning in a bottle back then. It’s hard to imagine thy can do the same this time. It’s a little slow but better than anything else in a while

[@sl-kpoplyrics3913]

Agree.

[@Kairava]

T_T

[@ValeMiley9]

I took the time to write what I think of Joy of Life 2 and of this review, and I must say I don't agree with many things. First of all, I didn't understand why the matter about the ads was brought out. What does it have to do with the drama itself? With the story? I'll take it as a general complaint, not related to Joy of Life 2 itself, since it could have happened to any other drama. Production quality is an understandable thing to comment, but it didn't impact my viewer experience at all - perhaps because I'm not an expert? Sometimes ignorance helps in not noticing things that emerge clearly in the eyes of someone who know where to look, but given how many people who enjoy watching dramas may not be experienced in evaluating production quality, strictly generally speaking, I find nothing wrong wit JoL2. If anything, the way it was filmed and edited makes me feel like it is less "fake", less altered by special effects and more focused on the plots and characters. I don't need fancy filming technics if the actors are THAT good! The jokes. I'm not Chinese, so the layers I can pick are strictly related to the English translation and what I know of characters and plot, but I laughed so hard everyone in my house could hear me. I didn't find it tacky or annoying - instead, I felt like it made me connect with everyone once more faster than I had anticipated. I thought the beginning would be more dramatic, more tense, but they broke all that with hilarious lines and great acting, and I thought "Yes, I'm back, it feels so nice to be back with all of them". There wasn't a moment when I thought it too much - angst and funny moments are well balanced, and give how much time it has passed since season one, I believe they wanted to give us an impactful beginning, as if JoL never truly left us. Season 2 couldn't follow the exact same nuance as season 1 - it needed something more. If season 1 seems more like a normal story, less forced, more natural, season 2 needed to be a bit bolder to meet the expections we all had. And I think it did it wonderfully - not giving in to the dramatic ending of first season, making us venture in JoL2 with lightness and celebrating the best moments of season 1 while at the same time introducing new plot paths to us. The power play! It's what I most love abot Chinese historical dramas. Some characters/plots/situations are so cleverly weaved that I can't help but watch in awe. JoL2 picks up perfectly from season 1, but it also shows that the game is getting more dangerous. Season 1 started from Fan Xian being nothing more than the illegitime son of a minister, so every plot, every scheme felt closer to the common people - because that's where Fan Xian somehow started (saving maids and attendats from poison in Danzhou, help out the guy who had been improsoned by Tang Zijing, becoming Teng Zijing's friend, being ready to refuse a convenient marriage for a girl who loved eating chicken). He gets higher and higher, and so people around him start to change and/or unveil how they really are. It's clear that Fan Xian's care for humanity stems from the way he grew up + the memories from his past. Powerful people around him do seldom even take a stroll in the city. They only know that the State of Qing is made of people, but it ends there. Second Prince only strolls through the city when no one is there (he probably orders someone to make everyone hide or go away). Fan Xian is the opposite of these characters, and all that he has learned in season 1, he delivers it in that beautiful, brilliant scene with Deng Ziyue. I think that scene is the key to understand everything that Fan Xian does in season 2. From being the hero who couldn't stand those abusing their high position for their own gain, he takes what he was given and use it in unexpected ways (or doesn't use it - because given his true identity, he could have much more). Most of all, he knows that in order to change things, you need power. Is what he said false? I don't think so. So how does it make him hypocritical? This is the undercurrent of every drama - and probably also of real life. It takes power to make changes happen - especially in historical context. Fan Xian is learning how to mix his modern ideas with the context he know lives in, and I think he is doing it magistrally. He is always unconventional in the ways he deals with corruption and manipulative people, and it never feels like he needs the Crown Prince or the Second Prince or his dads to do THAT specific thing for him to progress - it feels more like he could adapt to anything and find a solution either way, even when it is not ideal. The only thing I can partly agree with is the way women are showed in season 2. It feels like they have a bit less depth than in season 1, and I'd love to see them in context that are unrelated to Fan Xian - or less closely related to me. I'm enjoying Ye Ling'er's crisis and closeness with the Second Prince a little bit for that! About Lin Wan'er, I also disagree. How can she put first a mother and father who have always ignored her - for her own good, we could say, but that were still absent from her life - and treated her not so good, two brothers who couldn't be too close to her because of her identity and four cousins who belong to the Palace and are too busy trying not to die to each other's hand? She was brought up with the idea that everyone in the imperial family pays a specific role, is a pawn and a means to an end - and then it comes a man who loves her for who she is. Even so, she is conflicted whenever her mother or father show up - in person or in a discourse, and we have seen that she loves them despite the loneliness of her childhood. But she is now prioritizing happiness over family. Happines OVER family - what's more modern than that for a woman in a historical drama? That being said, I still hope they give us more of her personality, more of her ideas, more of her dreams, especially if unrelated to Fan Xian. I hope she'll be depicted as someone who loves Fan Xian and who finds freedom thanks to him and to her own struggles, but finds her own path and things to love which can be unrelated to her husband. Not only her, but Duoduo and Rongrong and all the other female characters as well. It is the type of story that in one why or the other, makes everyone and everything rotate around the male lead - being that type of story, we can't criticizing it for doing what its genre dictates, or else it'd be better to watch something else! We can, however, criticize HOW it does it. And I think that JoL2 is doing a great job so far. I hope it doesn't crumble in the end!

[@vibingwithpanda]

Well said!

[@vespertyne2952]

I agree with this. As for the women, other than Haitang - and another character who I can't name without spoiling - the women in the novel are pretty minor and uninteresting. The novel DEFINITELY doesn't focus on them, and Fan Xian actually has his first child with a concubine - the servant girl Sisi he grew up with. The "wedding" with Sisi is 100% supported by Wan'er, who at that point is unable to give Fan Xian a child due to medication she's taking to control her TB. The novel is VERY male-centric, with very little devoted to the women, other than Haitang, who is more of a soulmate for FX than his wife was, IMO. His wife is his "true love," but his relationship with Haitang was complex and much more one of equals. She was my favorite female character in the novel, and had much more "stage time" than Wan'er did, which suited me just fine. I prefer male-centric stories, and am probably happier when there is zero romance, unless I find the FL strong, independent and interesting, like in Blossoms in Adversity. I fully expected that the novel would enhance the romance with Wa'ner, and also change things up so that Fan Xian was more in line with a 21st century valued ML. They've already changed several key points that make some of his adventures less, uhm, flirty. For one, they put the marriage to Wan'er AFTER the official trip to Northern Qi, so Fan Xian's "flirting" with Haitang - and the as-of-yet-unclear story of what happened the night he passed out from drinking at Haitang's place - are pre-marriage. I have no idea what they are going to do with a major part of the story which involves FX and a woman who I can't name without it being a spoilers. They have set the story up, but I don't know if it will follow what's in the novel. Also changed - in the novel, Fan Xian and Wan'er are first cousins. The Princess Royal is the sister of the Emperor, the daughter of the Dowager Empress. In the drama, they strongly and repeatedly emphasize that the Emperor and the Princess Royal are not "blood related," which is clearly for 21st century audiences. Logically it makes no sense as the DE is the mother of both the Emperor and the GP. So how can they not be blood related?? At one point in the novel, Fan Xian tells Wan'er that he never imagined they would end up being cousins. Her mother and his father are siblings, making their children first cousins. But as noted, the novel story is going to be "sanitized" for the 21st century audience.

[@karenaspencer8460]

Great analogy! I totally agree. I love it and also hope it doesn't fall apart at the end.🤞

[@adhibirodala4859]

I never usually comment on avenue x’s videos because I tend to agree most of the time but this time I think she is 99.9 if not 100% wrong. I totally agree with your take and some other that I have liked too

[@QueenXKnit]

Actually LOVEEE season 2 even more than season 1, I'm just biffed at the color palette/lighting and how it washes out everyone skin tones.

[@tracyOnIPad]

I will forever remember the Fan Xian poetry scene as well as the young Fan Xian actor’s scenes. Hoping for something at least close to those before the end of S2.

[@anadacejoanamarier.1437]

yahh poetry scene is my fav scene probably the most memorable

[@anagha3525]

I think there will be a scene somewhat close to this in the upcoming 10 episodes. There need to be something that get viewers hooked so we wait for a 3Rd part

[@joisseessoij8155]

The beauty of S2 is it is mentally and psychologically stimulating and challenging. Bec. it was presented in a challenging way which really needs constant cognitive engagement rather than just purely entertainment, it only piqued the interest of niche viewers. The producers had not considered perhaps to tone it down for general viewers but understandable bec. it may also reduce the quality that is why some are frustrated. If you are one of those who were able to catch up, you would know how difficult it is to imagine, coordinate and stage various wise strategies and riddles and that an author with high level of IQ can only do that. For those who can handle and are keen with intellectually challenging contents, this is a treat. You should check this out and not be misled by the petty reviews yet.

[@verseJ]

Honestly I have been enjoying immensely and it doesn't feel like 5 years have passed at all.With how much it was hyped, it was inevitable that people were gonna be like oh we don't feel this is living up to the first one because the when expectations become too big and all that. But overall it is a solid show and a very very well made season 2. Edit: Truly do not get what people are talking about being draggy. May be starting few episodes you can feel so, but the pace has been so good after that like I can't believe we are already at ep 27, things have been moving along.

[@arielmoondance]

Agree. I’m really enjoying it.

[@KR-nango]

I agree too, it’s just all preference I guess. I’ve seen many people bored with the Spring Examination episodes, but for me they were emotional and meaningful 🤷‍♀️ I shocked myself by tearing up a couple times haha

[@verseJ]

@@KR-nango whaaat omg I loved the spring examination episodes. Especially the actual examination part.

[@ashura199]

Yaaa I love the Spring Exam part most!

[@laiwantan2769]

I love joy of life season 2!

[@koteria_]

I completely disagree with you. The camera is great and it's not exaggerated like in most fantasy dramas, it makes it feel natural.

[@prakhyatpandey5341]

Honestly, it was very very difficult to live up to the level and hype of S1 for both cast and crew. It is still commendable that they put their strongest foot forward. Also, just my opinion, but the new Yan Bingyun feels better, more realistic...

[@immortalyellow]

Nirvana In Fire 2 was as good as Part 1 so it's possible to live up to the expectation of its predecessor. Too bad Joy of Life S2 was a dud :( Too many draggy episodes, and when they force the jokes, it's not even funny. S1 delivered the comic scenes more effectively.

[@KodokDanKatak]

@@immortalyellow tbh i dont find nirvana in fire 2 to be as good as the original nirvana in fire. Its just relative i guess

[@xiaopeapod]

@@KodokDanKatak Me too, I didn’t even finish watching Nirvana In Fire 2. Just wasn’t the same for me. The villian seems too over the top.

[@romandevoe5973]

Wat r u guys talking about s2 z hard too

[@cassball7]

@@immortalyellowI don’t think Nirvana in Fire 2 was as good as the first season. That being said I don’t think Nirvana in Fire 1 was that great. It was a good drama but I have felt no need to rewatch it.

[@LidiaScherArt]

I don't understand why nobody mentions that Tencent's eng subs are AI generated. If it wasn't for MZTV, which I accidentally found, I would not have been able to follow the plot. As a Tencent VIP subscriber, I feel cheated. The AI generated subtitles make no sense. They are equivocal. It's like watching silent films but worse. Horrible!

[@tailor31415]

it's just machine translation, not AI generated. AI generated would actually probably be better because deepL and chatgpt do alright with script translation. machine translation is just line-by-line with no context and is common for "official" subs out of China

[@arielmoondance]

Yes the subs on Tencent are dreadful. I’m rewatching on V to be sure I don’t miss any vital dialogue.

[@sum1rllyspecial]

MZTV is an absolute godsend. I can’t stand the ten cent app.

[@LidiaScherArt]

It is AI, ​@tailor31415 It is stated in the beginning alongside the credits. BTW, after the series finished, you can now watch the entire drama with decent translations. No more AI

[@Princess-Adeshewa]

I strongly disagree--it’s awesome and completely understandable

[@chantalelevesque9943]

I'm enjoying JOL very much. It's the first drama on my watch list right now. S1 was very funny i admit that but s2 is more serious and tactfull. I love all the actors. I'm also watching m'en in love.

[@carolthomas1446]

Yes, it lost its steam this season. I binge watched the entire 1st season in 1 week only recently and I started this 2nd season...it is not giving.

[@sharminrahman39]

Sorry.. But we r in love with "Joy of Life 2".. Its plot heavy yet really enjoyable. And u sound a bit feminist while talking about female characters of the drama. Though they r not portrayed as strong as the male characters but they have their own purposes too. What's the problem of having one drama where women empowerment isn’t shown. Let it be, the story has its own purpose.

[@jadelynsoriano5690]

I'm on ep 35 and can't wait to finish it all up so I can watch again. I can see nothing ugly but your criticism. I'm enjoying it like I did on s1. I watched s1 around 4x and I'll definitely watch this s2 again and again.

[@AileenFound]

Off topic but...SIS YOU LOOK SNATCHED. The makeup, hair, & clothes like 😘 purple looks good on you ❤❤❤

[@chelseaawang7720]

Yeah! She looks amazing

[@asggreen7625]

I found myself agreeing with a lot of the points you make - the women characters, the shouty tone of the early episodes - but overall, I enjoyed it immensely. So sad to reach the last episode. I really hope there will be a series three. Zhang Ruoyun was fabulous. And I shall miss second princey wandering around being sensuous & bickering with his bodyguard.

[@silvaubrey6267]

Series 3 in 2027 I think 😂

[@arpitamishra4047]

This season is different form the dramas you will generally see. It isn't the type of sweet drama it is purely different. The ideas of justice and fairness are shown so nicely. It reflects real life so well. Most will not like it tho as they watch dramas to enjoy and relax even appreciate stories or see their favorite actors but this is different! The thinking process and the way Fan Xian perceived the corruption and just like everything related to the administrative set up is something I also think to certain level.... Like many of us are tire of the system and the way it works irl but we don't wish to fight it we also want to live a cozy life, we are also normal people... We aren't the brave or courageous to fight.... I have seen more than 100+ dramas in the span of 3-4 years and with that experience i can say i haven't found a drama whose ideas and views I like this much . So, all in all I loved this... but I will surely say it isn't everyone cup of tea!!!

[@taiwo3136]

Love your review! I really like the point you make about the depiction of female characters in these dramas. Something really has to change.

[@harunotodoroki]

Why? If you want more females, watch all those female centric dramas which have reached the point of over saturation

[@Kairava]

That was perfectly put! I hope something as awesome as the poetry in the first season happens eventually, and I still watch the videos you made about that now and then! I absolutely would not have been able to understand nor appreciate anything without them!

[@karenaspencer8460]

I don't remember much of season 1 so I might go back & rewatch it. As for season 2, I enjoyed it. I think it's more comedy this time around, which I really enjoyed as I caught myself launging out loud. I also enjoyed how all the main political operators are trying to out maneuver each others without realizing they all have been manipulated by the emperor. I'm not quite understand how people pick it apart. Maybe because of the season 1 success, too many expectations?!

[@syazwananordin8657]

They need to read the novel to understand I guess

[@nitaa6748]

Well, sis still dress up. So the drama is not totally lost. If she doesn't even bother to dress up, then it is a disaster and we should skip the drama.

[@maisong4364]

Omg you look so good!!!! Love this look!!!!

[@funnybunny3823]

I'm the weird one who prefers S2 than JoL1. S1 was just ok for me and I remember feeling surprised by the hype. I'm on Ep 10 of JoL2 now and I'm actually getting excited on the plot. I love that Fanxian himself acknowledged that he could do what he does due to his privileged background. He IS aware of that. So I don't agree that it's hypocritical. Watching JoL2 is a good escape for me because at least I get to see someone doing something to change the injustice. Does it disgust me about innocent casualties for eg? Of course but this is a Cdrama and I get to watch the villains get punished. It's good for my mental health. AvX mentioning the SVIP thing as something that she doesn't like should not be JoL2's fault but Tencent's. I do agree though that Heroes is a much better drama(although it's very different so you shouldn't use the same mindset watching both dramas). The plot, quality, acting, style are all brilliant!

[@ElizabethTai]

I like s2 over S1 too. Feels like the stakes are a lot higher and also costumes are better and so is the eye candy!

[@silvaubrey6267]

Exactly! He mentioned he needed people to succeed and he was lucky. But even that his life is not always safe.

[@augustagloom9644]

The beginning is not a thrill a minute, but, oh, it gets so much better that it's hard to stop watching when I have to.

[@huonggiap4960]

Heroes is the BEST drama for 2024.

[@Typie_tea]

agreed. but the ending is so sad. I had to watch tiktok to stop the heart breaking aftertaste. 😂

[@tl-zn5et]

brutal but right on. kudos to you!

[@jiya90]

This lady has really lost it

[@gingermintrose]

I have the same passion, giddiness, and unvarnished anticipation about watching season 2 as I did about season 1. Granted, the ending is less dramatic, but I look forward to the next season.

[@maylacsa1046]

Worth the wait.👏👏👏

[@MsPilgrims]

Currently watching episode 3. I don't know whether I will dislike it. For now imho it's still one of the best dramas out there this year!

[@NomadicCreator]

Thanks for the save.

[@jaybutnotreally]

Na the production quality is plenty good, it's enough to convince me while watching. Some of the other drama these day that uses too much colors/designs that does not suit the time period . That actually throws me off from viewing experience. It's like suddenly seeing a power ranger appeared while two poorly dressed caveman hunting a boar in an ancient human show. It really takes you out of the immersion. Less is more sometimes. The much older drama even does it way better that those unrealistically and beyond its time of outfits and stage designs. Some producers introduces elements that should not be known or exist during those time period. While Joy of Life is exception to this due to its part of the main story.

[@charanawijesiri1128]

On contrary, I have been enjoying it a lot. S2 is awesome.

[@dostagirl9551]

Oh thank goodness…I thought I was the only one who thought the quality had gone downhill. It just didn’t have the wit and utilization of screen time to build the story and was a shadow of the first season.

[@InquizityJJ]

Yes it's worth waiting!!!

[@yokeliew8550]

I’m loving all those plots by those VIPs, and the subsequent rescues!! It’s hilarious yet so many died murdered!! Hope finale is worth the fight for justice for the people at large🙏

[@nimmywren]

Although I was taken aback by the tone of the 2nd part , it’s growing on me. Season 1 ended where your heart was racing and the anticipation was high. then suddenly it became a full on comedy , which is not necessarily bad. But I rewatched season 1 just before starting season 2 and the difference was jarring.

[@maryannwanjiku1942]

I still think its interesting

[@Typie_tea]

I look forward to your review on Heroes. 😅

[@immortalyellow]

I'm not only disappointed with S2, I am now irritated with it :( The episodes are draggy and it feels like most are fillers. I understand it's a power struggle drama but it doesn't have the spark S1 had. There's no tension or conflict that makes me want to root for our main character anymore. Eventually, Fan Xian is going to get to the top position mainly because he's privileged and supported by upper class people. There are a few good episodes but it's not as entertaining as S1. The yogurt product placement is kind of pathetic , btw. I don't have a problem with it but I really wish this season would be as interesting as it's predecessor.

[@TheExtraterrestrial99]

Then you don't know the story. The top guy and main villain of the story is the Emperor himself... From second prince, to crown prince, they are just the ML closer to the truth, step by step. Those prince not even really a big competitor in the story, the biggest competitor outside of the emperor, is a guy who try to call Fan Xian as his father... That guy is just starting to rise in season 2, with the support of the emperor.

[@Glory_Kathomi.]

You haven't read the actual story then

[@touayaaj84]

I like s2 🤷‍♂️

[@ceemartin5624]

I thought it was weird he pretty much ignored his girlfriend, didn't even think of seeing her as soon as he got back.

[@salma816]

I sooo enjoy joy of life 2 .. indeed he lost weight but does it really matter! I’m excited with every episode , thinking what is gonna happen later . It’s so good

[@jananiimagudesh1369]

Biggest problem is watch, shoe, phone on roof, camera featured in periodic drama😂

[@abbyadd]

I’ve been waiting so long so watch season 2 just like everyone but I’m struggling people. I stopped and restarted again and still I can’t get into it. For me, it might just be they waited too long 😢

[@maryannwanjiku1942]

Don't stop it gets better waiting for ep 30

[@reedmery1435]

Hello, i wonder if you will make a review about Heroes (天行健)?

[@wanji14]

Season 2 is really really good!

[@lilswtangel]

Usually I agree with you on your reviews, but I'll have to respectfully disagree with you this time but still appreciate your POV. I've been immensely enjoying season 2, even with the obvious changes (color grading and the witty humour vs slapstick....and cast members).

[@immortalyellow]

I prefer S1. The story was tight and every episode counted.

[@TheExtraterrestrial99]

This girl is pretty clueless and has her feminist bias... Many girl in China actually quite feminist. This kind of show suppose to set in feudal era to explore feudal society, what it has to do with 2024 or modern world... LOL Btw, "all age guy fighting for power", damn, this girl really know nothing about the story then trying hard to make it like it is some fan service male centric story... LOL No one, not even the core characters is fight for power.. It is just one, emperor that is a control freak and wanted to keep everyone in control. All the "dads" out there is trying to secure and build Fan Xian up, so he would take over the toxic emperor. Second prince is use by the emperor as the training to forge crown prince, second prince doesn't even want power, he just wanted to survive in such political environment.

[@meandyouboth2184]

I actually enjoy watching season 2 that im not ready for it to end just yet. 5 years of waiting for it to only last like a month with 36 episodes only 🥲 even kdrama with 16 episodes lasted 2 months.

[@halia9874]

In the first season, the female protagonist was tied with a chicken thigh all the time, I assumed it was some male joke, its meaning is so obvious that it is not even interesting, what was interesting is that it created school, numerous dramas "men's series for men's satisfaction" used this metaphor of women eating chicken thighs, they even extrapolated it by making them eat pork thighs... and even in another drama a conversation like, do you eat chicken thighs? I eat fish... (a kind of "clue" to its meaning? ugh)... When I found this type of imagery in a drama I dont loose my time watching it.. since I know it will not be done to my taste.

[@Jibberish55]

Your review was extremely helpful for me to decide whether to watch. My tolerance for never ending cruelty has really gone down so those old guys' antics would really bum me out.

[@user-hn5xk7mm8j]

What absolute biased rubbish, this is not a review but an annihilation, agitated how, seriously 😂

[@dimphomaseko9698]

AvenueX review is spot on and I concur with her sentiments

[@brendagereau6909]

You look absolutely beautiful in that color today.

[@jsun3639]

Actually, coming from someone who didn't watch Season 1, I actually really enjoy season 2, so it's a new movie for me basically. And b/c I so enjoy season 2, I'm going to watch season 1 for the first time when I'm done.

[@kayimajeniffa4544]

Where can I watch it from please?

[@erellybee]

The end of S1 is a mistake that need 5 episode to clear off in S2. What a blunder

[@borneoorchid]

Yup, S2 lost its steam. Probably takes a miracle to re-create the suspense & intrigue of S1 after the obstacles faced over the past several years and like what Miss X said, one can’t step into the same river twice. Anyway, though it was yawn-inducing especially in the earlier episodes, I am glad to see those well-loved characters again. Very few dramas achieve a successful encore performance and Chinese dramaland has very little else to offer as options to JOL S2 currently. Still better than many silly stuff that is going on. Anything to take one’s mind off the crazy world outside.😝😅

[@TheExtraterrestrial99]

Season 2 is actually more suspense and intriguing than season 1. It is just became 2 became deeper and fight in shadow than season 1 that is more on the surface. Like this season 2 so far, all the stuff happen and heading is all going what the emperor is planing. This is emperor doing his scheming, not Fan Xian vs Second Prince like many thought here..

[@borneoorchid]

@@TheExtraterrestrial99 I am loving the later episodes though during which the momentum, suspense and thrill of S1 is recovered and heightened. S2 is not a write-off in comparison to S1. Hope there is a S3.

[@terryb7115]

Oh my goodness! Just finished watching all of Joy of Life season 2 and realized how painful it is going to be having to wait an entire year to see all these characters again. I never had a single, boring moment in the entire series. I do, however, hate that Uncle Wu may leave us. I need to feel that the lead male will have an intact and loving family in the end (robots or not.). To my taste, this has been the best entertainment since The Legend of Shenli, speaking of which….. for the lack of anything better to watch, I will now relive that fantasy for about the 15th time. Here’s wishing for something decent to watch in the very near future. Dare we hope for so much?

[@tonydeluna8095]

Wow ! You look incredibly beautiful AvenueX!

[@keithgarlid9999]

Thank you for this review. I am somewhat new to C dramas I was very impressed with sword, snow, stride. Every actor was superb in my opinion, and I would like to know your views of this drama, if you have published them. I watched season one of joy of life, and I enjoyed it. Again, it was a pleasure to see the mature actors. I began to watch season two with great expectations. Instead, I found it dreary and somewhat repetitive. So I agree wholeheartedly with your opinion. No I have a question for you. it seems like most of these dramas are teeny bopper soap operas. What do you recommend for adults? Thank you very much.

[@geni369]

Definitely watch "Longest Day in Chang'an" it's a brilliant cdrama

[@bonitaberger3597]

You look stunning!

[@Kira77773]

Nepo baby is fighting for equality 😂😂. Anyway love your look 😍😍😍😍

[@h.o.ph.o.p6832]

You mean Fan Xian?

[@sum1rllyspecial]

I’ve actually really enjoyed rereading the book. I found an English translation online. Highly recommend. I had no patience at the end of the first season so I found the book and did not regret it.

[@joy2world97]

The first 5 episodes were so hard to watch. If it wasn't JoL, I would have stopped already. Now, it's back to JoL after that.

[@zylbygdfn6542]

Yep was so boring

[@eubabemc5295]

I agree with everything you say and I'm still loving Joy of Life 2. The music at the end is addicting and each character is clearly sketched out. I enjoy the humor. You are right, the gratuitous slaughter is starting to bore.

[@kedigaali3496]

Oh dear! As soon as I saw a few episodes, I was waiting for your review of it as I was disappointed as I am one of those who saw the 1st season and enjoyed it.

[@Lifeisaboxof]

I just finished “angels fall sometimes”. I wish that you can review it, the acting and the series is something special.

[@JenVideoU]

Yes its definitely worth the wait! I enjoyed S2 as much as S1.

[@thegroundedcircle]

I started watching JOL season 1 the first time before going straight into S2, I love season 2 a lot more. Talking & joking about people’s weight these days is so unkind. So this is tiring to hear. I think reviewing drama is pretty personal, an unhappy person and a happy person watch the same thing and have totally different views. It doesn’t mean much to decide whether to watch something or not. Just have to try the first few eps and decide

[@rdilustrisimo]

Perhaps it's because I haven't watched a great wuxia drama for so long & my standards have gone down but I truly enjoyed S2. No surprises, it stucked to the original narrative & it made sense to me. I do not think it is hypocritical, it is reality. Despite his privilege, Fan Xian turned out to be decent & tries to make his brutal universe a bit better. All of these reiterations of being stepped on by higher powers & the gross gender inequality are just reflections of what our world is right now especially in the global south. If anything else, it is even quite idealistic with a central messianic figure who can turn things around with all the huge advantages he has whether genetic or environmentally caused. No one like that exist in our world. JoL2 is definitely a great way to waste my time on & let me fantasize on what ifs. I'd still keep watching it.

[@ladymiracle4263]

Where can I watch It

[@beehive141]

After watching season 1 ,I have no idea how they took 5 years to make such garbage for season 2 ..I literally don't even want to see season 3 after watching the nonsense they made for season 2,big disappointment is an understatement .. 5 YEARSSSSSS WAIT AND U BROUGHT US THAT TRASH OF A SEASON..

[@mennamohammed710]

I disagree with you i really enjoyed the second season i would like to ask why you didn't like it

[@jennyzhang6071]

This is off-topic but light purple really fits you. You look great in the outfits.

[@screenplayhouse4932]

3:29 BLESS YOU! I was so excited to see Season 1 of this about a year ago because it featured a ton of stars I had seen elsewhere. I was the easiest audience they could ask for and I found it as over-rated as it was tedious. To me it's the Chinese Harry Potter. Fans think the simplest jokes are HILARIOUS, contrived plot resolutions BRILLIANT. JOY OF LIFE is a cult of mediocrity. I know it's fun when a bunch of people are all watching the same show -- but usually that means it settles for bland as to not lose viewers.

[@h.a7688]

I really enjoyed s2 , i thunk the episode limit less than 40 made it still with many unanswered questions, i would gladly watch a s 3 and s4 if they are going for it,... I think they did just fine in s2 , i think the cast and acting is good i don't mind the production value nor fashion but the story itself wich made me by every twist and you don't know what is going to happen in every episode... Worth the wait but i need more

[@user-gi7bi2kq7u]

and for anyone whos watching fox spirit drama, how is it so far? i havent seen much hype from twitter

[@rozaliyah]

Will we get your final review of JoL2 please?

[@reysolo3672]

I agree with all your points! The drama may be mid but I like it. I think it does get better later on.

[@wildestsquirrelwildestsqui5020]

It would had been shooting for 2nd season sooner except COVID hit with a vengeance & lots of projects was put in pause mode.

[@cynthiasamson7232]

I am also missing Fan Si Zhe and uncle Wu's screen time. 19 ep in and where is Uncle Wu?

[@vespertyne2952]

This is consistent with the novel. Uncle Wu disappears for long periods of time, for various reasons.

[@kierbaudy]

I can’t believe it’s been 5 years! I remember arguing that seasons broken up to release less episodes was a bad idea because going back to see it in this disjointed way doesn’t make sense. I didn’t find the first season that great. I’m not sure I will watch this.

[@actuallyvidding]

Is this a sign for me to go check out Joy of Life past episode 6? Because I have tried really hard to stomach the first 6, completely and blind-sidedly disappointed in how in all the sense of everything logical, this is a drama produced and written by the same team as season 1. The amount of insatiable jokes that absolutely didn't land, emotional moments that they tried to hard to shoved in our faces but didn't even scratch the itch. I guess they were trying to replicate the beauty of Teng Zijing & Fan Xian's dynamic and his overall impact on the story and failed miserably. The characters that we learn to love and love to hate became a caricature of themselves (Second Prince, Third Prince : GUILTY as charged), even the emperor and Chen Pingping almost became the satire version of a once very nuance roles. I adore Joy of Life season one because of its self awareness. No matter how serious and demanding the narrative gets, it never once lost its sight of being a story and try to be bigger than what it essentially is. Season one was one of the most well-written, quick-witted and smartest stories out there, but not once did it felt condescending. It excelled in subtlety. How the narrative drove the moral inspirations of each characters were done with such delicacy resulted in a very compelling and impactful storytelling. Season one was the type of story you think about long after it ends. Season 2, at least from what I've seen, just isn't. Or maybe I just get older, after all it's been 4 years.

[@assianfantasyworld3672]

teacher...all your impressions are merely subjective...you don't like the novel...then you don't like the story...it's that simple...your great level of study and knowledge is superior to this drama and many from dramaland...don't ask for a feminist assessment either...it's a historical drama and the women obeyed rules or died...that's the novel...the only one who marked a fleeting but strong step is Fang Xian's mother.. ...because it was from the future...can a single individual change a society? nooooo...it amuses me and that's the important thing...

[@reysolo3672]

Ugh no just because she doesn't like it doesn't mean shit on the quality. and no Ye Qing Mei did change society, she created the Investigation Bureau , a place where people can report crimes. If you don't like her opinion, well thats just your opinion, not a fact. What you wrote is subjective too. No one cares if it amuses you. go fuck off and look at more shit then.

[@Deb22056]

This season is just not "grabbing" me like the first season did, but I will continue to watch though I'm a bit disappointed. I've watched up to episode 26 and the weddng was a total letdown imho, hoping it gets better...

[@alenaxiong22]

....Maybe it's just me..but I'm on episode 3 now, and it's starting to get interesting...EP 1-2 were a bit slow and boring, but the story is picking up after ep 2. ❤

[@Glory_Kathomi.]

I am still loving it. What are people even complaining about?

[@raptimitra2672]

I lost it by episode 22! Nope not doing this second season!

[@samuelakande9669]

I didn't notice the actor change, but I did suspect it😂😂😂😂

[@anushavs2348]

In my opinion 1 St 5,6 episodes were rushed and comedy didn't hit to me.. but after 7 onwards it start picking up even if it isn't on the 1 St seasons level it doesn't bother me much as this is already commendable and exciting to watch as the episodes progress it keep getting better ❤❤❤