I've watched several Taiwanese shows, and it's funny (and a bit sad) that most of them follow a similar script and plot development. If I didn't know any better, I'd think that there's a template out there, in which all you really have to do is change some character names, a story arc here and there, and you've got another show.
I really don't understand how Taiwan can continue to shell out the same jargon. It's like they only know how to make ONE type of show!
I made it through nine episodes, because things were becoming so predictable, that I was actually able to map out the rest of the series. I was nearly right on every single detail when I read the synopsis for the subsequent episodes. That is how predictable this show is.
You almost always have a young man and a woman who start off disliking each other. Of course, things are arranged so that they end up together.
You always have a rival; someone who is also after one of the characters.
You almost always have a parent (a wealthy one) who disapproves of the match. This paints a picture of a culture so mired down in controlling children, as to be borderline abusive. Of course, the son/daughter can never stand up for themselves. Usually, they just take it, and even go so far as to allow their parent to abuse their love interest. Sweet, eh?
Of course, once our "love birds" come together, something has to break them up. If they get together early on in the series, then this "trick" is inevitable. And, near the end, they'll realize, yet again, their undying love for each other. Usually the objecting parent will come to some sort of a magical realization that they were wrong rather than their son/daughter have any power in helping them in their realization. It's like magic!
I'm officially giving up on Taiwanese dramas. They are all the same. The only one that stood out for me, was "Refresh Man" as most of the above-mentioned formulaic ploys were not used in that series.
I'll stick to Korean and Japanese shows, who are far more versatile and creative in their stories. As with all things, some work and some don't. But most of them, at least that I have seen, do work.
For those unfamiliar with the Taiwanese formula, you may enjoy this series. But after a number of times around the same old track, it's become tedious, boring, and sadly predictable...so much so, that I didn't even have to finish the series to figure everything out. That's not enjoyable viewing.
