Lost You Forever: S2, Ep 1
First episode! So satisfying! Made you feel the yearlong wait was worth it. Thought it was going to be all about Xiang Liu or Tushan Jing? Ha! Cang Xuan takes his seat both in the throne and with the audience. If you ever wondered why this character is the ML, this episode (and probably the next few) will give you justification. This episode does a really good job of recapping Season 1, building momentum for Cang Xuan and propelling the storyline, and still managed to fit in screen time for all four suitors. When Xiang Liu/Fang Feng Bei appeared on screen, you just felt like cheering. For Tushan Jing too. "You are wearing the wrong colors today." LOL. The songs! In some parts, it was just the music for 2 seconds. But you didn't even need the words. You know them by heart already. In Season 1, there's the Xiang Liu song or the Cang Xuan song. In Season 2, I loved how the script incorporated the theme of the songs, and that the lyrics could be talking about more than one character. Each and every step!
Lost You Forever: S2, Ep 2-3
Wait, Tushan Jing and Xiao Yao are wearing the same colors!
Xiang Liu/Fang Feng Bei! Whereas Cang Xuan asks Xiao Yao not to congratulate him, Xiang Liu doesn't hesitate to congratulate Xiao Yao on her engagement. Every time these two characters interact, so much happens in the dialog! He shows so much insight into her. Yet, the way he replied to his old friend. Left you with such a heavy feeling. When he chooses his path, how much of the decision was because he misunderstood what she meant? Because he thought he no chance? CX mentioned that the painful memories from his mother leaving won't just go away. However, he has learned that new and happy memories can ease the pain. If Xiang Liu had all the correct information, would he be able to replace his loyalty to his adopted father with his loyalty to XY?
Cang Xuan. Sure, he was quickly (but gently) rejected, but he definitely makes the journey worthwhile.
"Who do you want to be your queen?"
"Because I am getting married?"
"1 month?" "2 months?" "THREE months?" ... "1 year then." "13 months." "Then let's make it 13 months. I will send someone for you." "If I don't see you in 13 months, I will come pick you up myself."
I think she was touched by his gesture, and was willing to give things a chance. (Because she initially accepted the flower.) She gave back the flower after he successfully claimed (and essentially chose) the throne. XY is afraid of loneliness, but I don't think running and sharing with the royal harem would be too attractive.
Tushan Jing. Poor guy. He's so smart in chess and business, but sometimes he's so silly. Technically, the suddenly deceased maid is his sister-in-law. The child is no longer a baby, and is an immortal, so many years have passed. TJ also didn't want this marriage, so you'd think he would put more effort into getting out of it. However, it just dawned on him that the child might not be his. Or maybe his loyal maid could've said something sooner. It's funny that there's all these immortals and magic, but their DNA technology is not quite advanced enough yet. Maybe they need a mirror that can travel back in time.
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 4
I need some help.
We should see a voodoo master.
::when good friends give bad advice::
Love the uncle, but he was previously inebriated, currently jaded, and probably a little triggered. And he's a voodoo master! Literally had a magical, two-headed snake appear and bite the hand feeding it. Then, there was also the disclaimers. What good could possibly come from this? When we first met Jing, he was in poor shape. When XY was wounded, he ends up in poor shape. When he just wanted answers, he ends up in poor shape. At this rate, he will need the 9 heads more than XL. But despite it all, he gives the right answer at the perfect time. Unlike others..., my heart is small. It only has enough space for one person.
Xiang Liu. lol. "If you can't play, please stop playing." Internally, he's suffering her pain. Externally, he's tortured by her horrible music. So, when she eggs him on, he finds an outlet. What a song! Was not your roses are red, violets are blue. More like peach blossoms are bloody... Her look was like "Well, that was disturbing, but somehow maybe sweet and touching?...I think?" ROFL. (parody version) Take my eyes, gouge them out. Take my heart, cut it out. Just so your eyes might see me. Just so your heart might have a place for me. Witttthhhh you. LOL.
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 5-7
The highly anticipated wedding episodes.
CX! Such good acting! Even as king, he still shows those boyish glances of reluctant obedience to Grandpa and the innocence and vulnerability to XY. But things are gradually building up, and he will not take no for an answer.
Each one of his scenes with Grandpa is so important to watch! On one hand, Grandpa is doing grandpa things: retired, farming, basket-weaving, providing a place of refuge for XY on the hillside, and trying to pass on knowledge and advice so that younger generations can learn from. On the other hand, he seemingly still has huge influence on CX: who to marry, who to stop seeing, and trying to pass on knowledge and advice so that younger generations can... CX initially obeys, although reluctantly, somewhat pouting in silent, childlike protest. But at end of this batch of episodes, Grandpa ends up giving such a look. The conversation was so casual, subtle and diplomatic. If you weren't paying attention, and if it were not for Grandpa's look, you'd probably miss it.
XY was missing Seventeen. But she is waiting for XL/FBB by the shore. I think I get it now. lol.
So, is it really a competition amongst 6, not 4?
So, for the record, FBB did leave everything behind, XY did leave behind her Princess duties, and they did run away together.
But like she said, he ample time to do this. Why did he choose THAT day and THAT way?
I forget how the love bug works. If she did follow through with the wedding, does it mean that XL and XY would both die?
Darn it, Tushan Jing. Normally I think any woman would have trouble believing any man that told that story. However, because it is you, I would believe it. lol
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 8
I prefer handpicked flowers.
But....a man....so many people....his dignity...
::Jing whips around so fast, step step step, splash::
hahahah
Ok, ok. I'm starting to understand what Team Jing is talking about. He has a certain sense of security and doesn't care about what others think. Even planted some of the same flowers in his home.
However, it is Cang Xuan ger ger that put a stop to the words, and redirected the unwanted attention back to the ones who provoked.
Ugh, those Begonia flowers! lol
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 9
An eventful week. Trying to focus on LYF episodes.
A lot of sweet moments between XY and TJ. I loved how he "gave" her flowers without giving her the flowers. It was so considerate and thoughtful, but also without intentions at the same time.
TJ: yeah, all my trackers weren't able to follow them.
::XY looks down::
::audience facepalms::
TJ: Buutttt, I was able to use your mirror (that I temporarily traded you with the flowers for, btw).
Buuttt he says it in such a low-key way. Meanwhile, everyone else is like...YEAHHHHH!!! hahaha.
Because he borrowed the mirror, TJ most likely has seen the XY and XL memories inside.
lol. XL can never understand why everybody has to make life so complicated. But isn't that your sister? What happened to experiencing familial love? Oh, sorry. Must only be maternal love.
The older brother. So villainous.
CX: These Begonias!! Again?!
Through the games, Grandpa can see each suitor's personality. I wish XL could sit down and play a round with Grandpa, but we already know where they stand.
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 10
Cang Xuan ger ger!! How could you?!
Even Jing was initially angered, yet manages to plead diplomatically.
Xiang Liu, bestie to the rescue.
Ah! Saw the 2-second, ending clips. Definitely not watching the last two episodes in alone. Blankets, tissues, teddy bears, ice cream, and a whole support group will need to be prepared.
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 11
Good XL/XY scenes are back!
XL: Someone once told me that regardless of whether it's happiness or sadness, humans like to compare their own experiences against others. So I am sharing my sad story. You should feel better about your situation.
I hatched out of an egg. From that moment on, I have no memories of who my parents are. As a child, I had little to eat. One time, one of my nine heads was starving so badly that it tried to eat the other.
XY: Really?
XL: Nah.
Wait, what was I saying? I forgot...
ROFL
XL: Whether deity or demon, you can not control your birth. So why worry about something that you had no control to begin with?
Is Jing lurking around the corner and eavesdropping? lol
The discussion about XY's new title. Because XY is an illegitimate child, she could no longer be Princess of Haoling. But Grandpa and CX can still give her a title under their line, as opposed to leaving her as a commoner. CX wants to marry XY, so he wants her to be a Princess under Grandpa. Meanwhile, Grandpa doesn't want them to get married, so he wants her to be Princess to be under CX's kingdom, essentially making her his sister. XY chose to be under Grandpa, giving up the more prestigious option, b/c she wants to marry Jing, and wants to have a more similar rank as him.
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 12
Wo zai wu hu ni de gan shou! Wo zai wu hu ni de gan shou!
Each time he says it! But I'm not sure why Haoling king is taking the brunt of the fault. He wouldn't have had to choose if others weren't fighting?
The female servant. Well, that was unexpected.
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Luo Yunxi sang Fish Leong's song, Courage! The song really fits his voice!
Must see Deadpool and Wolverine! It's been so long to have a highly anticipated movie with good marketing campaign. I love that Ryan Reynold really believed and invested in this character from the beginning. Having Deadpool and Wolverine together again is amazing enough. Can't wait!
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 13-15
These XY parentage scenes!! Needed a tissue on this one.
If the subtitles were too fast, this is what happened with XY's parents. As we know by now, her parents were generals on opposites sides of the war. When the mom left XY for the battlefield, she knew she wasn't coming back. To end the battle, she utilized this special move that harnessed the sun's energy to burn everything around her. It worked, but she was also burned. Her father used the last of his powers to preserve a slither of her conciousness, so that it could one day see their daughter. He did this before disintegrating.
Cang Xue: I brought an entire garden home, but couldn't find a single flower I liked. Contrary to expectation, this is exactly what happened; not a single flower. It was not the garden I liked. It was just this one flower. This Cang Xue. Here he goes again. It was supposed to XY and XL's song! lol
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 16-17
If only I knew, if only I knew.... Tu Shan Jing!!!!!!!!
What happened to her face?! Those are some crazy, dead ancestors... Nevermind the evil wrong-doer and what they deserve. If I were a girlfriend, who has this nice, clean-cut, well-demeanored boyfriend. Then, I see his ex-wife, who was worshipping his ancestors last time I recalled, see her face now, remember that I am about to marry into that family, I would have some serious reservations (but definitely some questions) after seeing that. Oh wait, but XY was still unconscious. eek.
I love how they played CSI: Magical Investigation.
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 18
Read my lips. The marriage is happening. Literally. With or without you.
The king is really putting his foot down. He sees no reason why XY should waste her life away and be a widow for this undeserving man. He tries to persuade, then pleads, objects, and then finally makes a declaration against the marriage. But all MeiMei has to do is ask, and GerGer will not refuse. Note though, that MeiMei made a full bow, a grand gesture in her request. Even had her forehead touch the floor in the bow.
How much does TSJ mean to her?
She's utterly devastated and in shock. She can't picture her life without him. Where did she make the mistake? If nobody made a mistake, why is it like this? Before, she could always fix her mistakes, but she can't fix this one.
In this episode, XY explains why TSJ means so much to her. I'm glad they did that. I wish they didn't build up his weaknesses first though. Really sorry to Team Jing. At episode 18 out of 23, (but really 42?), like Cang Xuan, I needed this talk. I am just...He's just... This TSJ!... is so helpless and flatline. Or rather, loyal and steadfast? But even his themesong is killing me...
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 19
Intense, emotional fight. Xiao Yao's eyes!! Super good acting between the two.
Red flowers scene. So poetic. There's a special bond and fundamental understanding between the two. No matter what they've done, the other will have no fear, will bear the consequences, and can forgive. Not forget, but forgive.
Speaking of special connections, it's been forever since we've seen Xiang Liu! 大哥, 快! 找 XY! SOS!
Update:
ROFL! The Highlights of Tushan Jing video made me laugh so hard! Poor TSJ. He must have been sneezing a lot. :)
Of course, since it's his video, they also immediately played his theme song,... Heal. ...I suppose it's karma. lol. Good song. But similar to the character, you might have to look past the surface.
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 20
Potent tea. Good talk. I understand this is a major deviation from the novel. Am wondering how this will play out for the ending.
I thought this Evil Queen was an interesting take. Usually, you have this understood stereotype of the Queen. Wiser, older, separate from the pack. Here, you really get a sense of what it takes to get to that stage.
You see how someone who is young, selfish, and calculating, but also naively hopeful that she could have both love and power, and is so powerful, but at the same time, needs to put up with a lot and can't have the one thing that really matters - one basic thing that an ordinary commoner could have. In some ways, she and CX are the same, and should understand each other perfectly.
Xiang Liu going back to XY's bed. Buckets of tears!!!!! But, on the bright side, Mortal Fireworks mini MV.
My heart skipped a beat when Xiang Liu said "The opportunity has arrived...." Still 3 episodes left. Sunny skies, sunny skies. No snow, no snow!!
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 21
Oh gosh, even the random 4th guy is looking good. A few episodes back, near the wedding part, someone was like, "He might be the random 4th guy, but he is clearly winning." lol. Too bad he had to bow out of the race.
Scoreboard:
Contender Status
4 Dead
3 Presumed Dead
2 Going to be dead
1 Emotionally dead
Xiang Liu!! Whereas the other contenders play chess with Grandpa, XL is playing chess with every character at the same time. He's setting into motion all these events. So sad when kisses XY's wrist!! Xing gan ching yuen.
I don't quite understand the love voodoo. If Cang Xuan's wasn't successfully planted, why did Xiang Liu bother to plant it into himself? If he didn't, would XY die or something?
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 22
Xiang Liu and his silent sacrifices! Was really looking forward to seeing his true form, the smiling Buddha figure scene, what it looked like, and the big battle. The last chapter/epilogue and the depiction was so touching. Wish they kept Chubbie's role and went into the details of the figure's forging. ...although seeing Chubbie in both forms with Xiang Liu was breathtaking. The scene was so heartbreaking. They kept preparing us for this impending event! Telling us that it's ok. That this is the best outcome for him. But are we gonna be ok? Are we???!!!
lol. Grandpa and his collection of teas. I want to know what else he's growing in the fields, every 1,000 years, every 3,000 years...gotta start now...
This Cang Xuan!!!!!! He made such a big fuss about willing to trade all his women for just Xiao Yao, gardens, flowers, one of two people he truly trusts, unshakeable bond, and childhood promises. But now, when there are no other contenders, and he's the only one left, he's like, what's the rush? We gots time. WHAT??!!!!! That bum!!!! He turned out to be any regular guy with a bunch of wives, just saying whatever. At least follow through with your bad guy duties! But now, now I....I...JUDGE you!!!!
This Tushan Jing! Where are you?! "I'm back." ... Ok, but you've missed A LOT. Your bad habits are even starting to affect XY. She's starting to sleep through a lot too. But ::sigh:: You are the one. Just don't give any empty promises right now; you'll start to sound like the other guy. And you already know how I feel about your song.
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 23
Finally got to watch the finale! Xiang Liu!! Ouchie. Ugh, the heart hurts! I got to see most of things I wanted to see come to life from the novel (mentioned before), so I'm mostly happy. I liked both seasons, and as a combination. Season 1 was hands down Xiang Liu. In Season 2, the story and motivations were way more fleshed out. Cang Xue, Grandpa, and Xiao Yao were so good to watch. When we get to Season 2, all the characters have experienced major growth and transitions, so to some extent, we shouldn't expect them to behave the same way.
However, you are left with the feeling that Xiao Yao's feelings for Xiang Liu is diminished in the series. She sees him headed towards this path, but talks about him like it's ok for him to die. Won't she fight for/save him a little? Argue in his favor? He dies and the show technically needs to go on. We quickly transition to her and Jing's marriage and preparations. Sure, she didn't know what happened behind the scenes, he's good at hiding his feelings, but in some ways, it felt like Xiang Liu wasn't too much better than that 4th random guy...also KBA'd (killed by arrow).
At the end, it was Ah Nian's buddy that made the final call too. The same hilarious guy that always reads the room too late to King Hao Ling, and then flails around backtracking.
If it's about characters initially carving out their own path, but end up falling in line with their fate, Cang Xue impresses at the beginning and lost points in the last two episodes. He thought he needed power to protect one person, but once he gained enough power, he looked around, and was like I belong to everyone. Woe is me. And then even proceeded to friend-zone Xiao Yao. Xiao Yao should have ripped the flower out of her hair, and be like "Por Hua!" ::stomp::
Speaking of Xiao Yao, how can she STILL not know that he likes her???!!!
Oh, you know how they do a bid farewell to your character? We should do one for Tushan Jing:
Tushan Jing, I know I do not always understand you, but you have been an unexpected outlet of amusement for me. Please take care of Xiao Yao. And jun sik sung ming ah. (And stay healthy.)