On February 7, the TV series “Kill My Sins” premiered on Youku with four episodes available. The first three episodes are accessible to regular members, while the fourth requires a Super VIP membership. Having watched the first three episodes, I believe this drama is a typical example of period political intrigue with a “rags to riches” theme. The storyline is compelling, and the political schemes are relatively plausible. Both Liu Shishi and Dou Xiao deliver performances that are deeply embedded in their roles.
Genre:
There should be no dispute that “Kill My Sins” is a period political intrigue drama. Some short reviews have criticized it for casting older leads in what they assume to be a costume idol drama. However, these critics clearly haven’t watched the show. “Kill My Sins” does not fit into the idol drama category. The distinction lies in the fact that political intrigue dramas require intelligence and practical feasibility in the plot, whereas idol dramas focus more on the charisma of the characters.
Plot and Character Dynamics:
“Kill My Sins” does not endow its leads with idol-like qualities but instead focuses on their cunning and strategic maneuvers within the period setting. A key criterion for critiquing political intrigue dramas is the operational feasibility of the schemes depicted. From the first three episodes, these strategies appear grounded in a certain level of reality, making sense within the narrative logic. For instance, the female lead’s direct confrontation with the empress is justifiable and marks her revenge plot’s beginning. Similarly, the male lead’s strategic removal from a situation where the female lead couldn’t manage alone shows narrative coherence.
Both protagonists exhibit a strong survival instinct, which is crucial for narrative drive. The female lead forms an all-female team for vengeance, while the male lead, coming from humble beginnings, aspires to climb the social ladder in a world of power. This setup provides a clear narrative purpose – one for revenge, one for survival.
Audience Appeal:
From an audience perspective, this blend of revenge and survival caters to both female and male viewers. For women, the series offers a portrayal of sophisticated female intelligence in a revenge scenario, showcasing female solidarity. For men, especially those who can relate to the male lead’s struggle to succeed despite humble origins, there’s a strong empathy factor, particularly for what might be called “phoenix men” – men who strive to rise above their origins. This indicates “Kill My Sins” aims for a broad audience appeal.
Narrative Quality:
The ultimate test for a show’s success is its watchability, which largely depends on how well it adheres to storytelling principles. “Kill My Sins” presents a compelling narrative in its opening episodes, with clear tensions between various factions.
Historical and Creative Elements:
The show also attempts to maintain a degree of historical accuracy or at least a sense of historical context, particularly around the era of Empress Wu Zetian. While not entirely accurate, the script shows an understanding of the historical dynamics of power during that time, allowing the story to resonate within a somewhat authentic historical setting.
Acting:
The performances by Liu Shishi and Dou Xiao are somewhat overshadowed by the strength of the story itself, which is a sign of a well-crafted narrative where characters naturally fit into their roles. Some have critiqued Liu Shishi’s acting, but this seems premature without considering the full context of her performance within the series.
Conclusion:
“Kill My Sins” is worth watching, at least based on the first three episodes. Without access to the fourth episode due to membership restrictions, I look forward to seeing more to provide further insights. Here’s hoping the series maintains its quality and does not suffer from a disappointing ending.
