Youku Modern Office and Romance C-drama Irreplaceable with Zhao Jin Mai and Wei Da Xun Falls Flat with Weak Chemistry and Plot
So the C-drama Irreplaceable (无可替代 Wu Ke Ti Dai) turned out to be eminently replaceable, turns out viewers are fine watching anything but this. The modern office romance starring Zhao Jin Mai and Wei Da Xun premiered two weeks ago at the end of September and at a short 20-episodes just wrapped up a very lackluster run in terms of viewership, reviews, and buzz. She couldn’t carry the drama solo and despite one big second male lead breakout a few years ago he’s yet to convince viewers he’s got the male lead IT factor. The drama did have a nice wave carrying it when it premiered thanks to another workplace drama The Early Spring that just aired before it being such a strong viewership albeit polarizing watch. Unlike TES which was all about the toxic but strong chemistry of the leads, this drama leaned way more into the actual office and work story and apparently the male lead didn’t even have that much screentime lol. At least it’s clear what resonates with viewers, chemistry covers a million imperfections and lack thereof fizzles interest fast.
He looked like her uncle lol.
It doesn’t help that ZJM looks like a kid, even after she lost the baby fat on her face. So if you pair her up with someone much older, they will really give off the uncle-niece vibe!
I tried watching this bc of WDX but it’s so boring. He barely shows up. This is what happens when they don’t make good use and proper screen time both leads. To top it off, there’s barely any chemistry between the two. I gave it 5 eps and dropped it.
I’ve never seen any of his dramas but for some reason, his closed mouth face always looks like he’s missing teeth to me?? Probably contributes to why he seems older than he actually is.
He’s almost 40. There is no way he’s going to look younger. Unless he undergoes cosmetic procedures like Lim Jiyeon, Ding Yuxi, Meng Ziyi, Hou Minghao. All of them with an artificial or melted-looking face. Well, at least Lim Jiyeon is fabulous at acting.
Love at Night (2021) is the only decent workplace setting C-drama I’ve watched. Or I’d say at least I made it to the end without skipping scenes lol.
Koala, have you checked Swords into Plowshares?
I’m not a fan of big age gaps regardless of which gender is the much older/younger one and for that reason, I’m hesitant to watch this. Plus, I find the male lead really bland. Hopefully, their next dramas will be better with him starring opposite Tian Xi Wei and there’s her drama with Wang Anyu.
He is super bland. The only reason he is here as a ML was because of the Fireworks scandal with YY but nothing ever took off after that for him because that wasn’t a natural expression of his acting and charisma but people standing in his defence.
I know he is counting on Ten Days and to be carried again there so who knows, it might work for him. After all he is hardly the first person to have flops and then still keep being the lead.
I enjoyed it in the beginning, but lost interest when they got together. They had no chemistry and his character wasn’t very interesting. The relationship was more interesting as mentor and mentee. I was more interested in the secondary characters Bu Tian Na and Lin Long. Both were more fleshed out than the ML.
I feel the exact same, staying on for the ladies.
ML was more interesting when she was crushing him, but once they got together, they became the most boring couple, dates in gym ? Lol.
Never got the appeal of WDX so I didn’t tune in for this drama lol. It’s a petty reason, but he’s just not someone who I’d be like I have to watch his drama as soon as it’s released. Plus, these two visually do not match each other.
I have only liked ZjM’s chemistry with ZLH. Didn’t like her and SWL either. Haven’t watched this but The trailer wasn’t pulling me in. Seemed very work place heavy.
I liked it. I love Zjm maybe that’s why I liked it. She anlways delivers. didn’t see it as a romance drama but the office drama. It was fast paced. If only they kept it that way. I like zjm but I feel like wdx was just a bit too old for her. If they tried to develop their romance if it was being sold as a romance drama. But it did well according to YOUKU.
I like the business aspect of the drama.
I don’t mind his looks but sh is too accomplished for age. Isn’t it the director’s and writers fault? They didn’t write in any intimate scenes and they had minimal skinship.
I don’t regret watching this drama because I found the other 2 couples to be quirky and have strong chemistry.