The Double first half

I'm currently watching THE DOUBLE, a 2024 C-Drama starring Wu Jinyan and Wang Xingyue. I recently finished Perfect Match which also starred Wang, whom I've first known from Amidst the Snowstorm of Love. It's safe to say that I am a fan. As I was looking for the next costume drama to watch, I couldn't decide right away so I tried three and ended up hooked with The Double. It's actually the last one. The other two will have to wait after I complete this one.

What I find fascinating about this drama on the first episodes were its comical style. This drama has serious themes and violent scenes. I guess they're trying to balance it out to keep it from being too dark themed. The comical parts are only with non lead characters, not even the secondary ones. The lead characters are out of the question. Wang Xinyue who plays Duke Su has a serious character and his playfulness are only subtle but also exclusive. Wu Jinyan who plays Jiang Li / Xue Fangfei has a grave past, pun unintended.

The Double also has this noticeably frequent up close shots of characters during a dialogue. I don't know if it aims to double as entry for the actors' modeling stint or what. I would definitely get too bothered if not for Wang Xingyue being handsome. But I sometimes imagine myself in their shoes and end up admiring their boldness to stare at the camera. But then I am not an actress.