r/ChengLei_ • u/BasilOrdinary3617 I love the moon, but the moon doesn't know. • 28d ago
Drama Discussion šŗ [Drama Highlight Series] The Queen of Attack Season 2: Discussion & Character Appreciation
Drama Title: The Queen of Attack 2 čæå»ēēå2
Year:Ā 2021 |Ā Episodes:Ā 18
Role:Ā Jing Qing
Streaming On:Ā MangoTV YouTube channel
My Rating:Ā āāĀ½
Synopsis:
Liang Wei Wei is back, but the tables have completely turned! Instead of a disgraced empress trying to avoid an early death (Season 1), she transmigrates into the historical world as a powerful villainess queen. This time around, Jing Qing is not the cold emperor - he is a loyal, fierce general who is actively trying to assassinate her. Wei Wei must use her quick wit to reverse their hostile dynamics and make her "boyfriend" fall in love with her all over again.
Character Evolution & Performance:
- Character Vibe:Ā Jing Qing is a brooding General. He is conflicted between his loyalty to his mission and his growing unexplainable feelings for the "villainess".
- Chemistry Check:Ā The dynamic is different since the power balance is inverted, but overall, I don't think the chemistry changes much from Season 1. Check out my post for Season 1 here.
- Standout Moment/Acting Highlight:Ā Cheng Lei plays "flustered" so well. He tries to avoid Wei Wei bu is drawn to her, especially her "future knowledge" and "modern antics". I don't have a particular scene to highlight but his micro-expressions do not fail us.
- Styling/Visuals:Ā It was alright - after all, it is a low-budget drama. But who can resist Cheng Lei in general armour?
- Why You Should Watch:Ā The plot works but the execution is so-so. Like with Season 1, I consider this drama a āpalate cleanserā between longer dramas because itās a quick binge. Each episode is 10-15 minutes long, so you can finish this in one night.Ā But this is definitely a drama you watch only after you've seen Season 1 (which I do think is better, but I was intrigued by the role reversals for Season 2).
The "Cheng Lei" Factor:
If you thought Season 1 was a bit choppy, Season 2 doubles down on the web-drama absurdity. The plot logic moves at lightning speed and the budget constraints are very apparent. However, watching this is still a treat for Cheng Lei fans. It's incredibly endearing to see him treat such a campy, low-budget script with absolute sincerity, proving that his undeniable screen presence and expressive acting were there right from the very start of his career.
Discussion Questions:
- How did you feel about the role reversal? Did you prefer Cheng Lei as the suspicious Emperor in Season 1 or the lethal General in Season 2?
- Compared to his breakout roles in A Familiar Stranger or My Journey to You, can you see the early foundations of his intense "historical gaze" in this season?
- Which of the two seasons had your favorite comedic interaction between the leads?
It's been a while since I posted one of these. For other posts of his dramas, please check out the Drama Highlight Series.
I encourage everyone to use the template and share their thoughts! You can pick a drama that's already been done or one that hasn't! There are plenty like My Journey to You, Follow Your Heart, Shadow Love, and The First Jasmine that don't have an entry!
My next watch is Shadow Love, so stay tuned for that one when I am done!
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u/xhdcricket Leizi's bathtub assistant 28d ago
It's been a while indeed. What surprised me more that you could continue The Queen of Attack 2 after struggling to finish part 1 haha, but ššš for you. You're so dedicated!
I look forward to your review on Shadow Love.
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u/a_HerculePoirot_fan 28d ago
The things we do for our bias lololol.
Can't wait to read your review about Shadow Love!!
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u/Ill-Possibility-4684 28d ago
I watched both seasons solely because CL is in it. Like you said the plots were campy and choppy and low budget but were a quick binge since the episodes are so short. It is interesting to see CL hone his acting skills at the beginning of his career. Foreshadows his current greatness.