Gao Han

Another weekend, another Chinese fantasy drama binge. This time, it was When Destiny Brings The Demon (献鱼), a show that initially promised a delightful escape but ultimately delivered a frustratingly familiar letdown. The series began with an engaging and humorous dynamic between its two leads, offering a fresh take on the well-trodden trope of a modern person transported into a fantasy world. Their chemistry was palpable, their banter witty, and their growing affection felt organic. For the first ten episodes, it was a genuine pleasure to watch. Yet, this promising setup soon unraveled, devolving into a messy spiral of overused clichés and melodramatic excess that left viewers wondering why so many Xianxia (仙侠) dramas follow this same disappointing path. A Promising Beginning The early success of When Destiny Brings The Demon hinged on its charismatic leads and their genuinely funny interactions. The female lead's modern sensibilities clashing with the ancient, mystical world created a fantastic source of comedy. The male lead, a powerful yet aloof figure, found himself constantly bewildered by her unconventional behavior. This "odd couple" formula worked exceptionally well, providing countless moments of levity and charm that hooked audiences immediately. It felt like a breath of fresh air…