《墨雨云间》 The Double – A historical costume drama with a unique take on a revenge story

《墨雨云间》 The Double is one of the most highly rated and spoken about Chinese historical costume dramas of 2024, and I’m sad that I missed the chance to join in with the hype for it during the release as it’s such a fantastic show with a unique take on revenge!

Before we begin the review, here’s a word of warning on the ending. I see the ending for the main couple as a somewhat “up for interruption ending”, and in my opinion, it isn’t a true happy ending. There is, however, a short extra episode about the life of the main couple many years later, so some viewers see this as the true ending for the show!

Synopsis

Xue Fangfei survives the betrayal of her husband, where she was buried alive. Unable to face the betrayal, she attempts to end her life, only to be saved by Jiang Li, who tells her that for her to take revenge on those who wronged her, she must live her life to the fullest.

Sadly, Jiang Li soon passes away after being badly beaten. Xue Fangfei takes on the identity of Jiang Li and returns to the capital to seek revenge for herself and Jiang Li.

With the aid of Duke Xiao Heng, she uncovers the truth behind her husband’s betrayal, Jiang Li’s abandonment, clears her father’s name from wrongful imprisonment, fights injustice and protects the people.

Trailer

The Watching Experience

《墨雨云间》 The Double is a historical revenge focus drama set in a fabricated dynasty. The drama focuses on the revenge story of the main character, Xue Fangfei, where she sets out on a journey to uncover the truth, clear her family’s name and avenge those who wronged her.

The first few episodes set out the premise of Xue Fangfei being betrayed by her husband, followed by her meeting Jiang Li, eventually taking her identity, and returning to the capital.

The storytelling, pacing, acting, and general production quality are excellent throughout the show. In fact, it’s the most well-paced show I’ve seen in recent years. Each subplot was the perfect amount, and it never felt like a drag or rushed. It was all paced and told very well.

Watching the female lead win in every situation was gripping, heart-wrenching and satisfying to watch.

It’s important for a show about revenge to close each bad character’s arc with an ending that makes sense and satisfies the viewers. This is exactly what 《墨雨云间》 The Double delivered. I felt that every bad character got the ending they deserved.

Some minor flaws

《墨雨云间》 The Double isn’t perfect, and I found a few aspects that I felt were a little awkward.

Firstly, I found the aftermath of the identity swap baffling and simply too easy. Jiang Li left the city when she was ten years old, so it’s expected that her family doesn’t recognise her. However, only a few people in the capital recognise Xue Fangfei. Xue Fangfei’s husband works for the imperial court, so it’s strange that only a few people have seen his wife.

Secondly, 《墨雨云间》 The Double suffers from the “female lead is cleverer than everyone else without an explanation”, and it’s particularly bad in this show. Before the betrayal, Xue Fangfei appears to be a quiet and composed housewife who hardly left their residence. Then, after the betrayal, she turns into the typical clever female lead who can predict the moves of influential political people and beat them in their schemes. Despite this, watching her cleverly outwit everyone who tries to take her down is still enjoyable.

These flaws weren’t showstoppers and didn’t stop me from enjoying the show as much as I did. I just had to accept that they were part of the story’s setup and that I shouldn’t think too much about them.

Romance

Many viewers found this area lacking and unsatisfying, and I agree that there wasn’t much on the main couple’s romance and relationship development.

The male lead felt like a vase that was there for display only. He had his own backstory and development, but honestly, it felt so minor and insignificant.

The female lead’s story took up 90% of 《墨雨云间》 The Double, and there’s just no room for anything else, such as romance or the development of the male lead’s story.

Having said that, I enjoyed the little bit of romance between the couple; it was enough to see their relationship develop from curiosity to admiration and finally to love, respect and understanding.

One positive note on the male lead is that he never questions or intervenes with the female lead’s decision. He supports her every step and is always there to back her up, no matter how crazy or dangerous her idea is. I absolutely loved this!

《墨雨云间》 The Double is perfect for those who are looking for a gripping show with a great plot and a little bit of romance.

Difficulty for a Chinese learner

The plot in 《墨雨云间》 The Double mainly involves family conflicts with some light and simple politics, so experience with imperial politics isn’t necessary.

The dialogue has a medium level of historical prose, and there aren’t many names, places or historical references (such as ranks and fractions).

Although the plot in 《墨雨云间》 The Double isn’t very complicated, experience with historical setting dramas is still recommended.

Final Thoughts

《墨雨云间》 The Double is a great historical drama, and I’ll recommend this to anyone who is looking for a gripping and plot-heavy show! It’s also perfect for those who aren’t interested in romance. This is not a show for those who prefer heavy romance and plenty of scenes on the main couple as there’s very little on them.

A strong female lead who is out to avenge everyone who wronged her, her family and friends is what you’ll find in 《墨雨云间》 The Double!

I had previously warned that, in my opinion, I don’t feel the ending is a true happy ending for the couple, but it’s all up for interruption. Many of the historical dramas from the end of 2023 to the end of 2024 had sad or open-ended endings for the main couple, and honestly, I’ve become so used to them that I feel immune to them.

If this is an element that bothers you, then you should think twice before starting this show!