There is really no end to this trend. Production team take up a project based on a famous novel which ensures them good viewership because of the fan base. Then they choose amazing actors to do the project and again increase the number of viewers. The drama will be a hit no matter what. Now what they have to do is follow the amazing storyline (with a few changes due do censorship) and get done with this. But guess what!!!! Someone shows up and suggests to change the ENTIRE SCRIPT!! Because they think they can write a far better story with their cliched ideas and so called plot twists, love triangle and over the top nonsense while keeping the main characters same as the original.
*Face palm*
I am really surprised by all the ratings on MDL for this drama. I mean what in the world did they see in this drama to give it such a rating is beyond me. I get that people can have different tastes but for me who has read and adored the story of the novel it was a complete disaster.
They introduced the characters like Bai Xiaosheng and Changlan (forgive the spelling) to drag the story. I got bored amd irritated in several episodes like the' moth one' because it neither added anything to the plot nor increased my interest. There were many filler episodes because they thought original story was not worth it!! I tried very hard to watch the show mainly because of the actors whom I loved a lot throughout the episodes but there is a limit....When there is no story to tell, actors cannot lift the show either. The CGI was so so. I liked the songs and costumes a lot.
I kept reminding myself to stick to Wuxia but once in a while whenever I watch Xianxia due to my favourite novel adaptation it turns out pretty disappointing. I am really afraid for 'Lengend of Shenli' now. A humble request to the makers" For god sake please do not change that plot as well to show your creativity." This drama was really not my cup of tea but you can watch if you prefer cliched over the top storyline of costume dramas. Slapstick comedy Or simply because you love the actors and their chemistry.