sid_guardian | Guardian Episode by Episode: 33

Entry tags:

type: episode discussion

Guardian Episode by Episode: 33

Welcome to the rewatchalong! This week we watch episode 33. The Imgur screencap album has 66 images.

Previously on:
Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6, Episode 7, Episode 8, Episode 9, Episode 10, Episode 11, Episode 12, Episode 13, Episode 14, Episode 15, Episode 16, Episode 17, Episode 18, Episode 19, Episode 20, Episode 21, Episode 22, Episode 23, Episode 24, Episode 25, Episode 26, Episode 27, Episode 28, Episode 29, Episode 30, Episode 31, Episode 32

This week, Chu Shuzhi tells us his backstory (part 2) and Zhao Yunlan rescues Shen Wei (finally).

Characterization
Let's open with a bit of Chu Shuzhi backstory! We discover he was the troublemaker twin who played with dolls and didn't just want everyone to live together in peace. (But was still very indulgent of his little brother the glutton and cooked everything ever for him.) He got into a barfight and was arrested, his victim killed Chu Nianzhi, and then Chu Shuzhi broke out of prison to avenge his brother (using the big doll he uses in the present). His biggest fantasies are that he can just suffer on his brother's behalf and save him that way.

There are other things in his dreamworld: "Guo Changcheng" says he wants to call Chu Shuzhi "brother" on Chu Nianzhi's behalf, which might be Chu Shuzhi's fantasy, and says "Let's all go live in Dixing together" which definitely is. The sequence from "Guo Changcheng" wanting to see the doll to getting at the SID doors is definitely the Nightmare Master's plotline, though. (Nevertheless, in addition to the whole "Dixing can bring people back to life" probably-lie, there's the very intriguing "The Hallows are able to resurrect anyone whose body isn't broken" which might also be BS, but if one chooses it as true, then the number of post-canon fixit methods just saw an increase.)

Cohabiting in Dixing: not enough money for blackjack and hookers, but Chu Shuzhi could get a drink.

But since this was all too OOC, Chu Shuzhi set a trap for "Guo Changcheng". The Nightmare Master fails it, since he didn't bother to think about what Guo Changcheng knows about Chu Shuzhi's culinary preferences.

Dark energy? I think you mean light energy. Doesn't weigh a thing!

The illusion breaks and Chu Shuzhi wakes up on the same SID couch we saw him fall asleep on last episode immediately before "Guo Changcheng" turned up, clutching the Chu Nianzhi doll.

ranalore brought up last week that it might be that that was a dream-layer as well, but given how he's filmed waking up in exactly the same place, instead of anywhere else, I think that segment must've been intended as reality.

"Guo Changcheng? Dead? I can't stand for this!"

We get some interesting Zhao Yunlan bits, too! He sheds a single manly tear for Guo Changcheng, not making a sound, mourning silently, then places the doll in Chu Shuzhi's hands and leaves. To Da Qing he says, "You can't blame a man who's made a genuine mistake," which is intriguing. He is surprisingly forgiving of Chu Shuzhi, considering Chu Shuzhi got a mutual colleague murdered! (Except that he believes in Guo Changcheng's ability to survive everything.)

Then it's time to rescue the beauty tied to a pillar, and while his arrival there raises questions – How did he open the portal?! Has the dark energy corruption given him minor Dixing powers? Did he just phone Ye Huo? – he changed his clothes to something hotter, so, A+ choices. And he was willing to get at least heavily injured freeing Shen Wei from the chains (because Shen Wei is the better bet for stopping Ye Zun, and also because it's Shen Wei).

"Hi, Professor Hot! I must inform you that your research has failed you; you're supposed to be tied up naked."

Shen Wei, OTOH, was very unhappy that anyone else was doing any sacrificing – he didn't want Zhao Yunlan to get hurt chopping the chains, and he sure as hell wasn't happy that shadow man died liberating him. He has a bit of a breakdown there.

Shen Wei: ";_;"

When they get back to Haixing, Shen Wei reveals that ~~he is secretly a plant~~ he missed the sunlight, but other that that does the "I'm fine!" thing. (To which Zhao Yunlan replies "NO".) (The remark about Shen Wei walking like a pregnant woman was hilarious, and if any of you are into mpreg, well, I'm sure the fic just writes itself.) Then Zhao Yunlan claims that he needs rest so that he can get Shen Wei to rest; lo and behold, Shen Wei rests on the bench and basks in the sunlight.

For best results, carefully arrange Envoy onto bench and tell him you'd be upset if he moved. He might stay still and take a 5-minute break from saving the world via self-sacrifice.

Ye Zun status: still in shadow groke cosplay. When Shen Wei gave a spiel on the SID members preferring to wake up to bitter reality for it has their "real friends and relatives", Ye Zun finds it really damn rich (and also offensive towards his feelings, since brothers) and declares that "You and I are doomed to eternal darknesss." So half murdery, half yandere towards his beloved brother.

Also very much into making Shen Wei cry out in pain. Or pleasure, lest he discover some innate talent for masochism.

The cat is his usual inappropriate self. He ... asked Zhao Yunlan whether he'd spank Chu Shuzhi (????), then said he should spank Chu Shuzhi. Da Qing, are you trying to get your kinks catered to at work?

Acceptable forms of tribute: half-used lollipops.

Let's also talk about Shadow Dude, as he gave his life so Shen Wei could be free. He actually recalled Shen Wei's mercy and humane behavior like consoling Shadow Dude's relatives, and he saw through Ye Zun's plans. Good job, Shadow Dude. We'll miss you if we remember your existence.

Finally, we are reminded of Lin Jing's existence by the Nightmare Master going after him. As he wasn't briefed on the situation, he's easy prey. Oops!

Canon notes

Chu Shuzhi never eats spicy food
Shen Wei can toss his blade so that it and whatever it hits are teleported somewhere
Shadow Dude turned into regular human form at death
Before episode 1, the Regent arranged prisoners to storm Ye Zun's pillar; almost all of them died
Ouyang wanted Lin Jing to send Dixing genetic samples to him

Cinematography
Some pretty impressive shots from afar, swooping and not!

Chu Shuzhi at the river of dreams. Chu Shuzhi lazing about in dream Dixing. Professor in distress tied to a pillar.

Some shots from below:

Chu Shuzhi getting a hug. Chu Shuzhi about to attempt to destroy the shield.

And some in general nice ones:

What do you mean, it's obvious I covet that jacket? :P

Zhao Yunlan jacket watch
He only wore one formless green one (previously seen in episode 3, perhaps?) but upgraded to a super hot Palace Guard jacket for the Envoy rescue. Excellent choice!

Haixing and Dixing.

Did Shen Wei remove his glasses?
No, but he did smile in public!

♥

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Re. being forgiving of Chu Shuzhi's failure to save Guo Changcheng, I think Zhao Yunlan recognized that CSZ was already punishing himself, and adding more guilt at that point wouldn't do any good.

Lin Jing's dream had useful backstory for the lab plot, and a lot of good characterization for both him and Professor Ouyang given how short a scene it was.

I really liked the little scene of Ye Zun eating pedestrians at the very end of the episode! This suggests that (1) he had to eat a very large number of people to get out of the pillar, and (2) people walk by the pillar on a regular basis. However, Sha Ya and her friends thought they were lost when they found it - an intriguing contradiction. I'm kinda torn between 'Dixing's weirdest park monument' and 'former site of a temple to the voice in the pillar' (and have the wips to show for it).

I think Zhao Yunlan recognized that CSZ was already punishing himself, and adding more guilt at that point wouldn't do any good.
Oh yeah, that too! I had it in my notes but forgot to type it up. *g*

(1) he had to eat a very large number of people to get out of the pillar, and (2) people walk by the pillar on a regular basis. However, Sha Ya and her friends thought they were lost when they found it - an intriguing contradiction.
I think it might be off in the boondocks but near enough to a nonstandard route from one population settlement to another that people do pass it by? Or some other "people do pass by, but lots of people don't know it exists" sort of arrangement.

This is also notable as the last episode in which Ye Zun is still stuck in the pillar! We never did get to watch him finally leave it, which makes me sad - that's a five second scene I'd be thrilled to see. Did he make a body out of energy? (And if so, how did he not blow up Dixing in the process?) Did he steal someone's body and overwrite it? Was his own body physically in the pillar still, and if so, what does the pillar look like after it's removed? Or is he a ghost like Wang Zheng and Sang Zan? I have so many questions!

Edited 2019-11-01 21:01 (UTC)

This is also notable as the last episode in which Ye Zun is still stuck in the pillar!
Ooh, indeed! I'd love to see Ye Zun exit it as well.

Re: his body, since he goes out in the sunlight, he probably isn't a ghost like Wang Zheng and Sang Zan, but rather is ... more condensed out of energy? I don't think we see the pillar after this, either (save that one shot where Sha Ya is eaten, but that could be before Ye Zun's depillarment). Hmm.

I love that first cap you have of Chu Shuzhi and Nightmare!Guo Chancheng. I feel so much for Chu Shuzhi and how much he wants to have that kind of close friend/brother relationship back. He's just so happy and it's all an illusion. Seeing hisopen realization about how much he cares about Guo Chancheng later in the ep is so good but so heartbreaking when he realizes how badly he's fucked up.

Shadow Dude being on their side was not a twist I saw coming, so well played show to give us a recurring characters who can safely die. Seriously, though, I do like how they show us that Ye Zun hasn't gotten to everyone. This maybe plays out more later in the scene at that palace, but I really like that we see people in Dixing who don't buy into what he's selling.

The conversation on the bench is one of my favorites in the series. The two of them feel settled as partners in it, especially when Zhao Yunlan says there's no way I can rest until you're resting. It's such a good moment between them.

The remark about Shen Wei walking like a pregnant woman was hilarious, and if any of you are into mpreg, well, I'm sure the fic just writes itself.

Well, I hadn't thought about it before but now I definitely am :) And it's the fic where usually it's Shen Wei topping Zhao Yunlan, and they both love it, it's great, and then the one time they switch Shen Wei gets pregnant, and yeah.

Yeah, the dream arc is a very good one for Chu Shuzhi's relationship to Guo Changcheng content. His reaction in this episode really is heartbreaking.

Shadow Dude being on their side was not a twist I saw coming, so well played show to give us a recurring characters who can safely die. Seriously, though, I do like how they show us that Ye Zun hasn't gotten to everyone. This maybe plays out more later in the scene at that palace, but I really like that we see people in Dixing who don't buy into what he's selling.
+1 I like how the Dixingians aren't all cast from the same mold, and can and do have disagreements amongst each other, and in general are treated like people with opinions instead of interchangeable villain pieces.

The conversation on the bench is one of my favorites in the series. The two of them feel settled as partners in it, especially when Zhao Yunlan says there's no way I can rest until you're resting. It's such a good moment between them.
It is! And a final moment of quiet before the storm of the ending.

And it's the fic where usually it's Shen Wei topping Zhao Yunlan, and they both love it, it's great, and then the one time they switch Shen Wei gets pregnant, and yeah.
That would explain novel Shen Wei's neuroses about only ever topping! As for drama Shen Wei, well, I suppose that he's actually an excellent candidate for never getting any species-appropriate sex ed due to circumstances, so he could get very baffled by this surprise mpreg thing Dixingians are apparently capable of? (Complete with despairing Chu Shuzhi facepalming at this n00b mistake.)

I love that bench scene so much. ♥ Gorgeous screenshots!

Me too! It's just so cute.

I took Shen Wei's "I missed the sunlight here" thing as an indirect way of saying "I'm tired and everything hurts and I need to sit down," which Zhao Yunlan immediately understands for what it is, and addresses in a way that doesn't further injure Shen Wei's pride, because he's the sweetest boyfriend ever. Although Shen Wei obviously does like the sunlight, especially sitting in it with Zhao Yunlan. Look at them smiling. Um, this episode makes me cry, okay.

And also the entire business at the pillar, Zhao Yunlan's attempted self-sacrifice rescue, Shen Wei's distress over the shadow man's death, Zhao Yunlan's quiet reassurance...I'm just listing things that make me emotional, ignore me.

It's really a shame that Ye Zun is still an energy blob, sigh. I would prefer to see him interacting with Shen Wei as himself. Even that translucent ghosty version of himself from ep 20 would be fine.

"Guo Changcheng? Dead? I can't stand for this!"
You're TERRIBLE, ahahaha ;_;

The cat is his usual inappropriate self. He ... asked Zhao Yunlan whether he'd spank Chu Shuzhi (????), then said he should spank Chu Shuzhi.
What. I have no memory of this. Da Qing, you naughty kitty!

I took Shen Wei's "I missed the sunlight here" thing as an indirect way of saying "I'm tired and everything hurts and I need to sit down," which Zhao Yunlan immediately understands for what it is, and addresses in a way that doesn't further injure Shen Wei's pride, because he's the sweetest boyfriend ever.
Yes! Zhao Yunlan is the best boyfriend. And yup, Shen Wei is definitely suitable to be part of the kitty family, what with the basking in sunlight.

It's really a shame that Ye Zun is still an energy blob, sigh. I would prefer to see him interacting with Shen Wei as himself. Even that translucent ghosty version of himself from ep 20 would be fine.
Yes! They already showed us the translucent ghost version, why not reuse it? (Though I suppose that showing him next to Shen Wei might reduce the wham moment next episode when it turns out that actually, that was Ye Zun coming to flirt with Zhao Yunlan with the sexy sexy collarbones...)

You're TERRIBLE, ahahaha ;_;
I'll have you know that this image perfectly encapsulates my sense of humor.

What. I have no memory of this. Da Qing, you naughty kitty!
Given Da Qing's whole thing about "was there nsfw happening in Zhu Hong's dream?" I ... am somehow not surprised. Naughty kitty indeed!

(Though I suppose that showing him next to Shen Wei might reduce the wham moment next episode when it turns out that actually, that was Ye Zun coming to flirt with Zhao Yunlan with the sexy sexy collarbones...)

Plus in general, the show does its best to not have them in the same shot, and I think only the last episode has both their faces in the same shot, so not doing it here saves them on a body double?

not doing it here saves them on a body double?
True! Though I'd like to point out that the body double is for when we see one face and one hood/mop of hair; the two faces scenes would be double recorded/joined in post, though admittedly they'd likely use the body double as an acting opposite for those as well due to reasons like "where to look".

Yeah, I figured they wouldn't do a two face scene. But any time when Ye Zun is visible as himself is someone they have to make look like Zhu Yilong and be careful on angles. Whereas if he's a pillar of smoke, they don't need to do that.

If only they'd had more budget to do more Ye Zun facetime scenes!

I'd sure sacrifice SOMETHING if we could get them touching each other while seeing both faces. Because I do not think we get that? (Clearly a finale episode rewatch is in my future).

Shen Wei is definitely suitable to be part of the kitty family, what with the basking in sunlight.
Kitty family! Yes! Wait, is that why I love them so much?

Though I suppose that showing him next to Shen Wei might reduce the wham moment next episode when it turns out that actually, that was Ye Zun coming to flirt with Zhao Yunlan with the sexy sexy collarbones...
I guess I can accept this justification. Ye Zun in costume as Sexy Shen Wei is quite a moment. Suddenly I'm extra excited for your commentary next time.

I'll have you know that this image perfectly encapsulates my sense of humor.
...I'm going to be remembering this and giggling at inappropriate moments for WEEKS.

Given Da Qing's whole thing about "was there nsfw happening in Zhu Hong's dream?" I ... am somehow not surprised.
I'd assumed that was along the lines of "spill the hot gossip!" but now I'm thinking he's just a dirty dirty boy.

Kitty family! Yes! Wait, is that why I love them so much?
Maybe? But like, Zhao Yunlan has the lounging on surfaces down pat, Shen Wei has the basking in sunlight, and Da Qing is a cat already.

I'd assumed that was along the lines of "spill the hot gossip!" but now I'm thinking he's just a dirty dirty boy.
If there is no hot gossip to share, he'll just have to make some!

Excellent summary/screencap choice/snarky captioning as usual.
Shen Wei usually only has about 40% as much facial expression as other people (when you're not looking close), so that last smile, oh dear me. Look at what the corners of his eyes are doing.
(I also agree with you about Zhao Yunlan's clothing choices; that man knows how to wear a coat.)

Excellent summary/screencap choice/snarky captioning as usual.
♥

Shen Wei usually only has about 40% as much facial expression as other people (when you're not looking close), so that last smile, oh dear me. Look at what the corners of his eyes are doing.
I know?! He's spent so long restraining his emotions that his face has become a mask, but now he's sufficiently out of it that he can fully relax in the sunshine and smile properly! :D

His biggest fantasies are that he can just suffer on his brother's behalf and save him that way.

Chu just breaks my heart in these episodes.

Cohabiting in Dixing: not enough money for blackjack and hookers, but Chu Shuzhi could get a drink.

LOL! They are living the life, for sure! You'd hope with some Envoy connections, they could maybe at least score digs without too much lava.

He sheds a single manly tear for Guo Changcheng, not making a sound, mourning silently, then places the doll in Chu Shuzhi's hands and leaves.

The first time I watched it, I was surprised by how much Zhao Yunlan was crying over Guo Changcheng, but I've since realised that what I think is happening here is Zhao Yunlan basically getting a preview: he's been worrying himself sick over Shen Wei (while being a good Chief and not rushing to Dixing to try and save him), and Chu Shuzhi having to face that the guy closest to him just died is giving him a hard preview of what he fears might be in store for him.

This episode contains one of my all-time, hands-down favourite Guardian things: Zhao Yunlan sitting tight (even though it's killing him) because Shen Wei told him to, and then Shen Wei sending the note of where Guo Changcheng is when it becomes more important to not have a member of Zhao Yunlan's team die than to Keep Zhao Yunlan Away - and I'm finally reminded what I wanted to do with my next (overdue) Guardian meme post, so this post was very timely! ^_^

he changed his clothes to something hotter, so, A+ choices

Zhao Yunlan in palace guard outfit is THE HOTTT.

He has a bit of a breakdown there.

Yes, omg, and your screencap! (;___;) I confess I missed just how cut up Shen Wei is here on earlier watches (and with lower quality video) but oh my god his face.

Before episode 1, the Regent arranged prisoners to storm Ye Zun's pillar; almost all of them died

I had totally missed that! Intriguing!

No, but he did smile in public!

What a hussy!

what I think is happening here is Zhao Yunlan basically getting a preview: he's been worrying himself sick over Shen Wei (while being a good Chief and not rushing to Dixing to try and save him), and Chu Shuzhi having to face that the guy closest to him just died is giving him a hard preview of what he fears might be in store for him.
WELL THANKS FOR THAT. THANKS A LOT.

Don't say I don't bring the fun!

"I'm a fun at parties" is usually my line, but you really brought the ice knives with that one.

LOL! They are living the life, for sure! You'd hope with some Envoy connections, they could maybe at least score digs without too much lava.
IDK, maybe the lava flows are a very coveted part of Dixing architechture! After all, the palace has several streams of lava running through it...

Zhao Yunlan basically getting a preview:
Ah yes, you are a knife dealer. How could we forget? :P (But yeah, that's ... yes. Very probable.)

Zhao Yunlan sitting tight (even though it's killing him) because Shen Wei told him to, and then Shen Wei sending the note of where Guo Changcheng is when it becomes more important to not have a member of Zhao Yunlan's team die than to Keep Zhao Yunlan Away - and I'm finally reminded what I wanted to do with my next (overdue) Guardian meme post, so this post was very timely! ^_^
Congrats on the meme post! Zhao Yunlan sitting tight and trusting Shen Wei, despite all the everything Shen Wei keeps as secret, is just !!! to me. They work together so well!

oh my god his face.
Yes! He just spent days plural chained to a pillar and is exhausted (and probably hungry and dehydrated too) and someone sacrificed himself so he could live.

What a hussy!
LOL!

I'm always intrigued by how GCC's facial expressions turn downright creepy as that dream sequence goes on.

The bench scene - calm before the storm. Those smiles kill me. ;_;

I'm always intrigued by how GCC's facial expressions turn downright creepy as that dream sequence goes on.
Yes! The Nightmare Master gives up on perfect acting when he gets closer and closer to his goal.

The bench scene - calm before the storm. Those smiles kill me. ;_;
They're so endearing!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Guardian Episode by Episode: 33

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject