extrapenguin: A man raising a glass protector off from above a magic device. (guardian)
ExtraPenguin ([personal profile] extrapenguin) wrote in [community profile] sid_guardian2019-03-28 11:29 pm

Guardian Episode by Episode: 06

Welcome to episode 6 of the Guardian rewatchalong! Slightly ahead of schedule due to penguinly schedules. The imgur screencap album has 75 images. In this week's episode, we move forwards into another arc of Hallows plus cat and mouse games setup.

Previously on:
Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5

This episode concludes the mirror girl case and starts the next round of cat and mouse games for Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei.

Introductions
We're introduced to Shen Wei's necklace very briefly at the end! IIRC it hasn't really appeared before this?

The one thing that'll upgrade these muggers from mere gnats buzzing at the Envoy into people worth being angry to.


Characterization
We see more of Zhao Yunlan being good at playing social games and prompting his underlings to comfort the shocked and grieving Ji Xiaobai! Alas, his underlings are terrible at it, and even xiao-Guo only made it worse. He also holds Chu Shuzhi back so that Ji Xiaobai and the Zhou Weiweis can have a chance to sort it out themselves. After that, he very clearly picks out that the original Zhou Weiwei wasn't the one Ji Xiaobai fell in love with, and then sets up a confession.


Newbie, try to be more useful than Da Qing.


Meanwhile, Shen Wei is a total drama llama. He hangs out in front of a bush after dark, not even looking at it, and monologues about the war 10k years ago to baffle the Yashou woman into showing up, then identifies himself as the Envoy by summoning his yutoudao and slamming its butt on the ground. (As an aside, the Yashou at this point switches from the regular 你 to the more courteous 您.)

Resident drama llama is a drama llama.


In news happening while Shen Wei was wearing his other set of clothes, the Envoy has kept his commitment to punctuality and arrived just in time, at a moment dramatic but before anyone had the chance to come to harm. He's also torn a leaf from Zhao Yunlan's book and he catches himself in the middle of his ranting about mirror girl's father ("coveted prosperity, plundered due to love") to blatantly lie and say that he was killed before he could deliver an important secret. And whaddya know, mirror girl told that her father had always said "The mountains and rivers are guarded in the South" and thus we start our next Hallow's arc.

Apparently, the Envoy can also do his own bureaucracy? This close working relationship has unexpected benefits!


Going back to the Professor wardrobe, Shen Wei is angry (likely with himself) that Li Qian has withdrawn from school. Zhao Yunlan stalks him at work and Shen Wei sees nothing wrong with this, instead opening up about how Li Qian is his responsibility and he's failed her. Zhao Yunlan's comment that follows is something that'll come up in the context of his and Shen Wei's relationship much further down the line: "You cannot take the entire world as your responsibility."

Also a vaguely ominous shot of Zhao Yunlan watching Shen Wei walk away.


In general, though, this episode feels like the next arc of Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei's relationship: Zhao Yunlan comes to ask for insights on the case without Shen Wei being connected to it at all, and Shen Wei is ecstatic about it. At one point, they complete each other's thought.

Just look at that happy expression!


Even on the side of hoods and half-coverage masks, the relationship is on a new level: they've achieved an explicit understanding that Dixingians can stay in Haixing as long as they don't abuse their powers. He also shares a view unbidden: "Wherever there's good, there's bad. Dixing or Haixing, our identity is only as deep as the skin. The heart cannot be judged by identity alone." Given the actions of the SID in the past episode, I'd have thought that they were past these dramatic declarations that truly Dixingians Are People Too, but I guess Shen Wei wanted to reinforce the moral lest Zhao Yunlan forget.

Zhao Yunlan's spidey senses are ticking.


We get more about Guo Changcheng as well: he grew up friendless and raised by his grandmother and his very busy aunt and uncle, and his favorite places are ones where there are no rules. He's deeply selfless as some sort of coping mechanism, and he's happy when others are happy.

He also believes in not interrupting lovers enough to manhandle Chu Shuzhi out the door.


Chu Shuzhi, on the other hand, shows some hidden depths in his ability to console Ji Xiaobai where others failed. He then finds one (1) redeeming feature in Guo Changcheng – namely, that Guo Changcheng reminds him of his little brother, what with being happy when others are happy – and I think this is the start of the character trajectory where he quits loathing Guo Changcheng's guts and becomes protective of him.

Alcohol: an acceptable manly source of comfort and consolation.


At the end of the case, Zhu Hong (who otherwise didn't appear) is mentioned to be super angry at Ji Xiaobai because he'll run off at the whiff of trouble. Guo Changcheng lampshades later revelations by asking his diary whom Zhu Hong could ever fall in love with, if her standards are so high?

I really like Da Qing and Zhao Yunlan's easy casual physicality and how they lounge against each other. We're also introduced to the Da Qing plots: his memory loss ("Alzheimer's") and the fact he had an owner. Their banter also allows us to see how the SID has changed: once, Zhao Yunlan vowed he'd arrest every Dixingian; now he's willing to let them be in peace unless they do something wrong. (Like trigger his spider senses.) Da Qing also really pushes for them to investigate Shen Wei (because he's a suspicious person and Zhao Yunlan won't shut up about him, Lord Envoy, please take him awaaay).

Time to lounge against each other in sufficiently feline fashion.


Zhao Yunlan's spider senses were tingling well, and he uses all his skills to investigate Shen Wei more after discovering that Shen Wei is investigating the SID: he calls the Regent of Dixing (to look up Shen Wei in a database) (but funnily enough not the Envoy), he sends Chu Shuzhi over to deliver a banner that has a hidden webcam, and he himself remains on the charm offensive. The original bit of cat and mouse came and went, but the honeymoon is over, and it's back to Zhao Yunlan being very suspicious about Shen Wei.

We close this episode on two robbers trying to mug Shen Wei. As Shen Wei is a very proud person, while he cooperates with the demands of handing over his money, he isn't afraid and doesn't deign to give any fucks about the robbers. They're obviously displeased by how he doesn't fear them, and ask whether he truly considers himself that far above them. The unvoiced answer is "yes".

Foreshadowing and case notes
Firstly, Zhou Weiwei's surname is that of Shen Wei's mentor's, and while her "wei" is a different character, it's pronounced identically to Shen Wei's "wei", and "Weiwei" would be a technically acceptable (albeit extremely, extremely cutesy) nickname for a Shen Wei. Make of that what you will.

Secondly, I don't quite get why both Zhou Weiweis couldn't be outside the mirror and interacting with Haixingians at the same time – this would've been better for everyone. (I also wonder at mirror girl's power, since Shen Wei and Chu Shuzhi certainly have shadows. Huh.)

Thirdly, Zhao Yunlan says that he hopes Ji Xiaobai and original Zhou Weiwei won't regret their decisions, and I can't help but interpret that as foreshadowing for what Zhao Yunlan tells bb Shen Wei while he's being sucked up into a wormhole. This is interesting, and I can't quite figure out what to make of it.

Canon details
  • Shen Wei says that in the war 10k years ago, the Dixingren were defeated and the Yashou stayed neutral (or was he only talking about the plant Yashou?). This would have made him the general of a defeated army, drawing up a ceasefire as advantageous as he could salvage from the situation. Given later canon developments, we can only conclude that Da Qing isn't the only one with Alzheimer's.
  • The first time we hear the ending theme (Just Loved Too Much) is when it plays over the montage of Ji Xiaobai's romantic memories with mirror Zhou Weiwei as he's leaving Haixing Zhou Weiwei.
  • There are different sticks of incense for contacting the Regent and the Envoy. The one for contacting the Regent doesn't care who lights it (we see Da Qing light it this time) re: taking instructions, and sends a shadowy servant construct to relay the message.



Cinematography
Light and shadows are very prominent in Ji Xiaobai and Zhou Weiwei's apartment as a bit of visual foreshadowing for the lack of shadow for the mirror girl:


I also like the mirror universe set design; it's sufficiently wondrous yet clearly based on the world outside the mirror – much like a reflection.

Also, the sparkly stuff!


Shen Wei has a momentary return to Villain Cinematography:


The camera mostly stays at about eye height, but we do have a requisite shot through blinds and some variation in distance and height.

This scene is the source of so very many adorable expressions of Shen Wei's. He's happy!


Zhao Yunlan jacket watch
He starts in his vest thingy, then wears the leather jacket the next day. The third day, he wears his Good Vibes Only shirt beneath some jacket (and investigates Shen Wei's apartment in the shirt without jacket), and he then returns to the vest thingy. The action seems to happen over four days.



Shen Wei shoe watch
Mostly stuff we've seen in previous episodes, which to my eye looks like it has just a little bit more heel than I'd expect. The pale high heels of episode 1 haven't returned.


Did Shen Wei take off his glasses?
No.
firestar: (da qing in blue)

[personal profile] firestar 2019-03-28 10:12 pm (UTC)(link)
I've never understood why Zhu Hong was angry, tbh. It's not like this is some minor issue that dude's running away from, he's leaving because that is literally not the woman he fell in love with and was going to marry, she only looks like her. To me that's actually more loyal? He wants to be with his Zhou Weiwei and will accept no substitutes.
firestar: (a man and his cat)

[personal profile] firestar 2019-03-28 10:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Right? I get that original ZWW thinks that that life should rightly have been hers, but she would never have gone out and done the things Dixingren ZWW did to meet him, so. *shrugs* That is not your man, girl. Hands off. XD

I know, right? Identical looks don't mean identical personalities and memories.
firestar: (hands off the postgrad)

[personal profile] firestar 2019-03-29 05:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, after calling mirror Weiwei a monster that might not go over well, but yes. There are better options. XD
teaotter: (Default)

[personal profile] teaotter 2019-03-30 02:13 am (UTC)(link)
I always thought Zhu Hong was angry with the guy because he didn't pick the right Zhou WeiWei when he was standing in the mirror -- that he let the fact that she didn't have a shadow convince him that she must be the wrong one.

It was only after that that she decided to kill people, so she might've avoided being dragged back to Dixing if he'd just stood by her then.

She may not have told him the truth, but he recognized her there in the mirror and then betrayed her.
trobadora: (Black-Cloaked Envoy)

[personal profile] trobadora 2019-03-30 01:37 pm (UTC)(link)
And yeah, had he stood by her, Zhao Yunlan would ... he'd actually have had to make a toughish judgement call - *did* mirror girl use her powers against a Haixingren, and how to move forwards with her? He'd have to call the Envoy over to consult

Damn, that's a GREAT premise for a fic!
firestar: (cake thief)

[personal profile] firestar 2019-03-30 09:43 am (UTC)(link)
Huh, that never occurred to me. Maybe because she wasn't inside the mirror with them at the time? But she'd hear all about it afterwards so yeah, it would make sense for her to be angry about that. And, too, I guess it could hit her on a more personal level as well, being a Yashou in love with a human.
trobadora: (Shen Wei - duality)

[personal profile] trobadora 2019-03-28 10:45 pm (UTC)(link)
We do see the pendant in episode 2 when he heals himself, but there's no focus on it.
riventhorn: (hei pao shi)

[personal profile] riventhorn 2019-03-29 01:09 am (UTC)(link)
I'd forgotten about the Envoy's little stamp! Although given how Dixingren take bureaucracy to seriously unhealthy levels, I am not surprised the Envoy comes with bureaucratic accoutrements.
lynndyre: Fennec fox smile (Default)

[personal profile] lynndyre 2019-03-29 02:41 am (UTC)(link)
Perfect icon choice for Envoy bureaucracy-induced eyeroll XD
riventhorn: (hei pao shi)

[personal profile] riventhorn 2019-03-29 03:27 am (UTC)(link)
:D Hei Pao Shi does not suffer overdue requisition forms lightly.
riventhorn: (hei pao shi)

[personal profile] riventhorn 2019-03-29 03:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Lol, that's true! Why only one stamp? It would be funny if the SID treated a stamp from the Envoy as similar to a gold star. Lao Chu might have it framed.
lynndyre: Fennec fox smile (Default)

[personal profile] lynndyre 2019-03-29 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
Shen Wei thinks learning is incredibly important!! He's a teacher! From a place that has no schools! He's not quite getting the part where actually, Li Qian probably really does need a break from everything to, you know, process her grief and not be worn out and suicidal anymore.


....give him long enough, Zhao Yunlan will absolutely call Shen Wei 'WeiWei' sooner or later.
galaxysoup: (ShenWeiFierce)

[personal profile] galaxysoup 2019-03-29 03:04 pm (UTC)(link)
He's a teacher! From a place that has no schools!

Oh wow, I had never actually put those two things together in my mind before! Oh, Shen Wei... your psychological layers continue to surprise me.
qikiqtarjuaq: bb wei hugging bai yu (Default)

[personal profile] qikiqtarjuaq 2019-03-29 03:52 am (UTC)(link)
Dramatic monologues in front of a plant (person) us such a Shen Wei thing to do.

Ahh, that happy Shen Wei expression, working with Zhao Yunlan.

This plot was so sad for me. I understand original ZWW wanting her life back, but she has no claim on the fiance! It's too bad they couldn't have worked out a peaceful arrangement somehow.
jo_lasalle: a sleeping panda (BCE)

[personal profile] jo_lasalle 2019-03-29 12:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Meanwhile, Shen Wei is a total drama llama.

Shen Wei's gloomy conversations with the bush always crack me up. Though tsk, tsk a little at him over the bullying of that poor bush. You can't be surprised the bush won't want to be your friend anymore if you're that mean to it, Shen Wei!

The PAPERWORK. I love the little touch of Shen Wei needing to stamp the paperwork for the Dixing transfer. I really hope that his more impromptu grabs in previous episodes have not left some poor civil servant with missing files!

The conversation in Shen Wei's office where they are talking through the case and both hitting on the mirror thing is <3 <3 <3 I agree you can see a nice progression in the relationship there. Zhao Yunlan has his suspicions but he's clearly running with it not just to figure out Shen Wei's secret but also because he likes hanging out with him. That office scene is also shot very beautifully, as you document here!

Chu to the rescue with booze: LOVE!

and I think this is the start of the character trajectory where he quits loathing Guo Changcheng's guts and becomes protective of him.

Yeah, this was a very early hint at the brother backstory and a step in the Chu and Guo friendship.

once, Zhao Yunlan vowed he'd arrest every Dixingian

Ooooh yes. There really are these little hints here and there in the early eps that Shen Wei isn't just a paranoid woobie when he thinks Zhao Yunlan might not have the best view on Dixingians. But it's mostly small moments, so I always end up forgetting where they are when I'm in the middle of a 'but why does Shen Wei even think that?' conversation. *g* This is one of those!

This would have made him the general of a defeated army, drawing up a ceasefire as advantageous as he could salvage from the situation. Given later canon developments, we can only conclude that Da Qing isn't the only one with Alzheimer's.

But doesn't this still gel? I thought (it's one of those confusing things that I sometimes forget but I think this is what I think *g*) the Dixingians lost the war, there was a peace agreement, and then there was an uprising of a small faction of Dixingians and Shen Wei helped beat them?

The first time we hear the ending theme (Just Loved Too Much) is when it plays over the montage of Ji Xiaobai's romantic memories with mirror Zhou Weiwei as he's leaving Haixing Zhou Weiwei.

I still didn't quite know all the BL and censorship background of this show on first watch, and I remember going, 'OKAY, I GUESS THEY MEAN IT WITH THE ENDING CREDITS'. ^^

Nice catch on the villain cinematography!!

I think the parka over the good vibes only jacket-shirt is... new?

Very random question this ep raised for me: that apartment is a studio for two people (indicating that space is premium?), but has a giant-ass bathroom with loads of empty space. I found that surprising, in a totally irrelevant sort of way.

In general, I really liked this episode, and I think it's one of my favourite one-off cases. The fact that mirror girl is apparently the child of one of the Envoy's lieutenant's is kind of wasted, but the love story worked well for me, and I liked that Haixing Weiwei couldn't just replace the impostor but 'true' Weiwei in that relationship. (Also, the actress was really good.) I wish Dixing Weiwei hadn't suddenly threatened to kill people. </3 The ending of this episode is basically when serious doom started for me. I enjoyed it really a lot up to then, but Shen Wei's reactions to the muggers, both the 'I am totally in control of these twerps', and what I read as the tension/fear that he might have to reveal himself, really rendered me incoherent with character love, and then we move into episode 7... A great read again! Thank you for putting these up! :D
jo_lasalle: a sleeping panda (Ten thousand)

[personal profile] jo_lasalle 2019-03-30 04:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Honestly, I sort of love the concept of Shen Wei leaving the paperwork undone as a jab at Zhao Xinci.

LOL! That would be quite funny. And Zhao Yunlan being all, If anyone here is going to be negligent of the paperwork, IT'S ME!


IDK, I have a Thing for noble opponents and being corrupted into goodness.

Awwww! I can see the appeal. ^_^ Also definitely must pay better attention to the timeloop and perhaps write myself notes.
solo: SW and ZYL with the Longevity dial (GD hands)

[personal profile] solo 2019-03-29 02:21 pm (UTC)(link)
What makes you say that the Envoy was lying about mirror girl's father? I always took that at face value, but I may well have missed something.

IIRC this is the only time we see the Envoy's little stamp thing. My reading was that we're meant to assume this normally happens in the background, maybe even a some point after the event, but it does generally happen.

Man, the mugging is just golden. He's so hoping they won't do anything even more stupid that means he has to zap them.

The mirrorverse - wondrous enough to have something like gourds floating around in it randomly...

Shen Wei pants watch: acceptable.
solo: First Weilan collab (GD Collab)

[personal profile] solo 2019-03-29 02:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah, okay. Yeah, I got the 'path of evil' thing and that wasn't contradicted here, but I didn't catch the change in tone. I thought it all fitted together as 'he got evil, and then he got himself KILLED for being evil, before I even got to hear what he knew'.

Which... I still guess that's not untrue per se, but you're totally right that he reframes it to make the dad look more loyal in the end.

Her dead mother had gourd-related powers so they are a potent symbol!
solo: Daqing in cat form (GD Daqing)

[personal profile] solo 2019-03-30 07:50 am (UTC)(link)
This raises the question of how many Dixingren there are anyway. It's really hard to tell since no more than 20(?) ever appear in a shot together - that's the bar scene. The 'invasions' consist of 4 people each time, afaict.

But assuming they have a population roughly equal to Haixing, powers would have to exist in nuances of each other, so puppet vs gourd vs swiss cheese is entirely possible!

The show is really full of dead or otherwise-not-present parents. Starting with bb Shen Wei's folks and Zhao Yunlan's mom, and going on and on. Xiao Guo, Zhu Hong (4th uncle seems to be her closest relative), Zu Ma, Sha Ya...

But I guess it's a bit of a trope to get the parents out of the way so heroes can have adventures without mommy calling them up all the time asking whether they're coming for Sunday roast, and are they wearing clean underwear.
solo: (Default)

[personal profile] solo 2019-03-31 09:13 pm (UTC)(link)
I always assumed she and her sister were because they just hop happily into Haixing without any consideration for people they might have left behind.

But maybe that's more indicative of my relationship with my family than anything in that show.
solo: SW and ZYL reading stuff (GD reading)

[personal profile] solo 2019-03-31 09:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Maybe it is. To me that's just strange, you'd tell the ppl close to you what you were doing.

Maybe I'm just old. #dies
solo: SW and ZYL reading stuff (GD reading)

[personal profile] solo 2019-03-30 07:56 am (UTC)(link)
It also occurred to me (or rather re-occurred, I've been here before) that this ep leans again into the message that it's totally possible for Haixingren and Dixingren to have a successful love relationship (barring outside interference).