The first three episodes of THE IMMORTAL ASCENSION were promising - they take place in a gorgeous setting, show a warm relationship between the two boys. Both boys are under the care of a menacing antagonist, in the guise of an old "master." Yang Yang's acting was superb in these episodes.
Then the series fell apart.
The rest of the drama seemed to be slapped together without much effort or forethought. The "grandmasters" who are supposed to be the epitome of knowledge and sagacity, don't seem to have any moral compass or any real wisdom to impart.
Han Li was a constant puzzle to me. What was his goal? He seemed to be fixated on gaining magical artifacts, rising in status, and eventually achieving immortality without creating any meaningful connections with anyone--male or female, human or immortal. He did have a few tender moments with an animated mouse. Even his affection for his family seemed almost non-existent.
A number of mostly forgettable women pursue him. Does he have a capacity for intimacy? For love? If he did, I sure couldn't detect it.
Generic demons and bad guys show up, fight Han Li, and are destroyed. We know they're evil because, they scream at their underlings, smirk and laugh diabolically, and try to kill the good guys. Monsters include lizards with glowing eyes, a serpent, and a mantis demon or two, each, in turn, dispatched to the great beyond. Lots of spiky golden wheels turn in the sky.
I DID like the ending, and I'll probably watch Season 2.
As for Yang Yang the actor, I understand he studied dance and plays the piano. I'm glad he's got other interests. Hope there's someone in his life encouraging him to build a life on something other than his youthful good looks (which are mentioned by reviewers incessantly) so that he's not totally devastated when they're gone. Seven stars.
