The Legend of Flying Daggers (2016) Episode 2 Recap

Hello everyone ^.^!

I’m back with another recap for this ‘oldie’ but goodie of a drama. I always love a good adaptation, whether it be because of casting or production. So far, I think more compliments need to be given to production (but Yang Rong would have to have my vote for being better than Ruby Lin in her role of Cai Yue).

Now, if you have been following the drama, you’ll know that it has completely aired. I was holding off on recaps until I knew whether I would stick with it. The story has drastically changed from the ’03 version so please don’t base whether you’ll watch this one on your view of that.

The story itself may leave a bit to be desired, but the cinematography (in parts) is stunning.

From last episode, we left off with the short introduction of this pretty lady:

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This episode begins on a fairly sad note, but we aren’t left to dwell in it for too long as there threat of the gang in black lurks on the horizon.

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Our poor main, LH, needs some quick thinking in his despair to hide from sight.

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Luckily, the bad guys aren’t the brightest of the bunch so he remains undiscovered. However, once they leave, he is overwhelmed by his injuries and sorrow. In a brief flashback, we see him practicing wiht the Dragon & Phoenix bracelets…but not very well. Earning him a beating that leaves some bloody injuries.

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He’s picked dup off the forest floor by our maiden in white, only to be treated, but tied up.

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A brief conversation occurs where nothing much is said before she heads off to a midnight meeting with her sect sister.

LH manages to break free from his bonds just in time to watch our fair lady practicing in the moonlight.

So mesmerized is he by her performance that he is caught totally unaware when she realises the has an audience.

Luckily for him, she’s overcome by ‘something’ before she can start to do any damage.

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After he transfers some of his internal qi to help her recover, the two sit under the moonlight (note my confusion as he struggles to even reach the top of the roof…he has enough cultivation to bring her back to consciousness…but not enough to ‘fly?).

This episode finally introduces us to the present day Li Manqing…who is…should I say, more reserved, than even his past self.

Princess De’an calls him for ‘tea’ and the discussion between the two highlights Li Manqing’s dissatisfaction at her attitude towards Shangguan Xian and his child. (Personal note…can this man be anymore blinded? how can he think the Princess is still humane after all these years…)

After the ‘tea break’ Li Manqing speaks with Tie Yin Yi (or Uncle Yi), his most trusted advisor / bodyguard / friend. The hunt has continued all these years for the mother and son duo, but every time they get close, the two disappear. Li Manqing orders a ramp up in efforts to bring the son to him at safely at all cost.

We get a glimpse at the background for the drama as he remembers his last ‘renowned’ fight with Xue Qing Bi.

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Cut back to LH, and watch as the gang in black finally catch up with him and leave him within a hair’s breath of entering the doors of death – but not before some flash bangs go off ^.^

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Who is the mysterious saviour but none other than Xue Cai Yue. Although he’s happy to meet her again, he doesn’t want to bring his troubles down on her so leaves while she’s out with nothing but a letter.

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He manages to make his way back ‘home’ to find that Ke Ke’s father has managed to get her to agree to a marriage tournament. Whereby, if she is defeated, she must marry the man that has beaten her.

Seeing LH again, she gives him money to find somewhere to live, only for him to spend it all on a place run by the local brothel.

As much as I dislike Ke Ke, I must admit that she adds a certain value to the feistiness of women in this series. Exhibit A:

CY has donned her disguise as a man and made her way to the town. She makes her appearance at the marriage tournament where she is seemingly recognised by LH.

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Episode 2 introduces a tad more action, but not so much that I would call it an out and out wuxia series. There’s some visible development of attachment between the two mains, and, as I predicted, I’ve come to dislike Ke Ke’s character more and more.

The obvious difference in skill level between LH and CY is an interesting dynamic right now that mirrors that of the 2003 version. The most obvious deviation I can see so far is the marriage tournament. However, it doesn’t make a substantial impact on the progression of the plot.

The scene I loved the most would definitely CY’s swordplay under the moonlight. The BGM and cinematography was breathtaking and Yang Long just has this aura about her that keeps you glued to the screen in general, but here…no words.

Just a note:

PLEASE NO SPOILERS

(If you would like to leave a comment, please be mindful of those
that may not have watched the preceding / proceeding episodes.)

  1. 3 thoughts on “The Legend of Flying Daggers (2016) Episode 2 Recap

    Yang Rong is seriously so beautiful in here. Even wearing a veil, she has that attitude in her eyes. Heh. =D

    • 3 thoughts on “The Legend of Flying Daggers (2016) Episode 2 Recap

      This is probably me being crazy sis, but every time I see a girl wearing a veil, their eyes become lovely. Maybe not being distracted by their face, it highlights their eyes.

      Whatever the science behind it is, it’s pretty. 😀

      Another nice recap imo, thank you! I see you put the inserting clip to use. Good stuff!

      I’m totally stealing this ‘=’ sign plus ‘D’ smile thing from you Kap. –> =D

  2. 3 thoughts on “The Legend of Flying Daggers (2016) Episode 2 Recap

    Ke Ke is not someone you’re going to like as the story progresses. She’s going to get worst.

    From someone who read the original novel and watched the Julian Cheng version.

What do you think?