There is such a 'divine drama' where not only the protagonist is a god, but it also consecutively achieves 'divine' ratings. This is "Living Buddha Jigong." This summer, "Living Buddha Jigong 3" makes a comeback, creating new viewing peaks while also provoking a wave of online complaints.
Jigong Becomes the 'Flower Monk'
"Living Buddha Jigong 3" still revolves around Jigong, played by Chen Haomin, as the central character, focusing on his legendary stories of enlightening people in the mortal world and helping the common folk solve their problems. Just the description alone seems complaint-free, but as you follow each episode, you inevitably get the feeling: Jigong, you are way too busy!
In the first season of "Living Buddha Jigong," Yan Zhi, played by Chen Zihan, almost became Jigong's wife, but she jumped off a cliff and died after Jigong escaped on their wedding night, turning into a vengeful ghost. In "Living Buddha Jigong 3," the long-absent Yan Zhi returns, but having lost her memory, is ready to marry again, only for Jigong to attempt kidnapping the bride. Furthermore, the plot designs Jigong with a lover who looks exactly like the Celestial Silkworm Spirit, leading to a ‘unfinished love between human and demon' storyline.
Most netizens think that the numerous romantic scenes are designed to cater to the commercial needs of contemporary TV dramas, and they understand Jigong talking about love. However, some netizens argue that while the love stories are twisty and touching, they are completely unrelated to Jigong. Netizen “Shengxia Guangnian” joked that with flowers blooming everywhere, Jigong has truly become the 'Flower Monk.'
Displaying Dominant Aura Even Surpassing Wukong
Why is Jigong surrounded by so many romantic entanglements? This is closely tied to the character image of "the most handsome Jigong in history" shaped by Chen Haomin. In "Living Buddha Jigong 3," Jigong still has delicate skin and a youthful appearance, with a fit physique. Netizen “Xiao” joked: “His clothes are so new there isn't a crease, though it seems there are a few more patches. There is nothing shabby about him; clearly, he's dressed in the latest sharp-dressed style.”
Although dating makes Jigong stretched thin, he doesn't neglect his duties. He can not only cure illnesses and save people but also turn ugliness into beauty. The "Dirt Pills" from the old version of "Jigong" have become miraculous medicines that bring people back to life. He even went to help the Dragon King of Qiantang River restrain the Carp Spirit, stabilizing the 'Golden Stabilizing Needle.'Almost every episode, Ji Gong would stylishly PK with the wildly dancing demons, looking completely like a transcendent master detached from the world, which is a stark contrast to the shabby monk in the original Qing Dynasty novel "Prequel to Ji Gong," who "didn't wash his face, didn't shave his head, opened and closed his drunken, crooked eyes, and wore his monk's robe loosely on his body."
No wonder the netizen "Jueshi" exclaimed, "Ji Gong is not just a living Buddha, he's clearly a deity. He hasn't even finished dealing with the injustices of the human world, yet he has time to subdue demons—did the screenwriters intend to shape him into a Ji Wukong but failed?"
Full of trendy expressions
"The Living Buddha Ji Gong 3" not only continues to subvert characters in the plot, but its dialogue also maintains the nonsensical style of the first two seasons, filled with internet slang. The Rabbit Spirit Bai Xue repeatedly says, "You sister!" while the Old Abbot shouts English phrases like, "You guys hold on!" Ji Gong casually says phrases like "everything is fleeting" with ease, not to mention using the affectionate "dear" commonly seen on Taobao. Even the lead actor Chen Haomin changed his motto at the press conference to, "Monks don't lie verbally, but they do in net slang."
The familiar comic "iron triangle" and a host of demons and ghosts put in their all, working hard and being cute. Even if they don't achieve fame, they make an effort. As soon as "The Living Buddha Ji Gong 3" premiered, it became a must-watch stress-relief show for the summer. A netizen reflected, "The internet slang and plot of 'The Living Buddha Ji Gong 3' blend perfectly, making it a comedy among comedies. Watching an episode a day makes you feel a year younger."
However, netizen "Kang Xiaokang" believes that relying heavily on simply processed internet language for humor is too crude a way to express content. It can only satisfy a small group of viewers with temporary novelty and has a limited lifespan, making it difficult to become a major hit. Indeed, when a TV drama is so thin that it relies solely on phrases like 'unbearable,' 'awesome,' and 'free shipping, oh' to support the whole plot, the show ends up looking gaunt, like a walking corpse.
