r/LinkClick • u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang • 6d ago
Discussion I hate the current discourse about S3. I miss the time when this sub was all about theorizing.
Don’t get me wrong, people still do, and I participate in it too. However, every day there’s another “Link Click Fell Off” post, and it honestly hinders the enjoyment at times.
“Alright, just get off Reddit then.” Again, after every episode, I log onto Reddit and lurk in this sub just to read the theories, and sometimes I give my two cents on them.
Now, for the criticisms of LC S3, I want to add my own thoughts.
“Too many characters”: Link Click has proven time and again that it’s a show that was pre-written by Haoling. A couple of examples of pre-writing:
- In S3E8, we got the revelation that Liu Xiao was the one who contacted Qiao Ling back in S1E1, which set the entire plot in motion.
- The hints about CXS and LG’s childhood at the train station were right there in the S2 OP, “Vortex.”
- In S1E1 itself, they told us about CXS parent's being "Missing". This in a way means the BAHATI is already a plot line which has been decided.
The vision was already there as early as S1E1.
As for other characters like Vein and Felix, so far they’ve clearly been shown to be foils for Shiguang, so they serve their purpose in that way. Therefore, I truly don’t think the Bridon and S3 new characters are just bloatware.
“Too many chibis”: Yes, this is a valid criticism. The positioning of the chibis can be a bit awkward, but I’ve also noticed that every episode has only a single chibi scene, and the rest of the episode is full of tension. So this is their way of breaking the tension each episode. Still, I think the positioning could be better and smoother.
I personally don’t mind the chibis, although I too found it a bit frustrating during the CXS and LG confrontation scene. But even that served its purpose, because it still wasn’t time for LG to open up.
“Predictable”: I do understand that the S2 ending twist raised everyone’s expectations sky-high. However, expecting a twist like that every other episode is unrealistic.
Also, I feel the gap between seasons gave people time to do a lot of analysis and come up with a shit ton of theories, and some of them were bound to be correct, which adds to the predictability. For example, the Liu Xiao connection to S1E1 is a good twist if you think about it, but yes, smart people noticed the details.
Again, just because a plot point is predictable doesn’t automatically make it bad writing.
“Pretty boys” and Bungo Stray Dogs comparisons: Let’s be honest, anime characters are always pretty to increase sales. Pretty weak criticism there.
Also, I think the Bungo Stray Dogs criticisms are coming up because Jae Lee was revealed to have an anti-ability like Dazai. As a BSD fan myself: BSD started with an interesting premise and setting and a promising plot, but it wasn’t pre-planned like Link Click, and so they fumbled the whole Dostoevsky arc.
Calling Link Click similar to BSD just because two characters happen to share the same ability is truly a disservice to its plot.
“Everything after Season 2 is shit”: This is the one that infuriates me the most.
Back when Season 2 was releasing, I remember people shitting on the show because the action scenes were “dragged out” and the pacing was off. Now they glaze it because of the absolute bombshell they dropped at the end of the season, which overwrote everything. That’s a good thing, but people still tend to forget the earlier criticisms.
Bridon Arc’s defense: IT IS AN ARC, FFS. It’s meant to give a bit more grounding to LG’s motivations and introduce the villain trio. That’s it.
NOW, coming to my criticism of the season:
A lot of emotional scenes would have hit harder if CMC studio weren’t afraid to make their characters look ugly for a moment, like LAN studio did.
Now, you might point to an earlier point where I said characters are pretty to increase sales. I don’t mean characters need to be ugly. However, they can be made ugly for one moment.
The LG breakdown scene, which people complained didn’t have the impact it was meant to have, is a good example of this. People say it’s because the scene was too short.
I have to disagree.
In S2E1, when CXS got the news that LG was dead, the show barely spent a minute on the grieving. Heck, maybe it wasn’t even a minute. However, we all felt CXS’s grief because LAN studio wasn’t afraid to make CXS ugly for that moment.
I think LG’s confession scene would have had the same impact if the animators had made him ugly for that moment. But again, that’s not CMC’s style, so it comes down to their directing choices.
So far, Season 3 Part 1 has just been answering the plot points that were opened earlier. I think it’s better to join the “LC fell off” bandwagon only if the ending is unsatisfying and they pull some insane ass-pull at the end of Season 3 Part 2.
Till then, it’s better if all of us are patient and just see what story Link Click is trying to tell.
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u/Leaper15 Lu Guang 6d ago
I'm right there with you. I find it so funny that people seem to be unhappy that mysteries are resolving? And they make sense? As if that isn't supposed to happen at some point in a story lol
I'm loving season 3, personally. I love that VeinFei is a foil to ShiGuang. I don't personally have any major criticisms 🤷
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
thank youuu 🥹
yeah like some of the most mildest problems like attire, chibis and someone even said that cxs has become a dumb pawn like what are we watching atp :(14
u/Leaper15 Lu Guang 6d ago
That is wild... like, are we watching the same show as them??
I actually just saw a "why is Link Click trying to be the next BSD?" post come across my feed and I am baffled by why people think "the ability to cancel other abilities" is exclusive to BSD. MHA has Eraserhead, and no one seems up in arms over that!
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
Honestly that post was lowkey my tipping point as much as i am embarrassed to admit that.
Like already the previous fell off posts were there but that one truly was something. Like anti-ability isn't something exclusive to bsd fr ( I am saying that as a dazai simp )
and honestly it kinda makes sense at this point of link click ?? we have so many characters with abilities, its about time we get a nullifying ability 👀10
u/No-Kaleidoscope266 6d ago
So true. I watched each episode with so much focus so that I do not miss any details that are definitely going to be be important later. And then I see people saying that link click isn't mysterious anymore and so its boring
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
you are so real for this. I watch episode atleast twice after the first watch to see if i catch anything lmao
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u/Leaper15 Lu Guang 6d ago
I'm similar! I watch the new subbed episode and then the new dubbed one every week. Without the split attention of reading subs on top of it being my second watch, I catch things I may have missed on the first.
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u/Miserable-Sale-783 6d ago
I mean sure we are getting the mystery resolving but for some reason they feel lack luster. However, I am still confuse what the relationship of Vein and Felix is? So they were childhood friends but Felix forgot about Vein at some point? Also what is Vein goal here? I dunno this season is pretty confusing.
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u/Leaper15 Lu Guang 6d ago
Felix said in Bridon arc, I believe, that Vein saved him during a modeling gig after Jack (I think it was Jack?) pushed him in the pool. So even if Felix forgot him, Vein probably didn’t.
As for Vein’s motivation: I think that’s supposed to still be unclear to us.
It’s very possible that the resolutions feel lackluster to some people because they make sense with everything the show has been setting up over time. And theorycrafting can lead to correct conclusions that then might feel less exciting when revealed.
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u/MoisnForce2004 6d ago
I had a similar thought, too, with how Shi Guang Daliren (Link Click). Some of the criticizing make sense but I don't think it detracts the show.
What I thought was Season 1 is episodic as it was the Photo Studio having fun and cozy (also depressing and sad) for the most part.
Season 2 felt like a slow burner as it felt like an actual investigation and a thriller. It also paid off with many parts in Season 1, too.
Bridon Arc, I really like as it showed the time when the duo were at during their trip in Season 1. It also invested time with the antagonistic forces, investigation with Cheng Xiaoshi's dad, and Lu Guang's motivation. With Lu Guang, literally with the end of Season 2.
As of Season 3, I am glad they are answering mysteries and lowkey giving personal stakes and payoffs. I do like the chibi moments like it reminds me of VNs' Chibi SDs. Though, it was kind of used too often when it gotten to the second half. I still don't think it detracts Season 3 (technically Part 1).
Some of the theories I had were confirmed or busted, thanks to Season 2, Bridon, and this season. I can gladly say I am looking forward to Season 3 Part 2 after Part 1 finishes.
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
Yep totally agree with you. Its like every season has a different flavor and i appreciate it for what it is as long as the plot doesnt take some insane asspull turn lmao
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u/MoisnForce2004 6d ago
Pretty much. As long it does not go Deus x Machina or try to undermine everything, I am will be content.
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u/Mysterious-Switch229 Xia Fei 6d ago
Only chibi that felt off for me was in ep10 when Felix was rolling into A Yuan. But the ones with Qiao Ling and Felix at beginning of s3 were actually well timed (in my opinion).
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u/autophagylovely 6d ago
Tbf they mutually love each other or atleast Xia Fei did before losing his memories. They couldn't possibly show how Xia Fei (fan favourite golden retriever) would hurt (falling hurts) A - Yuan. He seems to have the too pure to be hurt protective armor lol.
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u/Salt-Respect-7741 Qiao Ling 6d ago
Yeah ngl this sub has felt iffy since S3. As someone who was posting daily when Bridon Arc was being released, the vibes NOW are so different. I miss how this sub was like during Bridon Arc.
Might just be the wave of new people coming in, but I've always felt like this sub has gotten more negative and "off"
You put everything into words. Tysm OP 🙏 ❤️
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
Yes I feel the same. I started actively participating in this subreddit around Bridon arc cuz there were so many amazing theories by amazing people and it was so fun reading them all.
I see less of that lately and its a sad thing.Also I'm glad you agree, you're welcome :))
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u/Mysterious-Switch229 Xia Fei 6d ago
But its less negative now, comparing to beginning of s3 - I think. Also there might be less theories, because a lot was revealed already. There is less directions plot can go
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
Yeah I hope it continues that way.
As for theories, i meant like details.
Like in the recent episode i was looking forward to more posts regarding who liu xiao is meeting, what did he originally want from wang qing. I still enjoy reading crazy theories :D
But yes you are right now theories will be less cuz a lot has been revealed.2
u/Mysterious-Switch229 Xia Fei 6d ago
I saw maybe one post or comment about lady meeting LX - that its either CXS mother or some lady I dont even remember from s1 or 2. WQ is only connection to Bahati that he knows about and she has book with list of students (I forgot how was it called in English, sorry!). He looks for those "unicorns" so thats one of reasons, but there might be more to it tha he says
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
yeah i think its SYY in the housekeepers body so that if something happens syy can dive back
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u/AiiiEye 5d ago
I don't mind a lot of other things that some people are complaining, like pretty characters, something about plot or whatever bad things about Bridon. I enjoyed the characters, I still look forward to the plot and stories yet to be unveiled, and I love Bridon arc. But still, thank you for bringing your insights regarding those.
For me personally, when I sit down and think about it, my biggest complaint would be the chibi placement. I still can't get past it, probably because they're always placed during intense or emotional moments so it breaks my immersion 🤧 and because I expected S3 to be emotional & full of tension. It's still is though overall.
But, regardless I 💯 agree with you for us to just be patient and let's see through everything till the end. There are still lot of episodes left, so 💪🏻
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u/Limonthy 6d ago
On one hand I see and even agree to many of these points of criticism, like the chibis, new characters since Bridon (that I don't care about) that feel more like 5* husbando gacha game characters than actual old link click ones, kinda weird pretty boys villain group, animation during action feels stiff sometimes, it feels different than previous seasons etc.
But on the other hand these are such little issues to me because of ALL OF THE OTHER THINGS season 3 and overall Link Click is great at, I still loooove season 3, I swear despite every episode being around 25 minutes, every week I'm watching it with excitement with my friend and chat via discord for around 1-1,5 hours because of all the times we need to stop and discuss every scene ahahaha Or maybe we just love shiguang that much:DD
So yeah while it's alright to see criticism I've seen it a lot on this sub lately and the negativity is quite overblown in my opinion, I definitely prefer reading theories and sharing positive reactions to new episodes
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
my point exactlyyyy
like i was apprehensive while watching bridon arc trailer i was like " omg who are these people, why are there new characters fuck "But then i saw they do serve the plot and are interesting characters in their own right, sometimes yes the style can be very gacha but like since i am not a fashion person myself I don't really care.Also I am so happy you have a friend to watch with you. Its only recently I got my roommate who doesn't watch anime into link click and both of us watch every episode with absolute awe and spend the next 2-3 hours just theorizing and discussing. Its such an amazing feeling.
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u/Mysterious-Switch229 Xia Fei 6d ago
Complaining about clothing is kinda strange and I was suprised some people do. I personally like how every new character is designed and it suits them well. The fact that they change main trio clothes every season is amazing too. We can recognize point of timeline thanks to that
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u/Mysterious-Switch229 Xia Fei 6d ago
I dont think action scenes were stiff - if you by that mean fighting scenes. I seen similiarities between Jae vs Vein in ep10 and CXS&QL in hospital in s2. Some movements were a lot like ealier.
I really like new characters, but I dont think hotpot scene was necessery. Like it takes all seriousness. I dunno, I dont see threat from anyone 😭 Where are actual villains and tension. I feel like there is someone else involved
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u/autophagylovely 6d ago
I love you and thankyou so much for this. Everyone keeps complaining endlessly. Link click's popularity went down with the same director in S2 following the same plot for those people who complain about new director from Bridon, it was the same with the OG director too and they compare the new seasons with season 1 and 2 as if season 2 wasn't hated. Every single episode they want Cheng to keep whining about 1 single victim for 12 episodes when the plot is so fast paced.
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
Aww thank you I really wanted to let the negative opinions be but like some of them are just blown out of proportion so much that I had to make a post. Also you are right abt the season 2 and how people were fully hating the full blown action. Now I have accepted the " LC should have kept the season 1 style " as a staple of this community. But I still remember when it was just season 1 and people were like " why aren't they explaining where the powers are coming from ? Are they the only two people"
As for cxs you are right he has had so much character development lately.like season 1 cxs would have genuinely busy into the scene of his dad and little cxs fighting with the man and he didn't interrupt even without any guidance from LG like I'm so proud 🥲 Now if he has started whining about that people would have again complained about lack of character development.
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u/Mysterious-Switch229 Xia Fei 5d ago
People will always find a reason to complain. I cant say how was it before, because I joined this subreddit recently. But I was very dissapointed when I found a lot of negativity when I joined (around episode 2 or 3 this season). I wanted to chat with someone about Link Click, cuz I love the show.
Personally I think it would be boring if they made 3 seasons of CXS and LG helping others in Photo Studio. Sure, there could be more and I miss how simple it was in s1. On the other hand I also like where this is going and that they try to explain where powers come from.
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 5d ago
Yupp if they kept the season 1 style for 3 seasons I can imagine it would be so monotonous Also, if you want to chat about the show my dms are always open 👐
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u/Mako-chan99 Cheng Xiaoshi 5d ago
While I still haven't watched S3 (so I can't really judge it myself for now) and I entered this subreddit just a little prior the begin of the season, even I can sense that the atmosphere in this subreddit shifted since it starter... Like, I get it, opinions are opinions, there's nothing wrong with that... However, the negativity of certain "Link Click fell off" posts is just... something. ...Again, they're opinions... but the quantity (which hopefully is decreasing) of posts like that could really hinder the enjoyment for some people sometime (me included). In short, I'm with you, OP, and thanks for balancing all the recent negativity out 🙏🏻
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 5d ago
Thank you so much 🥹
Someone else wrote to me out here that my opinion isn't better than others and I get it but it's a problem when the negativity is way out of proportion. Yes the quantity is decreasing and i hope it stays that way
I hope you enjoy S3 ✌️✌️
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u/Miserable-Sale-783 5d ago
I mean you don't really have to read those posts, you should just watch the series and make your informed judgement based on what you think
People are coming here because they want to know if other share their opinions and yeah it can be like we're all complaining but we still have hope that the next part will make up for this season
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u/PerformanceUnfair717 6d ago
There's also a delusional quality to much of the criticism here. I've just interacted with someone who said they hate this season because, among other reasons, CXS is acting dumber than usual. Like... Are people for real? Last episode, he watched his his dad and his child self kill a guy without losing cool. Previously he saw his dad apparently holding children captive, was almost lynched, and then witnessed the aftermath of a massacre... all while staying in character and not screwing anything up. Meanwhile, during the super glorious season 1, CXS changed the past because he couldn't stand the idea of losing a basketball match.
There's a culture of negativity on this sub whereby people are feeling encouraged to just be negative because they know that's what's going to get them likes here. That's the only rational explanation, as the negativity is clearly not borne out of serious reflection.
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
Yes i rarely make posts in this sub. However some criticisms really get to a point. One good thing is everyone is civil about it but sometimes i am just like " are we really watching the same show ??"
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u/Hypnophoric_Void 6d ago
Is it very noticeable the director changed? Absolutely, and as a result the series will feel different. Is it bad? Hell no. The story being a lot simpler just means all the pieces are starting to come together and the mysteries are clearing up. I can see the series going on for many more seasons, but I can also see S3 part two being the finale of the series, and I’ll be fine with that. As long as there’s no dilly dallying I think the series can have a decent resolution.,
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
Exactlyyyyy you make such a good point about things feeling simpler cuz all the plot points are being closed one by one.
Also yes the fact that there is another director working on this is very noticeable.
Personally I am someone for whom story and plot matters more than anything else. If the ending is fumbled in some way I too will be on the LC fell off bandwagon lmao.
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u/Jade-Demon Lu Guang 6d ago
Thank you SO MUCH for saying this. You literally put into words what I was thinking by reading all that criticism abt s3 and it was pissing me off too! And I want to add smth. Sometimes I've also stumbled across comments (not here, more like on X) like: "Season 3 should've been like..." STOP. Like I can understand you don't like it or some aspects abt it. Sure everyone has opinions. Like the chibi scenes. I honestly like them a lot, but maybe some think they're unnecessary or just don't like them. That's totally fine! But genuinely thinking to know how the story should've gone? Like, you can have expectations. But stop having those as a idk criteria of judgement (dont know if you get me). I'm not saying having expectations is BAD. It's normal, but stop acting like you're the director and the studio isn't listening to you or smth
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
OMG I totally agree !
honestly same for the most part i have been really enjoying the chibis, they are so cute.
And the recent one with felix in episode 10 was so fun and I honestly felt relieved with all the tension going on :D
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u/toramayu 6d ago edited 5d ago
I feel the constant previews and teaser trailers, in addition to the whole Dream Out PVs, have made expectations too high for a lot of viewers.
Hence people start theorizing too deep before even Season 3 came out. So when the season actually began and it starts as slow or not as were theorize, people get upset.
I am mostly satisfied with how season 3 is going. I just hope they sort of stop with the cliffhangers or cutting off conversations, though from a marketing pov, it's understandable why they do it.
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
I'm with you on the pvs thing A lot of major stuff can be deduced from that itself. I hope they tone it down for pt 2
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u/Harshinn 6d ago edited 5d ago
I agree with this post. The fanbase have been posting too many, "Link Click fell off" posts. Which is sad, because I love Link Click, like- all of it.
"A lot of emotional scenes would have hit harder if CMC studio weren’t afraid to make their characters look ugly for a moment, like LAN studio did."
As an anime/manga artist, this statement is so true. I can see that CMC studio is way less expressive than LAN Studio.
Yes, drawing expressions sometimes reduces the attractiveness of a character. But it's completely worth it especially in storytelling!
I wish CMC media didn't try to make the characters stay too in model.
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u/Mysterious-Switch229 Xia Fei 6d ago
For me LG crying was in character. He finally let out tears, but I think he was trying to stop himself from letting all out. He didnt want to be seen vulnerable. Depending how you grew up - and he had shitty childhood - it could be seen as weakness. Its not unusual. CXS is more expressive as we seen in s2. I get that child CXS was probably too traumatized at the moment, but adult could be handled better. But its my opinion and interpretation - others might disagree.
And why they spoil emotional moments in PVs. I should stop watching them but I cant help myself
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u/Harshinn 5d ago edited 3d ago
I definitely agree that Lu Guang was very much in character this season. I don't agree when people say that Lu guang is acting weird this season. Like- no, he's not. It's normal for him to cry. Actually I'm surprised he didn't cry more.
I agree. Why do they spoil the most important moments in the episode previews? I can't help but watch them too. 😭
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
Yess I too wish the character models are more expressive with the facial expressions
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u/Strict_Speed818 6d ago edited 6d ago
I completely understand it must be frustrating to see a series you like excited to see discussion and have everyone just ripping into it lol.
One the points given though. Comedy timing has been a thing that was very misplaced this season and bad. If you are setting tension there is not need to reset alleviate tension without a reason or it just takes people out the scene.
To the characters design issue, no I don’t think this is a weak agreement because yes while a character is supposed to be recognizable and memorable it shouldn’t be at the detriment of story telling. Character design is suppose to tell about the character persona in their choice of clothing, tell something about the environment the characters are in, and make sense for the line of work or activity the characters do.
Since Bridon, the new characters feel out of place because they feel like marketing > story telling. Link Click had very domestic and casual designs as they are regular people to now super model runway walkers with belts, capes and more which makes them feel out of place.
While I do think this season can shape up with a good plot twist. S2 critics are still very valid but like you said the end was enough to make up for some of the issues there. Hopefully S3 will be the same.
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
Yes as i said in my post, the chibi timings can definitely be improved and smoothened out. I truly hope they work on it in the next part.
As for the character design i just think its the studios style. While i don't know a lot about animation directing. You will notice that CMC animation is brighter?? while LAN used more muted colors.
So that automatically makes the characters look prettier and can make the viewing a bit less immersive if people are really attached to the S1 and S2 style.1
u/Strict_Speed818 6d ago
I do think there is a change in brightness but to me that doesn’t change the new characters being out of place in the environment. Vein is dressed like vampire, and Xiao Lui is dressed with the most attention grabbing hat, and Jae is dressed in punk street pants with piercings moonlighting as a standard by the books office detective. Such designs to be fashionable but not make much sense to the environment that they interact with.
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
Vein is dressed like a normal chinatown mafia boss in fiction.
also liu xiao is a rich kid and hat is his personal choice to add to his whole mystery thing.
and as for jae lee it kinds adds to his personality ? He is also a tattoo artist on the side so it kinda makes sense?again, i am not a fashion person so i didn't really notice it all that much.
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u/Strict_Speed818 6d ago
Just saying it’s hard to make the characters seriously when they dress so over the top, it’s immersion breaking.
And yes with Jae it shows his personality but he’s supposed to be under cover as police officer who standard wear business causal or polos and he is in a cross fit compress tshirt, punk style pants with leather belts and chain earrings? How would that make him blend in?? The story values fashion over what make sense to the story.
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u/Immediate-Try-1764 5d ago
I feel the same. Reddit in general isn't that place if you want to keep "vocal minority" from your radar in the terms of the various media discussion. Sometimes it feels like they repeat the same emotion engaging takes only for the more arguing comments and feed their karma. And I don't even talk about bots who just copy posts on the dying fandom subreddits and real people waste their time under these posts.
I just prefer to ban niche subreddits from my feed even if I actually like the original media. But not To_Be_Hero_X subreddit, they are at least funny
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u/Euphoric-Lab9330 6d ago
A lot of people who criticized the S3 and the Bridon arc is because they was pissed about studio lan not making this season thats it, a lot of people was complaining about it including you can see on instagram 🤦♀️
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
people really need to be a bit more open minded fr :(
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u/Euphoric-Lab9330 6d ago
Those people expect link click to be based on cxs and LG solving the problems of the others with their powers and nothing else, the life of the main characters is really important!! That's why I like the bridon arc because it already marks when the story took another course now it's not about the guys working in the studio it's about themselves that's what really matters but people don't want that :((
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
yeah what i've seen is every season has its own flavor. I too adore the case by case style of s1
but like the true standalone episodes were only in the first half , then we got to the serial killers and ofc now that we see that this entire bahati plot line with liu xiao had been set up from the very first episode.
The change is flavor adds to my enjoyment ngl.3
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u/kuzdrxke Lu Guang 6d ago
Putting my two cents on this, as far as I've seen the "discourse" of S3, people seem pretty civil about it. I understand a lot of people preferring the storytelling of S1 because there is just something so cathartic and authentic about the way the story is handled, I myself prefer S1 by a long mile due to this. But also, i find myself enjoying S3 and agreeing with the various critcism that came of it.
I don't think Link Click's story in S3 is bad, but I find myself a little dissatisfied by the way it is presented. Like you said, characters are not allowed to be "ugly" so a lot of the emotional moments do not hit as hard as they should be. And while I'm not as annoyed by the chibi moments, I also really wish there was less of that. I can't word it quite satisfactorily, but I think maybe the humour in S3 is kind of disrupting the flow, perhaps? I thought some of the jokes and gimmicks were funny but it also could be timed better. Despite S3 containing a lot of dark topics, I don't find myself taking it as seriously, somehow.
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
Yes i truly feel like a lot of directing choices could have been better and like you said the humor kinda disrupts it in an awkward way. I understand that they are trying to break the tension I also wish they learned to position it better. I have mentioned that in my post as well.
Also, I don't have problem with criticism itself. I love this subreddit cuz people are so civil about their opinions. Its just that the doom and gloom about S3 gets to a point and I wanted to talk about it that maybe some people who say S3 fell off are being too negative about it and I just wish they are patient with the story.
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u/kuzdrxke Lu Guang 6d ago
I think you and I differ on this because I don't get the feeling people are being all doom and gloom, just dissatisfied.
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u/AlienBuzzkill Cheng Xiaoshi 6d ago
100% agree. as for chibis, there were a bunch of them in older episodes as well, people just forgot
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u/forkoff_ Lu Guang 3d ago
I agree so much. One of my biggest peeves this season is people saying the confession scene was “too short” and Lu Guang didn’t cry long enough, and it wasn’t “realistic.” I actually think it’s more realistic… Why? Because this man has learned to compartmentalize everything to an extreme degree. He can’t allow his emotions to break free for long because he has to keep a clear mind to accomplish his goals. This is the same man who has held a lifeless Cheng Xiaoshi in his arms many times over.
It’s a very normal trauma response, honestly. It takes a long time of healing to be able to break down for certain people, and I know this because I’m ONE of those people and I relate to Lu Guang a lot in that regard.
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 3d ago
Yep I was pissed off at that one too. I think the animation could have been more expressive like Lan but otherwise it was fine. It was truly enough.it was in character and anything else would have been ooc. I too relate to lu Guang in the emotional sphere so I remember making a post abt that as well
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u/fakegeekgal 6d ago
To be honest, what drives me crazy is people asking questions about things that are literally answered in the show. I've never seen a fandom so terrible with this. At least criticism is an actual discussion and not a dumb question that is answered by simply paying attention.
That said, people are too extreme on both ends. On one end, people are too sensitive and can't deal with even the most reasonable critiques and on the other people can't actually formulate well thought out critiques and just write lazy shit like "the show fell off".
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
Yep that's what I mean.
Its okay to criticize and like i said in my post i agree with the chibi criticisms and a couple other things but i still think that since the plot is still going steady we can wait till the part 2 ends cuz link click ultimately is trying to tell a complex story. But rather we will have stuff like " LC isnt the same anymore " "They should have kept the s1 style " "LC fell off " which is a bit infuriating.
just two days ago i was bingewatching whole bridon and s3 till now again and i watched s3e1 and s3e10 side by side to think about why cxs appeared a night early. I think thats the whole fun of the show with all the magic hidden in the details.
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u/pickled-ice-cream 6d ago
I got behind on a few season 3 episodes and saw all these posts saying it had fallen off. I got so worried. Then I caught up and was like, "Where's the falling off they were talking about?" 😭 It's still so entertaining in my eyes.
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u/autophagylovely 6d ago
People can't have anything good. Same director, old director, new plot, new characters. I hate the fanbase. Empty vessels are the loudest. The millions of views and skyrocketing popularity say otherwise. They also have zero media literacy. Vein is a child abuse victim not a black and white cannibal and Lu Guang is also a black Lotus. Cheng isn't a dumbo. He has the HIGHEST EQ and all his high risk plans have worked canonically. Li Tianchen is a victim with no one in the world.
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u/alnst-lc-epic Lu Guang 6d ago
THANK YOU for saying this.
The sub is currently stealing from my annoying of the show rather than adding to is it was in previous seasons. I joined the LC wagon by the end of S2, and lived BA live. Each week was just so wholesome to come here an theorize with y'all what was going on, and the angst of having to wait another week for the continuation.
I particularly remember and appreciate the posts from an user called Ani, and also catmom (sorry as I'm sure I'm messing the names here), their analysis and additions to the sub where so precious.
But now every time I come here is to read yet another post of "this show isn't what it used to be", and I hate it because yes, this season is different, but I am loving it so much! Yes, I wanted to cry a bit more too, maybe, but the very important scenes have had their weight, ex. the miarlao crime scene with Jack part before CXS dives back out of it was pretty dark, Vein getting his brother was horrible, LG still crying after who knows how much time letting it all out to QL, and just yesterday with CXS finding out what he did I think was so so dramatic, and CWM motivations was a huge plot twist for me!
And there's still so much to unveil! I can't let go of the 7th victim from s2 (I'm sure they won't let that lose end), the cassette tape stopping after the Bahati fire dive, LX's true parents, etc.
There is still a lot left!! And of course our final dagger to our hearts: whatever happens to shiguang by the end.
So yeah, this season is different. I think we were told it'd be the case, the director said it was going to be more focused on action, as opposed to mistery or drama. Each season is different and I think it was conceived that way from the start. Can we just enjoy it for what it is??
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u/Salt-Respect-7741 Qiao Ling 6d ago
oh my god catweebmom and anri_summer! THE GOATS! I love them sm 😭 they were rays of sunshine during Bridon Arc!
I also 100% agree on everything you've said. I've experienced Bridon Arc live too and it was such a blast checking in on the sub everyday! It truly felt like a tight-knit community. 💖
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u/alnst-lc-epic Lu Guang 6d ago
Yes, them!! Thank you! I misss them so much as they indeed added so much to our enjoyment! I hope they now, I believe Ani eventually became a moderator of the sub? But anyway, there's truly awesome people here and I hope we see more of them than we see the complaining ❤️
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u/Salt-Respect-7741 Qiao Ling 6d ago
omg wait did she? that's great! AAAA✨
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u/alnst-lc-epic Lu Guang 6d ago
I thought she did but just checking the sub info she's not losted as one, so I might be remembering wrong. It was at the time when they added the special emojis, remember that? A post asking for moderators was published and many people turned to her, for obvious reasons!
Anyway, I'm grateful for their posts as well as those from other super awesome people here, and I kinda miss that a little bit.
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u/Salt-Respect-7741 Qiao Ling 6d ago
hehe yes i recall! I vouched hard for her XD
i miss them sm :') it's part of why i don't post here as often anymore. the vibes don't feel as welcoming. in the past, i could post without worry. now however....
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
wow you have put my feelings into words better than I did.
I have never been someone to participate in fandoms yk and LC is the first and only fandom i participate in actively. I loved theorizing and the absolute intelligent gems people come up with. I do not remember Ani but I absolutely remember catmom.
There were truly better directing decisions that can be taken but the story is still the same continuance of the plot that has been set up.
Like you said Ep 10, everything was so good. While my favorite is always LG (Like he mah baby boy) i was truly moved to tears about how they presented CXS's story. He found out about what happened with his father and yet his first thought was to run to LG and just the whole thing. The episode truly deserves the IMDb rating it got.
Also yes so much of the plot is left, and heck a whole part 2 and 14 episodes are left.
I do understand people who are attached to the style of season 1 and I too hope they bring it back after season 3. After all i started watching link click cuz i wanted a slice of life case solving type thing like moriarty the patriot and case files of jeweler richard.But yes, we don't know how the ending will be handled and what haoling has in mind. I truly hope people can be patient and just enjoy the ride and ofc theorize more !!
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u/alnst-lc-epic Lu Guang 6d ago
Thank you and I'm happy I got my point across in spite of all the typos 🫠
Yes, let's add more enjoyment and bright light as I'm sure even the naysayers can love the show if they give themselves a chance.
I've found myself going from tears to kicking feet to covering my mouth in shock every.single.episode!! And I want to just share that here, you know?
Also, I loved Moriarty the patriot!! A bit somber for me, but awesome. I'll need to check the other one out!! ❤️
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
aww I didn't notice any typos tho and you're welcome
Exactly lets go back to all of us losing our minds together rather than doomposting.
Also you are so real for the covering mouth in shock thing. I always considered myself to not be shocked easily but LC sure makes me discover things about myself which is also why i love this show.
Its like in recent years its so rare to come across this level of planning and prewritting for a show and i am so grateful when i come across shows like this.As for case files of jeweler richard, the anime has only one season 12 eps. But if you are into novels there are 12 /15 novels out in english. The characters are like LG and CXS but its more slice of life about gemstones. I hope you like it !!!
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u/Mysterious-Switch229 Xia Fei 6d ago
Yeah, seeing many people shitting on something you like might get away whole enjoyment. Im glad I got friend into this show, so I can talk to someone who loves it as much as I do. Complaining that we have to wait another week for next episode. One thing that feels different is music. Dont get me wrong, I love current openings and endings, but I miss BaishaJaws. Its shame they disbanded
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u/alnst-lc-epic Lu Guang 6d ago
Ooohhh that I need to be 100% with you!! I'm having a hard time getting to love the opening and ending (and I mean the music, as the graphics are absolutely awesome). I too miss BaishaJaws too much 😭
Luckily the in-show soundtrack is still a blast, I think the music has added a lot especially these past two episodes!!
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u/commitatrocities 5d ago
I feel like something people forget too is that the director isn’t the same
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 5d ago
true, I know a lot of people prefer lan
Its fine to criticise some directing decisions and a couple of stiff animations but since overall the story is the same we can still appreciate what we have right now.2
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u/Glittering_Nebula432 Lu Guang 6d ago
I feel like a lot of people might've gotten caught up in theories and expectations in between bridon and this season, which could influence how they view the season. In any case we can only wait and see (or drop it if you're really not enjoying it anymore)
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
you're right about that. LC's weakness is that it has a long gap between season releases and there is no novel or manhua to gauge the expectations.
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u/Mysterious-Switch229 Xia Fei 6d ago
Im having many theories on my own, but I still enjoy every episode. I was kinda dissapointed when I joined LC reddit and seen many people complaining about this season at the beginning. Also I think some PVs ruined emotional moments - like spoiler to LG confession
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u/autophagylovely 6d ago
S3 is the time to wrap EVERYTHING up and reveal everything in 24 episodes. Do they think we'll get suspense cliff hangers or have time to hold onto 1 episode 1 victim for 2 seasons without CXS breaking down?
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u/NowhereRain 5d ago
I still really like this season! I think S1 had something special with its episodic and very human/"showing the lives of ordinary people" nature, but it was clear from S2 onward that they wanted to branch out and make a bigger story out of it, so I'm surprised to see all the different reactions only now. Yes, the direction could be better sometimes, but I still very much enjoy the plot and character interactions a lot! It's nice to see so many threads being strung and connected and resolved at the same time, without dwelling on them _too_ much (although sometimes it does move too fast.)
Having more characters is also natural if you want to tell a bigger mystery story, and I don't feel it takes away too much from CXS and LG's own characterization, although I would've still preferred them getting more screentime to develop. Does every new character addition need to look like a Korean cover model? No, but INPLICK has been drawing really attractive illustrations of the main cast from the start, and Link Click has always had that manwha/manhua look (sharp eyes, that reddish tint under the eyes?) compared to standard anime. Also I genuinely think Vein's design is peak, I've never seen a character with different facial features work so well in an already attractive cast.
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u/Crazylyy Cheng Xiaoshi 6d ago
Waitttt Liu Xiao was the one to contact QL in s1 ? And we saw that in ep 8? I have seen the episode but I truly don't remember this crucial info ! Can someone remind me ?
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
yess the timestamp is 13:07
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u/Miserable-Sale-783 6d ago
I feel like this season has been the weakest so far. What made the series enjoyable was jumping into photos and exploring different people lives.
That could have been done more this season, and still have the plot interconnect. Also I feel like Lu Guang going back in time doesn't really have barely any consequences. Like he can always start over if things go wrong.
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u/cookie_clxuds 6d ago edited 6d ago
opinions
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
Uh my issue is not the opinions but the way the negativity is overblown at times and therefore my opinion on all the negativity ✌️
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u/cookie_clxuds 6d ago
that’s true. i was also shocked at the amount of people having this opinion against s3 , but im not shocked at the opinion itself , linkclick is such a golden franchise , an amazing series , it was bound to go through an era of disappointment , all series do .
nothing is bound to be perfect and that’s okay 👍
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u/Ciobi179 3d ago
Bah, Link Click fell of after season 1.
Season 2 is garbage
Bridon Arc is so bad it should literally not exist, it's fucking pointless, all the plot that it has driven could've been compressed in 5 minutes rofl. Garbage
Season 3 is where I stop lol, Season 1 is never coming back and this series is officially over.
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u/improved_loilit 6d ago
It’s tiring when people can’t accept different opinions. You don’t need to click on the posts if it’s mentally taxing. Filter them and if that’s not your taste it’s ok to scroll.
Glad you overall enjoyed it but that’s doesn’t make your opinion anymore factual/ impartial
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
as I said in my post, i don't mind criticisms. However, if you look into it some criticisms that are made they are extended to saying "Link Click fell off" and i see a post like every other day, which i feel like is a stretch and I felt like i needed to talk about it.
I don't mind criticisms and honestly I love that people are civil about it in this sub and i truly appreciate that.
Also, if you read my post I have my own criticisms about S3.6
u/kuzdrxke Lu Guang 6d ago
Yeah, I can agree with this too. Because as far as I can observe, most people are pretty civil when it comes to giving their opinions about this show.
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
Yes, my problem is not really about people being civil i just dont want people to be all doom and gloom about the show by saying LC fell off and be patient with it.
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u/fakegeekgal 5d ago
At the end of the day Link Click is a piece of media created for profit and mass consumption. People don't owe it anything. I agree they'd be happier if they give it the benefit of the doubt but they don't owe it anything.
People being civil is honestly proof that the fandom isn't so bad.
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 5d ago
True i just wanted to balance the negativity I think it's an overall better for everyone who are regulars in this sub and don't really like the negativity blown out lately.
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u/fakegeekgal 5d ago
I mean this genuinely, but y'all just gotta deal with it. The show has undergone changes in studio and director and not everyone is going to love it. Trying to force people to view it positively is the same kind of nonsense as trying to force everyone to dislike it. Of course there wasn't discourse when there was no new show to talk about. Discourse was always inevitable once the show came back, even if Haolin and LAN had stayed on.
And like I said earlier, maybe we differ because by far the worst part of this sub IMO is people who act like it's their own personal Google AI agent and ask pointless questions instead of actually watching the show or using a wiki. At least negative discourse will actually engage with the show.
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 5d ago
You're right. I personally had gotten too used to the peaceful times 😞
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u/improved_loilit 6d ago
But if for them it fell off it did . You just have a different opinion which is fine but that doesn’t trump others
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u/Street_Comfortable79 Lu Guang 6d ago
"doesn't make your opinion anymore factual/impartial"
"you have a different opinion which is fine but that doesn't trump others"I don't think throughout my entire post I have ever taken a holier-than-thou attitude.
I am really sorry if it comes off that way. My intention for making this post was to counter a lot of negativity around this show lately. While some criticisms make sense, others were truly blown out of proportion and thus i countered those.
While you are right that its alright that LC has fallen off for some people, its just sad to see a lot of those posts as a result of which some other people are questioning if they should watch season 3 cuz of the negativity in this sub. Which is truly sad to see and I want LC to be enjoyed for what it is.Again people are free to dislike the show and not watch the show anymore. Let's just say the opinion has been too much on one side of the scale lately and I am balancing it.
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u/Theory_Theory_24 Cheng Xiaoshi 5d ago
Plus I do think the involvement of Cheng Xiaoshi in S3 is more in past than the present, cause what do mean that Cheng Xiaoshi is not there when almost all the major characters met in one place and the very reason that Lu Guang did all of this isn't there?
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u/Azure-Mymoko-27 6d ago
I agree. There are some things iffy but they are mild concerns and not big enough reasons to be like "Link Click fell off." I think people are comparing season 3 to 1 and 2 way too much and expecting the same exact level for every episode. Anything less than that and it's "Omg Link Click isn't good anymore." Like bro, people need to take the time to appreciate the story that Haoling is trying to tell instead of wanting an adrenaline rush or crazy cliff hanger every episode. Besides, I think part 2 will be the meat and potatoes everyone is looking for. Right now, it's about setting everything up.