From plot twists to plot holes, here are our key takeaways from Emerald Hill

As the hotly anticipated Emerald Hill ends, there are plenty of discussions about the drama online. From plot twists to storyline loopholes, fans and netizens have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the period drama. 

If you haven’t started watching the 30-episode series, fret not. We won’t be spoiling too much for you here. We’ll skip through the rivalries and revenge, diving straight into the key takeaways from the drama.

Where there are praises, there’ll also be criticisms

With all the hype going on with this blockbuster, there’s no escaping from the online discussions by viewers. While some fans shared their love for selected artists’ acting (think Chen Liping), others expressed disappointment with the drama. 

Certain scenes didn’t make sense. For example, when Li Shu Qin (played by Jesseca Liu) and Zhang Jin He (played by Hsiu Chieh-kai) lost their children, we were stunned by how calm they were and how quickly they had moved on from their misfortune.  

Some netizens have also taken to social media and given their two cents on the actors’ performance, describing it as “robotic,” “low in standard,” and “exaggerated.” Others poked fun at the bizarre plot, including how characters “die too easily” in the drama. 

An all-star cast means more star power for Emerald Hill

It helps that the cast features some of the most notable names in local showbiz, including seasoned actors Zoe Tay, Chen Liping, Jeanette Aw, Jesseca Liu, Dawn Yeoh, and Romeo Tan. The show also spotlights the new generation of actors, including Tasha Low, Chantalle Ng, Ferlyn G, Zhang Zetong, and Tyler Ten—all of whom we’re sure are faces to watch in the coming years. 

The anticipation and achievement so far are nothing short of spectacular

Perhaps it’s been some time since Singapore has last seen a period drama boasting a large-scale production. Maybe viewers thought this spinoff would be worth it. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that no other dramas of recent years have garnered such fervour. 

While Malay crime thriller Operandi Gerhana (2023) was the first Singaporean series to debut on Netflix, Emerald Hill’s popularity and presence on the global streaming platform might lead to a future with more locally produced content debuting there as well.

Additionally, it clinched the top spot as the number one series watched in Singapore in its first week of streaming on Netflix. It’s been five weeks and counting on Netflix’s “Top 10” list now, with four weeks in the #1 position, so, kudos to the team behind Emerald Hill for their efforts! We can’t wait to see what’s installed for them in the upcoming Star Awards 2025.

No need to compare Emerald Hill with The Little Nyonya

For many local drama fans who grew up in the late 2000s, The Little Nyonya, which starred Jeanette Aw, Joanne Peh, Xiang Yun, Pierre Png and Qi Yuwu, is arguably one of the most unforgettable series. 

Released in 2008, The Little Nyonya clinched numerous awards at the Star Awards 2009, including Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. While we’re still unsure how many awards Emerald Hill will be nominated for, there’s no point in comparing both dramas. 

This is especially true when The Little Nyonya holds a special place in many fans’ hearts as one of the best dramas in Singapore’s Chinese television history. So, surpassing those expectations is no easy feat, and based on the mixed reviews we’re seeing so far, Emerald Hill has much room for improvement.