The Promise of the Soul – Series Review & Ending Explained

Episode 1

Episode 1 Review

The first episode is a mess. It tries to cram too many important plot points into a single thirty-minute episode. The story barely introduces the characters before a literal sexual assault occurs. Before you can even process that trauma, people are falling down stairs and dying! Oh, but we are not done yet… Suddenly, there's a resurrection! And a grandpa possesses his own grandson's body! Everything is too rushed, but I'm also kinda obsessed with the explosive drama. The story is so bizarre that I'm fascinated by what happens next!

By the end of the first episode, I was cackling my ass off. The first episode is nothing like what I expected! I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that a dead 70-year-old grandfather is the main character of a BL drama. It's certainly the first of its kind. Most series only have protagonists in their teens or twenties, so having a much older man as the lead is a huge change of pace. I dunno how they'll pull off a romance between a grandpa and a student, but I'm seated. This story wins my respect for being so gutsy, doing something completely different from the norm. Let's see how this Grandpa BL works!

Episode 2

Episode 2 Review

Most people would be losing their minds if they saw a dead guy coming back to life. I mean, look at the neighbour's hilarious reaction! Yet, Hai Yuan seems unfazed by all the crazy shit happening around him. He has this poker face the whole time, like the equivalent of the 😐 emoji. I like that Hai Yuan is emotionally guarded, not wearing his heart on his sleeve. He doesn't panic. He doesn't overreact like other immature young characters. His calmness makes him seem older than he is. Hai Yuan has the soul of a grumpy middle-aged man.

My favourite part of the episode is when Grandpa Cha describes the moment he fell down the stairs. Life flashed before his eyes. "So, this is how I die…" He also wonders what was going through Ze Fang's head in those final seconds. His grandson must have felt so much fear and regret. Wow, the moment is strange and moving at the same time. You wouldn't find dialogue like this in other BL dramas. Grandpa Cha is an interesting character because he has so much wisdom. With decades of life experience, his perspective is thoughtful and mature. It makes his conversations feel more meaningful than the usual BL fluff.

Episode 3

Episode 3 Review

Grandpa Cha is honest. He opens up a lot about himself, pouring his heart out. His conversations become very intimate, almost like an old man rambling on the porch, but I love that about him. During the balcony scene, Grandpa Cha holds a metal tin with old photos and random trinkets. He starts sharing his memories with Hai Yuan. As he talks, I'm really connecting with him. Like, I'm learning about his life and getting to know who he is. These meaningful scenes help me grow attached to Grandpa Cha.

I'm obsessed with the dynamic between the leads. Grandpa Cha might be 69 years old, but he has such a young soul. He's so bubbly and friendly to literally everyone. It's hilarious how he gets excited about going to school for the first time in decades. Then, you have the perpetually grumpy Hai Yuan. He seems mildly annoyed around this out-of-touch old man. Even the way they dress is quirky! Hai Yuan's outfit is trendy with muted colours, while Grandpa Cha is dressed in these quaint, old-fashioned patterns. The contrast in their personalities and styles makes me laugh. They're such an odd couple, and I love that!

Unfortunately, this episode introduces my least favourite part of the series. Ri Qing, the ex-boyfriend, brings so much unpleasant drama to a very gentle story. Ugh, I just wanna ignore all his scenes and pretend this character doesn't exist, but he's too prominent in the storyline. Ri Qing already makes a terrible first impression by sexually assaulting Grandpa Cha. Just because you guys are dating, it doesn't mean you can force yourself on him! I mean… I understand his confusion. Ri Qing doesn't realize his boyfriend is a different person now. But still, fuck off!!!

Episode 4

Episode 4 Review

This series has a disproportionate number of shower scenes, plus plenty of other excuses for the leads to walk around shirtless. Can you blame them for showing off the goods this much? Have you seen the actors? Their physiques are unreal. I was absolutely drooling. Yes, the story is all about falling in love with someone's soul, and that's genuinely beautiful. But I will admit, it's easier to stay immersed in the romance when those souls belong to two insanely hot guys with abs and pecs.

Besides looking hot as hell, Martin Wong is doing seriously impressive work as Grandpa Cha. This isn't an easy role. He's a guy in his mid-20s, playing someone several decades older than him. And somehow, he pulls it off convincingly. Martin brings so much charm and humour. Every scene instantly becomes more engaging when he shows up. To be honest, the rest of the cast doesn't have the same level of charisma. Martin is doing most of the heavy lifting here and carrying the series on his back. Without him, I would enjoy The Promise of the Soul a lot less.

Episode 5

Episode 5 Review

This episode shows how mature Hai Yuan is for his age. He's so hardworking. Going to school by day, pulling shifts at the bar all night. Compare him to Qian Sui, who's playing games on his phone. Hai Yuan seems more responsible than his peers. Also, we see his nurturing side. He's out there buying food for Grandpa Cha, sharing his lecture notes, and even setting an alarm clock for him. Hai Yuan isn't an immature college kid. He's already a grown-up at heart, making him a suitable romantic partner for an older soul.

In contrast, Grandpa Cha feels younger than he actually is. He isn't some wise old man who has made peace with being alone. Instead, he wants to hang out with Hai Yuan and cuddle in bed. He almost acts like a needy kid who wants someone to pay attention to him! Since Grandpa Cha is a little immature and Hai Yuan is so serious, they actually meet in the middle. It bridges their age gap perfectly. To be fair, Grandpa Cha isn't dumbed down. He's just slightly quirky. His eccentric habits, like drinking tea in the hallway, make his character endearing. (BTW, his name Cha literally means "tea" in Chinese!)

Episode 6

Episode 6 Review

After Hai Yuan opens up about his family trauma, Grandpa Cha comforts him by offering one of his "grandpa hugs". It's a funny scene because he overcoddles Hai Yuan like a toddler. Which Hai Yuan hates, of course. Not impressed! Later that night, Grandpa Cha has a nightmare. This time, Yuan pulls him into an intimate embrace. I like how both guys have moments where they're vulnerable, and the other person is there to reassure him. As they grow closer, their "old guy and young kid" dynamic is starting to disappear.

In the early episodes, the series mostly used Grandpa Cha as a punchline. The jokes were all about him being this out-of-touch old guy who had no clue how the younger generation worked. This episode flips the script, showing off his actual strengths. He's a master of these old-school skills. Doing calligraphy! Fixing broken furniture! Even getting into embroidery and woodwork! Sure, these are stereotypical grandpa hobbies, but the story shows he has real talent. Those college kids are impressed. I love how his age isn't the butt of the joke anymore. Instead, his life experience becomes a quality that we can admire.

Episode 7

Episode 7 Review

Oh, I love that conversation at the start of the episode! The dialogue feels very intimate, like a bedside chat that you only see with actual couples. Grandpa Cha and Hai Yuan have spent the night together before. However, this is the first time they've discussed what the sleeping arrangement actually means. Both guys admit they feel more comfortable being around each other. Ahhh, I'm squealing! They aren't dropping the L-word just yet, but it's such a hopeful sign that they're inching toward romance.

Ri Qian continues to be the absolute worst. Whenever this toxic ex shows up, he gets on my last nerve. Ugh, just go away! Thankfully, the other characters call him out on his bullshit. Hai Yuan hates his guts and has no problem telling him to fuck off. Even Qian Sui speaks up to shame him in public. I was literally cheering them on! Ri Qian has been physically violent and harassing Grandpa Cha just because his feelings aren't returned. This predator deserves all the hostility he gets! It annoys me when everyone acts nice toward him later in the series. No! Remember the awful shit he did to you! He's not your friend!

Grandpa Cha assumes that once Ze Fang gets his body back, Hai Yuan will pivot his feelings toward him. Hai Yuan shuts down that idea, making it clear he doesn't care about Ze Fang. The only person he has fallen for is Cha, period. They might look identical, but Hai Yuan knows they aren't the same person. He loves Cha for who he is on the inside, not for what he looks like on the outside. This relationship feels very deep because it's all about the emotional connection. The concept of loving somebody's soul is just so beautiful to me!

I'm obsessed with Haru and Hana. They're great additions to The Promise of the Soul. An older lesbian couple running a bar in badass leather jackets? Iconic! Their characters give Hai Yuan great love advice, helping him identify his romantic feelings for Cha. Hana says that liking someone has nothing to do with age or gender, which is exactly what he needs to hear. Plus, Haru and Hana are very affectionate. Hai Yuan is usually so guarded, so being around a lovey-dovey couple encourages him to express his own feelings too.

One of the biggest hurdles for Hai Yuan (and let's be real, for a lot of people watching) is that massive 50-year age gap. Like whoa, it's a lot to wrap your head around! This couple may make you uncomfortable because of its unusual dynamic. Your concern is totally valid. But Haru and Hana keep it incredibly simple. Their whole argument is: Do you actually care about Cha? Does he make you happy? Since the answer for Hai Yuan is a clear yes, then that's love. Stop overthinking the math. Don't let the age difference distract you. If you've found your person, just go for it!

Episode 8

Episode 8 Review

I love the subplot about Cha overcoming his fear of swimming! There are parallels to his other storyline as he struggles to accept his feelings for Hai Yuan. He hasn't been in a relationship since his wife. In both cases, the biggest obstacle is psychological. Up until now, Cha's insecurities have held him back from moving on with his new life. When he takes the plunge into the fool, it's meaningful in more ways than one. If Grandpa Cha can conquer his literal terror of the water, he can handle the drama of this romance.

Cha and Hai Yuan kiss at the start of this episode. Both are still groggy from waking up, so their impulses just take over. I like their reaction afterwards. While Cha freaks out over kissing a dude, Hai Yuan is like, "Are you wide awake now? Let's try again!" LOL, I love a man who seizes the opportunity! Even though the couple had their first official kiss, the hottest moment of the episode comes later. Cha and Hai Yuan are in the dorm room, eating a late-night snack. Cha suddenly lifts up Hai Yuan's shirt and caresses his body while complimenting his physique. As the camera pans up from his abs to his nipple, I was blushing! 😳

Ugh, I don't like how often sexual assault keeps popping up in this story. Ze Fang did it way back in Episode 1, and Ri Qian is basically a repeat offender at this point. Even Hai Yuan, who's supposed to be a good guy, slips up in this episode. Forcing a kiss on Cha when he wasn't ready and already felt traumatized? No, thank you! Every single one of these moments is so distasteful. I wish the story wouldn't rely on unwanted advances just to manufacture some cheap drama. While the series never romanticizes these moments, they still make me uncomfortable.

Episode 9

Episode 9 Review

During class, the professor announces she's filming a campaign video with a romantic storyline. Cha is part of the project and needs a co-star. Nobody else wants to participate because it's extra work. Suddenly, a random student in the background wants to volunteer. His Katniss Everdeen moment! He sees this as an opportunity to get steamy with a hot stud like Cha. But almost immediately, Hai Yuan shuts that down. No one is kissing his man except him. LMAO. I was just cracking up at the whole exchange!

While filming the video, Cha and Hai Yuan share a kiss on the pool table. It seems daring, especially when you consider this is only for a class assignment. "We can just edit it out," Hai Yuan says before the kiss. Cut to the next scene, the whole class is watching the entire uncut footage of their makeout session. LMAO. All men do is lie! Later in the episode, they confess their feelings and share a kiss in the courtyard. Then, they kiss once more in the dorm room. I like the way this relationship evolves. The first kiss was fake for the cameras, the second was a public confession, but the last kiss was private and the most intimate!

Episode 10

Episode 10 Review

Ri Qian has lost his fucking mind! We always knew he was a toxic ex-boyfriend, but he goes berserk in this episode. The bastard kidnaps Cha, holding him captive inside a locker. WTF!? Ri Qian feels "guilty" only after he finds out Cha is claustrophobic. Um, excuse me!? You shouldn't be locking people up, period! Doing that evil shit is never okay! Ri Qian is straight-up dangerous. He needs to be expelled and have charges pressed against him. Give this man a restraining order and a one-way ticket out of the series!

I'm so over Ri Qian and his toxic drama. This series would be a lot better if his character didn't exist. With that said, I liked the last scene of this episode. Cha and Ri Qian have a heart-to-heart chat, clearing the air between them. It ends with them bonding because they both miss Ze Fang. I get that Ri Qian is traumatized. All that psycho behaviour comes from heartbreak. He had no clue Ze Fang died and came back as someone else. He thought his boyfriend suddenly stopped loving him. It's sad he couldn't mourn his lover until now. But even with that sympathetic backstory? I don't feel sorry for him. He can fuck off!

Episode 11

Episode 11 Review

I haven't mentioned the secondary couple yet, because I have so little to say about them. I don't have any major beef with Qian Sui and Bai Ling, but their romance inspires nothing in me. Total indifference! I was more excited about Xiao Bai & Da Hei's tiny reunion in this episode! The two adorable leads from Fight for You made a guest cameo. Honestly? I wish they were the secondary pair in The Promise of the Soul. I have no idea how to include them in this story, but I feel a stronger connection with them than with Qian Sui or Bai Ling.

This episode ends with the best scene of the series. Grandpa Cha has a conversation with Ze Fang's spirit. As he speaks, we slowly realize Cha is giving his last farewell. With tears in his eyes and a genuine desire for his grandson to live happily, he ends his own life. Wow! What a powerful moment! The whole story has been building up to this climax, and it pays off. In fact, The Promise of the Soul should have focused on this plot even more. Instead of the toxic ex, the emotional drama between Grandpa Cha and Ze Fang is far more compelling. It's strange yet poignant, and that's when the series shines the most.

Episode 12

Ending Review

Ugh, the finale focuses too much on the toxic boyfriend. I'm trying to pretend Ri Qian doesn't exist, but he has so many goddamn scenes! He's totally ruining the vibe for me. I like everything else about the episode, except for his annoying redemption arc. Why are we pretending to be cool with him? Have we forgotten all the violent shit he has done in the past!? The attempted rape? The literal kidnapping? Like, come on… Forgive him if you must, but he doesn't belong in your circle of friends. Get him outta there!

You know who actually deserves a redemption arc? Ze Fang! The grandson is shockingly underdeveloped considering he's the reason this story exists. There's so much potential for emotional drama, since Feng Zi can't return to his body and must make peace with the afterlife. That storyline could have been compelling, so it feels like a missed opportunity. With that said, I'm glad the series ends with Cha staying in his current body instead of giving up his life to his grandson. Sorry Feng Zi, but you can just drift away to the next life. No tragic sacrifices! We want Grandpa Cha and Hai Yuan to live happily ever after!