Parents' Guide to Meteor Garden

The current incarnation of this show is based on a Japanese manga that was adapted into a Taiwanese television series in 2009, so it's unclear where its problems originated, but problems it certainly has. Meteor Garden violates the fundamental dramatic principle of "show, don't tell." We're introduced to characters with voice-over narration that lists their personality traits instead of seeing those traits dramatically shown through behaviors or situations. It's all done with such precision (one character explains that the members of F4 are all 165 centimeters tall) that it would be funny if it didn't seem so amateurish. What's more infuriating is how the members of F4, arrogant bullies who answer to no one because the school values their unparalleled card game skills, are given so much power over Shancai. Dressed and photographed like fashion models, F4 and especially Si treat Shancai terribly. But because her willingness to stand up to them is deemed impressive, they welcome her into their midst -- and she goes.

What's the message here? The audience is also expected to forgive Si's bullying behavior when it's revealed that his father died when he was young and his workaholic mother neglected him. It's disturbing to see Shancai fall for this manipulative, volatile, but handsome, creep. Overall, Meteor Garden offers up some very regressive gender representations and dangerous messages about male/female power dynamics.