Core Viewpoint - The portrayal of female protagonists in Chinese dramas often emphasizes their suffering and struggles, leading to a dual narrative of "suffering women" versus "empowered women" [1][2][11] Group 1: Themes of Suffering and Empowerment - Female leads in recent dramas like "Zhuozhuo Shaohua" and "Guose Fanghua" experience extreme hardships, including forced marriages, loss of loved ones, and violence, which has led to criticism of "female suffering" tropes [2][7] - The narrative often juxtaposes the intense suffering of female characters with moments of empowerment, creating a complex emotional landscape that resonates with audiences [4][12] - The trend of depicting female suffering is seen as a market strategy, as it generates strong emotional responses and discussions among viewers, despite the potential for backlash [14][15] Group 2: Audience Reception and Criticism - Young female audiences are increasingly desensitized to depictions of sexual violence as a means of illustrating female suffering, leading to a decline in the popularity of such narratives [7][11] - While "Zhuozhuo Shaohua" has achieved high viewership ratings, its online discussion and ratings reflect a mixed reception, indicating a growing fatigue with "female suffering" themes [7][8] - The success of dramas like "Sheng Wan Wu" demonstrates that audiences appreciate nuanced portrayals of female characters that do not rely solely on suffering for character development [4][8] Group 3: Future Directions for Female Protagonist Dramas - The industry is encouraged to explore narratives that focus on female agency and empowerment without resorting to extreme suffering, as seen in successful examples like "Feng Chui Ban Xia" [16][18] - There is a call for a shift in storytelling that emphasizes women's capabilities and choices in complex social and professional environments, rather than perpetuating the "victim-survivor" cycle [16][18] - The potential for growth in female-led narratives lies in creating stories that highlight resilience and strength through challenges that are not solely personal traumas [15][18]

Core Viewpoint - The television series "Zhuozhuo Shaohua" is experiencing a significant disparity between its high TV ratings and low online streaming popularity, indicating a divide in audience demographics, particularly favoring older viewers over younger ones [3][11]. Group 1: Audience Reception - The average CVB rating for "Zhuozhuo Shaohua" has surpassed that of "Sheng Wan Wu," making it the top-rated show on CCTV-8 in 2025 [3]. - Despite its television success, the online streaming heat remains stagnant around 8200, significantly lower than the leading show "Fu Shan Hai" [3][11]. - The show is particularly popular among middle-aged and older audiences, while younger viewers show less interest [3][11]. Group 2: Content Analysis - The series features a strong female lead, Chu Shaohua, who embodies ambition and resilience, navigating various personal and professional challenges in a tumultuous historical context [4][6]. - The narrative includes themes of female empowerment and mutual support, resonating with older viewers who appreciate straightforward conflict resolution and dramatic revenge plots [6][8]. - The pacing of the show is rapid, akin to short dramas, with significant plot developments occurring quickly, which keeps viewers engaged [8][9]. Group 3: Critique of Quality - Despite high ratings, the show has received a low score of 5.8 on Douban, suggesting a disconnect between viewership numbers and content quality [11]. - The series has been criticized for lacking logical coherence and depth, with many plot points feeling rushed and underdeveloped [11][13]. - The portrayal of the female lead as a "pseudo-strong female character" has been questioned, as her success is often attributed to male support rather than her own agency [13][15].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence and characteristics of the "Big Matriarch" character in Chinese dramas, highlighting how this archetype contrasts with traditional female roles and resonates with contemporary audiences [1][3][12]. Group 1: Characteristics of the "Big Matriarch" - The "Big Matriarch" is portrayed as a strong, proactive female character who engages deeply in relationships and personal growth, often alongside male leads, thus forming a "dual strong" dynamic [1][4][8]. - This character type is prevalent in both historical and modern dramas, showcasing a range of roles from supportive wives to ambitious partners who actively contribute to their male counterparts' success [4][7][10]. - The narrative often includes elements of romantic love intertwined with professional aspirations, emphasizing the importance of relationships in the female experience [8][17]. Group 2: Audience Reception and Cultural Context - The "Big Matriarch" resonates with audiences by reflecting real-life complexities of relationships, offering a more relatable and practical approach compared to the idealized "Big Female Lead" [12][19]. - This character type addresses the anxieties of modern viewers, providing a sense of empowerment through the portrayal of women who navigate and manage their relationships effectively [12][21]. - The success of dramas featuring the "Big Matriarch" indicates a shift in audience preferences, moving away from traditional narratives that often depict women as passive or overly dependent on male characters [15][19]. Group 3: Narrative Techniques and Themes - Common narrative techniques in "Big Matriarch" dramas include "marriage first, love later" and character-driven plots that focus on relationship management and personal growth [10][21]. - The male leads in these dramas are often complex characters who exhibit both strength and vulnerability, allowing for a dynamic interplay that enhances the female lead's journey [15][24]. - The themes of romantic love and personal agency are central, with the "Big Matriarch" often depicted as a figure who transforms her circumstances through strategic relationship management [8][17].