Go Ahead

Released in 2020, Go Ahead is a 40 episode Chinese drama written by Shui Qian Mo and Wang Xiong Cheng (who also wrote Meet Yourself and Find Yourself) and directed by Ding Zi Guang (who also directed Meet Yourself, Find Yourself and Flourished Peony). 

The drama’s main cast includes Tan Song Yun as Li Jian Jian, Song Wei Long as Ling Xiao, Zhang Xin Cheng as He Zi Qiu, Tu Song Yan as Li Hai Chao and Zhang Xi Lin as Ling He Ping. 

As a found family/slice of life gal, I knew that I was going to enjoy Go Ahead. And I very, very much did – particularly during the show’s first half.

I adored how the central family came together and supported each other and how comforting and healing that felt to watch. I loved the performances from the main and supporting cast.

Go Ahead is funny and heart warming, moving and heart breaking. More than anything else, this drama is a compelling exploration of family – both chosen and biological - and the challenges of filial piety. 

The show examines the lasting impact of childhood trauma, the dangers of parental expectations and the power of steadfast love and friendship. 

Go Ahead is somewhat less successful in its romance plotlines. There were too many unnecessary love triangles for my liking. Meanwhile, despite not being too troubled by the “sibling” romance dynamic, for me, the show’s central relationship ultimately missed the mark. 

The reason why the romance falls slightly flat in Go Ahead is no fault of the actors. I enjoyed all of the performances in this show. Zhang Xin Cheng was my standout. Meanwhile, I loved the character of Li Jian Jian, but did feel that her character could have benefited from more depth and development. I have noticed some criticism of Song Wei Long’s portrayal of Ling Xiao and find that unfair –his restrained performance fits his character’s traumatic background.

You only need to look at what the show chooses to focus on during its final episodes to see that the writers have become far more interested in resolving the (many) familial conflicts than spending time developing the love stories. I did find this a little frustrating until I adjusted my viewing lens and accepted that Go Ahead is not so much a romance but more a beautiful, endearing and healing tale of found family and finding yourself.