Go Go Squid 2: Dt. Appledog’s Time (2021): A Sweet Robotics Romance with Mixed Vibes
Go Go Squid 2: Dt. Appledog’s Time (我的时代，你的时代), a 2021 Chinese romantic drama, is a spin-off of the wildly popular Go Go Squid! (2019). Directed by Yu Zhongzhong, this 38-episode series stars Hu Yitian as Wu Bai (Dt) and Li Yitong as Ai Qing (Appledog). Premiering on iQiyi on February 4, 2021, it shifts from esports to robot combat, focusing on the slow-burn romance between two rival team leaders. Adapted from Mo Bao Fei Bao’s novel Fish Playing While Trapped in a Secret Room, it’s a feel-good story with charming moments but struggles to match its predecessor’s magic.
Plot Overview
Wu Bai, a reserved robotics prodigy known as Dt, has idolized Ai Qing, the legendary Appledog, since seeing her compete with Team Solo seven years ago. Now captaining K&K’s robotics team, he faces off against Ai Qing, who leads Team SP, in national competitions. Both share a dream of promoting robotics among youth to advance China’s tech innovation. Their professional rivalry sparks mutual respect, evolving into a mature romance despite initial hesitations due to their opposing teams. Subplots involve Ai Qing’s sister Ai Jing (Nina Wang) and K&K’s charismatic Grunt (Wang Anyu), alongside cameos from Go Go Squid!’s Han Shangyan (Li Xian) and Tong Nian (Yang Zi). The drama culminates in a shared wedding and a nod to their competitive spirit.
Why Go Go Squid 2 Stands Out
1. Mature Romance
Unlike the playful, aggressive chemistry of Go Go Squid!’s leads, Wu Bai and Ai Qing’s relationship is restrained and heartfelt. Wu Bai’s long-standing crush, revealed through his name “Dt” (Dog’s Time, for Appledog), adds depth, while Ai Qing’s gradual reciprocation feels earned. Their minimal misunderstandings and ability to separate work from love make them “couple goals,” as noted by Soompi. Fans on X love their “quiet, sweet energy.”
2. Robotics Competitions
The shift to robot combat, while controversial, offers visually engaging battles. The final competition, where Wu Bai uses learned tricks to win, is a highlight, praised for its intensity. The drama’s focus on inspiring youth through tech resonates, though some Reddit users find the sport less compelling than Go Go Squid!’s CTF (Capture the Flag) esports.
3. Supporting Cast and Cameos
Wang Anyu’s Grunt steals scenes with his charm, and his romance with Ai Jing adds fun. Marcus Li (97) and Xu Lewei (Zhou Yi) shine as K&K’s hardworking crew. Guest appearances by Li Xian and Yang Zi delight fans, especially Tong Nian’s proposal advice to Wu Bai in episode 34. However, recasting Ai Qing (originally Wang Zhen’er) and others like Solo (Wang Hao) sparks debate.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Heartfelt Romance: Wu Bai and Ai Qing’s sincere, low-angst love story is a refreshing contrast to typical C-drama tropes.
Strong Female Lead: Li Yitong’s Ai Qing is ambitious and skilled, earning praise for her maturity.
Soundtrack: The OST, including soulful tracks, enhances the drama’s emotional pull, with fans on X still replaying it.
Weaknesses:
Pacing and Filler: At 38 episodes, the drama drags with flashbacks and bland scenes, especially mid-series. Many, like MyDramaList reviewers, fast-forwarded.
Inconsistencies with Season 1: The switch to robotics, timeline shifts, and missing characters (e.g., Demo) alienate Go Go Squid! fans. The K&K headquarters feels “cold” compared to the original’s cozy vibe.
Mixed Acting: While Li Yitong excels, Hu Yitian’s limited expressions draw criticism, with IMDb reviews calling his performance “monotonous.”
Reception and Impact
Go Go Squid 2 enjoyed strong viewership, boosted by Hu Yitian’s return and Li Yitong’s rising fame, with leaked filming photos hyping fans pre-release. It scored 7.2/10 on IMDb and 7.7/10 on MyDramaList, but reactions are mixed. X posts praise the “adorable” leads and OST, while Reddit and MyDramaList lament its failure to recapture Go Go Squid!’s charm, citing weak chemistry and retconned lore. Some enjoy it as a standalone, with kdramadiary calling it “saccharine” and rewatchable, but others find it “flat” compared to the original’s vibrant cast and stakes.
Should You Watch It?
Go Go Squid 2 is a solid pick for fans of light, workplace romances like You Are My Glory or those drawn to Hu Yitian and Li Yitong. Its robot combat and mature couple appeal to viewers seeking low-drama fluff. However, if you’re a Go Go Squid! diehard expecting the same energy or esports focus, it may disappoint due to inconsistencies and slower pacing. As one X user noted, “It’s fun for Dt’s glow-up, but robotics isn’t CTF.” Watch the original first for context, though it’s not mandatory.
Where to Watch
Stream Go Go Squid 2: Dt. Appledog’s Time with English subtitles on iQiyi, Viki, WeTV, or Netflix (select regions). iQiyi VIP offers ad-free access, and some episodes are free on YouTube.
Final Thoughts
Go Go Squid 2: Dt. Appledog’s Time is a sweet, if uneven, spin-off that thrives on Wu Bai and Ai Qing’s earnest romance and the robotics world’s fresh spin. While it doesn’t match Go Go Squid!’s infectious charm, its heartfelt moments and strong supporting cast make it a cozy binge for romance fans. Whether you’re cheering for Dt’s quiet devotion or Grunt’s antics, it’s a light watch that, as kdramadiary puts it, “gladdens with its saccharine story.” Just don’t expect the same spark as the original.