JUSTICE WILL NEVER LOSE ITS GLORY IN DARKNESS
Maybe the best quote for us, Mo Du fans that represent the cruel path happened to Justice in the dark, which was abruptly stopped from airing at 2023 and started again at 2025. Because of the best production team and best cast members, best script, best loyal fans, and so many other bests which I can’t mention one by one, Justice in the dark stay strong and finally finished all 30 episodes. Please ignore all haters and negative comments and keep watching it from the start to the end. I am sure you will love it. You will love the actors, the acting, the cast, the music, and everything else. I give it a perfect 10 of 10. And in the near future I will watch it again and again.Was this review helpful to you?
EVERYTHING IS PERFECT
Story: Perfect, one of the best BL adaptations ever, MUST WATCHActing: Perfect, Both Main Characters and all secondary characters do Justice about what we want from a danmei book adaptation, special praise for both Zhang Xincheng and Fu Xinbo who bring Justice to visualize what we expect of Pei Su / Fei Du and Luo Wei Zhao / Luo Wen Zhou from the books
Music: Beautiful, All OSTs are beautiful and both main actors Zhang Xincheng and Fu Xinbo sing the osts with their heavanly voice
Rewatch Value: I will rewatch it again and again and again
Overall: PERFECT, JUSTICE IN THE DARK IS PERFECT 10/10
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This review may contain spoilers
Give me Liberty or give me Death
Adaptation of Priest’s novel Silent Reading (《默读》)Justice in the Dark transports viewers into a dystopian future, set in the Xinyuan Civilization Year 253. In this sci-fi-inspired world, a mysterious gene mutation has created a group of individuals known as Zero-degree Empaths—highly intelligent and logical, yet utterly incapable of feeling emotions or empathy. Although they appear normal, their emotional void often drives them to commit disturbingly cold and calculated crimes.
At the heart of the story is Pei Su, whose father is one such Zero-degree Empath. Emotionally distant and manipulative, he subjects Pei Su to constant psychological abuse, using Pei Su’s mother as a pawn in his cruel parenting. In a final act of love and protection, Pei Su’s mother ends her own life—leaving behind a traumatized boy and a haunting case. This is when Luo Wen Zhao, a young police officer, enters Pei Su’s life for the first time. Though Pei Su accuses his father, Luo concludes it was suicide, a decision that would leave emotional echoes for years to come.
Many years later, their paths cross again. Luo Wen Zhao is now a leading investigator in the Special Investigation Department (SID). While handling a high-profile murder case, he uncovers a criminal organization connected to a string of killings—each involving Zero-degree Empaths. Pei Su, now an adult and shaped by both pain and intellect, joins the investigation. Together, they delve into a complex web of secrets and confront a mysterious figure known only as "The Janitor"—a vigilante determined to eliminate all Zero-degree Empaths.
More than just a crime drama, Justice in the Dark blends psychological tension, emotional storytelling, and speculative science fiction. At its core, the series explores profound themes such as trauma, morality, and the question of what it means to be human. Can someone born without empathy still choose to be good? Can someone who has been deeply hurt still learn to trust and love?
The series shines with outstanding performances, especially by Zhang Xincheng as Pei Su. His transformation into the character is nothing short of remarkable. I couldn’t see a trace of his previous roles in this portrayal—nor can I see Pei Su in Zhang Xincheng himself. It’s as if the character stepped straight out of the novel and onto the screen.
The cinematography is breathtaking, with visually rich and symbolic shots that elevate the narrative. The OST deserves special mention too—it perfectly complements the tone of the series. My personal favorites are "You Raise Me Up" and "All Right" performed by Liu Yuning—both emotionally resonant and beautifully delivered.
Each case in the series is engaging and well-paced. But what truly holds the heart of the story is the evolving relationship between Pei Su and Luo Wen Zhao—from tension and mistrust to an unspoken bond that runs deep. Despite censorship, the show gave us far more than we could have hoped for. Their subtle gesture and glances, meaningful dialogues, and emotional connection make them a true power couple. Watching them grow together is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming.
A heartfelt thank-you to the production team for giving us a satisfying, wholesome happy ending—something that’s all too rare in adaptations of this kind.
Justice in the Dark is not just the best adaptation of a BL novel I’ve seen so far—it’s a masterpiece. It’s a story that stays with you, one you’ll want to revisit time and again. It’s permanently on my rewatch list, and I’ll carry its characters and emotions with me for a long time.
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Bone-deep gaze and unspoken wounds or how to raise a quirky cat
Justice in the Dark is an intensely emotional mystery thriller that does the riveting source novel justice. The casting director must have been inspired the day they chose Zhang Xincheng and Fu Xinbo as leads, because they both delivered such emotionally layered and heartfelt portrayals, I can't imagine anyone else in these roles. Their on-screen chemistry flows with emotional authenticity and unspoken tensions. It has to be said that, being a danmei adaptation, this drama went through two rounds of censorship cutting a lot of the emotional moments, teasing and gestures suggesting growing intimacy. However, the deep feelings are still embedded in the story and come loud and clear through the acting. Their silent boiling gaze conveys so many emotions, it's sometimes painful to watch.The opening scene of this series is one of the best I've ever seen. With an intriguing play of light and shadows invoking a sense of mystery, it perfectly sets up the visual mood and ambiguous nature of the main protagonist Pei Su, played by ZXC, who captivated me with his beauty from the very first second on screen. On the surface it's just a casual conversation with a therapist about people carrying a ‘zero degree empathy' gene, touching on the subject of free will vs determinism which is a recurring theme in the story, but the longer they talk the more you start to wonder if he's really talking about himself. One of the best things about this drama is its layered narrative - posing a lot of questions but withholding the answers, leaving room for your own interpretation. As PS sat with half his face obscured by darkness, it made me feel he's someone who hides his true self in the dark, feels disconnected from other ‘normal’ people and undeserving of their trust …but maybe the real him was as he appeared when leaving the room - a flirtatious rich second-generation with just a professional interest in ‘apaths’? There's an immersive quality to ZXC’s acting that draws you in as you try to break through the layers of disguise his PS has wrapped around himself and puzzle out who he really is, what he's plotting and what's hidden in his past.
Fu Xinbo's Luo Weizhao, a captain of a special investigative unit, is a compelling character in his own right with a great charisma and commanding presence. They start off having a lot of conflicting feelings about each other. PS has a thorn in his heart when it comes to LWZ's suspicions of him, while the other has a biased view of PS. For the first third of the drama they constantly needled each other with insults which was a lot of fun. I loved LWZ's brand of dry humour. He definitely didn't hold back when disciplining his underlings:) I liked the whole team at SID - they're quirky, warm and actually competent at their job. Well, mostly… Xiao Hanyang brought out the worst in LWZ, which made their interactions outrageously funny. I also found his digs at PS being a cat raised by him hilarious (喂猫千日用猫一时;))
LWZ comes off as a decisive person firmly grounded in reality, but as the story progresses his earlier beliefs are upended one by one leading to a series of heartbreaking realisations. Every time another layer gets peeled off from the complex picture that is PS - LWZ is always in the frame with his expressive eyes pulling you in, making you experience the emotions with him - doubling the emotional weight. I loved how they used atmosphere and visuals to maximise the emotional impact of those moments, especially in that one red-tinged scene that played out without a single line of dialogue… making me feel like I was standing right next to LWZ getting a terrifying glimpse into the abyss of PS's mind…
There are five individual cases being investigated by the team that tie into an overarching mystery. They are cleverly written, suspenseful and will likely tug at your heartstrings. Every case opens a new chapter in the story and is accompanied by a literary classic giving better insight into the minds of the criminals. I'll write out the titles to give you some idea about the nature of the crimes:
Chapter 1: Narcissism - Julien from Stendhal's The Red and the Black
Chapter 2: Paranoia - Humbert Humbert from Nabokov's Lolita
Chapter 3: Sociopathy - Shakespeare's Macbeth
Chapter 4: Obsessive-compulsive - Verkhovensky from Dostoevsky’s Demons
Chapter 5: Avenger - Edmond Dantes from Alexandre Dumas's The Count of Monte Cristo (I don't really like the choice of this novel. I think there are other classics that’d fit this part of the story better)
The quotes from these novels are skillfully used to provide clues and set up a foreboding atmosphere. Some of them sounded so sinister and unsettling, it pushed my imagination into overdrive. The script follows the book closely but because the story covers sensitive topics some of the key scenes, explaining the motivations behind the crimes, didn't make it into the drama. As a result, those storylines aren't as detailed and hard-hitting as in the book, and the case resolutions feel a bit anticlimactic. A lot of characters show up with minimal backstory, which works well to streamline the story and keep a fast pace, but since the storylines are interconnected it pushes your memory to the limit. With so much of the story unfolding in conversations (and they speak fast!), it's way too easy to miss crucial details. Also, some of the scenes cut off abruptly, the characters' reactions seem out of sync with the situation or the atmosphere doesn't fit the dialogue. It all impacts the story flow and emotional continuity, and makes it harder to follow and understand what's happening. I think I'd prefer them rewriting those parts completely in a way that'd fit the guidelines and make it flow more smoothly, instead of leaving obvious gaps in the narrative with loose threads and emotions left dangling.
To sum up, this is the kind of drama that will tug at your emotions in a hundred different ways and linger in your mind for a long time. Better have a box of tissues ready:) There’s a lot to unpack and digest within the story itself but adding the cohesive artistic vision, evocative acting, powerful visual language, thought-provoking themes, aura of mystery and urban noir vibes it all keeps you engaged on a deeper level, creating a stronger emotional connection. I have to mention the lighting and soundtrack separately because they were absolute scene stealers in this drama (right along ZXC's acting;)) There are so many memorable scenes that resonate deeply with how lighting conveys the change in underlying feelings, highlights the characters’ internal conflicts or heightens the suspense. The OST songs are pure emotion! with lyrics that fit the characters and their journey really well. Look for @YiguoSubs on yt, they translated all the songs (and BTS) to multiple languages. I better stop here or I'll just start retelling all my favourite scenes (and probably use the word emotional another 20 times;)
Tl;dr It's an immersive thriller with brilliant acting and fascinating characters you feel deeply for, watch it with good subs or you'll be completely lost like PS in LWZ’s eyes!
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A PERFECT 10 FROM ME
Justice in the Dark has everything about what we expect from censored BL adaptation, Best Story, Best Acting/Cast (I love both main actors Zhang Xincheng and Fu Xinbo as Pei Su and Luo Weizhao so much ), Best Music, and A Must Rewatch, so I give JITD a perfect 10. As a book reader I always want that an adaptation be faithful to source material, and JITD did that. I am sure Mo Du fans will love JITD and non Mo Du fans will start to fall in love with this masterpiece. Last but not least, it is important to watch JITD with proper human translated subs (not AI generated subs) to fully enjoy the story. Please kindly dm me if you want to get the link to get the best subs by trustworthy fansubber and don't forget to rate JITD with a perfect 10.Was this review helpful to you?
A BLOODY ROMANCE
Officially China's first LEGIT BL series since the airing of WORD OF HONOUR and KILLER AMD HEALER back in 2021, JUSTICE IN THE DARK brings a whole new trope on the Stage.Luo Wei Zhao is a hot headed officer whose always up and about trying to seek justice on one hand and Pei Su, his fellow main lead being a victim of past trauma is a reserved person which gets the story very interesting because of many reasons.
To begin with, there's one of these three things that I like the most in any bl theme drama, a cute age Gap between the main male leads, the fact that the leads are polar opposites and the thought that if it's not an office set up it's a police plot.
Putting all that aside you'll definitely enjoy the melodrama within the series as first and foremost every event has a way in which it takes an unexpected turn which makes the drama at least for me highly unpredictable which curiosity keeps me propelled to keep watching as I don't find the show boring.
Secondly, I admire the fact that the chemistry of the main couple is very intense as they each probably have a way of keeping their thoughts concealed from one another but somehow it feels like their psychic connection has a way it pulls out their innermost feelings and portrays them even in their silence.
The most important thing however is the fact that this plot feels slightly more original than that in many other bl dramas since it has some elements of sci-fi esque and every emotion feels so real while the pacing is on point and the character design and development will get you hooked immediately as every character in the tale is given enough attention and in a way, we still keep our lead couple at the forefront and don't end up losing them into the story.
Silent reading being a new drama trope has got me swoon over as there are moments that you're gonna just cry because the tragic and sombre moments have a way that they make you witness the love between our lead couple that stands the true test of painful time.
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It's something you'll remember for the rest of your life
Set in a fictional time where 1.3% of population are genetically mutated apaths. Justice In the Dark dives in the world of the psychology or criminals and the motive of their crimes. Are they criminal cause they are born apaths or is it choice?? The cofusion between what is right and what is wrong, duty, human's true nature... It's a total packed psychology thrillerWhy you should watch this drama??
-Top notch plot. It's not something you'll sit back and watch. It will make sure you're using your 100% braincell and question every moral know
-U like psychological thriller?? then it's perfect for you. you like crime? action? parental abuse? deception? murder? betrayal? plot twist that makes you think why am I doing this to myself? Then you have come to the right place
-maybe you just want to see some pretty face...well we also have that
Acting: Let's talk about pei su. as someone who has already read the novel zhang xingcheng embodied the role of fei du and gave it life. Most of the time book readers are never satisfied with live adaptation but you'll never catch someone telling that the potrayal of fei du (pei su in the drama) was anything less than perfection. And if I start to write about how damn pretty this guys looked while suffering this review wil not end.
From luo wenzhuo to tao ran to lao qiao toevery small actor portrayed the anguish, pain,fear,confusion so beautifully that you'll wonder damn china can really make some good sht
And do I need to talk about the songs?? those lyrics stabbed my hearts too much that I will cry everytime when I listenTT
This drama is adapted from silent reading also known as mo du by preist. This is peak of drama. If it wasn't censored then it would've broken every record possible. It's a kind of show that you watch and know that it's gonna be with you for a long long time
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MASTERPIECE 100000/10
I didn’t want this show to end but at the same time, waiting for each new episode was driving me mad! Justice in the Dark had me completely hooked.The direction is sharp and intentional, every scene crafted with care. The cinematography is stunning. Those shots are breathtaking. It's a high-quality production through and through, and you can feel the effort poured into every frame.
The storyline is gripping. I’ve always loved Priest’s novels. They’re consistently rich in both plot and character development.
The dark, gritty vibe of the drama is exactly how I imagined it while reading the novel. It feels true to the tone of the original work.
Zhang Xin Cheng is incredible as Pei Su. I first saw him in Go Ahead, and I almost didn’t recognize him here. He transforms completely. He’s such a versatile actor and his portrayal of Pei Su is layered, raw and deeply emotional. Every subtle expression hits hard. Also... he looks insanely good in glasses ^_^
Fu Xin Bo as Luo Wei Zhao? Brilliant. The casting team really knew what they were doing. His performance brings so much depth and complexity to Old Luo. He completely commands every scene he’s in.
The chemistry between Pei Su and Wei Zhao is magnetic. The unspoken yearning, the lingering gazes, the way they care for each other in moments of quiet tenderness. The beauty of it all is in the subtlety.
This drama doesn't need grand declarations. The storytelling, acting, and direction are so refined that the message reaches us loud and clear: this is, in essence, a love story. And that’s what makes it hit even harder.
and it's a HAPPY ENDING!!!
I’m just so thankful that Japan decided to release this. We waited two whole years after episode 8. It was agonizing. We begged, we hoped, we nearly gave up. And just when I was starting to lose faith, Japan stepped in. I’ll never forget that. It was truly heroic!
MASTERPIECE 100000/10
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A Raw Masterpiece Resurrected
This drama seriously blew my mind. First of all, as a hardcore fan of Zhang Xincheng, I knew he was talented, but his performance here? On a whole different level.He plays Pei Su, a super complex, emotionally scarred character from the original novel, and let me tell you, it felt like Pei Su literally came to life on screen. Xincheng didn’t just act—he transformed. He even lost weight just to match the character’s thin, haunted look. That kind of dedication? Insane. But it paid off big time, because he absolutely nailed the role.
It originally aired way back in 2013, but only made it to episode 8 before it was pulled off the air—because of China’s BL drama ban. Yup. It was heartbreaking. The story was just getting deep and intense, and then boom, gone. We didn’t even get closure.
So imagine how hyped I was when I found out in 2025 that a JP production company had bought the rights and finally continued it. Honestly, bless them. Even though a lot of scenes had to be cut or toned down, I’m just so thankful the show got a second chance to be seen :')
The vibe of the drama is dark, gritty, and full of psychological tension. The cinematography is stunning in a moody, low-lit kind of way, and everything feels so raw and real. It’s not a show you casually watch while scrolling your phone. You feel every moment.
And again—Zhang Xincheng. I can’t say enough about how powerful his acting is here. Sometimes he barely says anything, but the emotion in his eyes? It hits hard. He made Pei Su feel like a real person, with all his pain, guilt, and strength just simmering under the surface. I honestly forgot I was watching a performance. That’s how good he was.
Sure, I still wish we could see the full, uncut version someday. There are definitely moments where you can tell something was edited out, and as a fan of the novel, I would’ve loved to see more of those intimate, quiet moments between the characters (just my dream!). But even so, I’m super satisfied that the show made a comeback. It deserves every bit of attention it’s getting now.
So yeah, if you're into intense, emotional dramas with amazing acting and a plot that keeps you thinking long after the credits roll, Justice in the Dark is a must-watch. Zhang Xincheng truly shines, and for that alone, it’s worth your time.
Now excuse me while I go rewatch Pei Su's scenes and cry all over again!
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This review may contain spoilers
Psychological Warfare Wrapped in Crime Fiction’s Finest Silk
This drama came at me like a slow-burn crime thriller with its finger on a psychological trigger—and despite walking in blind, it pulled me in with surgical precision. I hadn’t read The Silent Reading, skipped the 2023 release, dodged fan theories like landmines. Just me, the short MDL synopsis, and Zhang Xin Cheng’s face staring back like it knew my brain was about to be turned into a moral Rubik’s Cube. I expected moody vibes, vague plotlines, maybe a queer-coded bromance dusted with plausible deniability. Instead, I got the kind of storytelling that grips your chest and whispers, “You’re not getting out of this sane.”The first three cases weren’t exactly diabolical. I pegged the culprits early on—suspiciously easy—but that didn’t kill the tension. In fact, it sharpened it. The show wasn’t playing for shock value; it was slow-dripping psychological decay. Each case framed guilt less as an act and more as a symptom—of trauma, of pressure, of a broken system. Watching Pei Su move through each unraveling was like peeling back the skin of human behavior layer by raw, bloody layer. He didn’t solve crimes; he dissected them. And when cases four and five hit? My ego got taken out back and got shot. Since episode 8 or 9, I was convinced Pei Su’s mentor—the one hiding behind the shadows—was the Janitor. The signs were textbook. But the story zagged instead of zigged, and it was glorious. That rare moment when a drama outsmarts you without cheating? Chef’s kiss.
Zhang Xin Cheng doesn’t just play Pei Su—he IS Pei Su. The man radiates control, damage, and repressed anguish so tightly wound you’re afraid blinking might break him. His performance doesn’t ask for sympathy—it commands understanding. And Fu Xin Bo’s Wei Zhao is the perfect foil: calm, grounded, quietly loyal. Their dynamic walks the tightrope between emotional intimacy and unresolved tension, but the show doesn’t queerbait—it lets their bond simmer in the ambiguity of shared pain. What blossoms isn’t romance, but a kind of moral codependency forged in fire. And the result is compelling as hell.
But even masterpieces have cracks. Let’s talk loopholes—because this drama expects a lot from your suspension of disbelief. Pei Su, initially not part of the official task force, strolls in and out of crime scenes like he’s got diplomatic immunity. The rest of the team breaks protocol like it’s a group hobby—no reprimands, just moody lighting and ominous music. And the bomb scene? Peak absurdity. A live explosive, no bomb squad, just Wei Zhao casually defusing death while everyone else stands around like they're waiting for fireworks. Add to that the team’s baffling tendency to abandon suspicion the moment someone looks mildly pitiful, and the cracks start to widen. Oh, and remember that burning question Wei Zhao asked Pei Su? Yeah. Never answered. Just... ignored. Narrative silence where catharsis should have been.
Then came the ending—the soft dismount after a track paved with tragedy cues. Everything about the finale screamed sacrifice: the tone, the symbolism, the emotional escalation. The show wanted you to believe Pei Su wouldn’t make it. And honestly, that would’ve been the narratively consistent choice. Not because I crave death, but because the story had earned it. But instead of catharsis, we got a hesitant pivot into safe territory. A finale that blinked when it should’ve stared us down. That kind of emotional bait-and-switch doesn’t just miss the mark—it undermines the entire arc. I didn’t need blood. I needed resolution that meant something.
And yet, somehow—it’s still perfect. Not in the flawless, pristine sense. Perfect in the way only something raw, jagged, and emotionally loaded can be. Justice in the Dark doesn’t hand out answers. It weaponizes them. It challenges your empathy, your judgment, your belief in redemption. It lingers in your chest like a moral hangover. No, the logic isn’t always airtight. Yes, the climax fumbled the ball. But the ambition? The performances? The sheer emotional weight? Unmatched. It didn’t just sneak into my top 10—it carved its place there with blood, guilt, and a very quiet, very devastating scream. If you can stomach the mess, the brilliance is undeniable.
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A Masterpiece Of Acting and Emotions
Now that this show is airing again, I've finally give it a try and I'm shocked that this didn't get as much attention back when it first aired because this is easily one of the top tier bl (or bromance because of censorship) I've seen till date. For me, this had the same effect as The Untamed, that is, I'm forced to read the novel because I just can't have enough.Plot: the plot is taken from Priest's Silent Reading/Modu but there have been some changes (some plot points, names for some reason, era which the story is set in, etc). If you're not read the books, you'll enjoy the plot. We have investigations, solving crimes and understanding human psychology, all of which is handled quite well in my opinion.
Acting: this here is the highlight of the show. Even though its censored, the actors are so good you can tell how much love is between Pei Su Lou Weizhao. Zhang Xicheng has went above and beyond when portraying Pei Su and now that I'm reading the book, I've realized that he has given full justice to the character. Really, I have nothing but praise for all actors.
Music: fits the atmosphere perfectly, and even elevates a lot of scenes. Its not the kind that I'm listening to it outside of the series but still something I loved.
Production: quite good, though the use of CG at certain places is weird but its short enough that you can easily miss. Overall the ambience is amazing, the flow of story is easy to follow and every scene blends seamlessly into another.
I can't recommend this series enough, its been a while since I've been this invested in a series (since mdz actually). Give it a try, even though its censored. Sure there aren't kiss scenes, but you can see the romance and tension between them.
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