Unnatural Fire

"No One Can Judge Me but Myself"

First underrated gem of 2025! I had no idea this show even existed until I saw the trailer on X and was like wow, this looks good. I knew two of the leads and a few of the support; the writing, acting, storytelling, suspense, surprise it was all there.

Pros: The iron triangle consisting of the leads that knew each other pretty much from childhood though the ML or XTS/XH and SML or SY/HX (but I will use SML in this review because his "adoptive father" had the same initials)lost contact with each other and only met in the first episode. The plots revolved around a main story of the deaths of ML's parents which SML witnessed but because he was hit hard suffered from amnesia and didn't figure out who he was until later in the show thanks to the help of the other two. TS was placed in a foster home run by FL or JC's mom, so that's how they met. JC and SML met at work as he was a cop and she was a coroner. Bring in TS, the arson investigator and they created the iron triangle; a formidable team and great friends especially when SML regained his memories. Now they were up against two narcissistic psychopath serial killers; HP and SY.

This series left you guessing about almost everything; and just as you thought you had figured it out, they threw a surprise that was like holy cow, I didn't see that coming at all! There were individual cases to solve during the entire show but it all came back one way or another to the same two people who repeated the line that is the title of this review. All those cases were great and really showcased the strengths of our iron triangle and their sidekicks and leaders. HP had an identical twin HJ (but were different as humans could be; one was a cowardly nerd that always impressed their dad and one was a narcissistic psychopath trying to get approval from his dad) and one of them died in an explosive car accident in the very beginning and the whole show it was assumed by some characters that it was HP that died while HJ survived and was the kind one. Though everyone had their doubts and rightfully so. He stayed under the radar and didn't start showing his true colors again until the end of the series.

SY meanwhile was the serial killer that killed however he wanted and taunted the police until the very end. He was under their noses the entire time as he raised SML after figuring out that he lost his memory in the explosion that killed TS's parents; orchestrated by him and HK (father of the twins) and carried out by HP. All because they thought TS' dad had discovered their drug operation. SY was also responsible for SML's father's death in a way though that was his first one. Once he adopted SML he basically drugged him in some way to keep him from remembering the past. And though loving and caring; he was manipulating and controlling his "son" for 18 years.

Now I won't go more into the show because then what's the point of watching but this was a show you just wanted to keep watching. I had only ever seen the actor who played SY in protagonist roles so to see him play this horrifying character was pretty neat and creepy as to how he nailed it. He could go from a loving and caring father to an emotionless monster in the flip of a switch. And you could see it coming. With HP, he would be fine and then he would just go ballistic screaming, punching, kicking, hitting. One would do things cleanly and meticulously while the other was a screeching lunatic. There were other villains that were part of this series but obviously less than and when their connection became clear if there was one, you would see just how complex things really were. Some of the cases were related and some weren't.

Sadly, we lost one our leads at the end but her going for that necklace would be the only way to pin the entire thing including her own death on HP and prove which twin it really was without a doubt. Every character was there for as long as they needed to be. The side kicks of all three leads were awesome and there was even some comedy. JC and her mom's arc was actually devastating because just as they more or less reconciled and mom wanted to learn how to be a good, loving mom to her daughter, she lost her forever.

I really wish this show had the proper promotion or any actually because it really deserved it. OSTs, fight scenes, fire scenes, etc were all on point. I can talk about this show and its characters for hours but then you wouldn't have a reason to watch lol.

Cons: Very few; one anticlimactic death of SY, throwing himself off the roof when cornered by SML (many of us thinking that going in for that hug he would have taken SML with him) and couldn't face punishment so as a coward who routinely played God with other peoples lives and thought of them as things and cases, as well as manipulated and drugged the only person he claimed to love, so he took the easy way out and I felt that just didn't really fit his character. He should have died in a fire and slowly; that would have been justice.

When JC traveled abroad to study, though she constantly refused HP's (HJ at the time) creepy offerings to stay at his house that she would find a place on her own, she still somehow ended up living with HJ's girlfriend's house. I thought that was too much of a coincidence. Though no one ever explained it, it was a huge loophole. Also, her coming home to find the girlfriend that disappeared like she was a cop getting herself also kidnapped in the process was just dumb. No idea how she managed to shake the cops following her which was stupid to begin with. That entire thing seemed to go against who she was as a character and her death was also beyond unnecessary. She could have gotten to the necklace and passed out and then recovered at the hospital. But no, they had to make TS lose his training skills as a firefighter when he found her unconscious on the floor and instead of scooping her up immediately and running out the door, he spent precious seconds shaking her before picking her up and walking out in almost slow motion. Like what? Her dying was completely nonsensical. That's it.

Would I recommend it? I absolutely would. This was a gritty, arson investigation drama that had everything you could ask for and more. If you like these types of shows, I'd have to say this is one of the better ones despite the cons.

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Entertaining Watch

Okay... So.... Did I guess a bit of the plans of the villains before it happened? Yes. Now, I don't know if that means the drama was predictable or I need to be locked away in an asylum and have the key thrown away. 👀

Still with guessing a few things here and there, I found the show was quite enjoyable. There were quite a few scenes, which I will not mention, that gave me goosebumps, even in this 101 F degree weather. These were there to bring out an emotional response from the viewers and they really got me. Especially, when pairing the scenes with background music they used. I cried, squealed, raged a lot, and clapped like a seal while watching this drama.

I thoroughly enjoyed Zhang Yun Long portrayal of Xu Tong Sheng. I was happy to discover Dai Xu and loved short fuse Shen Ye. The way Dai Xu performed in some scenes left me breathless and full of anticipation for what he was going to say next. And if you haven't noticed, I was obsessed with both characters. This was the first Elvira Cai drama I finished. For the most part, I liked Jin Chun, her character, but Jin Chun and I need to talk about some things. Anywho, some things were questionable about the drama. It also dragged a little bit from like mid episode 34 until the start of episode 37. This makes me feel the drama could have been shorter. Additionally, I found strange how ZYL and DX had so many scenes where they were apart. I kept joking that it was because "they were both being divas and didn't get along" so they had to film separately most of the time. LOL

The ending left me in disbelief. It was definitely not the way I would have ended the show. I rated it 8.5/10 because despite its flaws, I was entertained and invested, except for those 2.5 episodes towards the end.

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A drama that deserves more love but that also kind of messes up.

Overall, I think this drama is enjoyable and has many good ideas. Cases are very intriguing and original, I liked and got invested in almost all of them. The fire-based crimes investigation thing is not something I've seen a lot and it's well done so I was hooked pretty quickly. The logic is relatively OK in most cases, although regarding the main plot, there are obvious, big plot holes and unanswered questions. This is even more obvious with a rewatch. You should really not think too much. The pacing however is impeccable, nothing drags or goes too fast. A few minor things and choices here and there aren't to my personal tastes (like the long static shots on actors' faces or slow motion scenes - gosh I hate these stuff) but I guess these are subjective.

The biggest issue is the ending. I won't spoil so I won't elaborate but something just wasn't right in the way it was done. In my opinion. Not necessarily in the choices they made for the story (although that's also debatable, and I could see at least 2 more different ways the story could have gone). But mostly in the way they unravelled it, how they arranged the sequence of events from around episodes 30 to 38. I'm not satisfied at all. Basically, I could rewatch but then stop the drama at episode 31, focus on the main plot, ignore the ending of the episode and everything that is happening on the side and call it an underwhelming and plot-holes filled but OK day, OR watch until the actual finale and have an entirely different experience that leaves me more logically satisfied (more or less) but emotionally even more confused and empty. As I said, I don't necessarily disagree with the choices they made for what happens to the characters, it's more in the way it's, idk, chronologically organised, built up and presented...?

To talk about the characters, the trio is extremely lovable, as individuals and as a group. Jin Chun is probably one of the very few female characters I genuinely love with all my heart, all stories combined. She's great on every level. She's such a mature and complex character, with a great personality but also flaws and quirks. I also appreciate the fact that there is no romance and she isn't there to be a love interest but a character of her own (even though there are two instances where it could be implied that both MLs wouldn't mind a romantic relationship with her, but that's up for interpretation and officially they are more like fated best friends/found family). Basically I really appreciate what they had with her and sadly the moments her character shines the most and reveals her depths are in the last few episodes, the same ones I'm unsatisfied with.

The themes they raised through Shen Ye were also very interesting. His story is... heartbreaking. I don't know how to put it any other way. When you think of what he's been through, your heart will ache. He's a pretty dual character, very childlike and vulnerable in some aspects but at the same time he's very solid. I would be a total wreck if I were him. However I think the way they handled his character and his arc was insufficiently developed and underwhelming. That's too bad because I think they really have something unique there.

Xu Tong Sheng suffers more or less from the same problems. Supposedly, his character arc is the glue that brought and kept the three of them together and his quest for truth is the main point of interest for the plot. In that sense he's technically the "protagonist". I think. Yet he's the least developed and likeable of the three. He is likeable. But he's pretty much unsurprising. Which can make him appear less interesting than the other two. At the same time, it also kind of makes sense that he's this way and I think this makes up for his seemingly one-dimensional nature. In my opinion. Still I expected a somewhat more emotional conclusion and release to his story and his trauma.

As a group, they work great. I loved their interactions and reunions. They grew in trust and affection for each other but sadly their final conclusion was terribly lacking. So that part was also disappointing - because I think this was the most important thing in the entire story. Their unique bond deserved much more.

On the external aspects of this drama, all actors do their job well, including side characters. Dai Xu is very good, Cai Wen Jing is also wonderful. I love the way they played with lights, shadows and colours. I think this drama is very beautiful. There's nothing too extravagant but I'd say it's clean and efficient. The OST is great. I also really loved the little fire safety videos during the end credits.

So yeah. I definitely recommend this drama for its many good points, ideas, its characters and their relationships. But I also want to warn you that, chances are, you may feel like it falls short of whatever you may have hoped for in its conclusion.

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Unexpectedly gripping!

This is my first drama of the three leads and i’d say, i am quite impressed that for a drama i’ve heard nothing about previously, with leads that i’d never watched before, turns out i really enjoyed this this much.

First of all, i found that the concept of a joint force between a criminal police, a fire investigator and a forensic doctor was such a fresh concept for me and unexpectedly, this works! Everyone played a vital role to the force and were all equally contributing without one overshadowing the others. The cases kept me well interested, and sometimes i find myself unable to pick a place to stop (and thus making it a marathon. Again. Lol). Kudos to the writers.

The two actors did well balancing each other, i can say that i came to enjoy their acting mostly for their pure acting (since it was not at all influenced by visuals this time. Lol). Not that they are not handsome, but both of their visuals are not really my cup of tea atm. 😅 However, i truly enjoyed getting to know the FL though. Her characters and the way she carry herself really fits the character of a forensic doctor. She appears matured and well thought, and not to mention gorgeous in the police get up. All in all, i can say that it has been a long time since i dont find any fault in FL character in dramas.

Overall, this is a well executed mystery investigation dramas with platonic relationship between the trio of 2 ML and 1FL. No nonsense love triangle (and surprisingly non of the bromance trope as well, only bruh friendship/camaraderie between the 2 ML). I was laughing along with tongsheng and shen ye during the part when they tried to persuade Jin Chun out of her depression , so pure bruh attitude! Hahaha.

The villains were also well executed, be it shen yi or Han Pei. Both are carried all the way to the end, rather than being cut off halfway to make way for leads’ love story etc.

Overall, i’d say that i was surprised to be unexpectedly liking the series as much as i did. Good job actors and writers!

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story is well written

the fire incidents and car accidents, the different characters and story line are connected well in the end . however the story does not end well.i am sure someone has posted spoilers but i don’t want to. I was not happy with the ending . if the story ending was something different I would have given this show a higher rating . the forsenics and police working together was portrayed well. good variety of villains . some small injuries and bit of blood , but nothing brutal.First time for me to watch BTS on IQYI . I was a bit surprised the female lead decided to quit her job at some point and wanted to persue studying again .

Music is not a big part of this show . Tracks are few and rare .

I would say show does not have much rewatch value because of the ending .

Some where around episode you feel it’s the end of the show because there is a major climax , but the remaining episodes are used pretty well to explain the story further and some flash back and back story is there .

I really like Chinese fire fighter shows but this has a mid rating .. “light chaser rescue” “a date with the future” was much better

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Strong cast 100% bais

I can't say I loved the story as there are plenty parts where I didn't agree with the logic flow. Some of the twists weren't really compelling either. However, the story is still above average crime dramas, and I loved the concept of arson + murder investigations.

Mainly I watched this for: Actor Dai Xu!!!!!
I try to watch every drama of his ever since his 2017 drama Burning Ice. I love his voice, his micro expressions, & he's execution of every character. Such an underrated actor IMO.
Leon Zhang is also consistent in his acting.
The bromance between the 2 was one of my favorite part. Well worth watching if you are fan of any of the actors however it definitely did not need to be 38 episodes.

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Decent story about crime investigation, but the acting was okay. Leon Zhang was bad in this drama.

Unnatural Fire is a police/firefighters crime drama about a team of policemen, firefighters, and CSIs trying to solve mysterious cases that link to the death of Xu Tong Sheng, a fireman's parents, 18 years ago.

Leon Zhang's acting was terrible in this drama. The second ML, Dai Xu, acted better. Elvira Cai's acting is okay in this drama but not her best. When Shen Yi died, the story should have just ended there. Instead, it dragged on and involved Jin Chun (Elvira Cai's character) and her relationship with Han Pei/Han Jun, which made the ending so stupid that her character died from smoke inhalation.

There was no romance between the main CPs, but the story was interesting. It is watchable, but I would not give it a high recommendation.

Synopsis: Xu Tong Sheng, a passionate and intelligent young fireman, joins the fire brigade's arson team to continue investigating the people he feels were responsible for the deaths of his parents 18 years earlier. There, he meets Shen Ye, the captain of the criminal police, and reconnects with Jin Chun, a forensic coroner known for her skills in uncovering the truth. Together, at the request of Xu Tong Sheng, they become a formidable team. Through multiple investigations, this threesome sees that there is more to the arson cases than meets the eye and that conspiracies run deep. Can they find the truth and get the justice they seek before they become engulfed in the unnatural fire?

My Reviews:
1. Acting: 7
2, Script: 8
3, Music/OST: 6
4, Production Quality: 7
5. Cinematography: 6.0
6. Rewatchable: 7
7. On-Screen Chemistry: 4

Overall Rating: 6.5

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Excellent except for unnecessary death

Chinese drama really really should STOP the useless death in their drama for some spurious tear jerking "mandatory criteria"which totally doesn't contribute to the story. Nor does it enhance the enjoyment of the story. If anything it totally TURNED people OFF

Other than episode 38 where the characters acted a bit stupidly and the death is totally unnecessary, it's actually a very good drama. I have downgraded from 10 to 8 because of this. In fact I may not be able to recommend it because of this episode. All Chinese producers need to understand this point and STOP it!!!!there are times when a death is important in the story but NOT here, and not just random for the fun of it

This is unlike the usual police mystery in that there's additional arson . The cases are fresh and interesting. I learned a lot about arson and chemistry. It's also packed full of lessons eg the domestic violence,the weird father son controlling relationship etc etc

Do watch it as you will enjoy it but edit out stupid event in episode 38

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One of the Best Bromances This Year!!

Two strong bromance actors paired together in one crime thriller, that’s the highlight of this show!

The first thing that catches your attention as soon as the series start is Leon Zhang’s lean appearance and mellow behavior. As compared to his earlier shows (Yes, I’m talking about “My Roommate is a Detective), where he had a rugged approach and fierce mentality, “Unnatural Fire’s” Xu Tong Sheng is far calmer and composed. Nothing fazes him, not even jarred dead bodies. As the newly appointed Adviser in the Fire Investigation Department, he is meticulous and thorough in his proceedings. Something that pairs him opposite Dai Xu’s Shen Ye, the Captain of the Criminal Police Department. If you have watched “Live Surgery Room”, then you would know that bromance is Dai Xu’s forte. Leon Zhang was the one of the main reasons why this genre involved and became popular. He continues the winning streak with “Unnatural Fire” where his camaraderie and refreshing chemistry with Dai Xu is commendable. What is more important is that the other female protagonist Elvira Cai (Jin Chun) doesn’t act as a deterrent in their relationship. In fact, she is close to both main leads and often helps them sort through their misunderstandings.

Read the complete article here-

https://the-bl-xpress.com/2025/05/29/unnatural-fire-series-review-ep-1-to-38/

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As long as you did it, there would be traces

This drama centers around solving arson-related cases. While one overarching mystery runs through the entire series, each episode also features individual case stories, each with its own intriguing plot and emotional depth.

Xu Tongsheng lost both of his parents in a fire explosion. Although the case was officially closed as an accident, he has always believed it was murder. Driven by this conviction, he becomes a fire investigator in hopes of uncovering the truth about what really happened that day.

After the loss of his parents, Xu was sent to an orphanage, where he met Jin Chun. Her mother runs the orphanage, and the two essentially grew up together like siblings. Jin Chun later becomes a coroner for the police.

At the start of the first case, Xu Tongsheng crosses paths with police officer Shen Ye. To his shock, Shen Ye turns out to be He Xi—his childhood friend who he believed had perished in the same fire that killed his parents.

As a result of the increasing number of fire-related incidents, a joint task force is created between the fire investigation unit and the police department. Xu Tongsheng, Jin Chun, and Shen Ye (He Xi) become an unshakable trio—an “iron triangle”—working together to solve cases and uncover the hidden truth behind the past.

What makes this drama particularly special to me, beyond the well-written and well-acted case stories, is the absence of romance between the three leads. Instead, it focuses on pure camaraderie and genuine friendship—something that is rarely seen in Chinese dramas and therefore feels especially refreshing.

Rather than romantic entanglements, the story puts the spotlight on parent-child relationships, such as the complex relationship between Jin Chun and her mother or between Shen Ye (He Xi) and his “father.”

That said, there are still a few subtle moments where one could find themselves shipping Xu Tongsheng and Shen Ye (He Xi)—but it's never the main focus. The emotional tension and trust between them are portrayed in a way that leaves space for interpretation, which adds even more depth to their connection.

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