Under the Skin Season 2

A strong second season with an unexpected ending

I was pleasantly surprised that 'Under the Skin' came back with a second season. But I remember that I did enjoy the first season, and that's saying something as I typically don't enjoy C-dramas. I never realized how much I missed this duo and gang with them solving cases one after another, but I did.

Some of the cases resonated with me, and I wanted to see the outcome of them, while others I was just watching for watching sake. The bromance is definitely so strong in this series that I sometimes became flabbergasted at what the ML's were saying to each other as well as when Shen Yi and Fang Kai were sharing the screen together. I was happy at the ending of some of the cases as they were able to solve them and shocked at others due to what happened to the victims, to name a few things. But, all in all, it was still a good series.

Now, what has thrown me off is the unexpexted ending—this series ends in a cliffhanger. I don't even know if there are plans for a third season, but I am over here hoping for one, as I need to know the outcome of that ending that I just watched.

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Overall decent, with some interesting cases, but a drop from the prior season

I enjoyed the first season, as the show felt distinct, even if the Shen Yi character at times seems to be a human version of the famed "Enhance!" button trope. The relationship between the two leads was at the heart of that show, and given the way their relationship evolved so dramatically in the first season, it wasn't clear how the relationship would work in a second season.

And, honestly, the relationship didn't work. Shen Yi just goes in his own direction, leaving Du Cheng and friends to guess what the heck he is up to. While the acting performances are all solid, the script just breaks the two apart in ways that wouldn't make a lot of sense for people who supposedly take their jobs seriously. As a consequence, some of the resolutions for cases are disappointing, particularly the case with the psychopath girl.

The cases themselves were generally interesting to analyze, although the grand finale is tedious. That's the case where we go even deeper into Shen Yi's head, and by the end I was just annoyed with the star cop of Beijiang, the guy who makes this cop show unique. There is a cliffhanger ending, and I'm not that interested, because while the stand-alone plots generally have been good, the over-arching mythology plot looks maxed-out to me.

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Together like a compass

A drama that exceeded my expectations. As we usually know, a second season of a series could ruin the emotions, thrill given by first season but, as for me, season 2 of UTS (Under The Skin) made me like the drama even more and look forward to the story they will reveal in season 3.

Plot and story combine themselves really well together. As known already, the plot revolves around "finding" criminals & uncover the truth. But as for acting, it has been one of the aspects that made me shocked.

One of the most important scenes that made me go "WOOOW", scared and at the same time astonished was the episode 20 where they were trying to discover the crime about "Dragon and Phoenix bringing prosperity". He acted his role perfectly. The way his acting expressed multiple emotions throughout his explanations to the criminal. The smile, the laugh, the look, the screaming and especially the creepy smile at the end when he asked the criminal who should he replace the victim with and just said to replace her while looking in the mirror, made me think that he was indeed the criminal. This will be one of the scenes that I won't ever forget.

Besides this, the story & the plot wanted to unfold the friendship between Shen Yi & Du Cheng, and them being able to trust each other. This was possible throughout the end of the story. As said by Shen Yi, they are like a compass, something that cannot be separable from each other.

There is nothing more to say other than that UTS is a drama which made me really invested into it, especially since I'm not a fan of these genres of dramas. Can't wait to see what story they're going to reveal in season 3 since it has been confirmed that there's going to be one.
I really recommend you watching it and I am sure you won't regret it.

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WOW

All I can say is that this drama was incredible from start to finish.

I was captivated in episode 1 and every episode thereafter became more complex, more interesting and kept my attention the entire time.

Tan Jianci has elevated himself to an incredibly talented and diverse actor in this drama. Every bit of confusion, sadness, anger and hopelessness was not only on his face, but in his eyes and body language. One particular episode truly allowed him to break out of the ‘nice guy’ role he usually plays in his work, and had me completely entranced with his complexity and charisma. I wont spoil it by elaborating, just be prepared for an incredible performance. I hope the critics who have said he’s not a good actor feel shamed for those words now.

The other leads and supporting cast also did fabulously. They all had their quirks and shortcomings, but work together so well by bringing their talents and gifting to the work of investigating and finding the truth behind crimes.

The one spoiler is that the ending is definitely an open ending leading the viewer to believe a season 3 is out there and believe me, it will be another gripping series.

*****WATCH THIS!!!!!*****

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10/10 no notes

I hope we get a season 3 (please, please, please) because that cliffhanger was so freaking mean and I try to tell myself it was a bad dream but anyway...

Du Cheng and Shen Yi are brilliantly written characters and JSJ and TJC are both amazing actors. They compliment each other brilliantly and the chemistry between them is great. I love how different they are but they share the same core value and seeing them grow together from s1 to s2 was just such a joy to watch.

The cases again were interesting and well written, although towards the end there were some flaws in terms of logic and continuity. That opera case... how did Shen Yi get the cutouts to the crime scene? On his bike? When did he make all them in the short amount of time? Art takes time people. But those things aside I enjoyed s2 as much as I enjoyed the first one. It's like coming home to the family you missed. I really really hope we get one more season!

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Tan Jianci and Jin Shijia return as the crime fighting duo

While Forensic Art is still the focal point of most investigations, this time we dig deeper into Shen Yi’ as he empathizes or tries to better understand the psychology of the criminals.
Shen Yi’s idealism is charming. Perhaps all credit goes to Tan Jianci.
The show also identifies the kinds of mental health issues that result from the lawlessness that poorly navigates the technological advances of the 21st century

“I don’t want to draw just their faces and personalities, I want to draw their hearts”

Tan Jian Ci has perfected the act of “Shen Yi”. He is brilliant especially when he’s given free rein to run through the entire gallery of emotions. He hogs the spotlight thanks to the direction of narrative and themes. I was left speechless by his bold rendition, Tan Jian Ci has really come a long way indeed!

Shen Yi: "You sacrificed other people's lives to break out of the cocoon and become a butterfly, but in the end you can only be trapped in your own cocoon. You want to trample on the lives of others and ascend to heaven to become a god, but your final end must be falling into dust."

Tan Jianci's portrayal of Shen Yi in the criminal investigation drama "Hunting Crime Picture Book" series has achieved a breakthrough character due to its complexity and Tan Jianci's immersive acting skills.
As a genius portrait artist, Shen Yi has both the sharp insight of an artist and the professional rationality of a criminal policeman.

In the play, he shows his multifaceted nature of wandering on the edge of genius and paranoia through "using madness to defeat madness".
During interrogation, his eyes are as sharp as a knife. When solving cases, he is focused on details. When facing the abyss of human nature, he reveals a sense of brokenness.

Tan Jianci deeply interprets the psychological changes of the character through detailed acting skills such as pupil trembling eyes and micro-expressions. It is simply a "microscope performance"

The show does not give up focusing on empathetic stories, the ones that will make you cry and feel aggrieved!
The cast is incredible competent and with chemistry and charisma

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Spectacular!!!!

As a big fan of Under The Skin 1 and Eagerly waited for this S2 and It is finally here and I am 100% satisfied with this , My god what a performance by Tan Jian ci - I just Love him . I was literally waiting for the stories which depicts art and at the same time crimes . When I saw S1 , I thought Stories were not that simple and one of the reason for waiting S2 and of course I have mention Jin Shi jia , His acting and character is also what I like in this drama , This time they showed the personal details / Stories of other characters which I Love . The new character (Fang Kai yi) is also very special this time and he is good Looking and I particularly I liked his dress code. I Loved the OST's This time and Finally , I really Suggest This drama If anyone is yet to see , Both 1 & 2 Seasons .

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Truly "Under the Skin": a deeper dive into human psychology

Long awaited second season turned out to be a surprise because it is very different from the first one. It brings something new and I really enjoyed the story.
The season one introduced us to how art can help in solving cases, like drawing portraits of criminals and suspects, restoration of appearance based on the skull etc. and told us how portraitist Shen Yi and police captain Du Cheng met, became colleagues and close friends and resolved their personal conflict. The sequel is focused on complexity and unpredictability (or is it predictability?) of human nature. Just like S1 it raises a lot of social issues, but further explores inner conflicts, topics of personal goals and fulfillment and boundaries of what is acceptable. Detective work combined with art and psychology like this is impressive. I won't go into too much detail, just want to say that S2 glued me to the screen as much as S1 and left me in awe of Tan Jianci's phenomenal acting. Shen Yi, powerful but compassionate, strong but gentle, with his inner demons and obsessions. Amazing performance! And what about his relationship with Du Cheng? Solid. Full of trust and care about each other. Unbreakable even when that conflict in the last episodes threatened to separate them.
"You like to fly in the sky, and I prefer running on the ground."
"I will follow you in the sky no matter where you run to... I will always be your best trump card".
I love their duo so much.
So Under the Skin S1 and S2 are unique in their own way, with different emphases. Perhaps this can explain why the rating of S2 here is a bit lower, but frankly I don't think the sequel is worse. Quite the contrary, I believe it's a level-up. Can't wait for season 3, because that cliffhanger in the end is intriguing!

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