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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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, searching the right path is... wow... just wow. 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 suspenseful cliffhanger in the end literally made my jaw drop!

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Worth the wait for S2!

Under the Skin is a gem, both S1 and S2. I'm really glad they kept the original cast and S2 opens up with all familiar faces. Seeing all the cases unfold before my eyes, it seems like the team has leveled up somehow.
The cases are complicated, intriguing and engaging multiple truths of life. I can't imagine anyone else playing Shen Yi except TCJ. He is amazing in every role and that deep voice really suits the character, he's calm, gentle and kind.
Just finished watching the 3-4 episode and omg I have no words for it. The case was good, nothing too complicated, but the FEELS! I was crying throughout the two episodes. Really beautifully done! The fact that just an episode before Shen Yi had told Du Cheng that he wants to draw what's in the hearts of people and not just their faces, this episode was proof of it! In such a short time he was able to understand the secrets between Yun Lei and the kid! Just this episode alone could win an award fr!
I still have to watch more episodes, but honestly this season 2 has been worth the wait! Tbh you don't have to watch S1 to understand what's going on here. I think even watching it as a stand alone works. S1 definitely had a underlying backstory for Shen Yi and Du Cheng, but S2 isn’t showing much as of now.
Overall for me it's a 10/10 !

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Atuação

Tan jian Ci deu um show novamente com seu personagem Shen Yi. Mostrando que a arte e a psicologia pode ser boas aliadas para os desafios da alma humana.
Suas ações buscam a verdade e a intuição aflorada deixa sempre o sentimento que tudo pode acontecer.
Essa segunda temporada, não me deixou tão agitada/ansiosa para ver os demais capítulos, mas, todavia, no episódio 20 foi espetacular. A mudança de atitude, a ação de atuar mostrou que Tan Jian Ci tem muito a crescer como ator, e totalmente diferente da primeira temporada, onde estava mais quieto. Aqui ele dá a "alma" para a resolução do casos.
Talvez em uma terceira temporada, Shen Yi pode enfim, revelar aquilo que ainda está subjetivo dentro dele.

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