The Imperial Coroner Season 2

Just watch Young Blood 2 instead.

Imperial Coroner 2 is a sequel that should not have been made. It is missing the charm and narrative focus of Season 1, which was a cool, largely plot-driven "how-did-it" kind of ancient crime-solving story. Season 2 attempts to better flesh out the beloved investigative team but fails to do so in a way that resonates. This character-driven digression comes at the cost of the cases, which lack tension and suspense and skimp on Season 1's stylish, visually impactful illustrations of forensic clues. The sloppy and juvenile writing is a rude shock after Season 1's narrative consistency and meticulous attention to detail.

This season picks up three years later, with Chu Chu now married to Xiao Jinyu—an unconventional commandery princess in name and a hardworking imperial coroner in fact. While I appreciate the attempt to flesh out and age the titular character, it is not done well. Chu Chu's mature styling is nice, but her lips turn down in a discontented expression that suggests she did not find marital bliss. She whines bafflingly about her unfulfilled aspirations to be a coroner—when that is actually what she does, with the full understanding and support of her husband. Her petty grievances ("oh poor me, I have to be a commandery princess when all I want to do is prod corpses and bask in the odor of rotting flesh all day") and pity party are not just boring; they are tone-deaf and at odds with the genuine suffering of the truly powerless women of low societal status featured in the early female-themed cases.

After three years of marriage, the romance is still stuck in the tiresome courtship and repeated misunderstanding phase. Just divorce already, please! As for Jing Yi and Leng Yue, if their henpecked husband/abusive wife routine is supposed to be funny, the misguided attempt at humor comes off as banal, and borderline offensive. While the full cast from Season 1 reunites, their dynamic and rapport are just not the same.

As for the cases, there is one overarching plot that ties together all the subplots. Of these, the only case that really stuck with me was the young monk's story. That child actor, Shi Hengyi, moved me to tears. The main Nanzhou arc is the biggest disappointment—it is much more spy vs spy than ancient CSI. There is no real mystery, as the identity of the allegedly hidden master spy is not hidden. And anyone who watched Young Blood 2 would immediately recognize this as a dumbed-down knockoff of that drama's main plot—down to the styling, culture and internal and external political conflict of the enemy kingdom. Minus the exciting action scenes, humorous dialogue, and top-notch ensemble rapport, of course. The finale is anti-climatic and unsatisfying.

So do yourself a favor and just watch Young Blood 2 instead. You can thank me for watching this so that you don't have to.

I rate this 6/10 for daring to so blatantly knock off something pretty good only to make it a lot worse.

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Total Departure from S1 & A Completely Miscast Main Antagonist.

I wanted to watch this because it was S2 from S1 which had been a sleeper hit. The main actors were the same and though time passed, it would be just as good, right? Sadly not. It was a complete departure from S1 with a completely miscast main antagonist. This will be one of those reviews where pros and cons will be mixed together.

The story started strong just like normal, with a case and had the fab 4 plus big bro helping out. But then things begin to slide downwards. Though it's understandable that in 3 drama years both of the fab 4 couples would be married, they didn't have to make their husband such simps around their wives. ML was still as whip smart as ever but because the enemy was now a different country it seemed like they were constantly missing something. It didn't help that there was a spy called Peacock that came literally out of nowhere. He was the leader of the spy network deeply entrenched in their capital which they only figured out as time went on. If in season one, we had an understanding of who the main antagonist was and he fit the mold, in season two we needed Jack the Ripper by the time he revealed all of the atrocities (skinning people alive, whipping them with the same whip that was used on him when he was a child, or feeding them poisonous bugs until they incubated long enough to burst out of the stomachs and kill others; very The Mummy or Species diabolical) he was responsible for but instead we got friendly Joe from next door who mows your lawn and gets paid in chump change. This particular actor has never played a real antagonist; always as a protagonist in modern or costume dramas so to stick him in a role so complex was absolutely was unbelievable, I don't know what production and casting was thinking. He could scheme sure so could play the role of a small villain but not the ultimate villain; it was truly laughable by then. Especially the issues in continuity where in his last scene, one minute there was no blood on his dagger, the next there was, and it kept going back forth, the other actors delayed reactions or movements was lazy editing. And his ending, with the academy award speech before thrusting the knife into his own heart or stomach, was so even more anticlimactic than the rest of it. Truly eye-roll worthy.

I also don't understand how the emperor of Da Tang could constantly listen and obey orders from an envoy of different country like the guy had any real power; fatso as I called him; now he could have played the ultimate villain. But we spent the first half of the show one step forwards two back because the enemy was with them all the time. No one would believe he could be the biggest threat because he just didn't have the personality for it even when it was revealed he was Peacock. It wasn't spoken about again; all this time trying to find this spy and by the time it was realized, it was forgotten. After they finally found some upper ground with the fake syphilis and started bringing down the network, they were sent to join big bro, who still acted the same and I wish had more screen time to weed out what we learned was the poisonous bug network and he too ended up with a love interest but sadly that wasn't properly explored. It just seemed on a case by case bases if there even was such a thing, things were buried and not properly clarified or just forgotten. Or why did CC's dad suddenly appear out of nowhere, with no warning in the middle of nowhere, so he could get kidnapped and than CC was as well; it just didn't make sense. These type of instances happened a lot. Or when the big web unraveled it was one giant conspiracy with several minds behind it but again the one that mattered just didn't hit the bar. The killing of two characters especially the guard was sad.

I also wish the ending was different; exit out characters, don't leave them hanging or poof like big bro and his woman. Also wish instead of another imperial decree, they showed the leads with kids as opposed to them making plans to travel while the second couple was going to get married again. It just felt incomplete; like even production gave up on it.

We did have a higher budget, some decent comedy, decent OSTs, nice costumes, and sets.

Would I recommend it? Honestly unless you want to see the progression of the Fab 4, no. It just didn't have the same uniqueness and difference from so many other shows. It seemed lazy on production's part and it could have been a great show.

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This drama knew what it wanted to do and it delivered.

The thing about this drama is that it knows the story it wants to tell. It's not episodic (so there's an overarching mystery), and the risk or challenge with putting out a non-episodic mystery drama is whether you can keep the audience engaged and convince them that yes, this is the story we're going with. Personally, I think the drama held the fort down and allowed itself a graceful exit.

What I Liked:
1) The characters—both the protagonists and the antagonists (some).
Our protagonists have experienced a three-year timeskip and we see them happily married. I've always liked the dynamics of the main four, and while they're the same, I still think there's depth to them. They still feel fleshed out enough even if they're just good guys. We can see what makes them tick, what makes them cry, what makes them motivated. One criticism I've seen is that Chu Chu was too obsessed or "societally tone deaf" with being a coroner, like it's been regurgitated as a line throughout the show. The funny thing is, this repetitive reference to her identity IS addressed in a later episode, and Chu Chu herself learns (or re-learns, since this was a dilemma in S1, too) that being a coroner is not what is important, but being able to help people. So, it's intentional storytelling that her obsession is something that serves as a stepping stone for character development.

The villains (some) have won me over. They started as typical villains - the sleazy foreign ambassador (Gao Luoqian), the dumb foreign prince, the corrupt local officials, the deceptive one, and the ones from S1 who made a comeback. Gao Luoqian, in particular, is not as domineering and mad as the eunuch Qin Luan from S1, but his slimy delivery of words was enough to frustrate me. S1 "antagonists" also have their "time to shine" moments. I appreciate how the story treated them in S2, short of spoiling why or how.

2) The fact that there was an overarching mystery—It's always interesting to figure out which parts in the earlier episodes are actually foreshadowing elements of the bigger plot.

3) The soundtrack—I think both the OP 《执光者》("Lightbearer") by 毛潇曼 and ED 《不易》 ("Not Easy") by 陆瑶 were chosen and used well not just as OP and ED but as insert songs in a lot of scenes, but my fave song is the insert song 《共渡》("Through It Together") by 池约翰CJ. The other parts of the OST as well, the ones which didn't have words, a lot of which were used in S1, are as distinct as ever.

4) The comedic moments
5) The sad moments—One character death in particular had the right impact for me.
6) The sweet moments

^ It seems that I just like a lot of the bits of the story, don't I?

7) The progression from episode 15 onward

What I Didn't Like:

1) The "dis"continuity in the timeskip.
We have a three-year timeskip but there was something in the way that the story opened that the interactions and conflicts feel like it's only been weeks/months since S1. There are some characters that show animosity to our protagonists that time would've/should've weeded out, there are some characters from S1 who should be in S2 that don't appear at all for no good explanation when a recast is simple or otherwise reappear too late in the story (unless it was just a cameo).

2) One case overstayed its welcome.
I think one case took too long to solve so the pace seemed "slow" mostly because our protagonists were left in the dark a bit longer than I would've prefered.

3) The casting of You Chen'an
I think he was effective enough, but I'm sure there could've been a better choice, and maybe this better choice would've made all the difference.

4) The haters
LOL jk. I mean, I don't know why this sequel has invited quite a number of trolls or ragebaiters. If S2 had been as flawless as S1, which I admit it's not, they'd have no ammo against this show honestly.

The actual 4) I AM TRYING TO THINK OF A NUMBER 4 TO BE FAIR BUT I CAN'T THINK OF ANY RIGHT NOW. I'll leave this blank and see if I can find something else I disliked about the show after a proper rewatch.

But as you can tell, I think S2 delivered. As I've said at the start, the crew (director/scriptwriters/etc) knew what story they were going with, and that's evident with the 28 episode count. They knew that they wanted to portray certain characters this way and what principles they wanted to explore at the risk of sounding preachy.

It has been a fun ride and I have absolutely no reservations recommending this drama.

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Autopsy Ever After

If season one was about sparks flying in the courtroom and the autopsy room, season two is about what happens after the “I do.” The Imperial Coroner Season 2 follows the married life of the ever composed Prince An, Xiao Jin Yu, and the brilliant imperial coroner Chu Chu. Now juggling careers, marriage, and rising responsibilities, they team up once again with the young talents of the Three Judicial Offices to crack mysterious cases and maintain peace in the Tang Dynasty.

Right from episode one, the drama makes it easy to slip back into its world. The recap is short, clear, and genuinely helpful, even giving a quick refresh on the characters without dragging. Still, not everyone makes a strong re entrance. Xiao Jin Yu, Jing Yi, and Leng Yue feel a little muted at first, while Chu Chu ends up standing out the most. She feels noticeably more mature this season, from her calmer demeanor to her more refined tone of speech. It is a subtle shift, but it works. That said, I cannot lie, I do miss her iconic bangs.

As the story settles, the dynamics start to shine again. Leng Yue wastes no time reminding us why she is that girl. Her fight scenes flow so smoothly they almost feel effortless. Now married to Jing Yi, their relationship is equal parts adorable and hilarious. She leads with quiet authority while he happily clings along, and somehow it just works. In fact, this season flips expectations in a fun way. The women are strong, decisive, and career driven, while the men take on a more supportive, occasionally clingy role.

The show also keeps many of its signature elements, which is a huge plus. The reenactment role play scenes are back, still dramatic and slightly theatrical in the best way. The autopsy graphics remain clear and engaging, making each case easy to follow. Even the POV narration at the start of episodes returns, adding a familiar storytelling rhythm. Solving cases with this team feels a bit like playing a mystery simulation game, where every clue is laid out just a little too perfectly. Sometimes a bit too perfectly, like that oddly flawless footprint early on.

Romance, however, takes a different route this time. Since the couples are already married, the tension that made season one so exciting is mostly gone. At first, it feels a little flat. Sweet, but predictable. Yet as the episodes go on, the charm slowly creeps back in through smaller, quieter moments. A simple act like Jin Yu washing Chu Chu’s feet, then gently washing hers right after, becomes unexpectedly endearing. By the time we get to his drunken hug, it is hard not to smile. It may not give butterflies, but it gives warmth.

What truly strengthens their relationship is the trust they have in each other. Even when rumors try to stir trouble, neither of them wavers. The real conflict comes not from jealousy, but from their roles and responsibilities. When Jin Yu removes Chu Chu from a dangerous case, it initially feels frustrating and even unprofessional. Their reactions seem off, and the tension lingers awkwardly. But once Chu Chu’s perspective becomes clear, everything clicks into place. She is not upset about the danger itself, but about being treated as someone to protect rather than someone capable. That shift adds depth to their relationship and makes their reconciliation all the more satisfying.

Among the male characters, Jing Yi quietly steals the spotlight. There is something about his mix of competence, loyalty, and slightly clingy husband energy that makes him incredibly appealing. Yang Ting Dong brings a charm to the role that feels both playful and dependable. Xiao Jin Yu, portrayed by Wang Zi Qi, remains solid and composed, but the writing does not give him as many standout moments this time. It feels less like an acting issue and more like a missed opportunity in the script.

Then comes You Chen An, a character who adds intrigue the moment he appears. His presence brings a layer of unpredictability that keeps things interesting. You are constantly wondering where he stands. Zhang Chen Xiao does well in key moments, especially when leaning into the character’s darker side, though his performance still feels like it is finding its footing. The character itself has a tragic and compelling background, but the buildup is not quite strong enough to fully support his role as the main antagonist.

The emotional beats of the story are a mix of impactful and rushed. Wu Jiang’s death feels both heartbreaking and unnecessary, while Chu He’s journey takes a surprising turn. He starts off frustrating, almost like a walking headache, but ultimately redeems himself in a deeply tragic way. His sacrifice hits hard, especially knowing it was driven by love and loyalty. The connection between him and You Chen An also carries a certain warmth that could have been explored more. There are also moments of unexpected humor that keep things light. One scene in particular, where Jing Yi is left hanging upside down while everyone else calmly investigates, feels so absurd that it becomes genuinely funny. It is these small, chaotic touches that give the drama its personality.

That said, the flaws become more noticeable as the story progresses. Some emotional scenes lack impact, particularly from Su Xiao Tong, who excels in portraying Chu Chu’s intelligence but feels more restrained in heavier moments. Certain arcs, like the surgery storyline or Xiao Jin Li and Luo Yan’s relationship, carry strong ideas but feel rushed in execution. The biggest issue lies in the overall structure. This season does not quite feel like a full sequel. The central conflict lacks weight, and when the main villain’s plan finally unfolds, the payoff feels underwhelming. The resolution comes too easily, almost as if the tension built up over many episodes dissolves in an instant. Even the ending for the main characters feels surprisingly basic, especially after everything they have been through.

And yet, despite all these shortcomings, the drama remains an enjoyable watch. It may not fully pull you into its world, but it keeps you entertained enough to stay. It is the kind of show you turn on when you want something light, familiar, and just engaging enough without demanding too much attention. In the end, The Imperial Coroner Season 2 feels less like a grand continuation and more like an extended chapter. Not as impactful as the first, but still charming in its own way.

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Your favourite band reformed after years . . . but as a cover band?!

If you read comments about this show you will see the following reframe again and again. "I loved the first season, but . . "

Yeah, I am one of them. If you read my original review from 2021, you will see how I raved about it and gave it a 9. It was well deserved as it was like a breath of fresh air. It was low budget, a bit rough around the edges, but it was visionary and the show delivered.

I was excited when I found out there will be a S2 and the same actors are reprising their roles! Hallelujah! While the beginning of the second season looks promising, the longer I watched, the more despondent I became.

Don't get me wrong. It is not a bad show. Quite to the contrary. All the actors have matured, and the production has been given a decent budget which is put to good use. These are all good things. Any first-time viewer will have little to complain about. What triggered me goes deeper than that.

I hate to say this; the show is now just another historical melodrama. What happened to the fresh ideas and chemistry between the couples? It is like watching power couples going through their daily grind. High power, high stress, but not very relatable.

The FL is now the imperial coroner, huzzah! She is good at her job too. The ML is the respected head of the justice department. Their good friends are still there and doing important job. Both couples have been married for 3 years. It would be great if this is a quick recap before another grand adventure.

What we got instead is what I would call "a storm in a giant teacup". There is so much happening, yet it is centred on just one main plot involving a key set of “actors”. There is a lot of scheming and plotting but the antagonists are known and their motives are cliché. We watch their ghastly shenanigans unfold and then watch our leads try to solve the puzzles methodically. It sounds good on paper, right?

While our leads act well, their characters are no longer fresh. Firstly, their roles are now set in stone. Secondly, there is none of the original "will they, won't they" dynamics. They are married couples now. There is a distinct lack of skinship as well. Sure, they are loved up, but there is not a lot of intimacy. See my reference to power couples.

Thirdly, we have the crime solving. It is well crafted and mapped out with great care. I can't help but feel they went a bit overboard though. It is like a Bermuda Triangle of tropey subplots.

Never in the field of Chinese costume drama has so much happened to so few. This could have been their finest hours. (Sigh)

I'm not saying it doesn't work. We do see glimpses of its former glory in the last few eps. As a whole, it is . . predictable. It is as if your favourite band reformed after years . . . but as a cover band! :(

In the end, I don't dislike this show. It is a solid outing. I'm glad that I get to see the next phase of their lives. The bigger budget certainly gives the show a more polished look. I'm thankful that there are no break-ups nor Big White Chariot of Doom™. I just can't help but feel let down by the safe route they took.

Maybe it does mirror reality. The excitement of a new romance fades and is replaced by married life weighed down by mortgage stress and school runs. Peace.

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My beloved Chu Chu..

I'm glad they did a season 2.. waited and I'm happy 💜 Appreciated that they used everyone from the original cast in season 1.. ok lets get to this review..
First let me just say season 1 and season 2 were both a great watch.. if you are looking for a smooth not so complicated watch.. this series is good. The detective work.. the analysis.. and how they came up with their solutions and deductions were all interesting. No cheesy acting. No extra fluff or filler scenes. The story and cases didn't drag or drive us in unnecessary circles. No annoying characters. The characters were simple and likeable. The love stories between the lead couple and 2nd leads are light and endearing. No extra characters trying to break up anyone.. thank goodness.. so tired of that in most shows. This series is not big on all the flashy fancy shmancy high budget stuff and maybe thats what makes this series more appealing. I would highly recommend this show to anyone who wants to watch a great detective-ish show without it being too serious or wants something that wont give yourself high blood pressure with the storylines.. Would I rewatch it? Yes i would. You get attached to the characters.. especially my cute Chu Chu 💜

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Temporada tristemente innecesaria

A este drama le tenía mucho cariño porque la primera temporada fue increíble, llena de casos misteriosos y complejos, y con este equipo increíble que trabajando juntos lograban resolverlos y salir de todas las adversidades que se les presentaban; pensé que está segunda temporada iba a estar igual o mejor, pero lamentablemente decayó muchísimo.

A los personajes principales que son Chu Chu y el príncipe An, al igual que a sus amigos Leng Yue y Jing Yi les seguí teniendo el mismo cariño, porque son personas grandiosas; pero siento que está historia no les permitió brillar de la misma manera, los casos llegaban a ser aburridos e incluso repetitivos, no había algo que te tuviera en expectativa y suspenso, y el villano principal fue muy predecible, a veces pasaban cosas interesantes, pero como pasaba tanto tiempo de un evento importante a otro, ya ni les prestabas demasiada atención cuando ocurrían.

Los últimos episodios se pusieron algo más entretenidos y emocionantes, pero de todas maneras no compensaba que en toda la serie, no se sostuvo este ambiente.

Sinceramente prefiero quedarme con el lindo recuerdo de la primera temporada, que a pesar de tener menor presupuesto, tenía más corazón y entusiasmo, incluso el episodio extra de la boda de Jing Yi y Leng Yue fue mejor que toda la segunda temporada junta; así que les aconsejo que solo vean la primera temporada, está no es en absoluto necesaria 🫤🤷🏻‍♀️

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