Mobius

A great sci-fi thriller!

Mobius is about the ML, Ding Qi, who experiences time differently compared to most people. On certain days of the year, his day restarts 5 times because of which he can often change things to his advantage. He chooses to work as a police officer and help solve crimes or rather prevent them. On loop days, the 5th loop is his final chance.

The premise is used well and the show opens with a literal bang - an explosion in a bank during a robbery. The show instantly pulls you in with it's great visuals and a fast pace dive into the story including both the positives and negatives of a time loop. Bits of humour are also thrown in. Things are often not as simple as you'd think even with foresight. People are complex and a lot can change when even 1 thing is meddled with. This makes the show extremely interesting.

As the show goes on, we start to explore the cause of the time loops and a case of a biotech company owner being threatened. The case becomes about finding Squid - the person who is making threats and has already killed 2 people at Moma. However the mystery behind all the different characters add layers to the story making it seem much harder to solve. With every loop, Ding Qi learns new facts about how the puzzles fit together and a lot more lives are at stake.

The story and drama are all very interesting and the mystery intriguing and the show makes it worth the watch. The action is also quite good with several hand to hand combat scenes along with shoot outs. There is some romance but not really worth mentioning. I couldn't quite see the chemistry between the leads nor understood why the ML was particularly interested in the FL nor why she entertained him. The other officers were nice characters. No one in particular stood out though.

If we speak about the flaws, although they do explain why people perceive time loops, it doesn't explain the mechanisms. You just have to suspend belief for this aspect. It seems that the finding was incidental. There is also one character that triggered everything else but was left out of the ending. What happened to that person? They didn't really elaborate.

The show is still quite entertaining with great cinematography. It might require a bit of concentration though because if you miss certain moments, you might struggle to follow along. But it isn't that complicated that it would lead to frustration.

The OST for Mobius is also quite good. Definitely adds to the viewing experience. Worth the watch I would say!

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A Very Western Action Thriller

Sitting down to watch Mobius was both a thrilling experience and a slight headache.

Episode one immediately grabs your attention and locks you in; but at the same time the action sequences make little sense beyond to "look nice" and be "thrilling". Somersaults and sideways jumps with bullets blasting are things one would expect to see in your average popcorn action movie, not quite what you think of in a Chinese Web Drama. The constant switch between "Please turn off your brain" and "Please pay close attention so you can follow the plot" meant I could enjoy the show, but I was rolling my eyes and shaking my head often.

One of the personal negatives that I found was that the audience kept being fed tiny bits of details about various side characters sprinkled among the various time loops, and yet we often still learned nothing concrete. Instead everything felt as though you were sitting at a table next to a table where people you know are talking to other people you don't know and hearing bits and pieces of their conversation but not interacting with them at all, just listening. As such, there may be a few stories they talk about where you know the people and the entire story makes sense, and others where you just have the tiny bits that were mentioned and not elaborated on.

While in the end, the main case is solved, some of the small little issues that crept up did not and were left hanging. While there may have been a small montage of scenes where people are shown as a "what happens after" sort of closure, they rang very hollow based on the multiple details learned in each loop. Two characters aren't even mentioned at ALL in the end, even as a quick camera pan, leaving their fates fully and completely unresolved.

One thing I didn't mind was the slight romance aspect. I picked up on the feelings portion between the two characters at the beginning and then followed along in the montage as working in close proximity allowed them to finally become closer without guilt. During the loop days not a lot of time was spent of romantic pursuits because these days would be forgotten so having deep conversations would be mostly worthless. This didn't stop them from still being able to demonstrate their feelings during these loops, even if no words were actually provided, which was nice. And at least he gives more than a handshake.

Ultimately, by the end I was checking to see how much longer I had left in the last episode. When there were no repercussions for that last loops final days outcome beyond those that resulted in the actual apprehension, I tuned out and put it on 2x speed. The final scene made me want to throw phone.

End of day - it's popcorn, not amazing.

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iQiYi did it again with short-series, good story about time revers crime drama. BJT was awesome

Mobius is a time and space crime drama starring Bai Jing Ting, Janice Man, and Song Yang.

Bai Jing Ting's character (Ding Qi) was a skilled detective who utilized his reverse time ability to solve multiple crimes involving murder suspects who also possessed a similar gift.

There were some humorous elements in this short-series drama; however, the romance between him and An Lan (played by Janice Man) was not particularly compelling. Their on-screen chemistry was not good.

Synopsis: In a specific time and space, detective Ding Qi accidentally discovered that he could reverse time and repeat the cycle five times on the same day from time to time. He utilized this superpower to solve numerous challenging cases. One day, a murder notice from suspect X suddenly appeared. Several previous cases of suspected X's perfect committing methods made Ding Qi suspect: X also seems to have the superpower of the time loop. The investigation team, headed by Ding Qi, joined the case investigation. During the investigation, Ding Qi discovered that more and more doubts surround a certain genetic research group. As the investigation deepens, more people become involved, including those close to Ding Qi.

My Reviews:
1. Acting: 8.5
2. Script: 8.5
3. Music/OST: 8
4. Production Quality: 8
5. Cinematography: 8
6. Rewatchable: 8
7. On-Screen Chemistry: 6

Overall Rating: 8

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Reset...BUT x5 Complicated

Time travel stories have always held a particular fascination for me, so I’ll admit my bias upfront. That said, this series distinguishes itself with a refreshing premise and remarkably disciplined storytelling.

Unlike Reset, which revolved around a single repeating event, this drama introduces a five-loop structure where the fifth run is final, leaving no room for further resets. The rules are established with clarity in the opening episodes, setting the stage for a layered narrative that gradually unfolds through two mysterious murders and a high-profile case tied to the CEO of an emerging biotech company.

What makes the loops especially engaging is the element of uncertainty each time one begins. With so many variables in play, even a small change can ripple through the narrative to produce a drastically different outcome. The result is that nothing feels absolute, keeping the audience guessing and on their toes for the entire series: a stimulating experience that truly feels like vitamins for your brain.

At sixteen episodes, the series wastes no time. Each character is carefully fleshed out, their pasts and relationships interwoven into the larger narrative, adding emotional weight as the countdown to the final loop approaches. The meticulous attention to detail in both plotting and execution elevates the story well beyond genre conventions.

For those wary of romance overshadowing the central conflict, rest assured: while romance is present, it remains subtle, never derailing the suspense or the cerebral tension. The production also delivers some beautifully staged action sequences that are as stylish as they are impactful.

In the end, this drama offers more than just entertainment. It challenges the viewer to think, to piece together its intricacies, while still delivering the thrills of a polished sci-fi mystery. For fans of time travel narratives, this is not just a recommendation...IT IS A MUST WATCH!!!

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When man plays god, there's always a price to pay

Firstly, I'd like to say this drama deserves a 10 (at least for me😉). MOBIUS is such a gripping mystery-thriller, sci-fi drama, which will keep you at the edge of your seat EVERY. SINGLE. EPISODE! The plot is complex, with so many twists and surprises. It will make you keep guessing who exactly SQUID is! You know what's fun?✨ It's coming up with many possibilities and discussing different theories with fellow Mobius watchers! - ̗̀(⌯ˊᗜˋ⌯) ̖́- Now onto my humble observations . . . .

Not one cast member showed weaknesses in their acting abilities. My earnest praises go to Ding Qi (Bai Jing Ting), the main protagonist, and Mo Yuan Zhi (Song Yang), the main antagonist. Despite being opposites, their sarcastic banters are what lightens the mood even in serious/de@dly situations. Ding Qi is a skilled police officer, who's de@d serious about his work but can also be a goofy goober at times~ I love his personality, and of course love how handsome he is~(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶) .ᐟ.ᐟ Kyahh! His James Bond-themed undercover attire suits him so well, too!😎✨ Mo Yuan Zhi, on the other hand, had a character decline due to his obsession and grief, in which Prof. Jiang was the trigger to his first downfall. After watching what he went through, I couldn't hate him enough, but that doesn't mean he is forgiven. He should pay for his sins. His unchanging love for Feng Wan Qing would've been admirable if he hadn't gone down the wrong path. What he's done over the years didn't justify his supposedly harmless intentions, which are to revive Wan Qin and save himself.

On the positive side, Ding Qi have supportive teammates who would trust him no matter what. Their bonds are so heartwarming and enviable. They were all "act first, question later". Ding Qi must've been a very reliable and trustworthy cop who worked his way through many obstacles for them to trust him unconditionally. His romantic counterpart, An Lan, is also a lovable and sensible person~ Their romance was subtle, but you can see it in their eyes, their actions, and their trust for each other. She was Ding Qi's light and also his weakness. Ding Qi wasn't afraid of death because he knew he could reset and change destiny. He was testing fate. However, that weakness is what makes our ML value his life, as well as others' lives, more.

"Being with you, I can give up everything else..."___Ding Qi ₍ᐢ⸝⸝› ‹⸝⸝ᐢ₎💕 For A-Qi to decide to give up such a useful power that has always been a part of him for nearly a decade, means An Lan's THAT PRECIOUS to him! He wasn't afraid of death, but now he is, cuz he has someone he has to cherish and protect, someone who will wait for his return, someone he wishes to spend ALL his time with...

MOBIUS presents us with the time-loops that exceed nature's law of order in our mankind, yet it's a natural phenomenon in Ding Qi's world. It poses us with the question, "What would we do if we were in the same situation and held the ability to change the future?🤔" Why these time loops occur is still shrouded in mystery... It's as if the world were a simulation where it resets itself to give second chances; in this case, five of them. It's as if 'the world' itself was asking to take a break, asking for mercy from all the side effects caused by human beings. Who knows, right? It would've been great if we could get an answer to that question to fix things.

MOBIUS is not just a drama; it's a lesson to be learned through our protagonists' and antagonists' experiences.

1. The law of equivalent exchange 💱 ➡ Drastically trying to make changes that defy world order will result in hefty sacrifices. One example is the creation of the RAN drug, followed by human experiments during its incomplete state. (However, the moral compass depends on how these procedures are conducted, the people involved and their true intentions.) Additionally, the most apparent are the side effects that the time loopers have: dangerously shortened life spans. Although RAN was initially created to cure cancer, it became an entirely different drug, which enables the user to become aware of and live through the time loops.

2. One's fate is not to be trifled with ➡ "Guys like us are not afraid of d8@th," were the words Ding Qi said to Ye Kun. Our ML knows things will reset again, and not even d8@th can stop him from doing what he must. However, his rash decisions caused a butterfly effect which led to certain tragedies in the first few loops. The more he tried to fix them, the worse the outcomes got. Mo Yuan Zhi, on the other hand, is the same. Not letting go of Wan Qing even after she's gone, leading to him being delusional that he could revive the d8@d. (Thank GAWD Ding Qi and his team arrested him . . . Otherwise, MYZ's new 'cure' might actually create (time-looping) zombies! I mean, that's how they all start! *phew* ᕕ( ⊙ ⊙ )ᕗ💦)

SO ANYWAYS, the moral of the story is "don't take things for granted and cherish what you have before they disappear someday"...cuz we don't get to redo/reset like Ding Qi or Mo Yuan Zhi. ( > 𐢭 <)

Last but not least, the OSTs are 🔥✨!!! My favourites are "不眠日 (Sleepless Days) - 鱼头 killa4nia (Yu Tou), 脏饼干 (Zang Binggan)" and "Paradise - Journeyy Belton"~ 🎶🎵✨

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It's Deja Vu All Over Again

The romance didn't hit right with me. I didn't understand why the leads were attracted to one another (guilt turned to love?). The only chemistry between them was in the test tubes in the lab. The drama would have been fine without romance, maybe even sharper and crisper. I appreciated the intelligence of the characters, but the loops did start to drag a bit. The ending was jumbled; I wondered if they'd been hoping for a second season, and that's why there were loose ends. Even so, the drama was entertaining, smart, and thought-provoking, and Bai Jing Ting was a joy to watch.

Subtract a half star for that undeveloped romance, but add a star for the cast.

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Worth Watching but Nothing Spectacular

Decent modern, sci-fi action dram. But the time loop just became way to repetitive with each loop day repeating 5 times. Even with only 16 episodes I did skip through some.

The Good:
- Only 16 episodes so it minimized filler scenes
- Bai Jing Ting (ML) crushed this role. He is vey well suited for modern action/cop roles. But he also is very good at adding vulnerability and humor to the tough guy role.
- The bond between the police team was genuine and believable with trust and humor.

The Bad:
- the romance between ML and FL was forced. Zero chemistry, with no background or reason for their romantic connection.
- the FL was miscast. She was not a good actor and her facial expressions were unnatural and forced. She was so boring.
- the constant switching between languages was unnecessary. I understand that this is a made up city that is meant to be diverse, but logically it didn't make sense when people were speaking & understanding each other perfectly in Mandarin or Cantonese for an entire conversation, then they would randomly insert English in there (the English accent was terrible and no needed).
- Maggie the support character - terrible casting. You can tell she's just a model with no acting skills. Her character felt so stiff and out of place compared to all the other supporting cast.

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A Strong Start Lost in Loops

Mobius kicks off with a bang, told from the ML’s perspective as he navigates a time loop and prevents a bank heist. The opening does a great job of explaining how the loops work: there are only 5 in total, with the first 4 remembered solely by the ML as alternate realities, while the 5th becomes the “true” reality. Importantly, he has no control over which day will loop, adding an unpredictable edge to the story.

After the strong setup, the second case begins, and the next two episodes shift focus toward introducing new characters. It soon becomes clear that the entire series is built around this second case, with each loop stretching across 2–3 episodes. As the plot progresses, the ML gradually discovers that he isn’t the only time looper, learns what causes the loops, and uncovers the side effects that come with them.

Unfortunately, the main villain’s arc feels predictable, and the middle episodes drag on without much payoff. In fact, if you watch just the first three episodes and then skip ahead to the last three, you’ll get the gist of the entire series without missing much.

The villain delivers a performance that’s chilling at times, giving the show a bit of edge even when the story drags. Bai Jingting’s acting is decent but nothing remarkable, while the rest of the cast is largely forgettable and doesn’t leave much of an impression.

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A heart Pounding - Character Driven Masterpiece

Forget what you know about crime dramas. "Mobius" on iQiyi isn't just a show you watch,it's a visceral, heart-pounding experience that grabs you from the first loop and never lets go. This is the most electrifying non-costume (fantasy) cdrama of the year, not just for its genius premise, but for the deeply invested, twist-filled journey of every single character.

The brilliance here isn't just in the high-concept, time-loop cat-and-mouse game (though that delivers (Movie) Edge of Tomorrow-level tension). It's in how that pressure-cooker scenario exposes the core of every person it touches. You don't just follow the mystery; you live its emotional consequences cycle after cycle, making every revelation a gut punch and every small victory feel earned.

Bai Jing Ting delivers a career-best performance, masterfully portraying Detective Ding Qi's brilliant mind buckling under the weight of his power, his desperation, and his fierce protectiveness. But the show's secret weapon is its phenomenal ensemble. Janice Man is a standout, commanding the screen as a lead who is intellectually formidable and emotionally resonant, creating a partnership built on equals, not just chemistry.

This is a world where no one feels like a pawn in the plot. From Ding Qi's team members to the enigmatic figures shrouded in doubt, every character has a pulse, a motive, and a story that tangles beautifully into the central web. You become invested in them all, which makes the relentless twists—both narrative and personal—land with incredible force.

Paired with Mission Impossible-style execution and Die Hard-worthy, jaw-dropping action sequences, "Mobius" is a complete package. It’s a smart, savage, and surprisingly human thriller that trusts its characters to drive the heart-pounding spectacle. I am utterly, completely here for it.

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Mobius Strip has 1 side, Ding Qi has many—and all are fun to watch!

I don't usually watch non-romance dramas, but something about time-loop and Bai Jingting gets me hooked for more and I was NOT disappointed at all, in fact I was fed so well!!

Bai Jing Ting was phenomenal in this series, going from a well-trained martial-expert police officer to a silly guy in seconds, and then switching back, all while being extremely natural and effortless about it (I acknowledge it takes efforts—he just does it in a realistic way here.)
Everyone else did great, Peishan's arc was adorable and Fang Lu's was very true-to-her job, Boss Guy was like any trusted authority figure in such shows—willing to trust at risk of being fired.
The one person I didn't like was An Lan, and hear me out here. She was great as her own person, as someone with a complex backstory and her own hidden motive for working at Moma. But, as the female lead/love interest, she was lacking. Ding Qi carried the couples moments and chemistry on his back all alone—An Lan was just a silent, non-participating spectator in their couple moments.

In S2, which I am eagerly waiting for, I hope they forget the romance and go with platonic (very little possibility) or actually do the romance well—I'd hate to see a perfectly good show tank for such stupid reasons.

The music choice, and I usually don't comment on OSTs, was jarring. That random english song was so bad it pulled me out of the moment and had me physically cringing.

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My First Dive into Chinese Action Drama—and I’m Hooked

This was my first Chinese drama in the action, thriller, and mystery genres, and it didn’t disappoint—quite the opposite. While I initially approached it with some hesitation, unsure of what to expect, I found myself fully invested by the end and wishing there was more.

Bai Jingting excels at subtle emotional transitions, using small shifts in expression and eye gaze to move effortlessly from stoic intensity to quiet tenderness. The drama complements him beautifully—just when you’re immersed in a thrilling, action-packed scene, it effortlessly shifts into a welcome moment of humor or tenderness between colleagues or lovers. It often feels as though the role itself was written with Bai Jingting in mind. That balance was especially satisfying to watch.

The plot is genuinely mysterious, and the production does a good job of keeping viewers questioning their assumptions about the culprit. Even after the reveal - slightly premature, in my opinion - the story remains engaging, drawing me in, eager to understand the characters’ stories and their connection to the time-loop abilities.

Despite not being a romance, the drama hints at a secondary romantic thread, and I found myself wishing the FL’s character had conveyed more emotional nuance and warmth and felt less restrained in the scenes with the ML. A more expressive FL character might have strengthened the secondary romantic thread and made it more engaging for viewers drawn to romance-driven storytelling.

I really appreciated the camaraderie and comedic moments between Ding Qi and his co-workers, which felt like welcome breaths of fresh air amid an otherwise tense narrative. I only wished the production had further explored one of his co-workers’ stories through a parallel subplot.

All in all, this is a solid and engaging drama that I would recommend to anyone new to Chinese dramas, especially viewers drawn to action, thriller, and mystery genres.

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