2bananakim (first review)is trash and false so here is the real info...
"The Wanted Detective" is a captivating Chinese crime drama that blends mystery, action, and emotional depth into an enthralling viewing experience. From the very first episode, the show grips you with its clever storytelling, well-written characters, and a refreshing take on the classic detective genre.The story revolves around a detective who is not only solving crimes but is also a fugitive himself. This duality makes for a highly engaging narrative. As he solves each case, he is also running from the law, hiding secrets, and trying to uncover a larger conspiracy tied to his own mysterious past. The pacing is tight, with each episode ending on a hook that keeps you coming back for more. The drama does an excellent job balancing episodic crime-solving with an overarching storyline that grows darker and more personal as it unfolds.
What sets "The Wanted Detective" apart is its character development. The lead actor delivers a powerful performance, portraying a man torn between justice and survival. He’s flawed, complex, and entirely human. You can’t help but root for him even when he makes questionable choices. The supporting cast is equally strong. Each character, from the determined police officers chasing him to the civilians caught in the crossfire, is given layers of personality and motivation.
Visually, the series is polished. The cinematography is sharp and atmospheric, often using shadow and lighting to enhance the suspense. Action scenes are well-choreographed without being over-the-top, lending a sense of realism to the drama. The urban setting, often gritty and moody, fits the tone perfectly and helps ground the story in a believable world.
One of the show's biggest strengths is how it explores moral gray areas. It poses important questions: What does it mean to do the right thing? Can a person be both a hero and a criminal? The detective’s journey forces viewers to think beyond black and white justice. It’s this psychological and emotional depth that keeps the show from being just another procedural.
The writing deserves praise too. Dialogue is tight, and each case is thoughtfully constructed. Clues are cleverly planted, and the reveals are satisfying without feeling forced. The show also avoids dragging its plot with unnecessary filler, making every scene feel purposeful.
Another standout element is the soundtrack. The music heightens the tension at just the right moments and adds emotional weight during character-driven scenes. It complements the story without overshadowing it.
In conclusion, "The Wanted Detective" is an excellent Chinese drama that offers much more than standard crime-solving. It’s a mix of thriller, mystery, and emotional storytelling done right. With strong performances, a gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes, this drama is definitely worth watching. Whether you’re a fan of detective stories or just looking for a compelling drama with depth and excitement, "The Wanted Detective" will not disappoint.
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Final review : Sadly it crashed towards the end
When I started this drama, I really enjoyed it and looked forward to each episode every day. But from ep 25 onwards, I became impatient to know who Yesha was, so I started getting a little bored. The final six episodes were disappointing, though still somewhat acceptable to me.Towards the end—especially in the last six episodes, the drama seemed to throw in every leftover plot points randomly and illogically just to wrap things up. The twists felt confusing instead of shocking, and they were rushed, leaving the audience no time to process anything.
For example, at the start of ep 31, they suddenly decided to kill off Tong Shuang—not even five minutes in and then immediately jumped to the mourning scenes. Right after that, the remaining four sat together, and out of nowhere Xiao Beiming announced that he had discovered the identity of the Yesha who committed the murder back then (Miao Yue at Fengbo Lake), and that there was actually a second Yesha. He then rattled off the how, why, and what, ending with the conclusion that the second Yesha might be Miao Yun, Miao Yue’s adopted Haiya orphan. The whole thing felt anticlimactic, and the “build-up” to Xiao Beiming realizing Tong Shuang was Yesha was unconvincing. Like, what do you mean he just needed some alone time in a cell, squeezing every last brain cell, to magically connect all the dots?
And then there’s my favorite bit of absurdity: Zhong Xueman recognizing Miao Yun from a portrait drawn by Zhuge Tong and saying he “seemed familiar.” Plot twist: she’d seen him ONCE, three years ago, and they locked eyes for less than a minute. Girl. Be serious. If you can pull a three-year-old, one-minute memory out of thin air, you need to be studied by science. I can’t even remember who I bumped into yesterday.
The reveal that Tong Shuang was Bei Kun and wanted revenge also fell flat. He just failed and died? I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t that. I didn’t expect fireworks, but I did expect something more than “welp, guess that’s over.” Also, maybe it’s just me but I noticed that as they uncovered more about Yesha, the camera sometimes focused more on Tong Shuang, even when he wasn’t the main subject of the scene. At first, I found it odd, but now I think it might have been a deliberate hint or it's just me overthinking.
As for the ending, it was exactly what everyone expected: the leads’ second marriage ceremony. Predictable, sure, but after all they’d been through, it made sense. Still, I’m sorry but they just didn’t have chemistry or sparks as a couple. Maybe it’s because the story didn’t focus on romance, so their emotional connection never developed in a believable way.
On the acting side, Wang Xing Yue did well overall, especially in emotional scenes. Xiang Hanzhi did her best, and while I get why some people complain about her, I think it’s also because the character was written in a way that made her hard to love. Personally, I didn’t have a big problem with her acting, but she didn’t wow me either. Most of the side characters were fine, but when it came to He Luoluo as Yesha, I found him a bit underwhelming. He lacked the aura of a true villain, and it took me a while to take him seriously because the image of bright, adorable Tong Shuang was still too strong in my mind.
In the end, I enjoyed the character bonds and the way they stuck together through thick and thin. The first half of the drama was solid and right up my alley. But as it went on, it kept testing my intelligence with increasingly ridiculous twists until I couldn’t ignore the nonsense anymore. Final verdict: not the best, not the worst but definitely the kind of ride where you start off cheering and end up sighing.
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packed with enough twists and turns to satisfy the average mystery lover
its very plot driven with all the attention on one overarching mystery (which was resolved very well btw) and all the baby cases it spawned, so you won't see a lot of focus on the characters, their development or their relationships, except as it pertains to the cases, and excluding one supporting character, who did a literal 180 overnight.the cases were as advertised, shocking, violent and mysterious and there were multiple supporting villains, which was nice.
I really liked the main villain, he was very fleshed out and had all the motivation, delusion, insanity, brilliance, ingenuity, vulnerability and blood thirst worthy of a true villain, but this was more a tell, less a show.
I liked the ml too, he was very grounded, effortlessly held the group together and sought justice without being self righteous.
there's a nice nature v nurture debacle in the story too that's fun to think about i.e. if the brothers had been switched would they still have ended up right where they did or no?
it was too long, this could have been a crisp 24 episodes esp since all they did was solve cases. you can tell even the writer got tired there in the end. there were some plot holes but I don't think anyone really cares.
the group - half of the performances weren't good, it made the drama nearly stray into kids playing dress up territory, nearly. and I was not really a fan of their camaraderie, it was giving "cut!" "action!"
there were many emotional points that should have been the drama's highlights but they were all brushed aside.
people died, people lived, people changed, everything everyone did felt like a setup for the mystery to progress towards its endpoint, which is good for the investigation aspect, but also meant the drama didn't have a whole lot of heart.
if you're watching purely for the investigation and mystery you'll like it, anything else and you may be disappointed.
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A Sleek Mystery with Flashes of Brilliance (and Too Many Flashbacks)
The Wanted Detective landed on my PTW list the moment Wang Xing Yue was announced as the lead, after leaving a strong impression in The Double. Sharp graphics and atmospheric music in the opening credits hooked me right away, promising a story worth following. After a streak of good mystery and detective dramas, this one seemed poised to be the next standout.The Good:
The first thing that struck me was the production quality — the background music sets the mood perfectly, the costumes are detailed and elegant, and the cinematography is a treat for the eyes. The male lead was a delight to watch: calm, composed, and using brains over brute force. The second couple brought warmth to the screen — smart, helpful, and refreshingly drama-free. The supporting cast shone as well, with the antagonist standing out as cunning, composed, and quietly menacing. The mix of genres worked surprisingly well: detective work intertwined with wuxia flair, medical investigation, and high-stakes conspiracy. The fantasy elements — red crystals, thunder gold — added intrigue, even if they sometimes bent logic.
The Mid:
The fantasy elements, while creative, came with a catch: to enjoy them, you sometimes had to switch off the rational brain and just go along with the ride. The story’s structure was engaging overall, but the frequent melodramatic flashbacks sometimes slowed momentum. They weren’t enough to ruin the flow, but trimming them would have kept the tension higher.
The Not So Good:
For me, the female lead was a misstep — whether due to casting, character writing, or both. Her portrayal leaned into angry drama queen territory, and midway through, I found myself fast-forwarding through some of her scenes. This was a pity, as all the other roles were strong and well-cast. The ending also stumbled: a rushed resolution capped off with a too-neat “miracle” that pushed the drama into cheesy territory rather than embracing the emotional weight it had built.
Conclusion:
The Wanted Detective had the makings of a 10/10 drama — with strong visuals, a composed and intelligent male lead, great supporting performances, and an intriguing mix of genres. But with a different female lead (or better-written character), fewer melodramatic flashbacks, and a braver choice for a tragic or open ending, it could have been truly outstanding. As it stands, it’s still a worthwhile watch for fans of historical mystery — just be ready to skip a few scenes and make peace with a sugar-coated finale.
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Good casting, but ruined by screenwriter
I went into this drama with high expectations because I’ve seen the cast in other works, and I know they’re talented actors. Styling, makeup, and filming locations all showed that this was not a low-budget production — I’d even guess it was A-tier in terms of budget. Even the main premise had real potential; with stronger writing, it could have been a very engaging historical/action story.Unfortunately, the script drags everything down. The writing feels lazy, relying on clichés and forcing “smart” characters to make out-of-character, illogical decisions just to move the plot along. The tone also lacks consistency: it begins as a straightforward historical/action drama, then suddenly throws in wuxia elements — only to abandon them as if they never existed. Conflicts and rivalries between characters are painted too superficially; the script never allows viewers to process or explore them but instead pushes forward with whatever direction the writer wants.
If this had been a low-budget production, I would honestly be impressed with what they managed to achieve. But since this is clearly a big-budget drama that was positioned to be a hit, the poor, inconsistent script feels all the more disappointing.
I also wasn’t a fan of the romance subplot. Because the leads grew up together, their relationship feels more like siblings than lovers. Honestly, the series might have been stronger without romance at all.
By episode 13, I found myself struggling to stay engaged. The beginning had potential, but the story lost steam fast. The final wedding scene was cute — though mostly thanks to the “peacock detective,” who remained one of the more enjoyable parts of the drama.
Overall, The Wanted Detective had good actors, good production values, and an interesting premise, but it was wasted on poor writing and failed to live up to the expectations set by its scale.
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strong beginning and a strong finale but was dragged in the middle .
so I get why the rating kept dropping in the first few episodes and I would have dropped the show However I kept watching and I am glad I did .with such a strong beginning it gets you hooked and keep watching this applies on first 3 episodes after that it wasn't great , after Beiming was falsely accused and disappeared we didn't get to see what was he doing or what did he find out I mean he is the ML after all but we got to see xueman and how she was devastated and the changes that happen in both elite constable unit and secret investigation one , wished we had followed the story with the main lead
the part where ML was poisoned was boring and cliché what is it with ML gets poisoned trope .
the final part maybe last 8 or 10 episodes were great when we got and explanation of what happened in haiya and true yesha was revealed .
in the final episode , I wanted to see we they went back to help people of haiya and when the emperor clarified what happened and people knew about haiya .
if they had stuck more to the main storyline I guess people would have liked and rated it more . this is just my opinion 🤷
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1
1ᴀ ᴛʀᴜᴇ ᴅɪᴀᴍᴏɴᴅ ᴀᴍᴏɴɢꜱᴛ ᴀ ꜱᴇᴀ ᴏꜰ ꜰᴀᴋᴇꜱ
Calming Waves is a hidden gem.Unfortunately for the series, it got released in a rather "unlucky" period of time after the successful Coroner's Diary and a few days before the highly anticipated (and later overhyped) Legend of the Female General.
Even though it is not flawless, its shortcomings are rather insignificant for a series that unlike many others got better and better with each episode.
Cinematography and directing are fantastic. It is one of those cases where you end up taking multiple screenshots and filling up your gallery. Acting was good from everyone and OST was amazing, with the credits song "Rising Through the Night" (踏夜升明) by Liu Yuning being my favorite. But those are things that I don't want to focus on, cause they are characteristics that many series possess.
So what did this series excel at?
ℂℍ𝔸ℝ𝔸ℂ𝕋𝔼ℝ𝕊
One of the things that I dislike in most series with multiple characters, is that most of the times everyone feels less important comparing to the mains. In this case, all characters are equally significant. They all have their own stories and their own strengths and weaknesses and at no point I felt that anyone was unnecessary.
Even though Beiming (Wang Xing Yue) and Xueman (Julia Xiang) are considered the protagonists, all characters are complete individuals that are not there to serve them as aids or to make them look better in the eyes of the viewer.
If I'm being honest, this series is so well balanced when it comes to characters that all of them feel like they portray main roles.
Even though some characters were unusually smart, none of them felt unrealistic or one dimensional and more importantly they weren't almighty, cause every single one had their flaws. Everyone complemented one another and they ended up making the perfect team.
𝔽𝔼𝕄𝔸𝕃𝔼 ℂℍ𝔸ℝ𝔸ℂ𝕋𝔼ℝ𝕊
The reason why I have dropped many dramas in the past, is that many series portray female characters and especially female leads as weak, damsel in distress individuals that always wait for male leads to save them...
In Calming Waves the female characters are nearly perfect. They are capable, smart and their strengths make up for the shortcomings of the male characters.
ℝ𝕆𝕄𝔸ℕℂ𝔼
This is an aspect that worried me quite a lot when I started this series.
Thankfully romance was more of a subplot, that was delicately portrayed without overshadowing the main investigation plot of the series. It was natural, it was subtly beautiful and it also felt realistic and well-balanced.
The female characters didn't feel like decor, being there only as the love interests of the male leads. They were strong and intelligent characters and I deeply appreciated how male leads didn't work as saviors.
Everyone put the common goal of their team first. Even if someone got hurt, there was no overreacting, slow motions, sad songs in the background, cause they had to achieve their goal and there was no time for sentimentalities.
𝔸ℕ𝕋𝔸𝔾𝕆ℕ𝕀𝕊𝕋𝕊
I won't say much when it comes to this, cause I don't want to spoil anyone, but all antagonists in this series are phenomenally written and some of the best I have watched in recent years.
ℙ𝕃𝕆𝕋
Of course, nothing could work if the plot itself was not good. Even though it does contains some exaggerations here and there, the series is generally very well written and complex.
It felt both plot and character-centered, it was dialogue heavy, exciting and definitely entertaining.
It also has a bit of everything. It has mystery, action, drama and comedy. It has romance, bromance, sismance and multiple other fantastic relationships between different characters.
Everything is well-executed and thought-out.
All in all, this is a gem that deserves more attention.
Please don't be fooled by the terrible poster, cause Calming Waves is a series that offers quality in every aspect.
𝓖𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓪 𝓽𝓻𝔂, 𝓮𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓯𝓪𝓷 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓮𝓷𝓻𝓮!
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The last episode spoiled it for me
I'm a fan of the ML so I went in wanting to enjoy the show and for the most part I did. This was my first chinese detective drama so there weren't many expectations on my part.It's a good show, I think they had a good story a mix of detective work, palace politics, a revenge plot, friendship, betrayal and a little bit of love, so they had a lot to work with. The acting was mostly good with the exception of the FL, I didn't enjoy her at all I think it's how her character was written, it felt like the script writers kept forgetting her and they'd just squeeze her into to scenes, in some scenes I felt like the scene could work even if she wasn't there, but I enjoy the show nevertheless, until the villain reveal. It was badly done, after the reveal it just looked like they stopped detecting they were just running around, maybe they were still processing, but no it could have been done better. The final showdown battle was worse and the reveal was a let down.
With all that said, I'd still recommend you watch it's a good show, flawed but watch worthy.
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Great characters but falls on its face towards the end
This show features an ensemble of friends solving mysteries. Band-of-friends adventures can be so much fun, and this show brings out the best of this kind of setup. Namely, it does a good job with characterization, character development, and relationships.Xiao Beiming, the ML, leads the group. Initial cockiness aside, his personality is one of the less developed- sort of a generic leader- but he’s likable enough, and it’s fun to watch him solve cases.
Zhong Xueman, as FL, is solidly middle of the pack for me. She is ok at both brains and brawn, but not the best. She has a hot temper- I know because they say so, though in terms of actions, it comes across more as a mildly unlikable personality. I do, however, like her no-nonsense clothing and styling.
The FL is not totally likable, but that’s okay- she’s actually not that important. It’s almost strange to see her listed as a lead. Everyone in the pack contributes, and they all have their own personality and skills (which, realistically, overlap). The attention to characterization pays off- they are imperfect but likable, and all feel very real. My favorite character is Zhuge Kongyun. He is such a peacock, I love him. But he also has some personality and depth.
Perhaps even more endearing are the solid friendships. Interactions are charming and consistent, but not too sappy. One of my favorite scenes is the argument between Tong Shuang and Xiao Beiming, because it’s so realistic. I could relate to both sides. It felt very human.
At the same time, the romance between the ML and FL is not too prominent, for which I’m glad. I didn’t feel it between them, and don’t think it would have gone well if they had played it up.
Plot-wise, this show has several cases that all fit under a big umbrella case. Some of the answers are really tricky! But luckily, the hero party’s abilities and deductions border on mythical. I couldn’t figure the cases out with them, but I didn’t mind just sitting back and waiting for the answer, because they were interesting enough and I was always curious about what happened.
But while the plot starts out strong and sucked me in quickly, I found myself losing interest closer to the end. Around episode 30, this show took a nosedive for me.
Essentially, there is only one big overarching mystery, and it is outlined very close to the beginning. This means they spend the majority of the show building up suspense and hype around the actual specifics of what happened. When it’s finally revealed, I found the answer rather anticlimactic. It’s not a bad story- it would make any conspiracy theorist proud- it’s just not worthy of all the build-up. I don’t know why any one of those people along the way couldn’t have just told them.
Which brings me to my next complaint about this show, which is simply too much nonsense. Some nonsense is standard for Cdramas, but this show has too much.
In addition to the aforementioned mythical crime solving, we also get things like deus ex machina solutions (eg how did everyone just happen to be carrying salt when it was needed? Why would a transcript of some random conversation just happen to exist?), nonsensical explanations to mysteries (eg “stagnant lake”, mind control- I'm ok with fantastical things, but not when they border on science), and inexplicable behavior (why didn’t Chief Fang just ask for an autopsy in that joint trial?)
And then more fundamentally, we get things like: the case against Xiao Beiming is so full of holes, how are so many people so thoroughly convinced he is the villain? With the FL at the beginning, I tried to overlook it as good idea but poor execution. If only they had made ML’s framed crime more believable, then I'd feel a lot more sympathetic to her behavior. But then, as the idea that the ML is Yesha gets repeated so often by so many “smart” people, I gradually lost patience.
The main conflict itself, when finally revealed, is also full of holes. For something so central to the show, I expected better.
Near the end, the plot took a direction I didn’t particularly like, and they just couldn’t sell me on it. Along with the mounting nonsense, lot of things playing out felt like a farce (the emperor’s behavior, for example). I had a hard time emotionally investing or taking it seriously.
To be clear, it’s not the worse ending. They’re solving mysteries to the end, and that bug guy is hilarious. I just expected the whole thing to be more deep and thoughtful.
Execution-wise, the acting is alright. Wang Xingyue is a pretty good actor, but he looks a little old (strange, as he is not). I think Julia could have more fire and personality. Nobody did badly, but it’s not the best acting I’ve seen. The fight scenes were also kind of sloppy.
This show has lots of sets, lots of props, lots of extras- it’s clearly got a decent budget. I like the style of flashing quick memories, mirroring how our minds work. And I like the music.
But ultimately, based on enjoyment, I can’t quite give it a rave review. I did solidly enjoy a good portion of it; but the show is focused so much on the main conflict/mystery, that when that fails to pack a solid punch, the entire thing falls flat.
ENDING – READ AHEAD ONLY IF YOU WANT TO KNOW, CONTAINS SPOILERS
This show has quite a happy ending. I had thought they might at least kill off some minor characters- you know, for the sake of realism, maybe- but nope. Final villain was not really out to kill.
There are only 10 minutes to show where everyone ends up, but it’s enough to see that all party members achieve personal and/or professional success. It’s actually a pretty good wrap-up.
MORE MAJOR SPOILER AHEAD
I wasn’t too pleased with Tong Shuang being Yesha. It felt like plot twist for the sake of plot twist. He was simply too convincing as the sincere and lovable younger brother, and all his interactions had seemed so genuine. I’m sure the signs were there if I had looked, but I still had a hard time believing- and also didn’t want to believe- that it was all fake.
So this is partly just a me problem, but they still could have sold it better. Especially given how much the show focused on the characters and their bonds, I thought they would at least flesh him out more and humanize him as a villain. There was a little of that, but mostly he just showed up again acting all nasty and mean, and our protagonists didn’t seem to think twice. I guess the show didn’t want us feeling too bad, so made him more clearly evil. There were only a few hints of something deeper.
The thing is, I also didn’t buy into his motivation. His origin story is sad for sure, but it made no sense that the saintly Chief Zhong would adopt one brother and send the other off without a second glance. And while I can’t personally attest, I feel like most people with a difficult past still wouldn’t try to take down an entire nation. That is totally out of scope.
I just wonder why none of these Haiya orphans ever considered that perhaps the most simple, easy, and just form of revenge is to just tell the world what happened. I still don’t understand why they all kept killing themselves rather than trying to spread the word and get people to investigate.
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Come for the mystery and stay for the mystery
This drama didn't do much for me. The only thing that kept me invested was solving the main mystery. Discovering what happened in Haiya and Yesha's true identity were the only intriguing parts. I'm impartial to Wang Xing Yue but I've seen a lot better from him. Bei Ming was the highly intelligent, noble idiot type but still a pretty dry character most of the time. The romance with Xiang Han Zhi the show tried to force down our throats was painful. In my opinion, the show just didn't need any romance. As for Xue Man, I have no problem with a FL being a brute but she was also a bore. Zhuge Kongyun, Huo Dai Rong and Qing Zhuo were the most entertaining of the group. I've never liked Deng Kai in anything so it's a shame my favorite character that I've seen him play so far is in a drama I didn't love. He Luo Luo was pretty annoying and obnoxious as Tong Shuang. But as far as villains go, he was solid. All the characters in this show I liken to the interactive scenery that Disneyland installs for you to stare at before you get on any of their rides. Just there for mental stimulation but the main case is really the meat of this drama and the only reason worth staying for the ride. The OST and cinematography were pretty good though. I don't regret watching this, nor do I intend to deter anyone from watching it. The mystery is decent. But once was enough lolWas this review helpful to you?
Yesha can be anyone and everyone.
The winds of ill omen sweep through the Qi kingdom as hallowed statues weep blood tears. Within days, three of the realm's highest officials meet violent ends, all hinting at supernatural forces at play. A shadowy figure, Yesha or Night Fury, claims credit for the murders and threatens the empire itself. The No. 1 detective of Qi, Xiao Beiming, cockily assures the emperor that his Elite Constables will apprehend Yesha in three days. On his wedding day, Beiming sets a bold trap. But Yesha turns the tables on him with devastating consequences. Framed and injured, he disappears—estranged from his friends and his young bride.Three years later, he returns to the capital, chasing signs that Yesha may have resurfaced. Older and wiser, he understands that to deal with this nemesis, he needs all the help he can get from friends, lovers, and competitors alike. He reunites with his childhood sweetheart, Xueman; humbled, contrite, and determined to clear his name. Beiming's new team—Xueman, coroner Feng Qingzhou, constable Tong Shuang, and disguise artist Hua Dairong—tackle seven eerie, linked cases, with the unwitting aid of the flamboyant No. 2 detective, Zhuge Kongyun. They quickly find all roads lead to a hidden seaside village, Haiya, and a terrifying secret that could rock the foundations of the empire.
Even though this is largely a plot-driven mystery, the characters are authentically written, and their development is fantastic. Reputations aside, there are no super-sleuths; Beiming and Kongyun are neck-and-neck the whole way. If anything, it is Yesha who stays a few steps ahead, only caught when they choose to be. This is a team effort where everyone contributes unique skills and insights. Each character has their own mini-arc that highlights what makes them tick—their strengths, flaws, past troubles, and personal struggles. They are bound by a shared sense of morality and justice born from their own trauma, loss, and grievances.
No one is perfect, and they all make mistakes, so don't be too quick to judge. Xueman loses her two life anchors on what should have been the happiest day of her life. She needs answers and closure but is left alone and in limbo for three long years. Of course she lashes out; what's important is that she ultimately chooses restraint. Tong Shuang also experiences loss and seeks justice, but when he acts out, he wins audience sympathy and understanding. Similarly, Beiming is rarely called out for his over-protective stifling of Xueman's desire to be part of the team or for his over-confidence and missteps at Fengbo Lake. This kind of persistent misogyny, where female characters are held to unfair and unrealistic standards of perfection, is deeply disappointing. Beyond the terrific banter and camaraderie, it is the team's imperfections and their good and less-good decisions that made me invested in their shared journey of self-discovery and growth.
The mild fantasy elements add an eerie thrill to the seven mysteries, which unfold in a case-within-a-case format that pieces together the main conspiracy. Each case brings a growing dread and a horrifying glimpse of the unspeakable event that happened in Haiya. I was hooked—what went down there? Who was Yesha, and what was their grand master plan? Although there is some deliberate misdirection, an attentive viewer has a fair chance of solving the case ahead of the reveal. All the clues are hidden in plain sight, down to several disparate and fleeting moments where the villain gives themselves away. At some point, everyone seems suspect, which is the point: Yesha can be anyone and everyone who is so tormented and radicalized by injustice that they go full scorched-earth. All characters are tested, and their moment of truth is whether they decide to give in to their worst instincts. It is Zhong Yunchi's last lesson to Beiming—that the greater good cannot be rationalized by a lesser injustice; that two wrongs don't make a right. While they share moments of perspective, Yesha is Beiming's antithesis, a person who chooses to fight darkness with darkness instead of light. They are a complex and almost tragic antagonist whose darkening is understandable but not inevitable.
This is an ensemble cast of promising young actors whose vibrant, cohesive energy conveys a shared purpose and infectious enthusiasm that smooths over some less-polished individual performances. Wang Xingyue's lines are fantastic, and he delivers a few fiery, moving speeches that gave me goosebumps. Deng Kai is another fabulous character actor who tries to steal his greatest rival's limelight with his bombastic braids, showy outfits, and side-splitting braggadocio. He Luoluo delivers a charismatic and empathetic portrayal of Tong Shuang's bromance with Beiming and his character's inner conflicts. While Xiang Hanzi's acting is still a work in progress, her "angry bird" Xueman is quite adorable, and she overall captures her character's anger, hurt, and confusion at Beiming's betrayal well. Unlike most actresses whose idea of fighting is posing and flailing at air, she moves with lethal speed and packs a powerful punch. I enjoy Zhang Nan's acting, but her character, Huo Dairong, didn't have room to shine. While Chen Youwei delivers a credible performance as Feng Qingzhuo, he didn't interpret his character in a particularly impactful way.
There is limited room for romance in a plot and character-heavy story like this, and arguably, too much would be a distraction. Beiming and Xueman's romance is established from the start, but it's clear neither was ready for marriage. I like how she grows up and he learns to make room for her to have the agency she always wanted. The second romance seemed to be there because why not? It isn't well-developed or grounded in substance, and I didn't sense genuine chemistry between either couple.
The narrative builds to a strong finish. The reveal makes sense, and everything more or less falls into place without a long-winded, boring walk-through. There are no unnecessary tropes; everything happens for a reason and comes full circle. The Haiya case raises profound questions—is national security and the greater good an end that justifies any means? Are there some acts so heinous that an eye for an eye is the only way to appease the victims? There are no easy answers; we can only hope we never have to make such choices.
The only thing I didn't like about the ending is Yesha's second identity. It creates unnecessary melodrama and makes their motive too personal when the final message should be on Haiya and "never again." That said, even though I would have preferred a slightly different ending, it is not a fatal flaw. This is still a suspenseful and riveting mystery from start to finish, and one I am pleased to highly recommend.
Final rating: 8.5/10.0
Major Ending Spoilers:
I don't think it was necessary for Yesha and Beikun to be the same person. It would have been more in-character for Zhong to have given his friend's child to the poison master, Bei Hai's sect brother, rather than to someone with no relationship to the child. I believe the writers originally intended for Beikun to be Feng Qingzhou, as Bei Hai's mutant pill is the 疾风丸 (Jífēng Wán) or Swift WIND Pill, while Coroner Feng's name, 风清浊 (Fēng Qīng Zhuó), can be translated as "WIND Purge" or "Cleansing WIND." I suspect they changed course and went with the actor who resembles Wang Xingyue enough to be his sibling. This choice dilutes Yesha's motive and makes it seem hypocritical, considering his father made the pill and urged the late emperor to use it. If Yesha were just an ordinary Haiya orphan, his hatred would have been more understandable. It's not a fatal flaw, but it makes Zhong's decision questionable and weakens the impact of Yesha's motive and message. It would also have been more satisfying to see Bei Hai's sons work together to atone for his mistakes.
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