Ye Xing Fa Yi (2025)

A Standout Crime Investigation Drama in the Short Series Category

My review contains : 1. Episodes Reviews 2. Overall Review 3. Case Timeline

First Impressions of Episode 1 – A Promising Crime Show with Room for Improvement

It's good to see a short series exploring different genres, especially crime. The attempt is impressive, and the concept has potential. However, both the lead characters come across as overacting or trying too hard to appear like they know everything. It feels more like they’re in a competition to outsmart each other rather than working together. Their behavior seems exaggerated, as if they’re not making assumptions based on evidence but just to prove they're one step ahead of the other.

The introduction of the leads and their first interaction didn’t feel natural at all, it was quite obvious that they were acting.

That said, once the story settles in after the first interaction, the show picks up and starts to flow better. The crime elements are engaging, and the pacing works well for a short series. With a bit more natural chemistry between the leads, it could really shine.

Episode 2 : Finding Its Natural Rhythm

Now it finally feels like natural acting. Every character’s performance is coming across authentically. From the very first episode, the show has been executing the crime investigation genre the way it should be. The direction, writing, and production were already impressive and now the acting has caught up too.

The leads, who felt slightly off in the first episode, have truly settled into their roles. The production quality, set design, direction, and especially the script are all commendable. This is shaping up to be a well-crafted and engaging crime series.

Episode 3 : Gripping, Smart, and Seamlessly Executed

Direction, screenplay, acting, casting, production, and set design , everything works together to keep you fully engaged. This is an intriguing, thrilling, and well-paced investigative crime drama with strong elements of forensic and medical analysis.

It feels like the first short series I've seen that genuinely explores this theme with such polish or at least, the first one that’s executed it so effectively. The dynamic between the teammates and friends solving complex cases together adds heart and depth to the narrative. A truly compelling watch so far.

Episode 4 : A Relationship Rooted in Understanding

One of the highlights of this episode is the beautifully portrayed relationship between the male lead and his girlfriend. Their bond feels mature and grounded, built on mutual respect and understanding. It's refreshing to see a couple dynamic that complements the intensity of the crime narrative without overshadowing it. A well-balanced touch of emotion amidst the investigation.

Episode 5 : Unskippable, Intriguing, and Impressively Detailed

You won’t skip a single second , it’s that intriguing and detailed. As an investigative show, it captures your attention completely, with every moment adding value. The cast delivers strong performances, and not once do you feel bored or frustrated.

The drama team has clearly worked on every detail to make this short series stand out. They haven’t compromised in quality and quantity . precise giving things to taste good.

Episode 6 : A Twist That Feels Too Familiar?

At this point, I couldn't help but feel that the masked painter girl might be a duplicate of or somehow related to the male lead’s girlfriend. And if that’s really the case, the thrill of the mystery seems to lose its edge a bit.

What started as a deeply layered and intriguing narrative now risks feeling a bit predictable if it turns into a simple “lookalike” plot. Hopefully, there's more beneath the surface, because up until now, the series has kept its mystery sharp and engaging.

Episode 7 : Suspense , with Perfect Background Score

The background music in this drama truly stands out it beautifully matches the tone and theme of the drama, enhancing the overall atmosphere.

I'm glad my earlier assumption turned out to be wrong, because it means the suspense is still alive and well. The show continues to keep us guessing, making it feel like a true psychological and investigative puzzle. At this point, it’s really hard to tell who the real culprit is and that’s exactly what makes it so engaging.

Episode 8 : Confusion and the Psychological Crime Drama

At this point, I’m confused, but in the next moment, I realize this is a psychological crime drama where people are not simply judged as right or wrong because they have psychological problems.

Episode 9 : A Perfectly Balanced Emotional Depth

I really loved the emotional scenes in this drama they have a good, steady pace. The emotions aren’t exaggerated, nor are they rushed; everything is executed just right. A genuine amount of feeling is conveyed.

The backstories of both leads are explored with flashbacks revealing their past sad moments. This adds a deep emotional touch, bringing feelings of encouragement and loss. It enriches the narrative beautifully.

Episode 10 : Steady Flow and Subtle Depth

The drama continues to maintain a smooth and engaging flow, progressing at a well-balanced pace. One of its strengths is how the lead characters’ pasts are revealed thoughtfully, without slipping into overdramatization.

Despite their emotional struggles, the leads stay committed to their responsibilities, never letting personal pain affect their professional integrity. It’s a subtle yet powerful portrayal of strength and focus under pressure.

Episode 11 : Precision in Performance and Production

The characters consistently showcase sharp, professional analysis, staying true to their roles as investigators. Their approach feels authentic and well-researched, adding credibility to the story.

Behind the scenes, the drama team has done an outstanding job. The setting, camera work, direction, and screenplay all come together seamlessly. The editing is equally impressive, enhancing the overall flow and polish of the series. Every element contributes to the high production quality that continues to shine through.

Episode 12 : A Missed Detail, But Natural Charm Shines Through

I noticed something a bit late the characters are forensic doctors, yet none of them wear masks in the lab. Wearing a mask is a basic protocol whenever a doctor enters a lab, especially to prevent contamination or unpleasant odors.

But then again how would they show their beautiful faces to the audience if they wore masks, right? This is a common oversight in dramaland. Still, it’s something that stands out once you think about it.

That said, the light-hearted jokes sprinkled throughout this drama are really well done. They help keep the atmosphere balanced and feel natural rather than forced. It also reflects the good rapport between the characters they’re comfortable around each other, and it shows in the way they connect and open up. A small touch, but an important one.

Episode 13 : Slips in Detail, But the Drama Still Holds Strong

Some details in this drama stood out and not in a good way. For instance, how can a doctor touch his mouth with the same gloves he just used in the lab? That’s a serious contamination risk, especially when dealing with unknown substances. It's a clear oversight in terms of accuracy.

Even more surprising, the doctor has a cough but isn’t using a mask or even a handkerchief. For a medical professional, that feels unrealistic and careless.

On the character side, the couple continues to show a strong bond and understanding. But of course, no moment is safe from an untimely interruption just when things feel special, a friend shows up like a classic scene-stealer.

Another detail that felt off: they head to a crime scene without wearing proper protective gear like shoe covers or gloves, which could easily compromise the evidence with their own prints.

Despite these inconsistencies, I’ve chosen to overlook them because as a short series, this drama has truly delivered. It’s a standout in its category, with enough strength in story, emotion, and execution to make up for the small missteps.

Episode 14 : A Brilliantly Cast Ensemble

To be honest, I’m really enjoying every single cast member in this drama whether it’s the villains, supporting roles, extras, or the leads. Each one feels perfectly cast and delivers a convincing performance.

The writer has done a fantastic job crafting distinct, memorable characters, and the actors have truly brought them to life. It’s rare to see such consistency across the entire cast, and it’s one of the key reasons the drama feels so immersive and well-rounded.

Episode 15 : Rushed Confession and Underwhelming Action

The confession scene felt a bit too easy almost like a piece of cake. But considering this is a short series with limited time, it’s somewhat understandable and fair within that constraint.

However, the hostage exchange came across as surprisingly smooth. In a situation that should have been tense and chaotic, it lacked the fear, urgency, or unpredictability you'd expect. The action sequence didn’t feel fully prepared; it played out more like a rehearsal than a real high-stakes moment.

Even the camera work in this scene seemed off, missing the intensity such a scene demands. While the story is still strong overall, this episode fell short in delivering the emotional and visual impact the situation called for.

Episode 16 : Smart Storytelling That Keeps You Hooked

One of the best things about this drama is how each case is revisited and explained in detail after it’s solved. This is especially helpful for viewers who might not have caught everything during the fragmented storytelling of the investigation itself.

Showing these fragments during the investigation phase is a smart approach it mirrors the real process of piecing clues together. But wrapping it up with a clear summary at the end helps the audience fully understand what happened.

It’s a clever technique for a crime drama, one that keeps viewers engaged and encourages them to think like detectives. This storytelling style not only deepens the mystery but also keeps the audience connected to the narrative from start to finish.

Episode 17 : The Beginning of the End

The story is now entering its final phase the beginning of the end. We’re approaching the point where long-held questions, especially those tied to the lead character, are finally going to be answered.

What makes this drama unique is that love is not the central theme, yet it's woven in thoughtfully to give emotional strength to the characters. The romantic elements add depth and a touch of warmth, enriching the story without overshadowing the plot or character arcs.

The revelations from the past have begun to unfold,

Episode 18 : A Step to the Truth

Episode 19 : Predictable Path, Hidden Truth

From this point on, the story is becoming somewhat predictable the direction feels clear. However, what still keeps the suspense alive is the one lingering question: what is the secret behind it all?

Episode 20 : Slipping Interest and a Common Dramaland Oversight

As the story progresses, it’s starting to feel more and more predictable. The suspense is fading, and my interest is slowly declining.

One question that came to mind while watching: in reality, an investigation police officer and a forensic police officer have different roles and responsibilities. Forensic officers don’t accompany the team everywhere they typically arrive after a crime has occurred, not during every field operation.

This is yet another common dramatization error often seen in crime dramas, and though I’ve chosen to overlook it, it still stands out to anyone familiar with real-life procedures.

Episode 21 : The Puzzle of Unknown Paths

Interest sparked once again.The mystery grips you anew. It’s like that puzzle where you know the beginning and the end but between them lie countless paths. Which one will lead you to the destination? That remains unknown. And yet, a few revelations have begun to surface, hinting at how the journey unfolds.

Episode 22: The Mystery Deepens

The mystery continues to unfold. Fragments of the past emotional, long-buried moments are now beginning to reveal the layers of the present. As memories resurface, they start unlocking truths that were hidden in plain sight.

Episode 23: A Disappointing Turn

It feels like he's playing the game but in reality, someone else is moving the pieces. The writer has scripted yet another foolish move for the main lead. When you know exactly what you're looking for, you could simply buy it from the market, instead of walking straight into a trap. Here, the villain’s intelligence clearly outshines the main lead’s and it's not even about high IQ, it’s just basic common sense.

Episode 24: We reach the end, Touched by the Journey

Say what you will but I was genuinely touched by the emotional moments in this drama. After all the struggles and revelations, despite the twists and flaws, we’ve finally reached the end. And somewhere along the way, the emotions left their mark.

Overall Review: A Short Series That Truly Stands Out

I started watching this drama because I recognized the male lead from his work in vertical series that's how I was familiar with him. But the moment I began watching, I found myself genuinely impressed by the drama itself, far beyond just the cast.

As a short series, this one truly stands out. It offers a complete package: strong acting, excellent casting, solid direction, high-quality production, a well-written screenplay, immersive setup, engaging narration, and compelling storytelling. Everything comes together seamlessly to create a thoroughly engaging experience that's definitely worth watching.

To be clear, my praise is based on this drama’s merit "within the short series category". I'm not comparing it to full-length standard format dramas or vertical . Of course, there are certain elements where I do have complaints but I’m willing to overlook them because, for the most part, the drama impressed me with its overall quality and execution.

This is the "second short series" that has left a lasting impression on me, and the "first in the crime investigation genre" within this format to do so. The first short series that truly impressed me was "A Familiar Stranger."

For that reason, I genuinely believe this effort deserves recognition and appreciation.


Case Timeline :

The series revolves around three main cases:

Case 1 is resolved by Episode 8

Case 2 concludes by Episode 16

Case 3, which is deeply connected to the male lead’s father, wraps up in Episode 24

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