The Double (2024)

I liked the murder investigation but disliked the romance

I was searching for dramas set in Chinese Republican era for a reddit post and found this title. Did the production team use this English title to lure fans of commercially acclaimed The Double? Anyway I got interested in this version of The Double because of Li Lei / Gangtie Rourou. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Murder investigation - I actually enjoyed this aspect of the drama. There were some red herrings but the investigation was quite easy to follow. The flashbacks close to the ending were really helpful. Vengeance successfully carried out at the end.
2. FL characterisation - I quite liked her and her backstory. FL seemed on track with her mission despite the challenges. I liked that she had had gun training.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked Yan Tiang Lan. FL's brother was an intriguing character.
4. Visuals - Li Lei and the actors who played Yan Tiang Lan & FL's brother were handsome.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - ML's actions left me speechless. Those intimacy scenes were forced - I even saw it as rape because there was no consent given by FL. I didn't buy their romance at all.
2. Ending - What was the letter about? Why did ML do that?
3. Amnesia plot device - This was a perfect opportunity for a do over between FL & ML but too it wasn't fully utilised.

Favourite scene
When FL saved ML from a shooter

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