This review may contain spoilers
Strange…
Jazz Boon dramas have always been great. However he has definitely missed the mark on this one. Personally, I did enjoy some parts of it but there was so many glaring plotholes that basically made it unwatchable at times.
Objectively, this is a 4/10. Subjectively, I don’t believe it is that bad. I feel that one of the reasons why people don’t enjoy the show is that they treat it too much like reality, while instead its really just a show about fights, justice and some psychotic AI. Although I do agree that sometimes the fabric of reality is tested (the self regenerative powers the main characters have), and that does make the show seem like a comedy, it’s not meant to be realistic. It’s sole purpose to provide entertainment. Perhaps changing your view of the context in the show will allow you to enjoy it more.
No need to talk about the plot because it’s all a waste of time. The only good thing about it is the idea of a “video game” where people bet on the outcomes of crimes. However, even that was discovered by the ASIB way too quickly and was just executed terribly. All in all the plot makes you go “WHAT” or “HUH” most of the time.
Acting and casting is fine however I wish they replaced Joel Chan to Ruco Chan as 郭柏飞. Ruco is miles better at acting and definitely will do a better job as the main lead. I just felt Joel was a little over exaggerated throughout the show. One more comment is on the villains in the individual cases. They were all so exaggerated and so fake, not helped by the “great” writing of the cases. Until now I can’t remember a single case which says a lot.
Last bad thing about the show was the editing and CGI. Editing wise was way too rushed hence many of the emotional dialogue scenes felt like they were squeezed in just to fit in the 40 minute time frame. Examples include the whole KK Cheung as a villain part as well as the deaths of many side characters. It was literally one death after another with no emotional attachment except for 刘力’s death. As for CGI, well, TVB is known for having some rough CGI over these few years…
At this point you might be thinking: if the number of flaws is uncountable, how does it still get a 7? There are 2 main reasons. First being the fresh and over the top fight scenes and second being the overall pacing of the story.
In short the fighting made my heart palpitate every single second. Yes, it may be over the top but that’s the same with all Jazz Boon dramas. I, myself, thoroughly enjoyed chasing this series on all weekdays despite it being 30 episodes long. The story itself was super fast paced. Although as mentioned it does take away some of the emotion, it definitely adds a new level of excitement. I also loved how the story twisted and turned when revealing the identity of Julie, which I will not spoil here. An added plus is the “post credit scene” which was incredible (not going to reveal anything).
夺命提示 is absolutely NOT a perfect drama. However, it’s not as bad as the reviews suggest if looked at from a different perspective. Maybe 7/10 is a little high on my part but I personally enjoyed the ride. Finally, apologies for the incredibly poor balance between the pros and cons. This drama is really a strange one.
Honestly if they do make a sequel I would gladly watch it but sadly, I do not think it will happen as viewership and feedback for this drama is quite abysmal.
Objectively, this is a 4/10. Subjectively, I don’t believe it is that bad. I feel that one of the reasons why people don’t enjoy the show is that they treat it too much like reality, while instead its really just a show about fights, justice and some psychotic AI. Although I do agree that sometimes the fabric of reality is tested (the self regenerative powers the main characters have), and that does make the show seem like a comedy, it’s not meant to be realistic. It’s sole purpose to provide entertainment. Perhaps changing your view of the context in the show will allow you to enjoy it more.
No need to talk about the plot because it’s all a waste of time. The only good thing about it is the idea of a “video game” where people bet on the outcomes of crimes. However, even that was discovered by the ASIB way too quickly and was just executed terribly. All in all the plot makes you go “WHAT” or “HUH” most of the time.
Acting and casting is fine however I wish they replaced Joel Chan to Ruco Chan as 郭柏飞. Ruco is miles better at acting and definitely will do a better job as the main lead. I just felt Joel was a little over exaggerated throughout the show. One more comment is on the villains in the individual cases. They were all so exaggerated and so fake, not helped by the “great” writing of the cases. Until now I can’t remember a single case which says a lot.
Last bad thing about the show was the editing and CGI. Editing wise was way too rushed hence many of the emotional dialogue scenes felt like they were squeezed in just to fit in the 40 minute time frame. Examples include the whole KK Cheung as a villain part as well as the deaths of many side characters. It was literally one death after another with no emotional attachment except for 刘力’s death. As for CGI, well, TVB is known for having some rough CGI over these few years…
At this point you might be thinking: if the number of flaws is uncountable, how does it still get a 7? There are 2 main reasons. First being the fresh and over the top fight scenes and second being the overall pacing of the story.
In short the fighting made my heart palpitate every single second. Yes, it may be over the top but that’s the same with all Jazz Boon dramas. I, myself, thoroughly enjoyed chasing this series on all weekdays despite it being 30 episodes long. The story itself was super fast paced. Although as mentioned it does take away some of the emotion, it definitely adds a new level of excitement. I also loved how the story twisted and turned when revealing the identity of Julie, which I will not spoil here. An added plus is the “post credit scene” which was incredible (not going to reveal anything).
夺命提示 is absolutely NOT a perfect drama. However, it’s not as bad as the reviews suggest if looked at from a different perspective. Maybe 7/10 is a little high on my part but I personally enjoyed the ride. Finally, apologies for the incredibly poor balance between the pros and cons. This drama is really a strange one.
Honestly if they do make a sequel I would gladly watch it but sadly, I do not think it will happen as viewership and feedback for this drama is quite abysmal.
Was this review helpful to you?
