1
Solid throughout, addicting to watch - TL, DR below
I really wish I could give this a higher rating as it was hard not to binge through at once. But apart from a lot of minor issues and the fact that I am mad there's not more episodes, my expectations were a bit let down, too.
First things first: Since only the first season is available on viki as of now and the second hence might not be available to all viewers, let me assure you that you can absolutely watch season 1 without ever needing to watch season 2 to get closure. (That is, if you don't get insanely hooked and addicted for more.)
The plot: It's a crime series that is rather episodical with a hinted main plot that occasionally comes up and has its final arch towards the end. The cases take longer to solve which allows for suspense and more attention to detail, making it stand out from all those western crime dramas that mostly solve one case in one episode. We get drawn into the victims' and culprits' lives, discovering their motives and going through every little detail of their actions. While this makes it stand out, it also means you might like some cases more than others, depending on how much the backstories stir your interest. The final arch, despite not being anything unique and solved rather quickly, was as solid as everything else, but with the cases stretching over several episodes we got to see rather few normal cases before the finale.
The few episodes also allow for many details to be missed: When does a painter, who suddenly joins the police, learn all the things he certainly has to learn to be allowed to visit crime scenes, catch culprits and solve cases? We rarely get to see his professional development, he is sort of displayed as someone who's almost genius-like.
Individuality/USP: In general, this is nothing new. The concept of catching killers with a pen is, but everything else is the A to Z of crime dramas. But it's solid and well-made and by far not entirely foreseeable. Don't expect everything to be realistic, and you'll be fine. Also, of course MLs brilliance will be the preferred excuse to explain how he is able to do things that realistically probably wouldn't be possible (but I'm neither an artist nor a genius so what do I know). I do wish for the series to go a bit more beyond the standards and dare to be a bit more unique. The core idea of solving crimes with drawings was used througout the series but could have played an even bigger role, hence I can't give it a higher rating. I know I am nitpicking, but with so much potential already fulfilled, seeing the series leave the last bits to become a masterpiece untouched bugs me.
The limited screen time was this series' biggest issue, way beyond the "it was so good I want more episodes" problem I have right now (as that will be hopefully fixed with season 2).
The characters: I liked all characters but the main leads especially. We see character development and growth, although it's not huge, and changes in dynamics that were displayed really well and satisfying to watch. Side characters aren't left alone and forgotten but continuously interact with each other and play important roles throughout the story.
Acting: I am not good at rating acting, but the main leads did a great job. While both main characters are supposed to be rather reserved and hard to see through, their personalities obviously differed and had their own unique traits. They were proof for all those romance dramas out there that quiet and reserved ML does not equal stone face.
Also worth mentioning:
Despite being a crime drama with a couple of action or emotionally heavy scenes, there's so few screaming and yelling. Shen Yi's personality also had a very calming effect, not only on the viewers, but also those around him. It was awesome. It also isn't very violent, graphic or cruel, so it's safe to binge through in the middle of the night.
The art pieces were actually beautiful and Shen Yi does have his very unique style, making his drawings seem very authentic and easily recognizable. A lot of professionalism and thought went into displaying his art.
I actually learned more interesting facts about art and even got a bit of life advice out of it that I then tried on other people (who were impressed by my wisdom).
TL, DR: When do I NOT recommend watching:
- You are tired of typical crime series and their tropes
- You want a series about one single case that is investigated in detail
- You don't want anything complex at all, only episodical short cases
- You want to see detective work only, not know more about the characters
Other than that, give it a try!
First things first: Since only the first season is available on viki as of now and the second hence might not be available to all viewers, let me assure you that you can absolutely watch season 1 without ever needing to watch season 2 to get closure. (That is, if you don't get insanely hooked and addicted for more.)
The plot: It's a crime series that is rather episodical with a hinted main plot that occasionally comes up and has its final arch towards the end. The cases take longer to solve which allows for suspense and more attention to detail, making it stand out from all those western crime dramas that mostly solve one case in one episode. We get drawn into the victims' and culprits' lives, discovering their motives and going through every little detail of their actions. While this makes it stand out, it also means you might like some cases more than others, depending on how much the backstories stir your interest. The final arch, despite not being anything unique and solved rather quickly, was as solid as everything else, but with the cases stretching over several episodes we got to see rather few normal cases before the finale.
The few episodes also allow for many details to be missed: When does a painter, who suddenly joins the police, learn all the things he certainly has to learn to be allowed to visit crime scenes, catch culprits and solve cases? We rarely get to see his professional development, he is sort of displayed as someone who's almost genius-like.
Individuality/USP: In general, this is nothing new. The concept of catching killers with a pen is, but everything else is the A to Z of crime dramas. But it's solid and well-made and by far not entirely foreseeable. Don't expect everything to be realistic, and you'll be fine. Also, of course MLs brilliance will be the preferred excuse to explain how he is able to do things that realistically probably wouldn't be possible (but I'm neither an artist nor a genius so what do I know). I do wish for the series to go a bit more beyond the standards and dare to be a bit more unique. The core idea of solving crimes with drawings was used througout the series but could have played an even bigger role, hence I can't give it a higher rating. I know I am nitpicking, but with so much potential already fulfilled, seeing the series leave the last bits to become a masterpiece untouched bugs me.
The limited screen time was this series' biggest issue, way beyond the "it was so good I want more episodes" problem I have right now (as that will be hopefully fixed with season 2).
The characters: I liked all characters but the main leads especially. We see character development and growth, although it's not huge, and changes in dynamics that were displayed really well and satisfying to watch. Side characters aren't left alone and forgotten but continuously interact with each other and play important roles throughout the story.
Acting: I am not good at rating acting, but the main leads did a great job. While both main characters are supposed to be rather reserved and hard to see through, their personalities obviously differed and had their own unique traits. They were proof for all those romance dramas out there that quiet and reserved ML does not equal stone face.
Also worth mentioning:
Despite being a crime drama with a couple of action or emotionally heavy scenes, there's so few screaming and yelling. Shen Yi's personality also had a very calming effect, not only on the viewers, but also those around him. It was awesome. It also isn't very violent, graphic or cruel, so it's safe to binge through in the middle of the night.
The art pieces were actually beautiful and Shen Yi does have his very unique style, making his drawings seem very authentic and easily recognizable. A lot of professionalism and thought went into displaying his art.
I actually learned more interesting facts about art and even got a bit of life advice out of it that I then tried on other people (who were impressed by my wisdom).
TL, DR: When do I NOT recommend watching:
- You are tired of typical crime series and their tropes
- You want a series about one single case that is investigated in detail
- You don't want anything complex at all, only episodical short cases
- You want to see detective work only, not know more about the characters
Other than that, give it a try!
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