This review may contain spoilers
Give me Liberty or give me Death
Adaptation of Priest’s novel Silent Reading (《默读》)
Justice in the Dark transports viewers into a dystopian future, set in the Xinyuan Civilization Year 253. In this sci-fi-inspired world, a mysterious gene mutation has created a group of individuals known as Zero-degree Empaths—highly intelligent and logical, yet utterly incapable of feeling emotions or empathy. Although they appear normal, their emotional void often drives them to commit disturbingly cold and calculated crimes.
At the heart of the story is Pei Su, whose father is one such Zero-degree Empath. Emotionally distant and manipulative, he subjects Pei Su to constant psychological abuse, using Pei Su’s mother as a pawn in his cruel parenting. In a final act of love and protection, Pei Su’s mother ends her own life—leaving behind a traumatized boy and a haunting case. This is when Luo Wen Zhao, a young police officer, enters Pei Su’s life for the first time. Though Pei Su accuses his father, Luo concludes it was suicide, a decision that would leave emotional echoes for years to come.
Many years later, their paths cross again. Luo Wen Zhao is now a leading investigator in the Special Investigation Department (SID). While handling a high-profile murder case, he uncovers a criminal organization connected to a string of killings—each involving Zero-degree Empaths. Pei Su, now an adult and shaped by both pain and intellect, joins the investigation. Together, they delve into a complex web of secrets and confront a mysterious figure known only as "The Janitor"—a vigilante determined to eliminate all Zero-degree Empaths.
More than just a crime drama, Justice in the Dark blends psychological tension, emotional storytelling, and speculative science fiction. At its core, the series explores profound themes such as trauma, morality, and the question of what it means to be human. Can someone born without empathy still choose to be good? Can someone who has been deeply hurt still learn to trust and love?
The series shines with outstanding performances, especially by Zhang Xincheng as Pei Su. His transformation into the character is nothing short of remarkable. I couldn’t see a trace of his previous roles in this portrayal—nor can I see Pei Su in Zhang Xincheng himself. It’s as if the character stepped straight out of the novel and onto the screen.
The cinematography is breathtaking, with visually rich and symbolic shots that elevate the narrative. The OST deserves special mention too—it perfectly complements the tone of the series. My personal favorites are "You Raise Me Up" and "All Right" performed by Liu Yuning—both emotionally resonant and beautifully delivered.
Each case in the series is engaging and well-paced. But what truly holds the heart of the story is the evolving relationship between Pei Su and Luo Wen Zhao—from tension and mistrust to an unspoken bond that runs deep. Despite censorship, the show gave us far more than we could have hoped for. Their subtle gesture and glances, meaningful dialogues, and emotional connection make them a true power couple. Watching them grow together is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming.
A heartfelt thank-you to the production team for giving us a satisfying, wholesome happy ending—something that’s all too rare in adaptations of this kind.
Justice in the Dark is not just the best adaptation of a BL novel I’ve seen so far—it’s a masterpiece. It’s a story that stays with you, one you’ll want to revisit time and again. It’s permanently on my rewatch list, and I’ll carry its characters and emotions with me for a long time.
Justice in the Dark transports viewers into a dystopian future, set in the Xinyuan Civilization Year 253. In this sci-fi-inspired world, a mysterious gene mutation has created a group of individuals known as Zero-degree Empaths—highly intelligent and logical, yet utterly incapable of feeling emotions or empathy. Although they appear normal, their emotional void often drives them to commit disturbingly cold and calculated crimes.
At the heart of the story is Pei Su, whose father is one such Zero-degree Empath. Emotionally distant and manipulative, he subjects Pei Su to constant psychological abuse, using Pei Su’s mother as a pawn in his cruel parenting. In a final act of love and protection, Pei Su’s mother ends her own life—leaving behind a traumatized boy and a haunting case. This is when Luo Wen Zhao, a young police officer, enters Pei Su’s life for the first time. Though Pei Su accuses his father, Luo concludes it was suicide, a decision that would leave emotional echoes for years to come.
Many years later, their paths cross again. Luo Wen Zhao is now a leading investigator in the Special Investigation Department (SID). While handling a high-profile murder case, he uncovers a criminal organization connected to a string of killings—each involving Zero-degree Empaths. Pei Su, now an adult and shaped by both pain and intellect, joins the investigation. Together, they delve into a complex web of secrets and confront a mysterious figure known only as "The Janitor"—a vigilante determined to eliminate all Zero-degree Empaths.
More than just a crime drama, Justice in the Dark blends psychological tension, emotional storytelling, and speculative science fiction. At its core, the series explores profound themes such as trauma, morality, and the question of what it means to be human. Can someone born without empathy still choose to be good? Can someone who has been deeply hurt still learn to trust and love?
The series shines with outstanding performances, especially by Zhang Xincheng as Pei Su. His transformation into the character is nothing short of remarkable. I couldn’t see a trace of his previous roles in this portrayal—nor can I see Pei Su in Zhang Xincheng himself. It’s as if the character stepped straight out of the novel and onto the screen.
The cinematography is breathtaking, with visually rich and symbolic shots that elevate the narrative. The OST deserves special mention too—it perfectly complements the tone of the series. My personal favorites are "You Raise Me Up" and "All Right" performed by Liu Yuning—both emotionally resonant and beautifully delivered.
Each case in the series is engaging and well-paced. But what truly holds the heart of the story is the evolving relationship between Pei Su and Luo Wen Zhao—from tension and mistrust to an unspoken bond that runs deep. Despite censorship, the show gave us far more than we could have hoped for. Their subtle gesture and glances, meaningful dialogues, and emotional connection make them a true power couple. Watching them grow together is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming.
A heartfelt thank-you to the production team for giving us a satisfying, wholesome happy ending—something that’s all too rare in adaptations of this kind.
Justice in the Dark is not just the best adaptation of a BL novel I’ve seen so far—it’s a masterpiece. It’s a story that stays with you, one you’ll want to revisit time and again. It’s permanently on my rewatch list, and I’ll carry its characters and emotions with me for a long time.
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