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This review may contain spoilers
The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind, but who exactly is who?
In my opinion, Mobius is an almost perfect mixture of a brilliantly intriguing and thought provoking mystery and Hong Kong style action, with a subtle hint of romance and comedy to top it off.
Mobius follows an ML with the unique able to perceive time loops. Essentially, on random days, from midnight to midnight (24 hours), the day will reset and repeat itself 5 times. As soon as midnight hits, the day will be reset 24 hours into the past, resetting everything that happened during that day; deaths, injuries, memories, everything resets to as it was 24 hours ago. These loop days repeat 5 times, with nothing being permanent, until the 5th and final loop day. After which, what ever happened on that 5th day is permanent and time continues forward. ML is a time loop perceiver, meaning he is able to retain his memories of these loop days, and thus change what occurs during the day. For example, we see him using these loop days to comedically try different hair cuts, knowing the day will reset. We also see him winning the lottery. No matter what he does during the first 4 loops though, only what happens on the 5th day becomes permanent.
Soon ML joins the police force and uses this ability to solve crimes. However, he stumbles upon two seemingly accidental deaths, which are in fact perfectly executed murders, all connected to a company called Moma Biotechnology, and its CEO. The ML soon realizes the killer is likely another time loop perceiver, someone using their ability to commit seemingly perfect murders. And there starts the central mystery. Some comments have called this show a drag as it only focuses on one main case. However, in my opinion, this show is anything but a drag. It is an intriguing cat and mouse game between the ML and the time loop perceiving villain known as Squid (and possibly even a third party). Mobius uses this unique concept to build anticipation throughout.
As we go from loop day 1, until loop day 5, things are continually changing due to the interference of ML and Squid (and possibly even more parties). A contest between two time perceivers, one trying to solve a crime, discover the truth and protect the innocent, while the other with a goal of murder and seemingly a larger plan. I do admit, ep 3 and 4 can be seen as a bit slow compared to the rest of the show, but I also understand they needed to set the base loop (loop day 1), for the story to build off. And once they set that loop day 1, build they did! The story unfolded like an onion, each loop day pealing back a new and intriguing layer. Every episode had me on the edge of my seat, thinking, theorizing, piquing my curiosity to the max. As each loop day passed, we witnessed new perspectives, new clues, new backstory, new characters and we witnessed the domino effects and the consequences of ML and Squid (and possible others) altering the timeline of events.
In my opinion, the choice to focus on a single case was a smart choice. While not for everyone (and thats ok), those that enjoy an in-depth mystery, seeking out clues, and trying to build their own case in their minds, will definitely enjoy this drama. As each loop day passed, we were continually thrown new twist and turns, that kept me engaged. We were drip fed information, backstory and clues. As a result, I felt like I was a detective alongside ML, building the case together and piecing clues together, as we found out more and more information. Thus, the unique premise of loop days allows us to see a vast number of differing perspectives, also witnessing the differences between loop day 1 and the following loop days as both the ML and Squid made changes to try and achieve their goals, with some consequences being at the cost of innocent people. This story was almost a depiction of man vs destiny/fate, seeing if it was humanly possible, to change what was destined to happen.
As loop days past, anticiaption built, as well as the number of questions I had. For example, are ML and squid the only time loop perceivers, or are there more? This drama did a very good job of portraying a number of morally ambitious, gray characters right until the very end. Thus, we were kept constantly guessing; who is the villain? Is there more than one villain? Who is on whose side? Is there more than simply two sides? And many more questions. A good sign of a good mystery thriller. Essentially, as we found it more, the story seemed to mirror the old saying: the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind? And if so, who is the mantis, who is the cicada and who is the oriole.
As the loops passed, and the story unfolded we realize that this mystery was much larger than just the murder of two executives, it was not juts a simple cop vs villain story, but something much deeper with more than just two opposing sides. In my opinion, there are two villains, one obsessed with the woman he loves but cannot save, and thus would not let anything get in his way, doing whatever means necessary to try and save her. The other, obsessed with his research, similarly, abandoning everything and everyone, doing whatever necessary to achieve his goals. Two sides of the same coin. However, I will leave the rest for you to find out, as the journey is where the fun comes from, when it comes to mystery dramas.
As for the action, the director mentioned utilizing a 'Hong Kong' action style in this drama, and boy does it pay off. Episode 1 hits you in the face with nostalgic Jackie Chan vibes when he starred in Police Story or Rush hour. The action portrays the ML as an almost super-heroesque cop, just like in the Chinese police actions films of the 80's and 90's when Hong Kong style action thrived. While the action is sparse, mainly contained within 2 or 3 episodes, it is worthwhile, with superbly executed, and cleanly choreographed set pieces. Building on his theme, the drama combines a blend of mandarin and cantonese dialect and actors, as it was filmed throughout Guangzhou, Macau and Hong Kong. This in my opinion sets the drama apart, giving it a gripping realism.
The romance is subtle and does not bloom until the final few episodes. However, throughout we see the care and affection the ML and FL have towards each other, displayed so beautifully through subtle glances and tension filled conversation. However, we also feel that there is a constant barrier preventing this romance from blossoming, and it is only until this barrier is broken, that the romance fully blooms, and blooms beautifully.
There is also comedy sprinkled throughout, not heave and prevalent, but a nice surprise when it appears. Mainly with the police squad. I want to give them a mention, I really enjoyed their interactions with each other. Not only did they bring a comedy element from time to time, they played vital roles in assisting the ML. When the two squads were combined, and with how ML works, I was worried there would be conflict or even betrayal such as an inside man. Thank god there wasn't. There was constant trust throughout the whole squad. The ML from day 1 realized he would need help, he never tried to everything alone. I really appreciate this aspect, he didn't try to do everything. He delegated, trusted and utilized his teammates as a good leader should. And in return they trusted and helped him without questions at every turn. A really beautiful display of a police squad working together with implicit trust.
A quick word on the OST. I wish they were played more often, especially the song for the final fight. It was hauntingly beautiful. Each song incorporated elements of the story and time loop in their lyrics wonderfully. Thought it was really smart. I just wish they were played more often and there were more of them. Since I mentioned it, a quick word, the ending was beautiful and perfect. A completely satisfactory ending, could not have tied up everything any more perfect, and did not forget the side characters that we wished would also get a happy ending. And again, the final showdown between the ML and squid was beautiful choreographed, written and acted, with a sublime song to go with it.
Ultimately, this is a mystery, investigative thriller. Do not expect action every episode. Do not expect a hot and heavy romance. This drama is built upon patience, and curiosity. Patience to witnessthe story unfold, and curiosity to continue as we are introduced further and further into the loop days. While not for everyone (and again thats ok), this drama was truly brilliant for me. Besides the previously mentioned ep 3 and 4, every episode kept me on the edge of my seat. As new clues, backstory, motives and consequences were unfurled through each passing loop day, and new characters and their connections introduced, I just got dragged deeper and deeper into the mystery of who is Squid and how many time loop perceivers are there really? Whose side is everybody on? Is there more than only two sides? Who is good, who is bad? The anticipation for the final loop day 5 was expertly built, and I truly felt not only the consequences and stakes, but that even though I had been through 4 loop days, there were still many twists and hidden cards yet to be played and discovered.
I cannot truly put into words how engaged I was with the central mystery. I might sound like a broken record, but this drama truly did a great job of building upon each passing loop day. Each loop day gave us more and more information, more and more twists, new characters and more and more shocking moments. As it slowly pushed us towards the inevitable final day, the story telling was like slowly witnessing a puzzle coming together or peeling back an onion, I truly felt myself piecing together more and more clues as the show presented them, finding my theories either correct or incorrect as we found out more information. The show truly made me feel as if I was a character myself, and that is exactly what a good mystery thriller does. It makes you feel like you are involved, like you are solving the case as well. And it makes you question who is the villain right till the very end. A good mystery thriller gives you many suspects, and allows you to slowly eliminate them one by one as the story progressing, never being truly sure who the villain is, until the end.
The concept of the time loop allowed us to truly be immersed in the investigate process. It allowed us to find out information and clues when the show wanted us to, thus keeping alive central mystery of the story right until the very end; as the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind, who exactly is who?
Do not worry though, we get a happy ending for our ML and FL (beautiful kiss), police squad, and even the delivery driver and professor You get their happy ending, happy endings all around. Justice prevails, or does it?! With that ending, season 2 anybody?
Mobius follows an ML with the unique able to perceive time loops. Essentially, on random days, from midnight to midnight (24 hours), the day will reset and repeat itself 5 times. As soon as midnight hits, the day will be reset 24 hours into the past, resetting everything that happened during that day; deaths, injuries, memories, everything resets to as it was 24 hours ago. These loop days repeat 5 times, with nothing being permanent, until the 5th and final loop day. After which, what ever happened on that 5th day is permanent and time continues forward. ML is a time loop perceiver, meaning he is able to retain his memories of these loop days, and thus change what occurs during the day. For example, we see him using these loop days to comedically try different hair cuts, knowing the day will reset. We also see him winning the lottery. No matter what he does during the first 4 loops though, only what happens on the 5th day becomes permanent.
Soon ML joins the police force and uses this ability to solve crimes. However, he stumbles upon two seemingly accidental deaths, which are in fact perfectly executed murders, all connected to a company called Moma Biotechnology, and its CEO. The ML soon realizes the killer is likely another time loop perceiver, someone using their ability to commit seemingly perfect murders. And there starts the central mystery. Some comments have called this show a drag as it only focuses on one main case. However, in my opinion, this show is anything but a drag. It is an intriguing cat and mouse game between the ML and the time loop perceiving villain known as Squid (and possibly even a third party). Mobius uses this unique concept to build anticipation throughout.
As we go from loop day 1, until loop day 5, things are continually changing due to the interference of ML and Squid (and possibly even more parties). A contest between two time perceivers, one trying to solve a crime, discover the truth and protect the innocent, while the other with a goal of murder and seemingly a larger plan. I do admit, ep 3 and 4 can be seen as a bit slow compared to the rest of the show, but I also understand they needed to set the base loop (loop day 1), for the story to build off. And once they set that loop day 1, build they did! The story unfolded like an onion, each loop day pealing back a new and intriguing layer. Every episode had me on the edge of my seat, thinking, theorizing, piquing my curiosity to the max. As each loop day passed, we witnessed new perspectives, new clues, new backstory, new characters and we witnessed the domino effects and the consequences of ML and Squid (and possible others) altering the timeline of events.
In my opinion, the choice to focus on a single case was a smart choice. While not for everyone (and thats ok), those that enjoy an in-depth mystery, seeking out clues, and trying to build their own case in their minds, will definitely enjoy this drama. As each loop day passed, we were continually thrown new twist and turns, that kept me engaged. We were drip fed information, backstory and clues. As a result, I felt like I was a detective alongside ML, building the case together and piecing clues together, as we found out more and more information. Thus, the unique premise of loop days allows us to see a vast number of differing perspectives, also witnessing the differences between loop day 1 and the following loop days as both the ML and Squid made changes to try and achieve their goals, with some consequences being at the cost of innocent people. This story was almost a depiction of man vs destiny/fate, seeing if it was humanly possible, to change what was destined to happen.
As loop days past, anticiaption built, as well as the number of questions I had. For example, are ML and squid the only time loop perceivers, or are there more? This drama did a very good job of portraying a number of morally ambitious, gray characters right until the very end. Thus, we were kept constantly guessing; who is the villain? Is there more than one villain? Who is on whose side? Is there more than simply two sides? And many more questions. A good sign of a good mystery thriller. Essentially, as we found it more, the story seemed to mirror the old saying: the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind? And if so, who is the mantis, who is the cicada and who is the oriole.
As the loops passed, and the story unfolded we realize that this mystery was much larger than just the murder of two executives, it was not juts a simple cop vs villain story, but something much deeper with more than just two opposing sides. In my opinion, there are two villains, one obsessed with the woman he loves but cannot save, and thus would not let anything get in his way, doing whatever means necessary to try and save her. The other, obsessed with his research, similarly, abandoning everything and everyone, doing whatever necessary to achieve his goals. Two sides of the same coin. However, I will leave the rest for you to find out, as the journey is where the fun comes from, when it comes to mystery dramas.
As for the action, the director mentioned utilizing a 'Hong Kong' action style in this drama, and boy does it pay off. Episode 1 hits you in the face with nostalgic Jackie Chan vibes when he starred in Police Story or Rush hour. The action portrays the ML as an almost super-heroesque cop, just like in the Chinese police actions films of the 80's and 90's when Hong Kong style action thrived. While the action is sparse, mainly contained within 2 or 3 episodes, it is worthwhile, with superbly executed, and cleanly choreographed set pieces. Building on his theme, the drama combines a blend of mandarin and cantonese dialect and actors, as it was filmed throughout Guangzhou, Macau and Hong Kong. This in my opinion sets the drama apart, giving it a gripping realism.
The romance is subtle and does not bloom until the final few episodes. However, throughout we see the care and affection the ML and FL have towards each other, displayed so beautifully through subtle glances and tension filled conversation. However, we also feel that there is a constant barrier preventing this romance from blossoming, and it is only until this barrier is broken, that the romance fully blooms, and blooms beautifully.
There is also comedy sprinkled throughout, not heave and prevalent, but a nice surprise when it appears. Mainly with the police squad. I want to give them a mention, I really enjoyed their interactions with each other. Not only did they bring a comedy element from time to time, they played vital roles in assisting the ML. When the two squads were combined, and with how ML works, I was worried there would be conflict or even betrayal such as an inside man. Thank god there wasn't. There was constant trust throughout the whole squad. The ML from day 1 realized he would need help, he never tried to everything alone. I really appreciate this aspect, he didn't try to do everything. He delegated, trusted and utilized his teammates as a good leader should. And in return they trusted and helped him without questions at every turn. A really beautiful display of a police squad working together with implicit trust.
A quick word on the OST. I wish they were played more often, especially the song for the final fight. It was hauntingly beautiful. Each song incorporated elements of the story and time loop in their lyrics wonderfully. Thought it was really smart. I just wish they were played more often and there were more of them. Since I mentioned it, a quick word, the ending was beautiful and perfect. A completely satisfactory ending, could not have tied up everything any more perfect, and did not forget the side characters that we wished would also get a happy ending. And again, the final showdown between the ML and squid was beautiful choreographed, written and acted, with a sublime song to go with it.
Ultimately, this is a mystery, investigative thriller. Do not expect action every episode. Do not expect a hot and heavy romance. This drama is built upon patience, and curiosity. Patience to witnessthe story unfold, and curiosity to continue as we are introduced further and further into the loop days. While not for everyone (and again thats ok), this drama was truly brilliant for me. Besides the previously mentioned ep 3 and 4, every episode kept me on the edge of my seat. As new clues, backstory, motives and consequences were unfurled through each passing loop day, and new characters and their connections introduced, I just got dragged deeper and deeper into the mystery of who is Squid and how many time loop perceivers are there really? Whose side is everybody on? Is there more than only two sides? Who is good, who is bad? The anticipation for the final loop day 5 was expertly built, and I truly felt not only the consequences and stakes, but that even though I had been through 4 loop days, there were still many twists and hidden cards yet to be played and discovered.
I cannot truly put into words how engaged I was with the central mystery. I might sound like a broken record, but this drama truly did a great job of building upon each passing loop day. Each loop day gave us more and more information, more and more twists, new characters and more and more shocking moments. As it slowly pushed us towards the inevitable final day, the story telling was like slowly witnessing a puzzle coming together or peeling back an onion, I truly felt myself piecing together more and more clues as the show presented them, finding my theories either correct or incorrect as we found out more information. The show truly made me feel as if I was a character myself, and that is exactly what a good mystery thriller does. It makes you feel like you are involved, like you are solving the case as well. And it makes you question who is the villain right till the very end. A good mystery thriller gives you many suspects, and allows you to slowly eliminate them one by one as the story progressing, never being truly sure who the villain is, until the end.
The concept of the time loop allowed us to truly be immersed in the investigate process. It allowed us to find out information and clues when the show wanted us to, thus keeping alive central mystery of the story right until the very end; as the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind, who exactly is who?
Do not worry though, we get a happy ending for our ML and FL (beautiful kiss), police squad, and even the delivery driver and professor You get their happy ending, happy endings all around. Justice prevails, or does it?! With that ending, season 2 anybody?
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