Reviews

A Masterpiece of Human Drama: The Weight of the Unknown

This series is, quite simply, a masterpiece. This adaptation of Priest’s work proves that the genre can offer so much more than a typical romance; it is a profound study of survival, sacrifice, and the blurred lines of family.

Masterfully filmed and performed, the series shines thanks to the incredible work of its leads. Chris Chiu (as Wei Qian) delivers a physically and emotionally raw performance, making us feel every scar of his past. The story introduces us to two orphans marked by tragedy: Wei Qian, who joins a gang and risks his life in the underworld to provide for his little sister, Lili; and young Zhi Yuan (Kurt Huang) , a boy Qian finds on the street and, moved by compassion, takes into his home as his own brother.

What makes this series exceptional is how it portrays the unconditional devotion and love that Yuan feels for Qian. It is deeply moving to see how the series captures that transition where childhood gratitude transforms into a deep, mature, and absolute love. Yuan expresses his love through every action, becoming the silent anchor for a Wei Qian who lives in a constant internal struggle.

The direction is sublime; every frame is designed to show the tension between them and the heavy burden of Qian’s responsibilities. It is fascinating to watch Wei Qian try to cling to his role as a protector while the world he built trembles before Yuan’s confession. This isn't just a love story; it’s a portrait of how two wounded souls learn that sometimes the greatest risk isn’t on the streets, but in the heart.

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An Underrated Survival Mystery That Deserves More Attention

First of all, I would like to sincerely thank the entire production team—the directors, writers, casting team, and every actor who worked behind and in front of the camera. This is one of those rare dramas that makes you want to write a review immediately after finishing it. Not because it was hyped everywhere, but because it genuinely deserves far more recognition than it currently has.

The drama 19th Floor is truly a mixture of almost every genre you could imagine. It blends comedy, suspense, mystery, romance, science fiction, thriller elements, and even moments of horror in a surprisingly balanced way. On top of that, it highlights something that many modern shows forget: the beauty of friendship and teamwork. It is not just about surviving challenges, but about how strangers gradually learn to trust each other and form bonds under extreme circumstances.

What makes this series stand out is that it doesn’t aggressively force romance into the story. While there is chemistry between the main leads, the narrative never revolves solely around their relationship. Instead, the drama focuses more on the larger story and the group dynamic between the characters. The romantic elements feel natural, subtle, and refreshing rather than overwhelming. Interestingly, the budding chemistry between another pair of characters also adds a very adorable and lighthearted touch to the story.

The pacing of the story is another strong point. The plot constantly moves forward and rarely feels dragged out. Each new challenge or scenario introduced in the story keeps the audience curious about what will happen next. The design of the “games” or situations the characters face is particularly fascinating. They are creative, suspenseful, and sometimes even chilling. Every situation feels different from the previous one, which keeps the narrative engaging from beginning to end.

Visually, the series is impressive as well. The CGI and world-building are surprisingly well executed, especially considering the complex environments the story requires. Some of the scenes look incredibly immersive, making the viewer feel like they are stepping into entirely new worlds with the characters. At the same time, the drama also balances these intense moments with humor and emotional scenes, giving the audience both laughter and heartfelt moments.

Another highlight of the show is its characters. At the beginning, some of them might seem annoying, flawed, or difficult to understand. But as the story progresses, you start to see their layers. Many characters experience growth and development throughout the series, which makes the journey much more meaningful. Watching these individuals slowly transform and build trust with each other is one of the most satisfying aspects of the drama.

The acting across the board deserves praise. Every actor delivers a convincing performance and contributes something unique to the story. Some characters bring emotional depth, others bring tension, and a few bring much-needed humor that keeps the series from becoming too heavy. Even the smaller roles feel memorable in their own way.

Of course, no show is completely perfect. There are moments where the logic of the technology or the situations may feel slightly exaggerated. Some plot conveniences appear here and there, which might make certain viewers question the realism of the events. However, considering the genre and the imaginative premise of the series, these elements are relatively easy to overlook.

What truly surprised me about this drama is how underrated it feels. It deserves a much larger audience than it currently has. The storytelling, the creativity behind the scenarios, and the emotional moments between characters make it far more engaging than many shows that receive much more attention.

Overall, this drama manages to combine suspense, emotion, humor, and mystery in a very entertaining way. It is the kind of story that pulls you in slowly but keeps you invested until the very end. Whether you enjoy thrillers, sci-fi stories, character-driven narratives, or even subtle romance, this series offers something for everyone.

My final suggestion is simple: regardless of the genre you usually prefer, give this drama a chance. You might start watching it out of curiosity, but there is a good chance you will stay for the characters, the suspense, and the surprisingly heartfelt journey that unfolds

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WOW! Episode by Episode

Lu Yuxiao can play anything, whether it be modern or historical. And this was my first drama with Chen Xingxu in it and it did not disappoint at all.

Episode 1: Who would ever break up with my girl, Lu Yuxiao? Idiot. Chen Xingxu’s entrance was ethereal. Him in the prince outfit. The setting is beautiful in this drama. The snow and the modern looking almost New York looking city. Him protecting her from the guards and the quick handwork that he did to get the gun away from her. Holy. The aura from Xingxu with his business trench coat and glasses. Oops. He wasn’t helping her in the game, he was plotting against her. Side note: her saying “pianzi” in the first episode reminded of LITC.

Episode 2: Hu Xiu is so smart. I love that she’s such an independent woman who knows what she wants and won’t back down. Ughhh I hate when they just miss meeting each other by a second. Again, love how Hu Xiu stands up for herself with her ex’s mother.

Episode 3: Awww Zhiyu’s genuine concern for Hu Xiu after she got scared of the new haunted house setting. Then, the flowers that appeared, so pretty. He separated from his character in the game for that bit of time and it showed his genuine care for her. I fear we are getting a forced proximity trope with them living in the same small apartment. The way they were both on call with their friends to figure out the rooming situation😭😭

Episode 4: Xiuxiu is such a compassionate person. She gave Zhiyu allergy medicine when she heard that he was allergic. She’s so smart too, figuring out it was actually Zhiyu renting her place. He’s pretty smart too though as he instantly found out that she knew after she slipped up in pretending to check the furniture. Match made in heaven - a smart one at that. Aw, I feel so bad for Xiuxiu. She brought her whole design and showed her passion, but was only offered an assistant position. Zhiyu, please help Xiuxiu and give her a position at ur company. Xiuxiu showing up for Zhiyu and standing up for him with the neighbors, then him showing her the architectural work she’s been doing. This is building up to him and her working together, I just know it. She doesn’t even know she’s talking to the designer of Galaxy Bookstore. And then when she understood the meaning behind his name…their emotional connection and lives are so interconnected even if she doesn’t know it yet. She’s so strong for pursuing her career dreams and staying true to them.

Episode 5: YES!! I guessed right, she got an interview at her dream studio and Zhiyu is the founder. It was so cute when she was celebrating her interview and he was sitting right beside her knowing he was the reason. Then, in person when she saw him and realized he was the founder, his smug look was so funny. The interviewer partner lady tried to trick her and see if she knew how to speak English. Her English ended up being even better than the partner’s in my personal opinion. The look on Zhiyu’s face was like “She can even speak English, what else do I not know abt her that she can do?” Xiuxiu is just perfect basically. (side note: it’s super impressive how Lu Yuxiao can speak English with almost a perfect British accent). UGH, I love this detail they added. Xiuxiu told Zhiyu how much she wanted to show the last company her design and work that she did, but they didn’t even care. I loved how he did and asked her to show him it and explain it. He really values her work. Oh my goodness, the trama that Zhiyu went through, which is why he is so serious abt the safety of architecture.

Episode 6: When they were having a heart to heart on the balcony, he was actually pretty sweet. I loved how he said that he didn’t focus on her shortcomings but rather everything screamed “potential.” He saw an opportunity and took a chance with her and I’m sure he’s not going to regret it. Who would’ve thought? Xiuxiu’s ex is Zhiyu’s friends new groom. That man didn’t deserve Xiuxiu anyway.

Episode 7: Xiuxiu’s ex is a cheater too, not only someone who leaves behind Xiuxiu. Wow, Xiuxiu’s dedication to her job is admirable. She fell, lost her shoes, and risked her safety just to get the sample designs to Zhiyu. I love how Zhiyu is so observant. He instantly noticed that she had no shoes. YES! I love how Zhiyu came back and got Xiuxiu to get her revenge on Qiran’s family especially that mother. He knew how strong she was meant to be and he’s helping Xiuxiu achieve and channel that strength. His care is like dominant but gentle love. Zhiyu definitely holds grudges and he helped Xiuxiu stand her ground with Qiran. Not only that, but Zhiyu was constantly checking on Xiuxiu making sure that she was ok cus he knew how emotionally distraught she still will be. Zhiyu even asked for Xiuxiu’s permission before accepting Qiran’s toast. AHHH!! He even confronted Qiran’s mom without hesitation. The confidence that Zhiyu emanates is one of his best qualities.

Episode 8: Again, we see XiuXiu’s dedication to her job. She truly is one of the hardest working junior designers in the company. I love the part where Zhiyu drove in the rain to pick up Xiuxiu out of his rival company’s car. That slide in front of them to stop the car. Him getting out. The powerful walk with the umbrella. I love how Zhiyu cleared up that misunderstanding about trust, even if it’s in the game. The fact he let her get so close means he fully trusts her already.

Episode 9: When they met again in the game, Hu Xiu helped Zhiyu win this time. It shows the change in character from the time that they have spent together. “I believe in my dreams. My intuition. And I believe my intuition told me you would win. I will not betray my instincts nor will I betray you.” Those words are so powerful even if said in a game. Wow. Hu Xiu being strong again and standing up for her friend against that jerk. Then her almost getting crushed by a statue, but Zhiyu saving her and taking the hit to his own arm whic is his prized possession as an architect. And then she restated that sentence that means so much to him: “I won’t betray you.” We are officially getting the forced proximity trope with them living in the same apartment.

Episode 10: I know that Pei Zhen is the villain, but he did hep the girls with the matter of that weird guy. The move he does with his glasses too is sort of giving me second lead syndrome, but not rlly. I’m in full support of Zhiyu still. The first thing Zhiyu asked after hearing about her almost crashing his car is if she’s ok herself. Awww that was sweet. Zhiyu took care of the onions, the flowers, and he even had to watch a video to learn how to plant them. He’s so husband coded because he understands how distraught Xiuxiu is, so he doesn’t force her to do anything that is not good for her. He somehow knows how to distract her by letting her work and forget about all the stress in her life.

Episode 11: That dinner was definitely a date. He also got so jealous after thinking she was standing him up for a blind date. He knows her so well, encouraging her to go resolve her issues with her parents. She didn’t even have to say her third wish and he knew what it was. I’m so glad Zhiyu did though because her dad finally accepted her dreams. Everything is resolved and you can see that it’s such a big burden taken off her shoulders.

Episode 12: Zhiyu and Xiuxiu both understand each other in such a healthy way. She helped distract him from the project almost getting messed up and was willing to work overtime. I loved it when everyone from the team started showing up on their day off to work on this project together. It shows how much of an actual team they are. AURA. When Zhiyu walked in with Hu Xiu behind him to the competition. OH MY GOODNESS. He practically confessed his feelings to Xiuxiu through the competition, admitting she was his inspiration. And they incorporated the VR aspect where they first met too, and time basically keeps on flowing, allowing them to immerse themselves.

Episode 13: WHAT THE HECK. PLOT TWIST. Pei Zhen and Xiao Zhiyu are non-biologically related brothers. I don’t know if this makes the competition between them better or worse. Holy, the tension is ramping up. Xiuxiu is truly Zhiyu’s light in the darkness. She gets him out of his dark thoughts with her bright face and smile. Zhiyu noticed that she would always play with her fingers when she’s upset.

Episode 14: WHOO! I see you Xiao Zhiyu, after the kiss, he starts to tease Xiuxiu a lot more now that he knows her real feelings.

Episode 15: Wow, Xiuxiu looked so pretty in that glittering white dress. Same with Zhiyu in his black and white suit. They really look good together. Zhiyu getting jealous over Xiuxiu and Pei Zhen dancing together. I love how Xiuxiu’s family took Zhiyu in like their own for the New Years. Especially since his family isn’t really there for him, the way he has this second family to rely on is super sweet.

Episode 16: Awww, Zhiyu rejected her confession and hit her with an “I’m going to move out soon.” I felt so bad for her when she started rubbing her fingers together again. I think Zhiyu is just scared of that commitment, trust, and deep feeling he’s starting to get from being around her. He doesn’t want to get distracted from his goal. Bro there’s no way that the second couple ML is cheating. With his school junior too? Really? He’s going to give up such a good wife who is willing to do anything and sacrifice anything for him, in turn for a young girl who doesn’t know anything about loyalty. Even if it was a misunderstanding, why did it take so long for him to push her off from him when she kissed him?

Episode 17: Even when Xiuxiu and Zhiyu aren’t really talking to each other, he’s still there for her. He stayed behind and his presence is always just there for her. He cares either way, he just needs to figure out how to express it. OOOOOHHHH…I know this isn’t the time or place but I sense a new second lead couple. Gong Huaicong has been helpful for Xiao Rou whether she admits it or not. I sense it…just wait.

Episode 18: Pei Zhen was meant to be the villain and I’m not saying he’s the greatest person. However, I do think that he is forced into a bad situation and has to do his best to adapt. I think that Xiuxiu sees that, which is why she is still so nice and compassionate towards Pei Zhen. She inspires him towards positive change. I do have to say though, I feel a little bit for Guangming. I know the relationship just wasn’t working, but I think he truly loved their relationship while it lasted and was always trying to make their future better.

Episode 19: I sense a confession scene coming form Zhiyu and Hu Xiu. He didn’t allow her to get married even if it’s in the game. “Picking other people is wrong. You should choose me and we can win together.” HU XIU DO YOUR THING. CONFESS!!! UGHHH SO CLOSE BUT NOT ENOUGH. Come on, Zhiyu. Be a man and confess. AHHH YESSSS I KNEW HE WASNT GOING TO LET HER GO. OMG BETTER THAN IMAGINED HE WENT RIGHT IN FOR THE KISS AGAINST THE WALL. HOLYYYYY!!!!! Now, move back in together, date, and live happily ever after. When she asked Zhiyu if they were in a relationship, I love his reply. “I’m not like someone. Someone kissed me and brushed it off as an accident. I take full responsibility for my actions.” His confession was so heartfelt. But I hate how the subtitles always translate 我喜欢你 to “I love you.” It means “I like you” in most situations, but it makes it seem like they’re already telling each other “I love you.”😭😭 I also just noticed that one of the OSTs is a rendition of “Can’t help falling in love”. I love the mandarin version remix though. DANG! He said he was almost 30 so he’s not playing childish games, so instead of a forehead stamp, he went directly in for a kiss.

Episode 20: Well, I guess Zhiyu didn’t cover the camera well enough cus now everyone knows. Awww the desk and tie scene was really cute. I lied, I don’t like Pei Zhen anymore. How dare he talk abt Hu Xiu to his parents when Xiuxiu has said she doesn’t feel anything for him. That’s putting her in a really awkward position. Same with Zhiyu, I wish he revealed they were dating already.

Episode 21: The second lead couple is developing. I can sense it. The scene with them 4 eating together at the cafe, why do I feel like it’s not scripted? Their laughs were so natural. Zhiyu when he’s jealous is so cute, and the small kisses that Hu Xiu gave him. Not only is this relationship sweet but it’s deep too. Hu Xiu encourages Zhiyu to face his fears and deal with his trauma healthily step by step. Her playing piano was such a nice touch, especially to the OST and it being a gift from his dad.

Episode 22: Xiao Zhiyu trusted Xiuxiu enough to tell her about his dad and why he was so scared that something happened to her. He revealed how much Xiuxiu has helped him stay grounded in reality. I love when they show the more emotional sides of their relationship. Aww he got woman’s slippers for her once she visited for the first time. He also finally stocked his refrigerator. He’s doing it to protect her too. He noticed that strange car always hanging around her, so he wants to keep her safe. Ugh he cherished her so much. Ohhh it makes so much sense now. It was Pei Zhen’s dad. Bro, Pei Zhen has the wrong idea. He needs to know that Hu Xiu doesn’t like him in any way and he’s only messing with her life. I love how Zhiyu is so serious when it comes to protecting her.

Episode 23: What the heck bro, everyone was having such a good time. The concert and everything. Then, everything comes crashing down. Identities are revealed, Hu Xiu’s dad gets into an accident, and Zhiyu’s reputation is at risk. Please work through this together. Come on, my two. I knew the relationship was too simple and easy. I still love how Zhiyu dropped evehrbting considering his own identity and helped Hu Xiu with her dad. He quietly did all the paperwork for Hu Xiu’s dad and everything regardless of his whole future being affected. Pei Zhen is actually the most jealous person in the world. There’s a reason Zhiyu always gets the better things and accomplishes more. Cus he’s jsut a better person.

Episode 24: I gotta say, I feel for both Zhiyu and Hu Xiu. She’s just trying to protect her family and stop herself from causing her dad even more trouble. He’s trying to make sense of it all and is getting dragged into his dads actions.

Episode 25: YES! They made up. I loved how their miscommunication/breakup length was technically only 1 episode. And even throughout that episode; they were still there for each other. They both defended each other and tried to help with the cause no matter if their cases were direct opposites. I loved when Zhiyu confronted Pei Zhen abt his narcissistic actions when he KNOWS Hu Xiu doesn’t feel anything for him.

Episode 26: Wow, there’s no way Pei Zhen’s dad is willing to kill ppl just to manipulate his kids. What the heck is this plot twist!? He killed Zhiyu’s dad!!!!??? Oh heck no, he deserves to be in jail forever. All of this was made possible with Hu Xiu’s detective skills I would like to add. Wow, Chen Xingxu’s acting was amazing in this episode.

Episode 27: Awww they’re so cute together. Her heartfelt talk with her shows just how much he helped her find her goals in life. He pushed her, supported her, and gave her happiness at the same time. Awww… Pei Zhen coming to his senses. His “I’m sorry” hit rlly deep. I hoe he can find inspiration and love a happy life himself. He was trapped and now, he deserves better.

Episode 28: Awww he came back just to say bye to her without their coworkers. His little head rubs.

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When Eye Candy Isn’t Enough

Some dramas fail because they are poorly made. Boyfriend on Demand fails for the opposite reason—it is overworked, like a painting that received one brushstroke too many. On paper, everything is there: a timely premise about AI dating, modern loneliness, and the ghosts of past relationships that keep people from moving on; a cast filled with some of the Korean industry’s most beloved rom-com actors; and glossy, high-end cinematography that makes every frame look expensive.

Yet the center of the story never comes alive. An enemies-to-lovers setup only works when sparks fly, but here the female lead doesn’t spar with the male lead—she seems openly annoyed by him, sometimes bordering on bored. The male lead, played by an actor I normally enjoy, feels strangely absent. The cascade of handsome virtual boyfriends briefly recalls 7 First Kisses, but without its innocence or romantic charm; it feels more like hoarding beautiful faces than telling a love story. With so many cameos, even the eye candy loses its impact. Romance dramas live or die by whether the audience can invest their heart in the main couple—and here, despite all the polish, that never quite happens.

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Poignant Storytelling: Between Shadows and Healing

"Light and darkness travel side by side."

I thought this was a beautiful examination of how layered good and bad can be, told through people trapped in a generation of hurt. Some characters were able to heal and find closure, while others remained caught in the cycle, hoping at least to leave a better world for those who came after them.

For me, it was the emotional depth that truly hooked me. The storytelling felt especially poignant, centering on a strong core theme while weaving in alternate arcs that allowed the drama to flourish with tension and excitement. This was an absolute win for me. I was mesmerized by every dimension—from the setting to the cinematography to the layered characters. There was so much intrigue and connection to the storytelling that I found myself completely absorbed in it.

This was such a win for me that I am now reading the novel.

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If you Think About It

You can actually watch this show with one of two mindsets ,the first it's just another Rom-com the alternative is the writers and producers are trying to say something about the way our world is changing .

As a straight forward Rom-com I quite enjoyed the series nothing outstanding but worth your time but after a couple of episodes something did not quire sit right in my mind and that was why has a woman who is emotionally struggling in real life started to use a virtual reality AI based dating service .
And This is my problem if the writers intentionally created this scenario well done them if not this is actually a pretty poorly thought out show .

The basic question is why would anybody with real emotional problems want to date a none existent person with a computer generated personality and image that's completely incapable of show any real emotions it is t simply a computer program made to keep people happy
The FL with her emotional issues needs counseling not a fantasy world where she just hides away from reality and "Kissing" dates ? come on they are in the VR headset there is nothing to kiss and at the end the VR date and NPC's simply freeze and she is all alone yet again how this helping her ??

Enough said if this show actually set out to raise questions about VR & AI then they did a decent job if not just enjoy it for what it is a not bad show as for the lead couple and their story the actors did well but in all honesty I think the FL was lucky the ML was such a well balanced man many would have walked away as her mindset and dependance right until the end about her VR "world" was pretty weird and a bit pathetic .

Again give it a go and enjoy the show

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The story is not what you think it would be at all

1. Story : When you see the opening music, trailer, cast most of us would think this would be a wholesome drama its centered around a cute baby but man how wrong can we be? This is literally just about indecisive and emotional turmoil of love for FL, the baby just a prop at this point. And the ML? he is feels like a support character in here haha, SML you would get it here a lot and i loathed everything about him in here.
2. Acting : The acting is fine except SML, i dont knoww it feels like not genuine or too artifical everytime he pop up, + the swriter decided to make him do a lot of screen time here is a pain.
3. Music : Music is fine not good or bad, just there
4. Rewatch? definitly not

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The real protagonist of Connection ⚠️ (Spoiler Analysis) ⚠️

⚠️ This review contains major spoilers for the ending.

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Between the Lines
igiam’s reflections on drama, character and hidden meaning
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💚 Just a personal interpretation after finishing the drama. I’d love to hear what others think.

After finishing this drama, one thought stayed with me: what if the real protagonist of the story is not Jang Jae Gyeong?

Of course, the narrative follows him, and Ji Sung delivers a powerful performance as a detective struggling with addiction, guilt, and the search for the truth. However, if we look at the structure of the story more closely, another character quietly stands at the center of everything.

Park Jun Seo.

Even though he dies early in the story, every major event revolves around him. He is the one who gathers everyone again. He is the one who forces the past to resurface. And he is the one who sets the entire chain of consequences in motion.

In a way, Jae Gyeong becomes the person who carries out Jun Seo’s final will.

What makes Jun Seo such a tragic character is that, despite everything he did, he never completely abandoned the things that once mattered to him.

The password 0617, which is his wife’s birthday, shows that he still carried those feelings in his heart. It also explains why the revelation hurts Choi Ji Yeon so deeply: she believed he had completely turned his back on their life together.

Then there is 0724 – “Friendship Day.”

This memory represents the moment when their friendship was still genuine, before power, greed, and fear corrupted it. While the others chased success and protected their secrets, Jun Seo held on to that memory.

By calling everyone back to the place where everything began, Jun Seo was not simply seeking revenge. He was forcing them to confront the truth they had buried for twenty years.

That is why the title Connection feels so meaningful.

What they once had was friendship.
What they ended up with was only a connection built on secrets, guilt, and shared crimes.

In the end, Jae Gyeong solves the case.
But the story itself belongs to Jun Seo.

And perhaps Jun Seo’s final wish was simple:
for someone to remember the moment when their friendship was still real.

🎯 Friendship didn’t destroy them. Greed, fear, and secrets did.

🤓 Do you also think Jun Seo was the real protagonist, or do you see the story differently?

— igiam | Observing Stories Between the Lines

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Very good acting, and cinematography

the acting was sooooo good I'm obsessed, and the cinematography is one of the most beautiful and important thing that I look for lots of dramas. and I found exactly my dream cinematography in this one. fan Xiao was kind of disgustingly manipulative and deceiving but in a beautiful way, and I love how the bot wasn't pathetic or feminine, it's giving alphaxalpha and I'm obsessed. their chemistry was also so good as of they're made for this roles. also behind the scenes shows how after each manipulative and crying scene they start to giggle and laugh together and it's so intoxicating

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High expectation early, dissapointed in the end

1. Story : The Plot is interesting, and the early episode i got the feeling this could be one of the good, but the more i watch till the end the moer its getting weirdly mess up story, thats it seems deprived from the original intention
2. The acting a lot of times delivered badly in tthe drama, it feels forced and out of chemistry, but i really like the FL so i endure it.
3. Music : The music is meh, sometimes just go without background sound at all that make it feels awakward.
4. Rewatch Value : Definitly not gonna rewatch

Conclusion : An interesting plot about AI and Mental Helath that had the potential to be one of the good out there, but decided to create a complicated drama about misunderstanding, one thing i like is the FL, such a nice visual to see.

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it was not entertaining at all.

it felt like it was scripted. the fact that there was a previous shoot and we were told we never saw it was just icing on the cake. that part was very confusing, and bringing back an already existing couple while one was eliminated was utterly ridiculous. by eliminating one person, they ruined the fateful situation they wanted.
i also hated how they acted like nothing was happening between that couple who everyone hated -hj and sw- and how they played with two people's feelings. it was a terrible season. for the first time, i hated most of the people in the season because we never understood what was going on behind the scenes.
i didn't enjoy watching it at all. i was hoping for some surprising decisions, but that wasn't the case at all. all I gained from watching it was stress. it wasn't nice that this show, which was so good in the first two seasons, went downhill.

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Gritty Realism vs. A Botched Finale

After finishing this drama, I’m left with very mixed feelings. On one hand, I’m absolutely thrilled with how they portrayed the forensic department's work. On the other hand, I haven’t seen a main storyline "drop the ball" this hard in a long time, and it’s incredibly disappointing.

The greatest asset of this drama is its striking realism regarding routine police work. There’s no chasing artificial intrigue here. You won’t find overly convoluted cases or "elite" crime scenes. Everything is mundane, gritty, and sad. The criminals are portrayed as real people—often from the lower strata of society—who are either lost or driven into a corner.

I loved the attention to everyday details: investigators don’t forget to turn off their computers before leaving, they work as a cohesive team instead of acting like 'lone wolves,' and they always photograph the crime scene before touching anything. A particularly funny yet relatable touch was seeing the characters eating while discussing the gruesome details of their latest murder case.

Word of advice: Don’t watch "The Truth" on an empty stomach. Not because of the 'scary' police work (there isn't much of that), but because the characters eat constantly. The food isn't fancy—it’s simple comfort food, which only adds to the realism. One of the forensic specialists' wives works at a canteen called 'Nameless,' which becomes a frequent haunt for the team. This is where the leads hash out both their personal lives and their work cases.

The visuals were also a highlight. The investigations often took the detectives to the outskirts of the city—cheap rentals, dorms, and tiny shops that were fascinating to observe. It’s a far cry from the "glossy" version of China we often see.

The writers also masterfully used parallels. One episode might show a complex family crisis and offer two different outcomes: a crime born of desperation versus the patience and forgiveness demonstrated by the leads.

The characters are another strong point. The forensic team members are shown as living, breathing people with family problems, doubts, and personal desires rather than flawless heroes. While the younger staff are busy navigating love, the older generation is learning to live with the consequences of past mistakes and tragic accidents.

Captain Leng Qi Ming, played by Jiang Wu, was memorable for his absolute equanimity in the face of serious family issues and his consumption of tea in massive quantities. To me, he gave off major Uncle Iroh vibes (Avatar: The Last Airbender). He was the character whose personal happiness I rooted for the most.

Photo and video analyst Jiao Lei (Feng Hui) and his wife Jiao Jing (Zhou Xian Xin) demonstrate another layer of resilience. Watching Mr. Jiao’s tender care for his wife and her slow recovery from a traumatic event was incredibly moving. Their relationship is a balm for the soul compared to the toxic dynamics so often seen in other dramas.

Si Yuan Long (Zhang Kai Tai), an evidence expert and the ML's friend, is young, cheerful, and impetuous. Whether he’s jokes or being persistent in his romantic pursuits, he really brightens the story.

Similarly, forensic toxicologist Zhang Zi Wu (Liu Hai Lan) is quite persistent in her feelings for her crush. However, she does it so gently and unobtrusively that I spent the whole drama sincerely hoping her feelings would be reciprocated.

Ironically, the only underdeveloped character turned out to be the ML - Detective Ye Qian (Gong Jun). He was given every trait designed to appeal to the audience—intelligence, unrequited love, melancholy, physical vulnerability (an alcohol allergy), motorcycles, and leather jackets. It’s an interesting image, but it remains superficial because the script rarely shows us anything beyond his heartbreak. It would have been great to see even a glimpse of his relationship with his parents or the reasons why he lives in a dorm under his friend’s supervision.

The romance arc was a major disappointment. It felt like the ex-girlfriend was introduced simply to "check a box" for the trope of the suffering ML. While he suffers very aesthetically, the rushed nature of this storyline makes his pain feel unjustified and occasionally hollow. The tragic backstory and present-day drama lead to an abrupt dead end. By the finale, the romance shifts into dry propaganda; the ML’s grand monologue about duty and service feels jarring and unnatural compared to the show’s otherwise grounded tone.

The drug mafia plot was the weakest link. While the petty crimes were believable, the drug lords felt "cardboard" and cartoonish. The struggle against drug trafficking was shown superficially, lacking detail or real emotion. It feels as though this part of the script was heavily edited (likely due to the rumors of the show being cut from 40 to 30 episodes), making the finale feel botched. I suspect that real narcotics department methods might have been suppressed by censorship, which is the only logical explanation for such a drastic cut to the main plot.

Ultimately, "The Truth" is worth watching for Gong Jun’s performance, the interesting supporting cast, and the rare realism of the procedural elements. If you can overlook the rushed finale of the main plot, it remains a solid representative of the police procedural genre.

P.S. I really like the original title: "The Wind Passes, Leaving a Trace". It perfectly describes forensic work: no matter how subtle or "airy" a crime might seem, it always leaves a trace for the investigators to find.

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As solid as Season 1, hopefully they keep adapting the manga with the same quality

Disclaimer (same as for S1) : I have not read the entirety of One Piece (-yet) but I have loved what I have read so far and I have even dabbled into watching some of the anime. I have most certainly read much more of the story than what the series is covering and therefore it is very difficult for me to review it without comparing it with the original material.

Overall, my feelings about this S2 is quite similar to S1. I think it is a solid adaptation of the manga. Casting did an excellent job with the new characters featured in that part of the story. The costumes / the make up / the visual effects are truly working well at successfully recreating in live action the various protagonists as well as the set in which they evolve. Production is as impressive (if not better) than in S1, with maybe the exception of the OST, which is still very good but I would have appreciated some more reference to the anime songs.

Pacing is pretty fast but not to the point of not allowing some room for emotional moments. However, given the fast-pacing, I'm wondering if the emotional connection that I felt with the various beats of the story might not be the same for people that are discovering the story through the live action media solely, without having read the manga before.

I would definitely recommend this to people that have enjoyed Season 1. In my opinion this adaptation is both satisfying for fans of the manga but also well made enough to onboard people that know nothing about the story (aside from watching season 1). Season 3 is already planned for a release in 2027 and I truly hope we have many more seasons in front of us. Please don't cancel it Netflix !

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