Pretty Solid Psychological/Profiling Drama

I think this is a pretty solid season (up to ep 15). After reading other reviews, I realised that if you only enjoyed the 2 leads' chemistry and/or the mysterious syndicate which caused the death of Du Cheng's ex-colleague in 1st season, you're likely to be disappointed by this one. However, if you're into psychological/profiling genre and the criminology context, you might like this one.

Below contains spoilers, read at your own discretion.

It's pretty clear that this season's plot and characters development are advancing in a quite different direction than the previous. Below are some points about this season (might change with EPs update) which I like.

Point 1.
While S1 is mainly focusing on using forensic artist and their sketches to apprehend suspects, S2 is advancing the police force into venturing ways of preventing crimes instead of investigating crimes that's been done.

This is evident with Superior Zhang supporting Shen Yi's passion and research into using profiling to determine the potential suspects, preventing them to commit crimes. This theme is similar to Psycho Pass (anime) and The Mouse (kdrama) where you're judged guilty once you're assessed and predicted to have possessed the intention and/or the ability to commit a crime. However, this leads to the critical moral dilemma, which is my Point 2.

Point 2.
Moral dilemma for the legal system: instinct vs logic.

Shen Yi realises that his sharp instinct and deep understanding on humans' psychological aspects allow him to determine suspects of crimes up to a certain degree. Failing the prevent a potential crime in the past caused him guilty and more determined to use his skills to prevent any crimes in future. However, this method is flawed with the current justice system and by law of humanity - innocent until proven guilty. Which is why Du Cheng is against of this method as he believes in logic and science when solving crimes instead of apprehending yet-to-be suspects using instinct. This flaw is evident in later case, where the suspect did not commit the crime in the end, showing there's a line between intention vs commitment of crime.
***(This point is supported by the leads' recent interview)***

Point 3.
Working as a team vs duo.

As their professional roles are different in the police force, it's reasonable for them to work with other team members on assigned tasks to ensure the efficacy of their investigations. I like the diverse dynamic between different combinations of team members they're showing us. Hence, I don't think the 2 leads should be stick together in a single frame for most of the time. And, I think both leads have fair share of screentime and presence. Hence, I'm confused with comments that mentioned about screentime/presence issue for another lead.

Point 4.
As I mentioned before, this season focuses on psychological, induction, hypothetical (what-ifs & predictions) vs last season's evidence-based, deduction, science (if so then so). I like psychological and crime genres. Hence, I enjoy the exploration on the individuals and their contexts. The environmental and personal factors that structure their behaviours and mentality. Of course this does not justify their actions but it gives a critical perspective on crimes prevention. This exploration is helpful for formulating effective interventions for treating the root cause of crimes instead of the symptoms.

This drama also has some room for improvement. E.g.

1. The ranks and orders in the police force is not as systematic as I expect. They seem to be able to take up whatever cases they're interested in even though some presented conflict of interest. Regarding some simplified procedures to gain approval (e.g. part timing in entertainment company), I'd take it as part of the drama nature, to keep up with the pacing. And I really like how they keep each case to 2 EPs max.

2. Like some comments had mentioned, I'd prefer to have some focus/pick up on the main case (the secret syndicate in S1) on earlier EPs. At least foreshadow something or provide clues in the background of some cases would have kept the balance between the day-to-day case and this primary plot.

3. I also felt some gaps in S2 due to missing of characters, e.g. the female friend/art student who was with Shen Yi in S1. As Shen Yi hasn't relocated, some mentioning/brief reveals of communications would've been more natural in terms of characters' life. I do like the developments of some characters relationships in this season, showing how time flows.

That's my personal review so far. Looking forward to the next ep and expecting on how the story will unfold.

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