Real stories, real people

BEST crime show of 2024 HANDS. DOWN. Every single case had me on the edge of my seat, and the show started off super strong with the very first episode. It's the kind of series where you can't just stop after a case starts, and so I had to pace myself (usually taking a break after a case was solved) or else I would have just binged this entire series in one day.

The actors? Phenomenal (with minor exceptions, and they aren't the main ones so it's not even too much of an issue and probably also has to do with my personal opinion). The storyline? ABSOLUTE WIN. The pacing was amazing for the first few cases, but I do think that it got a little weird near the last few, but only because I think it may have worked better to solve all three separately instead of all at once so each case got a chance to be delved deeper into and shine but that may just be me. Certainly, each of the last three cases did shine and left a deep impression, but I feel that their depth weren't able to be explored as much as the first few cases were like the one with Zhang Ke Han (the fact that I still remember this bastard's full name says something) which was a single case spread over multiple episodes that it was even hard for me to keep track since I just kept clicking 'next ep' xD

The fact that relationships are the backburner? *Chef's kiss* There are no unnecessary relationship dramas nor draggy love stories because this series focuses on the cases which I absolutely adore. Good crime shows are good because of the cases they explore as the focus and I am so happy that this series does exactly that. In fact, the sprinkle of romance in here is just right, because whenever a scene comes up with Qin Chuan's family I can't help but smile because they're all just so sweet with each other. There are no blatant and dramatic romance moments, but I appreciate the little moments so much, as well as the microexpressions and little tidbits that just make you all warm inside. Subtlety at its finest if you ask me :))

Finally, what makes this series so special to me is that all the cases are based on real ones that have happened. Including Qin Chaun, who in fact is a real person (different name of course) and was involved in all the cases mentioned. In fact, most of the characters (if not all) are based upon real people. Hence my headline of real stories, real people. Solving that nearly 30-year-old case gave me chills, and I love learning about real events that have happened and see them in a way that's engaging and draws you in. Of course, Qin Chuan's character development as the story goes on pulled at my heartstrings as well, and it made me tear up when I saw the transition of him sitting on the sidelines at meetings to sitting at the center of the main table and leading the discussions. I was so proud seeing his transition from a hotheaded captain to a more matured version of his (still haha) hotheaded self :))))

The side characters are amazing too, and a personal favourite was Professor Cao. Forensic science has always been one of my favourite things to see in shows and learn about, and seeing how it has changed throughout the show (since the 90s, I believe to the 2000s), really blew my mind with the advancements of tech.

The subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) comedy in this caught me off guard at times and even through the seriousness, I still managed to laugh at the right times. And yes, there isn't anywhere that included comedy at inappropriate times, which I respect and love so much.

10/10 would repeat this experience, because even though I know how the cases end, this is a show that has left such a deep impression with me that I want to find things about it that I may have missed the first time around. I may understand why the rating on here is so low for a show that is all the rage in mainland China, since the show can seem to be boring to the wrong audience. If you get bored when there aren't intense action scenes like extreme car chases and dangerous stunts, this series may not be for you since they do mostly focus on solving cold cases and the intense process of solving crime and all the people involved rather than the action aspect. One scene that moved me was when they were trying to catch Zhang Ke Han and thousands of volunteers were pouring over video footage in a giant room. It goes to show that solving crime isn't just a one team thing like many shows depict, and in fact involves the hard work of countless hard-working individuals and so many different departments.

Kudos all around! <3

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A must-watch

Just finished watching and there was never a boring episode, and I was constantly entertained!! Whoever decided to cast the main hosts deserves all the *chef's kiss* because they are absolutely hilarious together xD Not only do they explain scientific topics in a way that's easy to understand, but the way they go about experiments gives a fresh look on the world of research. Even the invited guests were amazing and cooperated super well with everything that was thrown at them.

After watching all the episodes I just had to go back and watch everything again, just to laugh with them again and again. It's rare that a show has me laughing no matter how many times that I re-watch, and this show just pulls at my heartstrings <33 Ren Jialun added the subtle humorous remarks that just gave a continuous ever-rippling humorous atmosphere, and the rest of the cast are just comfortable with each other and not afraid to tease and laugh together over ridiculous things. Arthur and Daxun are just a hilarious combo in general, and Ronghao was the seemingly mature yet relaxed and responsible figure that kept the script flowing. Jackson was a pleasure to watch, and filled with endless curiosity that had me admire his persistence and determination to further enhance his Chinese skills! I also love the little promotions throughout the show, especially the last episode where everyone showcases what they're capable of that had me subscribing to Jackson Wang in a heartbeat. So many kudos to the director, the production team, the cameramen, the volunteers, the sponsorship, and everyone involved in this project because it's super clear that a LOT of work went into producing this show, and whoever chose the background and interlude music between scenes, I want to hug them because they definitely chose all the right songs!

Overall, this show is at the top of my list, and if there's ever a S2 with all these wonderful people, it would certainly be a treasure!

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