Playing Ep 08

What people are saying

• fierceunforgiven

  Overall 6

  Story 5,  Acting 6,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 4

  Beware of potential spoilers ahead
  
  This drama kicks off with a bang, diving headfirst into a world of action and grappling with the aftermath of a major PTSD event that shakes up the lives of our main characters. The collaboration between PTU and OCTB offers some thrilling moments, but there's a glaring issue that irked me throughout the series. The talented Rebecca Zhu shines in her role as a lead investigator in OCTB, delivering standout scenes, yet the focus remains disproportionately on the PTU, leaving...

  us yearning for more of Zhu's presence. It's a puzzling choice that detracts from the overall viewing experience.
  
  Meanwhile, poor Jonathan Cheung and his family seem to be cursed with a never-ending string of misfortunes. While not a central character, Cheung finds himself at the center of every calamity imaginable, from bribery scandals to kidnapping incidents. It's a narrative device that feels somewhat lazy, piling hardship upon hardship onto one family. The predictability surrounding Owen Cheung's undercover cop arc further dampens the excitement, as his storyline unfolds in a formulaic and expected manner.
  
  The male leads offer a mixed bag of performances, with Joel Chan delivering a solid-but-familiar portrayal, while Adrien Yau's characterization falls flat, struggling to captivate as a wannabe gangster. However, Hugo Wong and Benjamin Yuen stand out as compelling villains, injecting much-needed tension and intrigue into the plot. Yuen, in particular, commands attention with his ruthless and unpredictable demeanor, stealing every scene he graces.
  
  As the series progresses, the narrative takes unexpected turns, throwing Jonathan's family and Kelly Fu's character into increasingly dire situations. The repetitive cycle of misfortune that befalls Jonathan's household becomes frustratingly predictable, testing the limits of plausibility. Fu's decisions and actions, driven by naivety and impulsivity, only serve to exacerbate their predicaments, adding layers of complexity to an already tumultuous storyline.
  
  Despite its flaws, the series manages to deliver moments of intrigue and emotional resonance, thanks in part to standout performances by certain cast members. However, the unsatisfying ending leaves much to be desired, failing to provide closure to several narrative threads. While the return of a certain character and the revelation of a shocking truth add some twists, they aren't enough to elevate the overall plot. The series ends on a middling note, hinting at potential developments in a future season but ultimately falling short of its full potential.

• quickzhang59

  Overall 7

  Story 6.5,  Acting 7.5,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 7

  In the realm of police dramas, this recent Hong Kong series stands out as a notable contender. While it may not surpass the classics that came before it, it brings a fresh perspective with its intense action sequences and amplified violence, a departure from previous censorship practices that hindered the authenticity of such scenes. The show also deserves credit for exploring new filming locations, straying away from the tired backdrop of the ubiquitous abandoned oil refinery that has become a cliché in many productions.
  
  However, a...

  significant flaw tarnishes the show's execution, as the narrative disproportionately shifts focus onto the supporting cast, relegating the main characters to secondary roles. The imbalance becomes apparent with the excessive spotlight on certain characters, leaving the audience yearning for more depth and development of the leads. Despite this misstep, the compelling chemistry between two particular characters breathes life into the series, infusing a captivating love theme that resonates with viewers.
  
  On the contrary, the lacklustre connection between other characters dampens the overarching storyline, extending certain plotlines at the expense of a tighter, more engaging narrative. While the series boasts a commendable soundtrack, with an unconventional yet catchy opening theme and a poignant ending ballad, it falls short in certain technical aspects like the believability of gunplay effects.
  
  Despite its flaws, this series manages to captivate with its enthralling rivalry between key characters, hinting at the potential for a more focused and compelling storyline. While it may not achieve perfection, it positions itself as a strong contender in a field where noteworthy competitors are scarce. As the drama unfolds, it sets the stage for potential recognition, provided that upcoming contenders do not surpass its current standing.