Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• SmartAmadeus39

  Overall 6

  Story 6,  Acting 6,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 5

  Caution: Potential spoilers ahead
  
  Underwhelming — that's the sentiment that lingered after diving into the recent collaboration between a prominent Chinese streaming platform and a renowned Hong Kong broadcaster. One enters the series with palpable anticipation, only to encounter the characteristic stark and somber patina that so often permeates the former's projects. True to form, the show immerses viewers in a world steeped in the gritty, shadowy underbelly of Hong Kong from the get-go.
  
  By no means do I find this series detestable; far from it....

  The cast's performances are notably compelling, with one esteemed actor delivering a poignant portrayal of a man grappling with terminal illness, seeking to make the most of his final days entrenched in the narcotics trade — a haunting echo of his past that landed him behind bars for over a decade. Then there's the enigmatic female character, who remains a riddle wrapped in mystery, leaving us pondering her alignment and motives as she orbits the central figure.
  
  The portrayal of a law enforcer living with the repercussions of brain damage, which inhibits his emotional capacity, offers a fresh twist on the cop drama trope. His professional and personal struggles are accentuated by his interactions with an old flame, whose lingering feelings for him only compound the complexity of their dynamic.
  
  These layered character arcs are a testament to the show's strength in acting and narrative potential, but certain elements do a disservice to the overall quality. Instances of narrative coherence take a downfall when we are introduced to a seemingly ancillary character, a mute delivery worker whose presence within the story is overemphasized without a satisfying explanation. His seeming charm over other characters feels inexplicably forced, causing frustration over the lack of development and motivation behind their sudden affinity for him.
  
  The creators' choice to provide this silent character's internal monologue through voiceover — a common practice, admittedly — feels jarring, especially considering the depiction of his communication style through sign language. More baffling still is the near-supernatural rapidity with which the cast masters this form of conversation, a detail that strains believability.
  
  The plot stumbles further when this character faces personal tragedy tied to the actions of others, yet inexplicably, his tone towards those complicit lacks the expected gravitas or depth of emotion. Such shortcomings in writing erode the credibility of his character arc and viewers' investment in his journey.
  
  Despite these critiques, it's worth noting that the series is graced with a striking soundtrack, a fusion of Cantonese metal that resonates and elevates the scenes it underscores. Regrettably, even this powerful musical element cannot redeem the series to warrant a score higher on my scale. A singular point of contention — the treatment and construction of one character's role — ultimately becomes the linchpin of my discontent with what could have otherwise been a thoroughly gripping drama.