Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• boldhelen

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 8.5,  Music 6,  Rewatch Value 8

  Be advised that the following critique may reveal key plot elements.
  If you're on the hunt for a stellar Hong Kong action series courtesy of TVB, look no further. A fusion of adrenaline-fueled sequences and rip-roaring excitement, this drama hits the ground running and doesn't let up. Blending humor with gravitas, the balance of tones keeps you hooked, with the main protagonist's unruffled demeanor amidst chaos being particularly compelling.
  
  Kenneth Ma steals the show with his portrayal of a charismatic lead who maintains his cool in...

  the face of danger. The visual storytelling is a standout, showcasing scenes that highlight the character's sharp wit and combat strategy. The ensemble cast dazzles, especially in slow-motion sequences that take your breath away with their choreographed brilliance.
  
  I have yet to watch the series in its entirety, but there's a sticking point that demands discussion. Natalie Tong's character is a source of contention, embodying a perpetually irksome presence that grates on the nerves. Her character's backstory involves a family tragedy tied to the lead, sending her into a spiral of misplaced vitriol that wavers inconsistently as the story progresses. This culminates in a jarring meeting with a nefarious yet brilliant character played by Ruco Chan. While optimism remains that future episodes might salvage her portrayal, her current trajectory is less than endearing.
  
  The series’ title track doesn't leave much of an impression, falling short of the emotional mark. Fortunately, the end credits offer a tuneful respite that resonates more effectively.
  
  Moving past episode ten, a shift occurs towards emotionally charged drama and in-depth character arcs, despite seemingly cookie-cutter plot points familiar to TVB's style. Alex Lam emerges as a revelation, his nuanced performance exploring the depths of remorse and revelation warrants applause, truly award-worthy.
  
  An evolution in Natalie Tong's character thankfully unfolds, her realization paving the way for a poignant reconciliation that was long overdue. A notable downside is a plot resolution that begs the question of brotherhood loyalty, hinting at a potentially deeper trust not fully realized.
  
  Completing the series, I'm taken by the narrative's ups and downs. While mid-series lulls briefly dim the intrigue, the villain's grand design and subsequent developments reignite the momentum. Action scenes, though not scaling the heights of earlier episodes, deliver engaging sequences.
  
  Ruco Chan's departure from the quintessential hero to embrace the role of a sinister adversary adds a fresh layer to the drama. However, his arc's climax may underwhelm some, eschewing an all-out showdown that many may crave.
  
  In the end, a roller-coaster ride of feelings threatens to undercut the series finale, but fears are allayed with a resolution that affirms everyone's storylines—especially hoping for due recognition for Alex Lam, who has shown immense growth.
  
  In summary, despite minor hiccups and narrative choices that could be questioned, the series thrives as an action-packed, character-driven drama that ultimately delivers satisfying closure.

• sillysandra30

  Overall 9.5

  Story 9,  Acting 10,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 9

  Caution: Potential spoilers ahead
  When I initially approached this series with a sense of apprehension, it wasn't completely unfounded; the familiar faces from a previous popular show made me wary of a repetitive narrative, seemingly another tired tale of cops and criminals. However, my initial misgivings were quickly dispelled as I found myself engrossed.
  
  The series unfurls around a specialized division focusing on thwarting terrorism, diverging into two core teams: a tactically equipped contingent reminiscent of commandos, and a more cerebral, yet equally adept, group of...

  strategists. Each successive installment of the series presents a fresh challenge, a new scenario involving guest stars, breathing life into a variety of narratives tied with the central theme.
  
  While I can't vouch for the procedural authenticity, the portrayal of tactical maneuvers suggests a commendable degree of realism. This fidelity extends to the vibrant, meticulously choreographed action sequences which carry a visceral punch. The strategic precision with which the team operates is nothing short of cinematic excellence, painting a riveting picture of coordination and cool-headed efficiency.
  
  A glaring oversight, in my opinion, was the development of the antagonist. While his nefarious allure captivated the audience, the backstory that led to his moral descent remained elusive, a narrative thread left frustratingly unplucked. His demise—instead of being a crescendo of his dark crescendos—felt jarringly abrupt, deflating the build-up without the climactic confrontation one might anticipate.
  
  The true accomplishment of the series, however, lies in its understanding of pace and twist; the secondary characters bring unexpected depth with their revelations and decisions, particularly the right-hand man whose journey was a narrative masterstroke.
  
  Grievances aside, the show triumphs as an electrifying watch, harmoniously blending nostalgia for the golden era with a refreshing, kinetic energy in its storytelling. I call upon the creators to keep this momentum alive and continue delivering content that resonates with the prowess of their past oeuvre.

• WildNicole

  Overall 9.5

  Story 9.5,  Acting 10,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 10

  In the realm of uniformed heroics on screen, my enthusiasm typically gravitates towards narratives entwined with the valor of law enforcement and emergency response teams. It was thus a delight to discover a drama that not only aligns with my interests but also exceeds my expectations, subsequently earning a place at the pinnacle of my preferred police-centric series list.
  
  The craft of thespians is often the backbone of compelling storytelling, and in this particular drama, the actors deliver performances that are nothing short of captivating....

  Their portrayal of characters dedicated to the badge is both nuanced and electrifying, weaving a tapestry of gripping emotions and relentless pursuit of justice.
  
  Revisiting such a masterpiece is an opportunity I welcome with open arms. It's a rarity to stumble upon a series that so intricately details the operations of an entire police department, allowing viewers to delve deep into the camaraderie and complex dynamics within. Many dramas dabble in the lives of individual officers, yet falter in capturing the collective essence of a unit as this one does.
  
  One aspect that left an indelible mark on me was the depiction of the specialized tactical division, the CTRU. Their presence on screen, accompanied by well-choreographed sequences, lends an air of authenticity and excitement that is both visually enthralling and narratively enriching.
  
  In summary, this drama stands as a beacon for those with a predilection for tales of law and order, transforming what could have been a conventional genre entry into an exemplar of top-notch police storytelling.

• dulllin

  Overall 9.5

  Story 9.5,  Acting 10,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 9.5

  In the landscape of television dramas, it's not often that a series manages to captivate me from the get-go. Having ventured through a myriad of offerings from a particular network known for its prolific drama output, I found my interest waning with stories dissipating into the ether halfway through. But there comes a gem, every so often, that rekindles that spark of viewer loyalty – and I found myself pleasantly surprised by my latest foray into their catalog.
  
  The narrative of this series weaves a compelling...

  tale, one that grips you with its intricate plot and the authenticity of its characters. The performances are nothing short of engrossing; the cast's ability to embody their roles so completely makes it difficult to even consider pressing the fast-forward button.
  
  Action aficionados, in particular, will find solace in the expertly choreographed confrontations. A certain actor, renowned for his charm and finesse, shines brightly in such moments of tension and adrenaline-fueled sequences. His depiction of a character who is as poised in the face of danger as he is suave in moments of calm is a true highlight.
  
  The musical score and original soundtracks are serviceable, accompanying the narrative without overwhelming it—a commendable feat.
  
  Alas, not even this rollercoaster of a series could craft a curtain call free from critique. The finale offers a resolution that can be described as satisfying, yet it leaves one yearning for more. The culmination of a particular romantic thread between two key personalities—I refer to them with the pseudonyms Ocean and Po—was delivered with a sweetness that begged for a longer indulgence.
  
  On balance, this pulsating voyage through intrigue, romance, and courage earns a robust nod of approval. It may stumble, but only slightly, at the finish line with an ending that could have luxuriated a tad more in the afterglow of its characters' journeys. Nonetheless, it stands as an engaging chapter in the annals of television that deserves its flowers for reawakening my affinity for the medium.