DETECTIVE CHINATOWN 1&2
12 & 16 episodes respectively, both with ROY CHIU. Photo credits iQiyi.
MODERN
12/9/20242 min read


I'm not actually into modern, detective stories but because a movie of the same title was top-billed by Liu Haoran (one of my favorites), I was curious to check this one out too. It turned out to be led by another actor but surprisingly I enjoyed the series so much it was a no brainer for me to continue watching both seasons 1&2.
This series with lead Lin Mo portrayed by Roy Chiu is really very entertaining and eye-opening. Of course this character has a special talent, that is of having a very keen sense of smell that helps him, if not easily then eventually, crack even the hardest of cases. His female lead's character is not only smart but also very pleasing to the eye. She is Shasha, portrayed by Yishang Zhang.
In this series, you will realize that there are a lot of funny characters in the police station and it is not without challenges. Sometimes the police also need help from outside forces to protect its citizens well and that's where some civilian detectives (both local and foreign) come in. They are really good at their craft, very resourceful and talented. They also have great connections that most of us simply do not have. Such is our male lead plus good looks in a ragged way and smarts do help. Do take note that his kind of charm is not the "showbiz idol" type. He looks so common and ordinary that most of us can really relate to.
In both seasons, this series will regale you with stories of common folks who have been challenged by fate and circumstances. Most misunderstandings lead to death and it's just so sad that men are capable of hurting each other just for their idea of survival. Some cases are so complicated also that detectives really have to delve into the past to understand the motives and how the suspect's mind works. You would be stunned how long and meticulously planned some crimes are becoming because of how deep the grudges are or how complicated some things could be.
What's so amazing about the stories you will glimpse here is the fact that humans are truly marvels in their skills and talents. At the core, we are also goodness itself but we somehow respond differently to things that happen to us. And when we choose to lash out in revenge, we are capable of committing harm not just to others but to ourselves as well.
In retrospect, I would really like to recommend this series- both seasons 1&2 and see for yourself how we can help better the world by the choices we make or fail to make.