MYSTERIOUS LOTUS CASEBOOK

If I remember it right, this is the first time I've watched a Chinese series that revolves around solving mysteries. Honestly, I was not expecting much but with Cheng Yi at the helm, I know I would enjoy it. Surprisingly, once I started watching I could not leave it alone and spent less than a week finishing the entire 40 episodes plus specials.

Sorry to disappoint those who love happy endings but this one needs a season 2. Otherwise, the ending might not satisfy whose who always root for happy ones. Though I love the character development of our male lead Cheng Yi as Li Xiangyi/ Li Lianhua, I could not understand his seeming indifference to his own survival when in fact he knows how many people care for him. He also knows now the truth behind what happened ten years past. Plus, it is apparent how much impact he could bring to the martial arts world. Knowing how influential he is, not wanting to do everything to stay alive or even just to honor the efforts made to help heal his physical predicament, gave me a bad taste in the mouth. It's like saying, this world is not worth living for. For me, when there is a way to stay, even just for the sake of your loved ones, then you should make enough effort.

The cast of this series, by the way, is a stellar one. In my humble opinion, everyone fits their portrayed character superbly. The other two main leads, Joseph Zeng as Fang Duobing and Xiao Shun Yao as Di Feishing are both perfect for their roles and I find myself gravitating towards them who exude a zest for life rather than to Li Xiangyi who seemed to be bent on dying. The rest of the supporting team also gave justice to the show's considerably high rating.

The story itself is commendable. It speaks of love and loyalty, of friendships and brotherhood. It promotes service to mankind and being a hero to the common folks as an ideal way of living. It also amazes me that the romantic elements are almost non existent but still the show continues to be riveting and enjoyable.

For sure this show won't be a waste to anyone who would invest the time to watch. No matter the ending, whether it's your cup of tea or not, you will still have a lot of aha moments here and life lessons that somehow we often forget. Also, you would be reminded never to judge anybody. For those you believe to be bad might turn out to be the one who is true to you while those you think are good ones might actually disappoint you in the end.