Contos Estranhos de Jiangcheng (2024)

Speed Skating through Episodes, Big Plot Twist Finale & a Possibility for S2

I had just come from watching XZG in Dashing Youth so wanted to see him in a different genre. CW I had seen twice previously and was familiar with some of the supporting cast, though not the female lead. This being a short with something like 15 minutes per episode, not counting credits, web series albeit with 52 episodes, was curious to see how it went.

Pros: I really liked the cases themselves and how our 3 leads were creative in solving them. Going from strangers to lifelong friends as they worked each case was nice. They never left each other in the lurch especially at the end. All three were equal favorites in their own way and how they made unlikely allies along the way from great martial artists to thieves to the wealthiest man in the city. The main antagonist was the biggest surprise as you really didn't see him coming because of how much he loved his son even though he was a total sociopath. Also it was cool to see how many cases were related to him when it was all said and done and how many of the villains and others were his followers. It being Republican Era as usual the costumes and sets were very nice. The fights were nicely executed. Though telling that one dude to not bring a knife to a gun fight would have helped lol.

Cons: As the title says, we were basically speed skating through episodes. It was one case after another with no break in getting to know our leads backgrounds or having them just shoot the breeze. One ended and in the very next scene you jumped into something else; there was no smooth transition and it definitely hindered the series. We saw why the leads became close but their actual characters weren't really given any deep dives. Like we didn't know SH's dad was a criminal until the last episode; in fact we didn't know anything about his past, who his parents were, where he lived, etc. There were many moments where you're like, how did so and so end up here and why? Like how did at the end the thief know to bring the wounded SH to Mr. He and why would SH know that was a safe zone? Also how did XF follow them so closely and also know this was a safe haven? How did that random bouncer guy know where HL lived and just happened upon the place with a knife and tried killing him while he was tied up on his bed and than was miraculously rescued by that Youlan lady? A lot of the pieces didn't fit at all and you're just watching with a lot of suspended disbelief. If they had less cases and less episodes, perhaps they would have had enough time to properly flesh out the cases and all of these kinks. The fact that they ended it in a way that could possibly suggest a S2, I hope that they understand that less really is more and that characters need fleshing out with proper backgrounds. Did they really stick every one of the bad guys including the mastermind in the same prison?

Another thing, hypnosis isn't an exact science. You can't hypnotize everyone as not everyone is susceptible to it and not that quickly. They made that part of it look way easier than it really was. The OSTs were very forgettable.

Would I recommend it? Despite the many cons, I actually found it entertaining and enjoyable to watch. Give it a whirl.

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Smart detective trio seeking truth and justice

Since I'm into mystery genre and Republican dramas with their special visual style and vibes, Strange Tales of Jiang Cheng turned out a real gift for me. And of course I was happy to see Xia Zhiguang and his personal growth as actor.
So this is short-length drama, fast-paced and packed with interesting and complex cases. It's very captivating, every episode left me craving for more. The plot, the style, humour and characters' dynamics are all very good. One shortcoming is perhaps that the drama could have shown us more interaction between characters after some case is closed, however dramas of such format have their limitations.
The characters' dynamics is admirable. I enjoyed how Qin Huole and Song He became friends. Their relationship started with a conflict, they argued a lot with each other but gradually became partners who trust and respect each other. Someone perhaps would complain about a lack of bromance, but for me it's not the reason to rate the drama low. I see strong friendship between them and I can't say that there is no affection here at all! And I want to especially praise Fan Xiaofan, truly likeable female lead: she is smart, brave, professional, kind and decisive. Our detective trio joins skills, seeks truth and support each other. The most precious thing.
The story ends with an open finale, so there is a hope for season two. I really want them to return.

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Power of Three

The story is set in the early years of the Republic of China in Jiangzhou in the southwest region.

Even though it starts a little slow and it takes a few episodes to get accustomed to the protagonists and their dynamics, it becomes quite gripping in the later part.

All three of the protagonists : Qin Huo Le, Song He and Fan Xiao Fan have their own strengths and weaknesses. Together they form the heart, body and mind of a strong Jiangzhou Police force.

1. Qin Huo Le(Xia Zhi Guang) is the BRAIN of the trio. In the beginning Huo Le returned to Jiangzhou from abroad (Great Britain/Europe). He had been sent by his father to study law but psychology interested him more. He has an unwavering compass for truth guided by his principles and a quest to find answers. He becomes the psychology analyst of the force.

2. Song He(Caesar Wu) is the BODY of the team. Detective Captain of the Jiangzhou police force. He is more street savvy, being quite adept in martial arts and fighting skill. His background has not been revealed completely in the series but he is righteous and believes strongly in the justice system. He is trustworthy and reliable. In case he makes a mistake, even though a little reluctantly, he accepts it.

3. Fan Xiao Fan(Wang Zhi Yi) is the HEART of the operation. She is a female forensic doctor who acts as a coroner of Jiangzhou police force. Her father is the Governor of Jiangzhou, Commander Lei, the de facto ruler of Jiangzhou that gives her an opportunity to smooth things and open a few doors for the team. However her ingrained integrity and morality makes her a valuable member of the team.

In the beginning, I felt that maybe Xiao Fan would be a little weak but she managed to take me by surprise and became an essential glue that bound all three friends.
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It has a total of eight cases, due to the short duration of the drama, they seem to move on quickly instead of dragging on. (Very brief overview of all cases below)

Case 1 and 2. Human Clock murders ( title as per series) and Bomb threats.(Title given by me)
Qin Huo Le's father a renowned lawyer has been apprehended by Song He for murder of four people. These murdered people had been displayed as clock hands, each body arranged to shiw different time on the face of the clock. Huo Le couldn't believe his father was the actual murderer even though his father confessed to the crime.
*Also throw in a crazy bomber bent on blowing up the police station and other places of strategic importance. What is his grievance?


Case 3. Detective novels: The true wisdom is to know one's own ignorance. (Title as per series)
A reputed teacher of the school is found murdered in a bizzare manner. He is enclosed in a lantern and drowned. This scenario is very similar to a famous detective novel. After this murde,r the sale of the said book escalates. What follows are two more murders, all clues left by the murderer correspondences to the sequels of the famous detective novel.


Case 4.Three brothers: Beast walks alone, while cattle and sheep flock ( title as per series)
Three water bandits kidnap the daughter of a prominent business man. They demand the parents to come personally to ransom the girl. They cruelly kill the child in front of the helpless loving parents. Seven years later they kidnap the seven year old daughter of the same family( this daughter was born after their first daughter's death). This devastates the wealthy couple, they fear the same outcome as earlier, having already lost one daughter they are wallowing in grief over the possibility of losing their second daughter. (This case is personal for Xiao Fan because after the first daughter who had died was her very close friend, she believes herself to be responsible for his kidnapping and death as Xiao Fan had gone to get a rickshaw after the fall of her friend and her friend had been kidnapped as she was alone. After her friend's death, Xiao Fan decides to become a coroner)


Case 5. Badger enchantment: it is better to burn brightly than whither. (Title as per series)
A good hearted young man, the son of the Jiangzhou police chief who is considered a Playboy is found murdered in a brothel. Earlier that night he had a verbal argument with his business partner over his refusal to sell opium. After his death, his face skin had been peeled off by the murderer. Also there is a hint that he fell in love with a girl from the pleasure house but did later abandoned her.


Case 6.Theater panic: the desert is beautiful because somewhere it hides a well (title as per series)
The talented leading opera singer is stabbed by her male colleague on stage while performing in front of Commander Lei and the three seluths. This leading lady was compelled by the group leader of the Opera to perform on stage against her wishes. She no longer wanted to perform but as she was an indentured to the leader, he wouldn't allow her to quit. The leader wished to marry her to a rich person who would buy her at a high price. The male colleague who stabbed her was found to be under the influence of a drug that had been mixed in the soup he had consumed before the performance.

Case 7.The three tigers ( full title as per series not written)
The three tigers or the three pillars of Jiangzhou underworld are killed. These three prominent figures had a hold on the whole region. One was the owner of a gambling house, another the head of the rickshaw association and third the head of the pleasure house. The murderer of these three people seemed to have used hypnosis. The murderer in all three cases was a close associate of the deceased. The killer in all three instances was left disoriented after the deed. Huo Le who had earlier performed hypnosis was presumed to have met two of these people before their death. Huo Le was missing after the first two murders so he became the prime suspect. How will Song He and Xiao Fan save Huo Le? What is the truth?

Case 8. The Night God (tile given by me)
Who is this mysterious Night God? What is his agenda? So many criminals previously apprehended seem to be working for this Night God. On the other hand, Jiangzhou is facing an imminent war, there is a threat of invasion. Commander Lei has to rally his forces and make arrangements to meet the outside threat head on..but who is the real enemy? What sacrifices will be demanded from them to keep Jiangzhou safe.

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Some of the revelations at the end of the cases were brilliantly thought out and others quite expected. However the heart of the show is the deep friendship between the three protagonists and their dedication to uphold justice, this bond carried the show on its shoulder.

All the cases form short arcs and they are connected together to form a part of a bigger picture...I found that aspect to be well executed, it seems the previous arcs were cogs in a machine and when put together, they worked as part of a whole system. There is a strong hint of a second season.. whether the second season will pan out is anyone's guess.

Overall : A good mystery drama with strong main characters and endearing secondary characters.

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