Mystery/crime-solving is one of my favorite genres, be it in books, film, or TV. So I picked up Judge Dee's Mystery, as it fits the bill. It reminds me of the Judge Bao series (包青天) that I watched many years ago.

The drama is set during the Tang dynasty, at a time when Empress Wu Ze Tian was wielding great political influence. Di Ren Jie was personally picked by the Empress as someone she'll train and develop to become one of her trusted allies, so she assigned him to different places as magistrate.

There are interesting cases and investigations, diverse and multi-layered characters, and excellently choreographed fight scenes. I was guessing and solving the mysteries together with DRJ and his team. There were some slow moments in the later cases, but the series as a whole was able to sustain my interest.  Although there are many distinct cases, the overarching story is Di Ren Jie’s growth journey, his steadfast belief in Tang’s law and justice system, and discovery of some events in his family’s past that is somehow linked to his present. 

I like Zhou Yi Wei and Wang Li Kun's portrayal of Di Ren Jie (Judge Dee) and Cao An, respectively. DRJ is astute, has a sharp mind, great fighting skill and concern for the common people, but reserved when it comes to emotional matters.  Cao An is pretty and has that classic and refined aura, is equally reserved, someone whom DRJ feels comfortable to open up to, and whose presence gives him a sense of calm (her music would make him relax).  Theirs is not the passionate, showy type of romance, but a bit slow burn and more subdued.  More than once, when they talked, Cao An was able to give DRJ a different perspective on a scenario.  Their romance is secondary in this drama, but it's still worth watching.

Zhong Chu Xi is fitting as Empress Wu Ze Tian.  She is beautiful, elegant and calculating.  Although she does not have many scenes here, her presence looms in the story. I expect to see more of her in season 2.  Ma Rong (played by Zi Ling) is one character who can sometimes be annoying with her impulsiveness and brash behavior, but we're sure of her loyalty to DRJ.  Qiao Tai (played by Ji Ta) is calmer and more rational in the way he does things, and equally loyal to DRJ. Hong Liang (played by You Yong) is the steward of DRJ’s household, who also provides support to the team as they solve cases.  The other characters appearing in the different cases were also convincing in their portrayal.

Final Verdict: Despite some slow scenes in the later cases, I was able to enjoy this drama and I look forward to season 2, especially after seeing the teaser at the end of episode 32!  If you like mysteries, such as a cross between Judge Bao and Sherlock Holmes/Hercule Poirot style of investigation, I suggest to give this drama a chance, though you might need a little patience in some parts.