2020 has been a prolific year for the detective investigation genre, with countless dramas produced. This is particularly so with C-dramas and especially set in the Republican era. We had Tientsin Mystic 2, Psych-Hunter, Miss S, Detective, My Roommate is a Detective, and Dream Detective. Including dramas set in other eras, we also had Ancient Detective, Insect Detective, Maiden Holmes, and My Supernatural Power, among others and with generally varying levels of complexity, seriousness and romance / bromance fluffiness. Not that I’m complaining and fans of this genre shouldn’t either – it’s time to rejoice for this (over)abundant supply of mystery dramas to be savoured.

The Case Solver, also known as Cracking Case (拆案), is adapted from the novel Twelve Strange Cases (十二奇案) by suspense novelist Feng Yu (封与). This detective investigation drama is set in the Republican era about Detective Fang Gu Yuan and forensic doctor Che Su Wei, both of the Shanghai French Concession Central Patrol, as they team up to solve criminal cases shrouded in mystery and the paranormal. Alongside them are loyal and supportive sidekicks in the form of Deputy Detective Kang Yi Chen and investigative reporter Cao Qing Luo.

Although this show shares similarities with other supernaturally-themed detective dramas by infusing cases with superstitions, mythology and Feng Shui geomancy, the approach taken here is to debunk those myths by seeking logical and scientific explanations instead of relying on supernatural means to solve those mysteries. The one thing that does somewhat surprise me is the violent nature of the crimes being committed. Some of the cases almost remind me of SVU (Special Victims Unit). There are in total seven cases spread over 24 episodes that our dynamic duo encounter, for which I shall give the following crude (but spoiler-free) description:
Case 1 – Feng Shui ghost killer
Case 2 – Water monkey and the pocket watch murders
Case 3 – Imperial Qing princess
Case 4 – Corpse-stealing ghost
Case 5 – Assassination attempts
Case 6 – Horror magic show
Case 7 - Movie set murder

Principal photography fully took place at Hengdian World Studios, where the show displays reasonable production quality. As expected of a Republican drama, we have the elegant settings of the era, beautiful cheongsam for the ladies, smartly tailored suits for the men. An interesting point of note is the French-themed uniform of the Shanghai French Concession Central Patrol – very unique and different from the usual warlord outfits and soldier uniforms. The CGI looks decent whenever it is used and overall cinematography, including framing of panoramic as well as indoor shots, is generally done well. The story progresses at a manageable and engaging pace with minimal fillers, and the action sequences are very well executed.

There is minimal to none as far as underlying romantic theme is concerned as the focus of the story is on the investigations and friendship between the 2 leads and with their two friends. There is also more than a hint of bromance between Fang Gu Yuan and Kang Yi Chen. The characters are generally well written, with a clever but somewhat troubled ML, an intelligent and low-profile FL, along with supporting characters that come across as endearing rather than exasperating for a pleasant change.

Gu Jia Cheng’s Fang Gu Yuan is convincing and relatable. The actor conveys the right balance of coolness and warmth, but his character is one with a very pensive and stoic disposition. Gu Jia Cheng seems to have this expression nailed on, and it reminds me of his Prince Jing Ling in The Song of Glory. This role suits him perfectly.

Dong Xuan is a versatile actress who possesses exceptional range in delivering a variety of roles. Her portrayal of the down to earth Che Su Wei is understated, nuanced and very controlled or even restrained. She didn’t let loose here as she did in Legend of Fei or Together.

I truly enjoyed the music in this drama, particularly the BGM score and the OST featuring the ending theme, The Dream Stealer (偷梦人) performed beautifully and almost sorrowfully by Fu Hao (付豪).

Overall, The Case Solver is a short and engaging detective investigation drama that isn’t overly complex, doesn’t take itself too seriously and certainly doesn’t attempt to be too many things that other dramas are usually guilty of. There are many opinions by viewers about the ending, but it’s probably nothing unexpected at this point in C-dramas of this nature. This is by no means the best that this genre has to offer, but it is definitely not bad at all. It does the basics well with a nicely-written plot, pleasant set of characters, and sufficient amount of mystery, thrills as well as action. A solid production that’s worth a watch.