This series seems like a detective or mystery drama at first, and in many ways it is one. However, while the cases are mostly very engaging, it quite boldly focuses more on the storytelling than on how the detective characters solve the mysteries. Sometimes the truth is revealed but it is a little less clear how the detective managed to solve the cases. To some degree at least, this works well because the series adamantly refuses to romanticize their profession or associate them with glamour. It has elements that are reminiscent of hardboiled detective fiction but it isn't afraid to showcase the sentimental side of the characters.

The way the cases unfold aren't always going to please viewers. Those who find it odd for the series to focus less on the investigation process than it could, in particular, will find the delivery awkward. However, there seems to be a conscious departure from convention. Instead of emphasizing how capable the main characters are (and they are certainly capable policemen), there is a greater focus on the complexity of human relationships and even a certain degree of moral ambiguity. This is rather rare, especially for a series coming from China, where it can be controversial to entertain ideas like how the justice system may fail to deliver justice. The leads have a strong sense of justice, but they are not beyond bending the rules at least occasionally. This may not be entirely original, but is rather bold in a series.

I was especially surprised by the portrayal of the corrupt policeman in the series, which I think the series takes some pains to develop despite what some seem to think. The villainous policeman starts off being somewhat dubious, becomes clearly unscrupulous and eventually takes on full-scale villainy. He has clear ties to the triads, which he also betrays, as he is entirely self-serving. (I seriously didn't imagine a series from China, where the censors don't take well to a negative portrayal of authority figures, showing this and getting away with it.)

What I really appreciate about this series is the nuanced portrayal of many of the characters and their relationship. They are very much human even if not humane. Whether it is Lu Li's ambivalent attitude towards his father or Chi Zhen's relationship with his mother after he inadvertently causes his sister to be murdered, the relationships are realistically complex. Chi Zhen's relationship with his love interest is perhaps a tad clichéd but it does not really hurt the story.

To be sure, the series isn't flawless. While intriguing, a couple of the cases become a little predictable after a certain point. This is not a major issue, however. Additionally, the series adopts a rather interesting structure, with flashbacks at the beginning of many episodes. This is often effective in providing the back stories of characters, but perhaps it is so effective that one becomes disappointed by how certain things that the flashbacks lead us to expect are eventually left untouched. The case involving the supposed crimes committed by Lu Li's father is a case in point. It seems to be quite heavily hinted that the father may well be innocent but for some reason has admitted to some very heinous crimes (there are no scenes of him committing the crimes, and all the scenes of the father show no trace of him actually being someone who would commit the crimes). Unfortunately, there is no coverage of the father's case. Perhaps some of the loose threads are meant for a possible Season 2, but is it necessary to not even reveal the identity of the person who has paid for the costly surgery Chi Zhen's mother has to undergo?

I can see that the series is flawed in several ways, but there is enough in it to keep my interest and make me overlook its flaws. Hopefully a Season 2 really gets made.