lexin_chang
This review may contain spoilers
Fun and smart Tang detective drama
The Imperial Coroner is an engaging, intelligent show which asks that its viewers pay attention to details. The pace of the show is brisk, as opposed to other fan service-oriented shows in which the plot drags on and a lot of screen time is lost on fluff. I would sometimes rewind to make sure I had understood every bit of the dialogue or seen all the visual cues.
The plot is interesting and intricate. It starts in a rather classic way with a murder, but it then turns into a larger conspiracy and a political drama. At the end, all the threads come together (though as with many C-Dramas, out a lack of budget, the ending is rushed). I loved that there are multiple protagonists and antagonists, and that the interactions between them is complex. For a while, we are led to think that the main villain is one character, but then the plot thickens!
As for the cast, I read that many of the main characters were played by new talents. I felt like everyone does a good job. I especially liked the dynamics between the main four heroes (Chu Chu, Xiao Jinyu, Jingyi and Leng Yue). They’re like a balanced DnD party with some characters better at investigation, others at fighting or deception. It’s fun to see them work togrther! The banter, teasing, and friendship between the main characters felt real. I also enjoyed the performance of the main characters’ parents, who were players in their own right in the power struggle.
I thought that the romance plot was well-done. Unlike other dramas, this is a relationship between two people who are equally smart, upright, and loyal. There’s no push and pull or game being played, which I liked since I’m a sucker for supportive, earnest couples. I felt like throughout the show, the two protagonists evolve in a realistic way. Chu Chu becomes more mature and assertive, while Commandery Prince An becomes more vulnerable and open.
The visual presentation is lively. I liked how the autopsy scenes provide charts to better convey the coroner’s insight.
As mentioned above, the biggest flaw of the show is the fact that it rushes the ending.
All in all, I would recommend The Imperial Coroner to anyone who likes fun, plot-heavy historical dramas!!!
The plot is interesting and intricate. It starts in a rather classic way with a murder, but it then turns into a larger conspiracy and a political drama. At the end, all the threads come together (though as with many C-Dramas, out a lack of budget, the ending is rushed). I loved that there are multiple protagonists and antagonists, and that the interactions between them is complex. For a while, we are led to think that the main villain is one character, but then the plot thickens!
As for the cast, I read that many of the main characters were played by new talents. I felt like everyone does a good job. I especially liked the dynamics between the main four heroes (Chu Chu, Xiao Jinyu, Jingyi and Leng Yue). They’re like a balanced DnD party with some characters better at investigation, others at fighting or deception. It’s fun to see them work togrther! The banter, teasing, and friendship between the main characters felt real. I also enjoyed the performance of the main characters’ parents, who were players in their own right in the power struggle.
I thought that the romance plot was well-done. Unlike other dramas, this is a relationship between two people who are equally smart, upright, and loyal. There’s no push and pull or game being played, which I liked since I’m a sucker for supportive, earnest couples. I felt like throughout the show, the two protagonists evolve in a realistic way. Chu Chu becomes more mature and assertive, while Commandery Prince An becomes more vulnerable and open.
The visual presentation is lively. I liked how the autopsy scenes provide charts to better convey the coroner’s insight.
As mentioned above, the biggest flaw of the show is the fact that it rushes the ending.
All in all, I would recommend The Imperial Coroner to anyone who likes fun, plot-heavy historical dramas!!!
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