pengbuo
Australia
Loved by someone who this year also loved The Double, Joy of Life, Are You the One, ...
Judge Dee’s Mystery is a refreshing surprise. It’s not perfect, but it’s compelling enough that I watched it all the way through without any fast-forwarding—and now I’m planning to rewatch it with my wife. She’s not usually into C-dramas, but I’m pretty sure even she’ll get hooked on this one. If not, well, more Judge Dee for me :)
Zhou Yi Wei as Judge Dee is a total standout. He’s not your typical “pretty boy” lead, but that’s precisely why he works so well. His layered performance—steady, sharp, and compassionate—makes him a protagonist you can’t help but root for. Plus, his fight scenes are surprisingly believable, which is rare enough to deserve a shoutout.
Now, about Ma Rong (Zi Ling)—why does everyone hate her? She’s chaotic, hilarious, and one of my favorite side characters. The whole team, including Inspector Hong and Qiao Tai, brings a lot of heart to the series. That said, I wish Cao An (Wang Li Kun), Dee’s love interest and confidant, had been given more to do. Well, maybe in part 2. Yes, there will be a part 2!
Production-wise, this show delivers. The costumes and sets are stunning, and the close-ups are rich with detail. Again, some of the fight scenes were AMAZING. The music? I can’t remember much of it, it just quietly did its job in the background.
The cases are what keep you hooked. Judge Dee tackles nine mysteries, each blending intrigue with moral questions like whether the ends justify the means. Early episodes feel more like “watch Dee be brilliant” sessions, but later ones hit a good balance between showcasing his genius and keeping the audience engaged in the process. Bonus points for a story that (mostly) makes sense—something you can’t always say about C-dramas.
This is a slow-burn drama that’s all about the journey, not quick thrills. But if you’re into historical intrigue, gorgeous visuals, and clever storytelling, Judge Dee’s Mystery is absolutely worth your time. Highly recommended!
Zhou Yi Wei as Judge Dee is a total standout. He’s not your typical “pretty boy” lead, but that’s precisely why he works so well. His layered performance—steady, sharp, and compassionate—makes him a protagonist you can’t help but root for. Plus, his fight scenes are surprisingly believable, which is rare enough to deserve a shoutout.
Now, about Ma Rong (Zi Ling)—why does everyone hate her? She’s chaotic, hilarious, and one of my favorite side characters. The whole team, including Inspector Hong and Qiao Tai, brings a lot of heart to the series. That said, I wish Cao An (Wang Li Kun), Dee’s love interest and confidant, had been given more to do. Well, maybe in part 2. Yes, there will be a part 2!
Production-wise, this show delivers. The costumes and sets are stunning, and the close-ups are rich with detail. Again, some of the fight scenes were AMAZING. The music? I can’t remember much of it, it just quietly did its job in the background.
The cases are what keep you hooked. Judge Dee tackles nine mysteries, each blending intrigue with moral questions like whether the ends justify the means. Early episodes feel more like “watch Dee be brilliant” sessions, but later ones hit a good balance between showcasing his genius and keeping the audience engaged in the process. Bonus points for a story that (mostly) makes sense—something you can’t always say about C-dramas.
This is a slow-burn drama that’s all about the journey, not quick thrills. But if you’re into historical intrigue, gorgeous visuals, and clever storytelling, Judge Dee’s Mystery is absolutely worth your time. Highly recommended!
Was this review helpful to you?
