Contos Estranhos de Jiangcheng (2024)

Speed Skating through Episodes, Big Plot Twist Finale & a Possibility for S2

I had just come from watching XZG in Dashing Youth so wanted to see him in a different genre. CW I had seen twice previously and was familiar with some of the supporting cast, though not the female lead. This being a short with something like 15 minutes per episode, not counting credits, web series albeit with 52 episodes, was curious to see how it went.

Pros: I really liked the cases themselves and how our 3 leads were creative in solving them. Going from strangers to lifelong friends as they worked each case was nice. They never left each other in the lurch especially at the end. All three were equal favorites in their own way and how they made unlikely allies along the way from great martial artists to thieves to the wealthiest man in the city. The main antagonist was the biggest surprise as you really didn't see him coming because of how much he loved his son even though he was a total sociopath. Also it was cool to see how many cases were related to him when it was all said and done and how many of the villains and others were his followers. It being Republican Era as usual the costumes and sets were very nice. The fights were nicely executed. Though telling that one dude to not bring a knife to a gun fight would have helped lol.

Cons: As the title says, we were basically speed skating through episodes. It was one case after another with no break in getting to know our leads backgrounds or having them just shoot the breeze. One ended and in the very next scene you jumped into something else; there was no smooth transition and it definitely hindered the series. We saw why the leads became close but their actual characters weren't really given any deep dives. Like we didn't know SH's dad was a criminal until the last episode; in fact we didn't know anything about his past, who his parents were, where he lived, etc. There were many moments where you're like, how did so and so end up here and why? Like how did at the end the thief know to bring the wounded SH to Mr. He and why would SH know that was a safe zone? Also how did XF follow them so closely and also know this was a safe haven? How did that random bouncer guy know where HL lived and just happened upon the place with a knife and tried killing him while he was tied up on his bed and than was miraculously rescued by that Youlan lady? A lot of the pieces didn't fit at all and you're just watching with a lot of suspended disbelief. If they had less cases and less episodes, perhaps they would have had enough time to properly flesh out the cases and all of these kinks. The fact that they ended it in a way that could possibly suggest a S2, I hope that they understand that less really is more and that characters need fleshing out with proper backgrounds. Did they really stick every one of the bad guys including the mastermind in the same prison?

Another thing, hypnosis isn't an exact science. You can't hypnotize everyone as not everyone is susceptible to it and not that quickly. They made that part of it look way easier than it really was. The OSTs were very forgettable.

Would I recommend it? Despite the many cons, I actually found it entertaining and enjoyable to watch. Give it a whirl.

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Smart detective trio seeking truth and justice

Since I'm into mystery genre and Republican dramas with their special visual style and vibes, Strange Tales of Jiang Cheng turned out a real gift for me. And of course I was happy to see Xia Zhiguang and his personal growth as actor.
So this is short-length drama, fast-paced and packed with interesting and complex cases. It's very captivating, every episode left me craving for more. The plot, the style, humour and characters' dynamics are all very good. One shortcoming is perhaps that the drama could have shown us more interaction between characters after some case is closed, however dramas of such format have their limitations.
The characters' dynamics is admirable. I enjoyed how Qin Huole and Song He became friends. Their relationship started with a conflict, they argued a lot with each other but gradually became partners who trust and respect each other. Someone perhaps would complain about a lack of bromance, but for me it's not the reason to rate the drama low. I see strong friendship between them and I can't say that there is no affection here at all! And I want to especially praise Fan Xiaofan, truly likeable female lead: she is smart, brave, professional, kind and decisive. Our detective trio joins skills, seeks truth and support each other. The most precious thing.
The story ends with an open finale, so there is a hope for season two. I really want them to return.

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