Up until a few months ago, I wasn’t the type of Chinese drama fan who watched short length series, as I generally prefer something much longer to get my teeth into.
But, after enjoying Chinese short length dramas like Threads of Destiny, A Tale of Love and Loyalty, Heart of Ice and Flame and Rose Finch, I have been becoming a bit obsessed.
That’s why I must have been one of the first VIP subscribers on WeTV to watch the first six episodes of the just-released The Crime Unit of Tang Dynasty ( 大唐重案组) this morning.
A well-written, very nicely acted, historical thriller that takes place during the last years of the Tang Dynasty and that, from the first six episodes I just watched, looks like it could be one of those dramas that leaves you devastated and sad as every new dark and creepy arc ends.
Here then is a mini review of The Crime Unit of Tang Dynasty, Episodes 1 through 6, just in case you are looking for a short and satisfying watch that is gripping from its opening scenes.
Synopsis
Set in the final years of the Tang Dynasty, The Crime Unit of Tang Dynasty follows a series of chilling mysteries that rock the capital, Chang’an.
As darkness looms over the city, six disturbing cases emerge:
- The Corpse Chang Murders
- Vengeful Spirit Manor
- The Luoyang Ghost Courtesan
- Ghost Soldiers of Barren Village
- The Hellish Gambling House
- The cryptic Mirror Chang’an Case
Together, these sinister plots threaten to strangle the already dying empire.
Now, enter the Dalisi (a high-ranking detective body), led by Li Jing Nian (played by Guan Yue), joined by the determined Lin Xiao Ran (played by Yuan Hao) and the valiant knight‑errant Shen Qiu Wan (Liu Xin Yu).
This trio work together to become the beacon of hope — “igniting themselves as candles” — to rekindle Chang’an’s fading light.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
1. A Gripping Mystery
The first of the six cases, which is covered in Episodes 1 through 5, delivers its own unique blend of suspense, horror, and intrigue, as it follows the violent murders of several young women.
Were they killed by someone in the community, or is this a case of a vengeful ghost? Is the family of two sisters — one of whom has been murdered, and the other still missing — involved?
Can Li Jing Nian, the detective whose specialty is cold cases, solve the murders, or will his old acquaintance Lin Xiao Ran be able to find the killer in the only three days he says he needs?
2. Atmospheric Tang Dynasty Setting
The richly detailed backdrop of Tang-era Chang’an sets the stage in grand fashion. Especially with haunting locales like the ghost brothel (that arc begins in Episode 6), the extremely creepy morgue, or the rundown temple occupied by a strange monk who may know the two sisters better than he admits.
The series, so far at least, is a rare blend of historical elegance combined with eerie suspense, a bone-soaking sadness, and a tinge of dark humor that prevents it all from becoming depressing.
3. An Engaging Trio of Heroes
Our protagonists — Li Jing Nian, Lin Xiao Ran, and Shen Qiu Wan (who doesn’t appear until right at the end of Episode 5) — each bring distinct strengths, and strange and quirky personalities, to their investigations.
The chemistry between the three is also palpable, even if they initially seem as though they are more resigned to having to work together than generally enjoying it.
As the series continues on, however, it seems that may not be the case at all.
4. Genre Fusion at Its Finest
The first six episodes of The Crime Unit of Tang Dynasty masterfully blend crime, mystery, thriller, and elements of the supernatural into one extremely atmospheric and interesting series.
So much so, I watched all six episodes one after another, as taking a break meant that deliciously dark atmosphere that had built over previous episodes would dissipate.
The Chinese drama also delivers pulse-pounding tension without relying on cheap scares (there isn’t a single cheesy jump scare in the first six episodes), and its perfect for viewers like me who love somewhat cerebral suspense with a really well-done historical twist.
If you enjoy layered storylines, eerie thrills, and stellar historical ambiance, all underscored with some truly beautiful cinematography and set design, and solid performances from every actor appearing in it so far, The Crime Unit of Tang Dynasty’s first six episodes deliver in spades.
Oh, and yep, it definitely has a similar feel to Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty, which I also loved.
You can watch The Crime Unit of Tang Dynasty, Episodes 1 through 6 on WeTV now, with Episode 7 also available if you don’t mind paying the “Express” payment.
More episodes are due to drop tomorrow, and I can hardly freaking wait.
Update August 27th: Yes, I did watch all 27 episodes of the entire short drama and, if I ignore the ending that I don’t think anyone watching it enjoyed, that lovely creepy atmosphere and chilling plot does carry through right until its final seconds. As does the cool bromance between the two male leads.
Do I recommend it then?
If you enjoy a quite unusual drama that isn’t the happiest series you will ever watch, yes, I do.
Watch all 27 episodes on WeTV.
About the Author
