SERIES REVIEW: RIPE TOWN (EPISODE [1])

Director: Deng Ke (邓科)

Cast: Yu Xiaowei, Bai Yufan, Ning Li, Zhang Haiyu

Aired: Oct 13, 2023 - Oct 22, 2023

Set in the 37th year of the Wan Li Period of the Ming Dynasty, a series of unusual murders occur in Jiangnan County, where unrelated victims are found in unusual positions. Each left with a mysterious message. Qu Sangeng, the apprentice of the first victim, joins forces with his companions to uncover the truth. As their investigation deepens, they cross paths with various individuals and uncover links to a case that happened a decade earlier. The question remains: who is behind the killings, and what is driving them?

Episode 1 of Ripe Town sets a serious and gloomy foundation, immediately immersing viewers in a bleak rural setting where a disturbing crime disrupts the fragile balance of the community. The episode focuses on establishing tone and context rather than fast-paced progress to draw attention to the mystery at hand.

The story begins with a compelling discovery of the murder of a beloved mentor, turning what could’ve been a simple criminal case into something personal for the leading man. The episode doesn’t burden the viewer with multiple plotlines but focuses on the main story, branching outward through clues, suspicion, and the unsettling symbolism of the crime scene.

Qu Sangeng played by Bai Yufan, is a stoic, determined young constable who tackles the case. His initial reaction to discovering his mentor’s death, is restrained with a much later expressive outburst, which makes the grief more authentic. Interactions with other characters throughout the film are less about interpersonal warmth and more about quiet suspicion, a feature suitable for a murder mystery that considers every person fishy.

The direction leans more toward the atmosphere than spectacle. Cinematography heavily utilizes muted tones, fog, and natural landscapes, reinforcing a sense of remoteness and decay. The rural setting feels lived-in rather than stylized, while costume design reflects Ming dynasty's social hierarchy by contrasting structured official attire with the more worn and practical clothing of villagers. Overall, the production showcases the strengths of Chinese historical dramas, focusing on cultural detail, restrained pacing, and grounded visual storytelling rather than flashy or overly stylized spectacle

Pacing is slow but intentional. The episode prioritizes mood-building and setup over rapid developments in the story. Some viewers may feel vexed over the pacing, but the engagement comes from atmosphere and curiosity rather than plot turns.

One of the film's biggest weaknesses is the brief introduction to supporting characters. Sometimes they are introduced briefly without proper establishment in their roles. Additionally, cultural context is needed to understand nuances particularly in names.

The episode ends with the two officers struggling to piece together the mystery behind the victim’s death, while flashbacks show him dying in an arbitrary manner. This successfully sets up suspense for the next episode and the possibility of a much bigger case at hand.

Final Verdict:

A strong premiere that builds intrigue and suspense, prioritizing tone and emotional grounding over rapid storytelling. Strong setup for a layered historical crime drama, despite its gradual pacing.

★★★★☆ (3.5/5)