SERIES REVIEW: RIPE TOWN (EPISODE [2])

Director: Deng Ke (邓科)

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

Aired: Oct 13, 2023 - Oct 22, 2023

Set in the Wan Li period of the Ming Dynasty, a series of strange murders in Jiangnan County leave victims posed unusually with mysterious messages. Qu Sangeng, the apprentice of the first victim, joins others to investigate and uncovers links to a case from ten years earlier.

Episode 2 of Ripe Town continues Qu Sangeng’s investigation into the murder of his late mentor, Zhang Xian. As the investigation progresses, new evidence arises questioning Zhang’s integrity while dealing with official duties.

Bai Yufan’s character, Qu Sangeng demonstrates significant growth in judgement. This is displayed when new clues are discovered hinting at his mentor’s hidden corrupt. Instead of lashing out, Qu Sangeng quietly weighs the likelihood and is more accepting of his potential misjudgment of Zhang’s character.

Pacing is inconsistent, with certain scenes fast while the rest of the film remains gradual. Introductory scenes unfold at a brisk, almost urgent pace with little room for characters to be firmly established for the audience. These moments are then contrasted by longer more gradual stretches where the story slows down considerably to focus on atmosphere, detail or procedural build-up. While the slower sections are crucial to follow the progression of events, the sudden shifts in tempo can create confusion, preventing a smooth narrative flow. As a result, the film fluctuates between momentum and restrain, affecting overall rhythm and consistency.

The mystery expands as new suspects emerge, and additional victims are discovered, adding further layers to the case rather than simply advancing the central investigation. As Qu Sangeng establishes connections with street gangs, physicians and common folk, their accounts suggest the incident is far more complex than initially assumed. Furthermore, a sudden new death occurs, with the victim displaying a similarly unusual appearance to the earlier murders, further intensifying the sense of unease.

The use of historical setting is both an advantage and disadvantage depending on the audience. The series incorporates details of the Ming Dynasty society and Chinese cultural beliefs into the investigation. For viewers with a semblance of knowledge on ancient Chinese society, understanding information that is dependent on cultural context is easily digestible. However, it remains daunting for uninformed audiences. Ultimately, the historical setting serves as both a strength and a challenge, rewarding informed viewers while demanding greater attention from newcomers.

Final Verdict:

A satisfactory follow-up that explores the setting in more detail as well as incorporating culturally authentic practices, although it can be a disadvantage to the uninformed viewer.

★★★☆☆ (3/5)