Under the Skin (TV Series 2022) Poster

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9/10
Multifaceted Mind of a Sketch Artist
ENIGMA0510 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Had watched "Are You Safe?" with TJC and was very impressed with his acting so wanted to see more of him and this was recommended by some trusted sources. He didn't disappoint and this 20 episode drama really was a breath of fresh air in terms of sticking to a flowing storyline. Seeing his character use his strengths in the face of some pretty hard blows, was awesome. We really see inside the multifaceted mind of a sketch artist.

Pros: Favorite character was, of course, the lead SY played by TJC. Even in his hardest moments of dealing with a repressed memory and PTSD, he was this calming force. His iron willpower and acknowledgment that he was able to do amazing things was one of the many things that helped his character be as plausible as he was. I'm very much hoping there will be a season 2 given the open-ending with the same cast especially him.

The storyline never dragged, each character was there for as long as they needed to be. SY's partner or DC at the bureau definitely started off being a cynical grouch for all the right reasons but it was great that he thawed fairly quickly and their friendship was built on trust, respect, and even their rough history. All those hardships helped build them to be what they became by the midpoint.

Loved how interwoven the main plot was with the sub plots that were very well and handled properly; the antagonists were also placed very well and even the big bad behind the original murder that brought everyone together, was expertly placed and executed. All OST's, CGI, explanations behind how a sketch artist worked, and other procedural techniques were very understandable. It even had a few bits of comedy where SY would always fall asleep in the car as DC would be explaining a case to him or when he would bolt out of a room without telling anyone and people would just be left staring like "what just happened?" This was a great crime drama.

Cons: This drama was on its way to get a rare perfect score from me but it had just one problem I couldn't get beyond. SY was a sketch artist, a fantastic one at that, probably a prodigy in art and in his field but when they gave him a gun, strapped a vest on him, put him in the field, or had him interrogate suspects, get evidence for them, basically made him a Jack of all trades, it was very unrealistic. There's no way a sketch artist in any police department of any country would ever be a detective, interrogator, etc. Everything else was wonderful but that one portion just took a bump down; they should have just kept him in his element; even teaching makes sense but not that. Like when did he get training? He never went to a police academy.

Would I recommend it? 100%! That one negative doesn't negate an excellent story, characters that make sense, no forced anything. If you like good acting, great writing, and crime dramas, this show is definitely for you. Very glad I watched it. 9.5/10 rating.
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10/10
Outstanding
grinsekatze-9602726 December 2023
I am usually not a fan of crime/thrillers but it doesn't mean I will not like it esp if the plotting is incredible. How do I put it? "Under the Skin" is like a gripping rollercoaster ride through a maze of mystery and drama.

At the heart of this wild adventure is Shen Yi, a character who's as fascinating as he is flawed despite having the abilties and Intelligence.

Shen Yi's superpower? He's got this unstoppable determination that's both admirable and a bit scary.

His will and desire to uncover the truth with the intention to correct the wrong is overwhelming.

When he sets his mind on something, there's no stopping him. He's like a detective ninja, always one step ahead, piecing together puzzles with his super sharp mind and highly analytical. And his charm? It's magnetic, drawing everyone in, including us viewers.

But here's the thing - he's a bit too focused on the chase. His 'solve at all costs' mentality sometimes makes him miss the heartbeats of the people around him. Not to mention the danger to his life.

He can be so into cracking cases that he forgets to crack a smile; become detached or completely disconnect to others nor show a bit of empathy.

This blind spot often causes hiccups in his relationships, painting a picture of a guy torn between seeking truth and connecting emotionally.

Shen Yi's journey is this rollercoaster of self-discovery towards series of emotions, emphathy and nurturing connection to himself and towards the people around him.

As he unravels mysteries, he's also learning to untangle the mess of his own emotions. Watching him evolve and realize the importance of understanding people's feelings is like witnessing a hero's growth in slow motion.

"Under the Skin" isn't just about the thrill of the chase. It's a story about a guy trying to balance his quest for justice with the messy, human stuff - emotions, connections, showing emphathy, nurturing and the real, beating heart of life.

It's simply amazing. It's not that typical crime kind of a story. It has a very interesting twist between crime, mystery and everyday life inside of a police department and with the unique story telling.

The cast is incredible competent and with chemistry and charisma. I am looking forward to the second season I am really excited to get to know more about docent Shen Yi and his background story.
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10/10
Heart warming and light crime drama
nofitagunawan13 November 2023
Because of Lost You Forever, i found Tan Jian Ci very loveable with great acting, overpowered the mainleads there. So i looked for his other dramas and tried this under the skin. Usually this is not my typical drama, but i found it very interesting, light and heart warming. I am so suprised and happy bc his acting was as great. He is totally different here. His interpretation of the characters in drama is very very good.

I love the other main lead too, also the brotherhood and friendship shown in this drama.

Just don't expect a complicated and intense drama, bc it is not. They had to solve different cases here, which make it interesting for me.

Definitely worth watching.
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