侠探简不知 (Ancient Detective) is an 2020 drama out of Zhong Guo. The series stars Tim Yu, Wang Yan Yang, and Rachel Wang. The supporting cast include Miranda Ma, Huang Ri Ying, Du Ya Fei, and Wang Xing Wei. The series was originally broadcast on Youku. I saw this series via Viki, but it is also available on Youtube. The series is a very short 24 episodes.
The main protagonist, Jian Bu Zhi played by Tim Yu, is heading to a mountain competition. However, he's not there to compete but to get answers to a mystery from 8 years ago. 8 years ago, he woke up with no memory and a sword through his fathers chest. Since then, Jian has been on a quest to solve the mystery. As a expert detective, he has no kung fu and relies on his problem solving skills. Along the way, he searches for answers from the 4 remaining survivors of that battle. As he goes to each survivor, he has a solve a mystery and picks up some excellent friends.
The series runs for 24 episodes, which is way too short. The story ends just when things start to get interesting.
One thing I really like about this series is that it seems to be a departure from the recent wuxia series. It focuses on new characters in a world that has very realistic elements. The characters all seem to be able to exist in the world. However, it's not completely perfect as you think about it more, but from a superficial look, it feels very real.
Another excellent part about the series is the camera work and colors. Whoever did the camera work takes a departure from the ordinary wuxia series and goes a lot of interesting angles. Lots of peek a boo or found footage type angles. Which made it feel like you were overhearing something vs watching it.
Overall, this has been one of my favorites series of recent memory. Flaws and all, I loved it. I love detective style dramas and this fit the bill for wuxia and detective work. Go watch it when you get a chance.
