Our Unwinding Ethos (2019)

Urban legends and folktales have always been an interesting topic to me, which was why I was really excited to finally start on this. In just a week, I finished the whole series because the episodes mostly ended on cliff-hangers and I had to watch the next episode immediately to know who's the murderer.

That being say, I was disappointed in two ways. Firstly, the mysteries didn't really focus on the urban legends/folktales, even though the murder plots were based on them. More often than not, the urban legends/folktales merely acted as McGuffins and even then, the stories don't get developed much. Although, it does help that Doctor Poon is a professor in folktale studies and she provides the academic explanations that goes well with her theories. Speaking about her theories, most of them need a huge jump of faith in order to reach them and I can't be the only one who felt that they seemed very illusory and grasping at straws?

Secondly, a series like this is undoubtedly plot-driven. But to sacrifice proper character writing is a huge mistake. All of the characters seem empty and devoid of proper character development. Even Doctor Poon, who underwent an emotional roller-coaster at the end of the series, didn't really feel like she was very much affected by what she had learned (including the truth about her identity and her family). That is not to say Rosina Lam gave a bad performance. I feel that all of the cast did well with what they have been given, especially Rosina who executed her role with poise and gracefulness.

What I actually liked about the show is that it's not framed as a horror show meant to scare but as a form of education, to remind the audience that these stories are a part of Hong Kong's history and that it is important to learn and appreciate about one's culture and history (especially the histories not included in the official national narrative).

All in all, this was a thrilling watch and a great premise, but the writing seems clunky at times and poorly executed. While the poor writing can be a turn-off, it didn't really affected my watching and these are the things that will surely be better, should there be a sequel. Those who are fans of crime shows like Elementary and Bones, which feature intricate murder plots and unassuming murderers, will like this.

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