Chef Fang (2017)
A visually captivating detective drama set in Republican-era China. Join Si Tu Yan, Luo Shao Chuan, and Zhou Mo Wan as they unravel mysteries and seek justice in Harbin.
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Info
| Original Title | 花间提壶方大厨 |
|---|---|
| Formats | Streaming |
| Seasons | 2 |
| Episodes | 36 |
| Duration | 40 mins |
| Status | Ended |
| Year | 2017 |
| First Air Date | April 20, 2017 |
| Last Air Date | June 2, 2017 |
| Network | iQiyi |
Trailer
Synopsis
Fang Yi Shao is an orphan girl who is a talented chef, but unwittingly gets forced to marry infamous young master Shen Yong as a substitute bride. Coincidentally, Shen Yong had inadvertently saved her from being kidnapped before, becoming her savior. With her culinary and martial arts skills, she wins the hearts of her in-laws and eventually Shen Yong himself. Yi Shao strongly believes in Shen Yong's good nature, contrary to rumors. Under her influence, Shen Yong changes his wayward ways to make a name for himself in this heartwarming and comedic story.
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Editor's Review
A Visually Sumptuous Yet Bland Detective Drama
Rating: 7.0/10
As a fan of Republican period detective dramas, I was excited to dive into Checkmate (2022). The promise of Hu Yitian and Zhang Yunlong reuniting after their chemistry in My Roommate is A Detective added to my anticipation. Moreover, the adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Poirot mysteries seemed like an intriguing twist.
The drama introduces us to Si Tu Yan, a young lawyer from Peking who was dismissed for sticking to his principles. His journey to Harbin leads him to the forthright and wealthy Luo Shao Chuan. Together, they form an unlikely duo, solving cases and making Si Tu Yan Harbin’s most sought-after detective. The trio is completed by Zhou Mo Wan, an intelligent and caring woman they meet during a case. Their collaborative efforts unravel mysteries, bringing justice and reform to the city.
However, despite its visually sumptuous sets and costumes, Checkmate falls short in substance. Here’s why:
- Lack of Depth: While Si Tu Yan is the lead detective, he isn’t a literal adaptation of Hercule Poirot. Poirot’s eccentricities, fastidiousness, and unique methodology make him one of the most well-dimensioned fictional detectives. Unfortunately, Si Tu Yan lacks the depth and clear process that define Poirot.
- Bland Cases: The cases themselves lack inspiration. Unlike Poirot’s intricate psychological approach, the pacing in Checkmate feels draggy, and the mysteries fail to captivate. The drama misses the opportunity to delve into the human psyche and motivations behind crimes.
- Character Development: Si Tu Yan’s character development remains surface-level. We don’t witness the same level of growth or complexity that Poirot embodies. The adaptation could have explored Si Tu Yan’s quirks and idiosyncrasies more deeply.
- Originality: While drawing inspiration from Agatha Christie’s works, Checkmate doesn’t fully embrace the essence of her storytelling. It lacks the insightful analysis and unexpected twists that characterize Christie’s mysteries.
Despite these shortcomings, the drama does have its merits. The chemistry between the lead actors keeps the viewer engaged, and the historical setting adds authenticity. However, it’s a missed opportunity to create a truly remarkable detective series.
In summary, Checkmate (2022) is all style and little substance. If you’re seeking a visually pleasing drama with intriguing cases, it might suffice. However, for fans of Agatha Christie’s intricate storytelling, it falls short.