Reset

It caught my attention since the first episode. The story is tight with no filler episode, it is only 15 episodes total. The delivery of the plot is easy to understand. The female lead's acting is much more convincing than the male lead. This is the type of drama that could made me forgot about the time and made me curious about what would happen next.

If you don't mind the nationalistic vibe, Reset is a pretty good show that manages to keep the viewer intrigued for all its 15 episodes, even on that plot (time loop, basically). Acting was great by all cast, particularly the bus passengers. Some of their stories were really moving and maybe give the western viewer a glimpse on life + mentality in modern China.

Had my doubts but the plot is actual well written.

2 youngsters are caught in a time loop, stuck in a bus that is inevitably going to explode for some reason. As they keep dying and being reset, they unravel the mystery of the explosion and their deaths. The culprit appears to be among the bus passengers, but can figure out who it is and stop him/her before they are no longer able to reset?

Binged watched the whole thing in a day. Would have given the show a perfect 10 except for 1 later episode that is pretty slow paced.

Under China's current censorship system, it is as difficult as dancing on the tip of a needle to maximize the personal capabilities of non-government related roles. This play offered the two main characters plenty of room to show their capabilities, without being overly great, nor politically correct. It also allowed the Chinese police to show their powerful abilities to solve problems and to save people from crimes, which was good. The plot setting was quite innovative, and the design of the opening was also very thoughtful. The costume, make-up and props' attention to detail was commendable. There were some logical loopholes, but the overall flaws did not hide the good side.

This show really needs more international recognition. Not only does it have great acting from a great cast, the story and screenplay provides a novel take on the time loop trope. This is not just about reliving the same day/event over and over again, but also trying to solve the mystery even as the variables and outcomes are changing with each iteration that reveals new pieces to the puzzle. The chemistry of the two leads, as well as the police officers involved, are excellent. In the midst of trying to solve the deadly mystery, they find a way to convey humor, affection, and humanity without being distractingly inappropriate. Zhao Jinmai is a standout starlet here, and hope that she'll find a long, successful career after this.

I generally find most C-dramas to be just poor imitations of their superior Kdrama counterparts, but I am very impressed with the undeniable quality of this show. Highly recommended.