Costumed drama The Imperial Coroner 御赐小仵作 aired a few weeks ago to little publicity and fanfare. Yet despite this, the series is quickly turning out to be early summer’s dark horse. If you’ve never heard of the drama before, alas you weren’t the only one. With no trending stars amongst its cast, no popular book to leverage on as some adaptations do and no big production teams to boast of, for the web drama to nab an unusually high Douban rating of 8.4 is no easy feat.
If there’s one thing for sure about the web drama, it’s that viewers are hooked. And the absence of the usual “gimmicks” to hype up new shows and bring in viewers seems to be quite a blessing in itself too as it really allows the script and its storytellers to shine. For The Imperial Coroner to have received such an impressive rating, it simply must be extraordinary… or something at least worth checking out.
The Imperial Coroner has been a regular on the trending list pretty often since airing last April 29. While mystery dramas set in ancient times are quite common, viewers have found the cases tackled by Chu Chu, Jinyu and their merry band of investigators engaging and the show, “easy” to watch. The dialogue and the visuals are spot on, the logic meticulous and the plot fast paced. Cast wise, while it’s sometimes obvious the cast is still quite green from their acting, they seem to be managing quite well enough. It also helps that the characters were written to be more dimensional, even the supporting roles. And unlike other dramas where characters behave ridiculously, the writers have refreshingly made sure that every character’s thoughts and behaviour are logical and intelligent!
So if you’re on the hunt for your next summer hit? This might be it.
The Imperial Coroner Synopsis
The Imperial Coroner tells the unusual tale of Chu Chu, a young lady from a family of coroners who wants to get into the “family business”. Hoping to realise her dream, she travels to Chang’An alone to take the Imperial Exam. There she meets Jinyu who also acts as a magistrate as part of his role as a Prince of Anjun. Jinyu recruits the meticulous and observant Chu Chu to partner with him to investigate cases including a 18 year old cold case that remains unsolved to this day. Will Chu Chu and Jinyu’s partnership turn out to be successful and will Chu Chu ever realise her dream of becoming an imperial coroner?
Su Xiaotong stars as the plucky heroine Chu Chu and Wang Ziqi as Xiao Jinyu. The drama also stars Yang Tingdong as the perky Jing Yi, Zhao Yaoke as master swordswoman Leng Yue, Wang Yanbin as Xiao Jinli, Guo Jun as the Emperor and Mu Huaihu as the Eunuch Qin Luan.
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Melanie B
I am so happy to hear, this is turning into one of my favorite Cdramas of 2021. Every character, except maybe for Chu He…lol, is smart and well written.
Paula
I agree totally absorbing and great acting something that many drama makers should learn from
Anonymous
The drama is really very good, the script is well written and the actors are doing a good job portraying their characters. It’s refreshing to watch an intelligent show for once!. And I’m so thankful that there are no stupid characters (well except for Chu He). So glad that this little gem is getting the acknowledgment and praise it deserves.
Jubbles
Chu He’s character is also in character – a village bumpkin with little social skills (since this family has no friends) who has more emotions than sense and little awareness of political intrigues. The smart characters need a counterpoint too.
Baobao
Because the drama is written, directed and edited very well! It’s one of the best written cdrama. It helps the young unknown cast to perform. Kudos to the whole production from the director, screenwriter, cast, editor and so on. It proves a drama doesn’t need big traffic names to do well!
Ash
Yes, about time, they cut down the traffic idols to size and pay talent and ability more.
Roll
It’s going to be hard to top this as my favourite drama of the year. Mystery, political intrigue and romance in one neat package. Every scene, every line of dialogue feels intentional. It’s wrapping up this week, I’m both excited and a little reluctant to say goodbye.
The OST is great too!
Miriya
Hands down the best drama of the year so far. A detective drama that is actually a detective drama instead of being used as a cover for a sappy love story. The romance is interwoven perfectly, just enough to make you engaged and invested in their relationship, but not too much that it takes over the whole show. Things make sense, and the characters think and react like how real people would.
I’m very happy the show is finally getting some popularity, but also sad that it’s ending tomorrow. Withdrawal here I come!
Antoinette Grant
I’m really hoping for a season 2. The writing, directing, acting, and no lag in the story telling made it my instant favorite
Han Ibr
It is the best Cdrama I’ve ever watched the characters are all well chosen from the leads to all the supporting roles. The script is exceptionally good and very engaging from the start to finish. You don’t even notice lack of beautiful scenery like you always seen on a drama like this and you don’t even need one to make the drama better. The songs, background music are spot on. No stupid scenes that make you want to fast forward at all. I have to concentrate every single scene as I do not want to miss out anything. Prince and and Chu Chu chemistry is so intense. I love watching how their character develops. Every little glance, nod, smile and other expressions are so fun to watched. My only regret is I would like to see their wedding to be a bit more elaborate after going through so much together. 36 episodes is a bit short as a lot more can be added. I really hope there will be season 2.
FatCat41
I want season 2 continuation with both of them solving conspiracies again and with his brotherr’s live story as hinted on the last episode.
FatCat41
*love story
Sue
I just found this CDrama & I love it. Love the chemistry & love between the male & female leads which isn’t cheesy. Script is good & acting is good too.
Tess
The best drama I ever watched, watched it 3 x ,very wholesome, excellent acting and excellent actors. 👏
Cecilia
Worth watching drama, all actors are very good in acting although they are new actors. Drama very interesting & good historic detectives story. Hopefully there’s Season 2.