Episode 12 recap: Above the Rivers

At the county courthouse, Xia Wei Dong briefed Luo Yuan and the team on the details of the case She explained how the ammonia in the aluminum waste was causing significant environmental damage, and that the surrounding land was inevitably being polluted Xia Wei Dong acknowledged that the current methods of handling the waste were costly, suggesting that environmental protection efforts may be constrained by economic factors until technological advancements can reduce processing expenses

Meanwhile, outside the courthouse, people encountered Officer Fan, who was visiting Lin Hai Lan. This sparked curiosity about the nature of their relationship. Jiang Dan expressed dissatisfaction with some of Lin Hai Lan's actions, directly voicing her concerns to Liu Wen Yan. Liu Wen Yan subsequently gathered everyone in her office to investigate the details.

Recognizing the challenges in collecting evidence, Luo Yuan proposed that the environmental protection tribunal be staffed with dedicated advisors. Liu Wen Yan said she would consider the suggestion and requested a detailed report. After leaving the office, Luo Yuan expressed confusion over the special treatment afforded to Lin Hai Lan, leading to a heated exchange between the two.

Lin Hai Lan angrily accused Luo Yuan of failing to express his views directly and instead making assumptions about her involvement in the aluminum waste case. She insisted that she was blameless in the matter, and that Luo Yuan had misunderstood the reasons behind the prosecutor's actions. Geng Nian intervened, reminding Luo Yuan to be more diplomatic, as the team needed time to build cohesion.

However, Luo Yuan remained unconvinced, believing that six months should have been sufficient for the team to find common ground. Later, as Lin Hai Lan was driving home, she encountered the recently released Zhao Qing Sheng, who threatened her. Panicked, Lin Hai Lan tried to reach her husband, Guan Yi, but he was unavailable due to work commitments. Desperate, she had no choice but to seek help from Luo Yuan and the others.

The Episode Review

"Above the Rivers" continues to captivate viewers with its intricate legal drama and interpersonal tensions. In this latest episode, the central focus is the ongoing battle over the aluminum waste case, as the team at the environmental protection tribunal delves deeper into the complex environmental and economic factors at play.

The episode showcases the remarkable performance of the lead actors, particularly in the charged exchanges between Luo Yuan and Lin Hai Lan. Their conflicting perspectives and lack of trust create a palpable sense of unease, reflecting the broader challenges the team faces in working cohesively.

The writing remains sharp, balancing the technical details of the legal case with the personal dynamics of the characters. The introduction of the threat from the recently released Zhao Qing Sheng adds an element of suspense, heightening the stakes and foreshadowing potential future developments.