Unshakable Faith: A Disappointing Espionage Drama Met with Criticism
The espionage drama series "Unshakable Faith" was highly praised by the media before its release but faced collective condemnation from viewers after airing. Those who gave the series negative reviews were devoted fans of espionage and spy-themed dramas who had eagerly and sincerely anticipated this show to become a masterpiece.
After watching four consecutive episodes, it became apparent that "Unshakable Faith" was not a slow-burn type of drama but rather a rapidly declining one. Just as the presence of mobile phones and bottled water would be considered continuity errors in a period film or TV series, "Unshakable Faith" was riddled with glitches and inconsistencies throughout. Even the performance of Ding Lao Shi as Da Tian, a highly respected actor, couldn't salvage the show.
The lack of logical coherence in "Unshakable Faith" is evident from the first episode when mathematician Ji Dan Yang (played by Liu Xue Yi) returns to his homeland under the protection of Pang Hong Mei (played by Peng Xiao Ran). The information about the train schedule and arrival at Lu Men should have been known only to a select few key characters. Moreover, Pang Hong Mei spontaneously takes Bai Hui (played by Jian Ren Zi) on the train to measure blood pressure and presents flowers at the railway station, all while being an expert in calculations. Following a gunshot, Pang Hong Mei abandons her protected target and rushes to the spy's hiding place.
When Pang Hong Mei investigates the station control room based on a security manual left behind by the enemy agent, Zhang A Shui (played by Ding Yong Dai), station employee Zhang A Shui becomes a prime suspect. According to the standard procedure, Pang Hong Mei should have immediately reported to her superiors and put Zhang A Shui under surveillance.
In the second episode, Pang Hong Mei accompanies the calculation expert for shopping, and after exchanging glances with Zhang A Shui, she once again disregards her protected target and engages in a street chase with the spy. It is evident that Pang Hong Mei lacks professionalism in terms of her safety awareness and security measures.
The screenwriter clearly underestimated the awareness and strength of the masses during that era, and the people of Lu Men appeared to be unusually apathetic. Surprisingly, Zhang A Shui, the spy, remains dedicated to his cause and even plans an explosion despite knowing that he has been exposed. In the fifth episode, Zhang A Shui sustains a gunshot wound and seeks medical treatment from Bai Ming Han (played by Ding Yong Dai).
The police, upon learning of Zhang A Shui's injury, inexplicably neglect Bai Ming Han's clinic during their investigation of various clinics. Only in the end is Bai Ming Han listed as a key suspect. Pang Hong Mei disguises herself as Bai Hui to deliver medicine to Bai Ming Han, but did she forget that she had encountered Zhang A Shui on the street? If Zhang A Shui could recognize Pang Hong Mei, why didn't Pang Hong Mei consider this possibility?
In the eighth episode, despite Zhang A Shui's critical condition, he receives special protection. However, the assigned police officers seem to lack vigilance as they often leave their posts, and one even draws a small turtle on the face of this high-priority detainee, which is rather laughable. Lastly, let's address the issue of costumes in the series. Leaving aside matters of fashion, the trousers worn by female characters in the show are historically inaccurate. None of them have side slits, which is a significant oversight.
Overall, this series lacks any redeeming qualities and can be concluded as a terribly executed production, not even worthy of being called a cult classic.