The Victims’ Game: A Taiwanese Murder Thriller That Falls Flat
Netflix’s latest crime series, The Victims’ Game, has all the makings of a gripping whodunit. With its slick production values and intriguing premise, it’s a shame that the show sacrifices storytelling for style.
Fang, a forensic investigator with Asperger’s syndrome, is on the case
The series picks up where season one left off, with Fang (Joseph Chang Hsiao-chuan) attempting to lead a normal life with his estranged daughter and girlfriend, Hsu Hai-yin (Tiffany Hsu Wei-ning). However, when his former mentor is murdered, Fang is drawn back into the world of crime-solving.
As the bodies start piling up, Fang teams up with medical examiner Hsueh Hsin-ning to uncover the truth behind a 15-year-old murder-suicide case. But as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the show’s writers are more interested in shocking twists and turns than in crafting a coherent narrative.
Fang’s Asperger’s syndrome gives him a unique perspective on crime scenes
The show’s reliance on unlikely coincidences and contrived motivations is frustrating, to say the least. The characters are reduced to mere mouthpieces, with Hsu in particular being relegated to the role of perplexed bystander for much of the season.
The body count rises as Fang gets closer to the truth
Despite its polished production values, The Victims’ Game ultimately falls flat due to its convoluted plotting and lack of logic. It’s a shame, because with a tighter script and more attention to character development, this could have been a truly compelling series.
Fang uncovers the shocking truth behind the murders
Rating: 2/5 stars
