Two strong bromance actors paired together in one crime thriller, that’s the highlight of this show!

The first thing that catches your attention as soon as the series start is Leon Zhang’s lean appearance and mellow behavior. As compared to his earlier shows (Yes, I’m talking about “My Roommate is a Detective), where he had a rugged approach and fierce mentality, “Unnatural Fire’s” Xu Tong Sheng is far calmer and composed. Nothing fazes him, not even jarred dead bodies. As the newly appointed Adviser in the Fire Investigation Department, he is meticulous and thorough in his proceedings. Something that pairs him opposite Dai Xu’s Shen Ye, the Captain of the Criminal Police Department. If you have watched “Live Surgery Room”, then you would know that bromance is Dai Xu’s forte. Leon Zhang was the one of the main reasons why this genre involved and became popular. He continues the winning streak with “Unnatural Fire” where his camaraderie and refreshing chemistry with Dai Xu is commendable. What is more important is that the other female protagonist Elvira Cai (Jin Chun) doesn’t act as a deterrent in their relationship. In fact, she is close to both main leads and often helps them sort through their misunderstandings.

Synopsis-

Xu Tong Sheng, a passionate and intelligent young fireman, joins the fire brigade’s arson team in order to continue investigating the people he feels were responsible for the deaths of his parents 18 years earlier. There, he meets Shen Ye, the captain of the criminal police and reconnects with Jin Chun, a forensic coroner known for her skills in uncovering the truth. Together, at the request of Xu Tong Sheng, they become a formidable team.

Through multiple investigations, this threesome sees that there is more to the arson cases than meets the eye and conspiracies run deep. Can they find out the truth and get the justice they seek before they, too, become engulfed in the unnatural fire?

(Source: MyDramaList)

Xu Tong Sheng as the Passionate Fireman

You might be wondering why Xu Tongsheng (Leon Zhang) is a fireman, it’s because he isn’t a firefighter but an adviser at the Fire Investigation Department. I didn’t even know that such a department existed in China, but it seems like it does and their job is to investigate crime scenes where arson is suspected as the main cause & effect. Even though he joins as an adviser and is rather good at his job, Tongsheng entire focus remains on investigating the case involving his parents death who were killed in a fire accident. He suspects foul play, and he is hugely suspicious of Han Pei, the Chairman of Han Group. Alongside he is introduced to Shen Ye, who turns out to be his long-lost childhood friend, He Xi. Presumably, He Xi was declared dead in the fire accident that killed Tongsheng’s parents. The only glitch being that Shen Ye doesn’t have his childhood memories and has forgotten his real identity. While reconciling with his friend, Tongsheng continues his investigation and finally the murderer is punished for his evil deeds.

Shen Ye, The Smokescreen that Broke

Dai Xu is used to playing tortured characters. His character role in “Unnatural Fire” suffers from psychogenic amnesia. Despite being a competent police officer, his entire life has been build on lies. He doesn’t remember his own origins, family or friends. His adoptive father Shen Yi raised him under the pretense of being his birth father. As such, Shen Ye doesn’t remember Tongsheng, his parents or even his own grandmother. Shen Yi has always been overprotective of him; keeping it from him that he was involved in his biological father’s demise. Maintaining the farce for almost a decade, he keeps a tight control on Shen Ye until Tongsheng enters the scene. His continuous meddling makes Shen Ye suspect his father and soon, he starts recollecting his old memories, thereby bringing the man to justice!

The Chemistry That is Incomparable

Most people watching this show would agree that Leon Zhang and Dai Xu have an awesome chemistry. Their relationship was never easy, even though Shen Ye is curious about Tongsheng, he always keeps Shen Ye at an arm’s distance. Soon, Tongsheng starts suspecting that some of Shen Ye’s behavioral patterns have been manipulated by his father. He also realizes that Shen Ye’s habits are quite similar to his dead friend, He Xi. It is only after Shen Ye starts living with him temporarily that Tongsheng discovers Shen Ye’s true identity. He is delighted to know that his childhood is alive but devastated because Shen Ye doesn’t recognize him. Throughout their time together, Tongsheng remains patient as he helps Shen Ye piece together their old memories. Leon Zhang especially depicts Tongsheng’s longing realistically. He yearns to embrace his friend but cannot because it might affect Shen Ye’s mental health. As they grow closer, Tongsheng finally accepts that Shen Ye’s happiness is more important than finding the truth. I loved watching them together; their budding bromance was exquisite!

Final Impressions

This was the first time that I enjoyed watching a Chinese bromance with a female protagonist!

Unlike most Chinese Bromances, where the female lead is planted as an attempt to appease the censorship, Elvira Cai had a strong and bold caricature. Alongside the two main leads, she forms a competent team who are excellent at investigating. Alas, Jin Chun meets a sad demise and the ending seems rushed. If you are looking for a crime thriller with abundant bromance, then look forward to watching “Unnatural Fire”. You wouldn’t be disappointed!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- IQIYI