It’s the long standing debate about whether we humans are born the way we are or perhaps environmental influences have far more of an impact on the formation of personhood. It’s the old nature vs nurture quandary. How do killers come about? Are they born or are they made? The answer seems obvious but then once in a while someone comes along and challenges all that we know about the human condition. Perhaps there’s real evil that lurks in the human heart regardless of the best of intentions. Parents get a bad rap in crime dramas these days. Bullies too. Even this vague amorphous entity called society. It makes sense of course because these influences come out of the formative years of one’s life. However it fails to explain why most people don’t commit heinous crimes or turn into serial killers even if they suffered parental neglect/abuse, or were bullied as children. Or are burdened with trauma. Indeed there are many factors at work. The world we all live in certainly isn’t perfect. No one in their right mind is deluded enough to think it’s fair for everyone. Injustices are a blight on our history because human beings are fallen creatures. And yet, not everyone crosses that line, goes ballistic and takes it out on their fellow human beings leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.
Thanks for reviewing these Taiwanese dramas! I feel like many of them fly under the radar. And no wonder Chris Wu looked so familiar! His role here in COPYCAT KILLER was far more complex than his role in SHARDS OF HER, a drama I actually liked better. CK definitely feels more sensationalized, which makes sense given how media/news are such a core component of the story.
I will have to revisit THE VICTIM'S GAME. I think when it first came out, I watched the first couple episodes and then for some reason forgot to return to it. My memory is usually pretty fuzzy, but Joseph Chang's character left an impression.
I'm also currently watching LOVELY VILLAIN, another Taiwanese drama. The first two episodes have intrigued me and I'm hopeful that this will be another decent show.
Thanks for reviewing these Taiwanese dramas! I feel like many of them fly under the radar. And no wonder Chris Wu looked so familiar! His role here in COPYCAT KILLER was far more complex than his role in SHARDS OF HER, a drama I actually liked better. CK definitely feels more sensationalized, which makes sense given how media/news are such a core component of the story.
I will have to revisit THE VICTIM'S GAME. I think when it first came out, I watched the first couple episodes and then for some reason forgot to return to it. My memory is usually pretty fuzzy, but Joseph Chang's character left an impression.
I'm also currently watching LOVELY VILLAIN, another Taiwanese drama. The first two episodes have intrigued me and I'm hopeful that this will be another decent show.