7.3
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The Chinese Detective
1981·Show
The Chinese Detective fingerprint
Strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
- Tension7
- Violence6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Nostalgia6
- Catharsis5
- Pathos4
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Situational Comedy2
- Dark Humor2
World
Crime, everyday modern life, and mystery
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances, dialogue, and characters
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
- Character Depth8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Sound Centrality6
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
It keeps its emotions at a distance.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumCrime, everyday modern life, and mystery
Its world is built around crime, everyday modern life, and mystery.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical5Period settings and real events.
Craft
HighStandout performances, dialogue, and characters
The performances, dialogue, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
Episode ratings
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About
Chinese British Detective Sergeant John Ho solves cases in the East End of London. Ho fits the pattern of the maverick detective, prepared to use unorthodox methods to solve his cases, which emerged in series like Z Cars and The Sweeney.
British Crime DramaMaverick Detective80s TelevisionGritty RealismCharacter-Driven Police ProceduralUrban InvestigationsSocial CommentarySlow Burn Mystery
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Chinese Detective
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Chinese Detective worth watching?
72
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 73/100 (IMDb 7.3). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Chinese Detective rated?
ViolenceStrong language
Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How many seasons does The Chinese Detective have?
2 seasons
It has 2 seasons with 14 episodes of about 60 minutes each.
When did The Chinese Detective air?
S1S2
It ran from 1981 to 1982 and has ended.
What language is The Chinese Detective in?
English
It was made in English.