Copycat Killer (TV series) explained

Copycat Killer (模仿犯) is a Taiwanese crime thriller series that was released on Netflix on March 31, 2023. Set in 1990s Taipei, the series stars Wu Kang-ren as a prosecutor trying to track down a serial killer.^{[1] [2]} The series was adapted from the 2001 novel The Copycat by Japanese writer Miyuki Miyabe.

Synopsis

In 1990s Taipei, prosecutor Kuo Hsiao-chi tries to track down a serial killer named "Noh".^{[1] [2]}

Cast

• Wu Kang-ren as Kuo Hsiao-chi
• Tuo Tsung-Hua as Shang-Yong Lin
• Cammy Chiang as Yen-Jhen Lu
• Chia-Yen Ko
• Hsia Teng-hung
• Fandy Fan
• Ruby Lin as Ya-Cih Yao

Critical reception

Cinema Express Mrinal Rajaram gave the series 3.5 stars out of 5, praising the "multifaceted" exploration of its theme, but noting that the series was too drawn out.^[3] Decider Joel Keller criticised the meandering plotlines in the first episode, noting that it made the story difficult to follow.^[4] South China Morning Post James Marsh praised the performances, calling Wu "perfectly cast as the white knight prosecutor".^[5]

Copycat Killer won four awards at the 58th Golden Bell Awards including "Most Popular Drama Series".^[6]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Copycat Killer is first Taiwan series on Netflix's Global Top 10 chart for non-English television. The Straits Times. Lim Ruey Yan. April 12, 2023. November 28, 2023.
2. Web site: Taiwanese thriller show makes Netflix's top list. Staff writer, with CNA. Taipei Times. April 24, 2023. November 28, 2023.
3. Web site: Copycat Killer Series Review: A layered series about violence and the long arm of the law. Cinema Express. Mrinal. Rajaram. April 3, 2023. November 28, 2023.
4. Web site: Stream It Or Skip It: 'Copycat Killer' On Netflix, A Thriller About A Serial Killer Playing Games With Cops, Prosecutors And The Media. Decider. Joel. Keller. March 31, 2023. November 28, 2023.
5. Web site: Netflix drama Copycat Killer: Taiwanese whodunit about a media-savvy murderer, starring Wu Kang-ren, Alice Ko and Ruby Lin, keeps viewers guessing. South China Morning Post. James. Marsh. March 29, 2023. November 28, 2023.
6. Web site: 58th Golden Bell Awards sees four-way tie. Taipei Times. Staff Writer, with CNA. October 23, 2023. November 28, 2023.