Synopsis
Chinese drama does not have a lot of sci-fi to begin with. Derailment is one of these rare series. The original premise is based on the story of a rich girl who time-travelled to a parallel world whereby she is orphaned, penniless and struggling with livelihood. That is what Jiang Xiao Yuan assumes happened to her when she wakes up in 2018 (from her original timeline of 2025). The series catches up quickly & pieces the puzzles for the audiences, linking Xiao Yuan with Qi Lian, an ex-classmate from her hometown.
Wary of Qi Lian’s intention, Xiao Yuan keeps her pride and ego, rejecting Qi Lian’s assistance. As reality hits home, Xiao Yuan finally relents and promises to return Qi Lian’s favour. Although Xiao Yuan seems to be the same, Qi Lian is puzzled why she does not recognise him at all. As the two plays cat-and-mouse game, second guessing the other person, they also get closer and pieces more information together.
Qi Lian is adamant to help out Xiao Yuan, as he feels guilty and still holds a torch for her in his heart. Xiao Yuan on the other hand, is trying her best to survive and finds out how to get back to her own timeline. When more characters appear from the future parallel timeline in the form of good friend Feng Rui Xue and ex-boyfriend Huo Bo Yu, the situation becomes complicated, and strange. In Xiao Yu’s 2025 parallel world, her out-of luck & penniless good friend Feng Rui Xue cheats on her with Huo Bo Yu. However, in the 2018 world, she finds out that she is the 3rd party in the relationship between Feng Rui Xue (who is rich in this timeline) and Huo Bo Yu.
The series uses investigations to provide more clues to the situations, but also showcases Xiao Yuan’s passion for make-up services. While she works as a hairstylist to make ends meet, she finds her passion as a make-up artist. Meeting Jiang Bo, an established make-up artist, she is determined to find her own path in this timeline.
At the same time, Qi Lian is also investigating the missing case of Xu Jin Yang, his good friend from high school. He is convinced that Jin Yang exists but everyone else including his other ex-classmates refute the claim. As he follows the clues to Xu Jin Yang’s case, he finds criss-cross of clues with Xiao Yuan’s case.
When Xiao Yuan finally confesses that she is a time-traveller, Qi Lian reacts aggressively but works with her to find the truth. As the two embarks on the investigations, they care deeply for each other but have doubts on each other’s motive. After many incidents, both are more open with each other and trust is finally established for them to move forward in their relationship.
Surprise Factors
As the investigations prevail, one by one surprises are unveiled. The hypothesis on time-travelling is totally wrong. Xiao Yuan is actually a test-subject of a laboratory which focuses on neuroscience, whereby the concept is to erase specific memories from human. The experiment seems to be so successful that Xiao Yuan is totally convinced she has a parallel life which is way rosier & happier than the current one she has. Upon finding out that she is a test subject, she rejects the conclusion initially. But as more and more information are provided, she cannot shake off the facts. Slowly accepting that she has simply lost her memories, she is determined to live a good life.
This is the first series that I have watched young actress Liu Hao Chun. She looks really pretty and her crying scenes are really good. Tears streaming down her cheeks, so real with empathy. In many of her scenes, I do think she has nailed the characters very well. There are situations whereby I thought her portrayal is a little over, especially when she is paranoid.
My only grouse is that the development of Jiang Xiao Yuan’s character is not very consistent. The series paints her as confident & prideful. However, at times, she acts like a damsel in distress. Perhaps the series want to incorporate the character development to showcase a deeper lack of confidence. Unfortunately, the switch back and forth of a confident and a lost Xiao Yuan within a short period of time does not lend much realism to the series.
Another surprise is on Qi Lian’s experience, as he is actually the original test subject of the experiment done by Lighthouse. The series painted his experiment as a success, with him losing certain memories but able to fully recover to live confidently. Actor Lin Yi portrays the character well, looking suave and cool. The actor is very tall (especially when standing next to his co-star) but too thin. Some of the fight scenes look unrealistic with his frame. Lin Yi is consistent in his portrayal of the character.
The villain is only introduced late into the series, as the paranoid but controlling Fan Xiao Xiao. She is Jiang Bo’s adopted mother and the business woman managing conglomerates including businesses in media and gaming technology. It is hard to feel empathy for the villain as she is given very little screen time. Hence, the wrap of the story seems rushed & the big villain seems to be unworthy of all the big issues.
Drama Location
The series indicate the hometown as Luo Shan, which is a fictional small town. However, the series also references Chongqing a lot as the city base. Some of the shots are beautifully taken in various locations in Chongqing. It was indicated that some rural location is shot at Kangding, although I am not clear where exactly is this. Generally, the series have great cinematography and most location shots are beautiful.
Conclusion 7/10
As a sci-fi series, I really like the way the story unfolded. The series provide snippets of information as we plod along with the episodes, roping the audience in to invest their time to find out more. I felt that the story-telling is done very well. There are some to and from on different timeline (current vs youth in their high school days) but these are blended well into the story-telling.
However, the story wrap up is quite messy. The ending feels rushed and not tied up well. There are loopholes in the storyline. Example, how can Xu Jin Yang be so senior in his development of the neuroscience technology when he is the same age as Qi Lian? How did Fan Xiao Xiao get roped in as a test subject?
However, the series piqued my interest enough to want to know whether the theory in neuroscience can indeed erase a person’s memories and shape a totally different memory (and experience). Some ethical considerations are given some room for interpretation. The case for erasing memory is made in the series. When there is a need, there will be a way. Definitely food for thoughts.
Behind the sci-fi series, it is indeed a love story. One that tests the patience & determination of Qi Lian, of his love for Jiang Xiao Yuan. The two does look good together, but the love story seems to be one which ties in their past. There is a happy ending, so a good series to at least look forward to.
Would I recommend the series? Yes, if you are a die-hard sci-fi fan. If you are a love-story fan, you may want to just give this a skip.
Cheng's Musings 