Beijing Daily – “City Within a City” Breaks Expectations with Master-Apprentice Plot
The financial urban drama “City Within a City” starring Bai Yufan and Yu Hewei has taken CCTV’s prime time slot by storm. As the first of its kind in the financial genre, the drama initially had a wide-ranging story but struggled to hook the audience with its core master-apprentice plot. However, after ten episodes, the show finally delved into the core story, revealing a gripping human drama.
The drama is part of the Shanghai + Finance trend that has been dominating screens this year. Alongside “Flowers” and “Wind Chaser”, “City Within a City” offers a glimpse into the history and present of Shanghai as a financial hub. Interestingly, all three dramas feature mentor-apprentice relationships, drawing audiences in with the complex dynamics between characters.
While other financial dramas like “Storm Chaser” quickly established the master-apprentice bond, “City Within a City” took a slower approach. The plot initially focused on the workplace and personal lives of two generations of financial professionals, painting a panorama of the industry. However, it wasn’t until later episodes that the master-disciple relationship between Zhao Hui and Tao Wuji was brought to the forefront.
Dubbed as “Uncle Circle Team Building” due to its star-studded cast, the beauty of “City Within a City” lies in its narrative. The show struggled to manage audience expectations in the beginning but made a breakthrough by introducing an “inciting incident” that rocked the protagonist’s life balance. This twist catalyzed the plot and set the stage for a compelling exploration of human nature within the finance world.
As the drama progresses, viewers can expect a shift towards the master-apprentice storyline, promising a deeper dive into the characters’ fates. With a blend of drama, suspense, and moral dilemmas, “City Within a City” is set to keep audiences on the edge of their seats in the episodes to come.