#深度好文计划#

The name Zhang Songwen should be familiar to most by now.

Despite not having another breakout hit since last year's “Rampage,” his acting prowess and influence remain undiminished.

Take the crime drama “Ice Hunter” at the start of this year as an example; although it received scathing reviews, the comments section was filled with praise for Zhang Songwen's performance, commending him for doing his best in the role.

However, those in the know understand that Zhang Songwen was somewhat pushed into the leading role.

If “Ice Hunter” had been filmed after Zhang Songwen gained popularity through his portrayal of Gao Qiqiang in “Rampage,” both the production quality and cast would have been top-notch.

Thus, it is somewhat unfortunate for Zhang Songwen to have such talent but still face these challenges. It's hard not to feel compelled to speak up on his behalf.

That being said, gold always shines eventually. In the case of “The Lone Boat,” Zhang Songwen made the right choice with the script.

After airing four episodes, the series immediately topped the charts on Taotv, with glowing reviews flooding the platform. Similarly, the ratings on Beijing TV, Jiangsu TV, and Dragon TV were also impressive.

What makes “The Lone Boat” the vehicle for Zhang Songwen's comeback?

01 - Tight Plotting.

“The Lone Boat” is a spy thriller led by Zhang Songwen.

Zhang Songwen plays Zhou Zhifei, the head of the Suzhou special operations station set up by Wang Jingwei's collaborationist government and the Japanese invaders. He is known as the top defector from the Chinese United Front to the Japanese side.

In the opening scene, the New Fourth Army attempts to rescue a comrade secretly detained by Zhou Zhifei. However, Zhou Zhifei outmaneuvers them, moving the detainee beforehand and setting up a trap that leads to the capture of Gu Yizhong, an enthusiastic supporter of the resistance.

On the other hand, Japanese Lieutenant Jin Tō, who plans to use Gu Yizhong's father, Gu Xixing, to promote peace talks, is delighted when he learns about Gu Yizhong's capture. He promptly goes to the Gu family residence to pressure Gu Xixing further.

Zhou Zhifei, disregarding Jin Tō's opinion, seeks permission to execute Gu Yizhong. Yet, on the day of the execution, Zhou unexpectedly releases Gu Yizhong, aiming to make the New Fourth Army believe that he is their planted spy, codenamed Cell No. 8.

As a result, Gu Yizhong, under the guidance of Xiao Ruotong, is quickly labeled a traitor upon arriving at the New Fourth Army base.

Then, the real Cell No. 8 murders the liaison officer and sends the location of the base to Zhou Zhifei via radio, further implicating Gu Yizhong.

Although Gu Yizhong escapes back to Suzhou, Jin Tō's manipulation ensures that he is branded a collaborator.

02 - Rich Suspense.

There are three main reasons why Gu Yizhong is identified as a traitor:

First, while at the base, Gu Yizhong is wrongly accused of killing the liaison officer and revealing the base's location.

Second, every time Gu Yizhong contacts a comrade, they are quickly exposed and surrounded by Zhou Zhifei's men.

Third, Gu Yizhong manages to escape unscathed from every trap laid by Zhou Zhifei.

If Gu Yizhong is not Cell No. 8, then who is the real spy? Could it be Xiao Ruotong, Zhou Zhifei's girlfriend? After all, she has been involved in many of Gu Yizhong's missions.

Considering the leadership's statement about Old Duan's identity, it seems that only a select few knew about it, including Xiao Ruotong, who led Gu Yizhong to meet Old Duan, inadvertently exposing him.

Moreover, Gu Yizhong's cousin is also suspicious, as he provided shelter before the mission to rescue the captured comrade. He could have been the one to tip off Zhou Zhifei.

Additionally, Old Eagle, who also knows Old Duan's identity, cannot be ruled out.

03 - Stellar Cast.

The young actor playing Gu Yizhong, Zeng Sunchi, is renowned in the industry for his cost-effectiveness.

When “Ultimate Notes,” adapted from the novel “The Lost Tomb,” aired, initial expectations were low, but the series soon became a hit. Other projects like “Lotus Tower,” “I Might Have Met My Savior,” and “Tian Gong Ji” starring Zeng Sunchi also achieved significant viewership and buzz.

Pang Yi and Chen Duling round out the cast, each bringing their own distinctive charm to the screen. Chen Duling, in particular, has seen her career take off after notable supporting roles in recent hits.

And then there is veteran actor Zhang Fengyi, known for his powerful performances in classics like “Farewell My Concubine” and “In The Name Of The People.” His presence in “The Lone Boat” as Gu Xixing is a testament to the show's quality.

With such a talented ensemble, it's no surprise that “The Lone Boat” is making waves.