Shiguang Dailiren II

Link Click Season 2

Characters

Guang Lu

MAIN

Xiaoshi Cheng

MAIN

Ling Qiao

MAIN

Xiao Liu

SUPPORTING

Jing Liu

SUPPORTING

Shanshan Xu

SUPPORTING

Jin Qian

SUPPORTING

Bin Chen

SUPPORTING

Wang Juan

SUPPORTING

Li Xiao

SUPPORTING

Tianxi Li

SUPPORTING

Ma Xiao

SUPPORTING

Tianchen Li

SUPPORTING

Siwen Liu

BACKGROUND

Bin Chen Qizi

BACKGROUND

Li Lao

BACKGROUND

Emma

BACKGROUND

Min Liu

BACKGROUND

Link Click Season 2: A Thrilling Dive into Time and Emotion

Link Click (Shiguang Dailiren), the acclaimed Chinese donghua series, returned with its highly anticipated second season in 2023, delivering a rollercoaster of emotions, intense storytelling, and stunning animation. Produced by Studio LAN and Bilibili, Season 2 aired from July 14 to September 22, 2023, spanning 12 gripping episodes. Building on the success of its debut season, this installment dives deeper into the time-traveling adventures of Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang, while introducing new characters, darker themes, and a more intricate narrative. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes Link Click Season 2 a standout in the world of animation.

A Recap of the Premise

For those new to the series, Link Click follows Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang, two friends who run Time Photo Studio, a small shop in a bustling metropolis. Using their unique supernatural abilities, they enter their clients’ photographs to relive moments from the past, helping to resolve regrets or uncover truths. Cheng Xiaoshi dives into the photos, embodying the photographer, while Lu Guang guides him from the present to ensure they adhere to strict rules about altering the past. Their friend Qiao Ling manages the studio and their client requests, grounding the trio’s dynamic with heart and wit.

Season 1 established Link Click as a masterclass in blending episodic storytelling with an overarching psychological thriller narrative, earning praise for its emotional depth and innovative take on time travel. Season 2 picks up right after the first season’s shocking cliffhanger, where Lu Guang is brutally stabbed, leaving his fate uncertain, and Cheng Xiaoshi is arrested for a crime he didn’t commit.

A Shift in Tone and Structure

While Season 1 balanced episodic “case-of-the-week” stories with a gradually unfolding mystery, Season 2 leans heavily into a serialized, action-packed narrative. The focus shifts from individual client stories to a high-stakes investigation involving a mysterious perpetrator with powers similar to Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang’s. This villain, capable of possessing others, leaves a trail of death and chaos, putting the Time Photo Studio team in the crosshairs of both the police and a ruthless lawyer, Qian Jin.

The season’s darker tone is evident from the opening episode, “Falling,” which begins with a funeral scene and Cheng Xiaoshi in a holding cell, grappling with Lu Guang’s critical condition. The trailer teases a cunning new character with a sinister agenda, raising questions about their connection to the photo studio and the broader mystery. This shift toward a crime-thriller narrative, while thrilling, has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some missing the emotional, client-focused stories of Season 1.

Emotional Depth and New Characters

Despite the change in structure, Link Click Season 2 retains its emotional core, particularly through the introduction of siblings Li Tianchen and Li Tianxi. Their arc, especially in Episode 5, “Last Supper,” is a standout, exploring the devastating impact of domestic abuse. The episode delves into their traumatic past, portraying their abusive father and the physical and emotional scars they carry. This storyline is handled with sensitivity, shining a light on the horrors of abuse without sensationalizing it, making the siblings’ motivations as antagonists both sympathetic and complex.

Qiao Ling also shines in Season 2, stepping beyond her role as the “token girl” to become an active participant in the central conflict. Her contributions are pivotal, helping Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang navigate the investigation and adding agency to her character that sets Link Click apart from other series. Meanwhile, the dynamic between Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang remains the heart of the show, with a major reveal about Lu Guang in the finale setting the stage for Season 3.

Animation and Music: A Visual and Auditory Feast

Studio LAN’s animation in Season 2 is a step up from the already impressive first season. The character designs, background art, and action sequences are meticulously crafted, with fluid choreography that gives weight and momentum to every fight. The opening theme, “VORTEX,” and ending theme, “THE TIDES,” both performed by the band JAWS (who also composed Season 1’s “Dive Back in Time”), are powerful additions that enhance the season’s intensity. JAWS spent four months crafting a melody for “VORTEX” that could be reversed and still make sense, showcasing their innovative approach. The soundtrack, released on September 30, 2023, with a re-release on January 15, 2024, includes additional songs that elevate the emotional and dramatic moments.

Chinese artist SomeiDesign directed the visually striking opening sequence, which includes a full-CG episode title animation, adding a modern flair to the series’ aesthetic.

Critical Reception and Fan Response

Link Click Season 2 has garnered praise for its breathtaking moments and unrelenting intensity. Reviews highlight its ability to maintain tension and deliver emotional gut-punches, particularly in episodes like “Last Supper.” However, some critics and fans have noted that the season’s focus on a single overarching mystery sacrifices the reflective, episodic storytelling that made Season 1 unique. The pacing has been criticized for feeling bloated at times, with recaps and rehashed scenes dragging out the narrative.

On MyAnimeList, Season 2 has fewer members (73,000) compared to Season 1’s 320,000, possibly due to the two-year gap between seasons or the shift in narrative style. Despite this, the season maintains a strong following, with fans on X expressing excitement for its release and cliffhangers. The finale, which aired on September 21, 2023, left viewers on edge with unresolved questions, fueling anticipation for Season 3, set to premiere in 2026.

Where to Watch and What’s Next

Link Click Season 2 is available for streaming on Bilibili and Crunchyroll, with a Japanese dub airing on Fuji TV from April 10, 2024. The series has also expanded into other media, including an audio drama on Cat Ears FM, a live-action adaptation announced in June 2023, and a stage musical that premiered in November 2023.

The season’s cliffhanger ending and the subsequent Bridon Arc prequel (December 2024–January 2025) have set high expectations for Season 3, which will introduce a new character, Jae Lee, and continue exploring the consequences of time travel. Director Li Haoling has acknowledged fan feedback, admitting his strength lies in episodic storytelling and promising to address criticisms in future installments.

Final Thoughts

Link Click Season 2 is a bold evolution of the series, trading some of its predecessor’s emotional intimacy for a high-octane thriller that doesn’t let up. While it may not resonate with everyone as strongly as Season 1, its stunning animation, compelling new characters, and heart-wrenching moments make it a worthy successor. For fans of time-travel narratives, psychological thrillers, and emotionally resonant storytelling, Link Click Season 2 is a must-watch that leaves you eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

Where to Watch: Bilibili, Crunchyroll, Prime Video (via Crunchyroll subscription)
Rating: 8.5/10
Recommendation: Watch Season 1 first to fully appreciate the emotional and narrative stakes.