Drama Digest
The show revolves around two detectives who investigate brutal crimes in Ikebukurosho that happen to share a secret. Ryuichi Kanzaki is guided by his moral compass and his unwavering belief in good people. He’s assigned to Kenji Kuroki who is a veteran detective. The problem is that he is nowhere to be found and is currently on unapproved leave; Ryuichi Kanzaki’s first assignment is to find him and bring him back. The series is adapted from the novel- K2 Ikebukuro Police Department Criminal Section Kanzaki/Kuroki.
The Feel-Good Part
The pacing of this series is phenomenal. It does a lot within the span of six episodes but it never feels rushed as the plot remains consistent and major events in then show are well spaced, giving the audience time to process the events, yet keeping them on their toes at all times. Despite being a show from the mystery genre, it is light-hearted and easy to watch, which is quite refreshing for a show in the said genre. The plot is easy to follow as the cases are quite simple, which manages to keep the audience’s attention throughout the episodes. The chemistry between the main characters is extremely engaging, which really gets the audience invested in the story quite quickly. The blend between the mysterious and comedic aspects of the show is well-balance and entertaining to watch. The plot twists are satiating and logical, which enhances the viewing experience.
The Disappointing Factor
The plot twist that is supposed to be the most rewarding aspect of a drama like this is revealed quite early on, which compromises the mysterious element of the show. There isn’t much happening beyond the twist so that later episodes may get boring for some viewers. Since the cases are quite simple there isn’t a lot that is keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as they may have already called it beforehand. Some of the major plot-points of the show rely heavily on the detective genre clichés, which could be quite a let down for some members of the audience.
In-Depth Analysis
This series is an example of keeping it simple; it doesn’t delve too much into things that are unimportant, which keeps the writing tight and the plot to the point. The show is well-crafted as it uses all its elements in a way that optimizes the final product. Despite it being a regular J-drama based on detectives, it takes many unconventional routes to deliver the story such as not using overly complicated subplots that make the plot confusing.
Star Power
All the performances were great. Yamada Ryosuke who was previously seen in the live action version of Full Metal Alchemist and Semi Otoko delivers a convincing portrayal as a rookie detective. Tanaka Kei who was previously seen in Your Turn to Kill is a delight to watch on screen. The actors have electric chemistry on screen, which is noteworthy as it’s quite possibly the highlight of the show.
Overall Opinion
The show is a must watch for fans who love comedy and detective shows, it is short, which doesn’t require much commitment, and makes for an entertaining viewing experience.
