rymes
This is an unique new take on the classic detective/mystery drama that doesn't get old. I practically never rewatch dramas, but this is one that I keep going back to just to replay an episode or two when I'm feeling down.
As a short, 8-episode novel adaptation dele nevertheless maintains good pacing that doesn't overwhelm or drag on. The plot is episodic; there's one slice-of-life scene filled with cute banter and truly funny comedic relief, the case-of-the-week is introduced, and the leads go off to investigate, unraveling a plot twisted by the vagrancies of human nature, ending with a satisfying conclusion that leaves you in a contemplative mood. The action scenes are fun and punchy, and there's even some awesome wheelchair-based fighting choreography. The endings usually twist a couple of times, but don't pop out of nowhere, and it's great to replay an episode and appreciate the foreshadowing elements. Note that the plot doesn't doggedly adhere to pure realism; there are some supernatural elements in one sub-plot, for example (but no jump-scares), and one of the characters is a genius hacker while the other is a brilliant actor (it's not quite "high IQ, meet high EQ" but it's close).
Takayuki Yamada and Masaki Suda really deliver; I'm not a huge fan of either and think they've both delivered dull performances in the past. They play somewhat reserved young men with opposing temperaments who grow to trust and rely on each other as they work to unravel the mysteries behind why dele clients left behind certain data to be destroyed (and help them fulfill the deeper regrets behind their last request). There's no over-the-top misunderstandings, no weird competitive jostling between the two, no romance — it's such a relief to witness their low-key interactions as their friendship blossoms after all these crazy over-the-top romcons and makjang. Kumiko Aso plays the charming mediator and big sister who brings the two together and supports the company behind the scenes.
I appreciate the way that the series handles Keiji's handicap, which is, very matter-of-factly with no dramatics. Keiji doesn't let the chair stop him from doing what he wants to do, while Yutaro simply accepts him as he is. There are small moments that capture the daily inconveniences, such as where Yutaro is helping Keiji get into a car or to wipe down the wheels before they enter a house, or they have to move a chair aside for them to drink tea at a café — and then there are scenes where the boys flip society's conceptions and leverage the chair to sneak into enemy territory, or Keiji uses it as a weapon in a fight (so cool~!). In short, it's not a cheap add-on. The only time Yutaro even explicitly mentions Keiji's handicap is when he exasperatedly has to remind Keiji, "don't try to use it as an excuse now (you've never let it stop you before!)" — it's clear that Yutaro doesn't view it as something to be ashamed of and really respects Keiji's capabilities.
All the technical aspects, such as the filmography and music are well-done. The guest actors were usually great, sometimes the performances were only so-so, but overall there were plenty of touching moments to move the heart in every episode.
As a short, 8-episode novel adaptation dele nevertheless maintains good pacing that doesn't overwhelm or drag on. The plot is episodic; there's one slice-of-life scene filled with cute banter and truly funny comedic relief, the case-of-the-week is introduced, and the leads go off to investigate, unraveling a plot twisted by the vagrancies of human nature, ending with a satisfying conclusion that leaves you in a contemplative mood. The action scenes are fun and punchy, and there's even some awesome wheelchair-based fighting choreography. The endings usually twist a couple of times, but don't pop out of nowhere, and it's great to replay an episode and appreciate the foreshadowing elements. Note that the plot doesn't doggedly adhere to pure realism; there are some supernatural elements in one sub-plot, for example (but no jump-scares), and one of the characters is a genius hacker while the other is a brilliant actor (it's not quite "high IQ, meet high EQ" but it's close).
Takayuki Yamada and Masaki Suda really deliver; I'm not a huge fan of either and think they've both delivered dull performances in the past. They play somewhat reserved young men with opposing temperaments who grow to trust and rely on each other as they work to unravel the mysteries behind why dele clients left behind certain data to be destroyed (and help them fulfill the deeper regrets behind their last request). There's no over-the-top misunderstandings, no weird competitive jostling between the two, no romance — it's such a relief to witness their low-key interactions as their friendship blossoms after all these crazy over-the-top romcons and makjang. Kumiko Aso plays the charming mediator and big sister who brings the two together and supports the company behind the scenes.
I appreciate the way that the series handles Keiji's handicap, which is, very matter-of-factly with no dramatics. Keiji doesn't let the chair stop him from doing what he wants to do, while Yutaro simply accepts him as he is. There are small moments that capture the daily inconveniences, such as where Yutaro is helping Keiji get into a car or to wipe down the wheels before they enter a house, or they have to move a chair aside for them to drink tea at a café — and then there are scenes where the boys flip society's conceptions and leverage the chair to sneak into enemy territory, or Keiji uses it as a weapon in a fight (so cool~!). In short, it's not a cheap add-on. The only time Yutaro even explicitly mentions Keiji's handicap is when he exasperatedly has to remind Keiji, "don't try to use it as an excuse now (you've never let it stop you before!)" — it's clear that Yutaro doesn't view it as something to be ashamed of and really respects Keiji's capabilities.
All the technical aspects, such as the filmography and music are well-done. The guest actors were usually great, sometimes the performances were only so-so, but overall there were plenty of touching moments to move the heart in every episode.
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