Perhaps not as good as it turn into being
This is the typical show in which each episode it's a new case to solve, you won't get bored because it's fun to watch, the storyline is interesting, the characters are well defined, it has a great production and you can even learn some things about science, so it's a sort of educational show as well (assuming the trustworthiness of the facts that each episode presents)I also have to say that for a more mature or demanding spectator the show lacks of some things, and with such a great cast and production they fail on making an unforgettable show like those that you considered a "must watch" and that you recommend to everybody
Anyway... my suggestion is:
If you have some other good dorama recommendation then don't watch it because you wont miss anything, and if you dont know what to watch then give it a try, at least it will amuse you.
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In Hand is a drama that shouldn't work. After all, one can't just mix cartoonish setting, serious topics, adventure/case-of-the-week structure, and gags about feces and expect it to work. Shockingly, the drama does exactly that and provides its viewer with lots of entertainment (if not much food for thought).
The incongruous premise includes one millionaire parasitologist (you read that right), one driven government official, and one conscientious doctor who combine their forces to investigate suspicious incidents related to parasites/epidemics etc.
The quasi-procedural structure surprises at first (after all, how common can a murder through deliberate parasite contamination be?!) but soon it becomes clear that the trio investigates not just murders but all of the cases of negligence and corruption in the medicine and wellness field. This also explains why the viewer is supposed to care about shenanigans in some smaller branch of government (that stands for a precinct in usual procedural).
While the cases are solved through the fakest of fake science and the touching moments at the end of each episode are arguably quite 'meh', the show has many strong points.
Firstly, the cartoonish setting is actually quite fun. It is very out there and takes a while to get used to, but it is also very coherent. Every small detail is there for a reason (like the parasitologist's need for an international passport gets tied to his past and is never forgotten throughout), every trapping is exploited (like how different types of animal screeches are used to underscore an awkward atmosphere or to add a sinister aura) and so on.
Secondly, the writing is quite tight which leads to a fast-paced story. While the parasitologist's flashback for example is hinted through ridiculously looking montage, when it is told it's quite logical and nicely ties into the overall story.
The running jokes and catchphrases are hilarious and charming. The banter between various characters is fun and entertaining while the dramatic moments have emotional believability (if not overall believability).
Finally, the characters deserve a special mention. A lot of the similar shows struggle because their leads turn out to be too arrogant and unpleasant while their side-kicks end up unsympathetic. In Hand doesn't have this problem.
During the first few episodes Hamada Gaku hard-carries many scenes as an instantly likeable short-tempered doctor. Yamashita Tomohisa's parasitologist takes a while to warm up to but the actor's contented aura helps a lot in selling the self-assured but not actually arrogant or unreasonable genius. Yamashita's deadpan delivery of phrases like 'feces is a diary of life' or 'there is nothing impossible for a genius' greatly contributes to the humour of the show.
Nanao's government official is also a funny character with a nice development. Her fierce determination allows for many hilarious office hijinks (considering that yelling at the boss is unheard of in Japan).
The drama boasts high budget so it's easy on the eyes and has a decent ost and sound design (not to mention, many big names in the cast). The drama itself is fun and unique and should not be taken at the face value or you'll end up with some really bizarre misconceptions (like believing that genetic doping exists).
The viewer should also beware the gross stuff. While there is nothing graphic, dangerous viruses and parasites are a lot more scary than the usual murderer-of-the-week and it's really easy to get grossed out by the concept alone.
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I'm not sure if that last sentence came out correctly. Although if you watch the show, I'm sure it will make even the smallest bit of sense. At least I hope it will. Watching a show based on the cast itself is sort of like reading a book based off the cover alone; a little biased, unrealistic, and slightly rude to the creator/director/actor/writer/etc... However, if you have a favorite author/actor/director, then why not go ahead and follow your favorites! Which is what I've done with this show!
The story for this show was amazingly detailed, yet completely easy to understand! It sort of reminded me of "Mr. Brain" with Kimura Takuya, to be honest. The story itself is like this: mystery, thriller, suspense, adventure, comedy, medical, police, government, science, health, and relationships. Though if you're looking for romance, I'm not sure this story is right for you; though there are hints of romance throughout.
The story itself is a unique tale that I have not seen before. Granted the base of a police/government/political/medical drama is there, it seems to hide just along the outskirts of the story's true base. Watching Himokura, Takaie, Makino, and the rest of the Cabinet Secretariat office (where Makino works with Mitsuishi Ken) tackle, or maybe "attack" would be a better choice here, each illness and/or parasite case head on without hesitation as they gather information, do experiments, and face the "bad guy" in each case is truly amazing. I'm not sure if the characters they play are extremely brave or ridiculously stupid on some level. Though, it is true that Himokura has no real affection for humans or want to interact with them, it is interesting to watch him widen his inner circle; and throughout the show it's very visible how "real" and "honest" the writer(s), director, and cast made it seem as Yamashita (aka Himokura) did this on his own time within his own way.
Considering Covid-19 times right now, I think it is easier to sympathize with the characters as they go through their illnesses, especially toward the end; and I have to say that I had 50% of the show figured out and had 50% no idea how this story was going to end! This show is most definitely worth checking out; it's thrilling adventures, the cast, and the story... This show is one of a kind amazing!
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This review may contain spoilers
..NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR A GENIUS..
..the introvert parasitologist, the fired doctor turns to an assistant, and the snake lady working on a goverment trio...
..this is kinda unique genre for me where biology and detective series combined..
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..the story is fast faced for me on Himokura's past (why he has that robotic arm) - then the later episodes get more interesting especially on its last two..
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..I do love the animation too and it's so cute (with this I getting to love the worms haha) - and even if it's kinda long to watch they still put some funny scenes on it so no need to get serious to watch..
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..also, I do appreciate the series when they featured the country of Philippines (where I belong), that's a bonus for me..
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..and as what I have mentioned about the last two episodes, it reminds me the year when na pandemic (corona virus) came in different countries..
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..here in the series, it's the ebola virus - well, the ending must be happy, by means of the vaccine they invented to stop the pandemic..
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..the list of casts is so full-packed - and yes, this series is a genius one too..
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Science meets investigative drama with a dose of humour
LIKES:The writing was very well done for this and same with all the acting.
Cinematography
Location settings
The science behind each case, was based on real data.
The 3some of doctor, government official and genius parasitologist, some how works. There’s humour, emotions without romance, excitement, etc. Some of Yamashita’s best humours moments is how he can deliver some of the phrases completely deadpan and their duo brings lightheartedness to the scientific aspect. The doctor and genius have a great chemistry and make each episode and case interesting.
Showing the parasites and viruses as cute animated cartoons, worked too.
The OST was good, but nothing outstanding.
DISLIKES:
The FX, especially involving blood looked extra fake.
Production could’ve been smoother, some editing of cut scenes made other moments not flow so well. Also directing had some problems too.
Sometimes the sound effects, especially when the genius had an epiphany, started to get annoying instead of keeping an amusing quirkiness to his character.
OVERALL:
I recommend watching this if you like science, investigative dramas layered with comedic relief. I would watch this again. The conclusion or final episode was satisfactory too.
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Someone gave the dog an Oscar!
Oh my, the dog really showed emotions, what an amazing acting! I feel like squeezing the dog all the time, too pretty fluff!Dog aside, it's an amazing show. I really love the combination of the 3 main acts, they compliment each other well
Esp love the Professor who is so narcissistic in a charming weird way, it's really funny though.
Love the combination of how the Professor is a genius not just in science, but almost in a dectective like manner
Making this show a great combi of detective + science + humanity show
Gets really exciting towards the end, with lots of touching moments and life lessons.
First few episodes are great too, but they are like one case per episode. I personally prefer a show with bigger storyline that spans out thru few episodes, which is the case for 2nd half of the show
So, i guess you get the best of both worlds. You can just skip the episode if you don't like the case study for that one. Somewhere around halfway of show, then you'll see how the story continues and builds up from one case to the next.
Try it out and watch it. Fist few minutes of 1st episode and I"m hooked
Oh, the professor is really goodlooking too! And boy, I want such a giant nature park at home too!
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