Pure (2019)

Let me start by saying that while this drama was made among some bad rumors and reports of one of the main actors, that it doesn't make this drama any less interesting to watch, so please do not let your opinions or the reports cloud your view while watching!

I did like seeing a bit of role reversal in this show, it was refreshing to watch something a little different within the typical dramas/shows/movies/etc... of the detective, crime, mystery, investigation, and police genre. The more I watched this role reversal acting, the more intriguing the story becomes.

The stories seemed to follow the basic outline for the typical detective/crime stories, however, the script itself seemed to have a completely different basis. This show really is wonderful, even though there are only three episodes, and I do believe that it has the potential to be something; sadly, however, I'm not sure if anyone will take the chance on this show to remake it into what it could be.

It was fun to watch each story unfold from beginning to end with their different crimes and different stories! This is a good story to watch if you're in a slump, don't know what to watch next, or are just starting out watching Japanese or detective/crime/mystery dramas. Not once could I identify the suspect, though that could just be my stupidity! (lol)

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Brought to you by the makers of "Trick".

This show is basically a retelling of Trick, instead of a professor and a magician dealing with supernatural mysteries, you have a detective and an idol solving murder mysteries. I loved Trick and I loved this show, Hamabe Minami is wonderful as the scheming yet master of deduction idol. The interaction of the 2 leads is quite enjoyable. There are some good gags and side characters that Hamabe's character plays off of well. Her efforts for fame turn out much like Naoko's efforts for wealth turned out. I really would like to have more of this show.
So, to sum it up if you liked Trick, you might like this show too.

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The core concept was appealing, and in the end, it was not a terrible watch.

First, the flaws.
(a)I'm guessing the Drama's source is a manga of some sort, because the lead male character was totally flat. It's as if he LOST a dimension when moving from paper to screen. Only in the very final scene, as the credits are starting, do we see ANY character growth at all.
(b) Every episode's story was effectively EXACTLY the same. Just as well there were only three, because it was very definitely, "seen one, seen 'em all"

Now, the saving grace

The female lead was not only super-kawaii, she super smart. SHE was the brains of the outfit and the show made sure this was VERY obvious. "Cute smart girl makes moron male cop look good" is not a formula that would even be imagined in Korea, where it seems that it is forbidden by law for the word "genius" to be used of a female lead (unless the male lead is a "super genius")

Also, I felt that for a very young actor, Ms Himabe did very well with the role. HER character was given some depth, we definitely saw both good and less-good sides of her personality, and of course, she was unapologetically the heroine and star.

For that refreshingly pro-female POV , and for the fun of watching a smart, cute female lead, this Drama scraped into the pass range.

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