Shori no Hoteishiki (2023)

Spirals of Mystery and Confusion

I want to start by saying this show is both familiar and one of a kind. Ridiculous, I know. Honestly, though, I have never seen a story like this before; however, there were also a few familiar pieces. Though most were cliches or repetitive plot lines of the Japanese crime/police/mystery drama genres, I think, This story is quite unique on it's own, but paired with such a fantastic cast it is truly mesmerizing!

When I began the first episode, I wasn't entirely sure if I wanted to keep watching, though this show does grow on the viewer the more they watch. Almost identical to a roller coaster, slowly and slowly the story climbs to the top of the climax (aka hill) before launching into the finale!

I could never predict who was the true culprit behind the main story/plot line, I tried and tried and had finally convinced myself that either the show wasn't complete or they were going to leave a cliffhanger for a season two or a movie/special. I 100% did not see the ending coming!

All of the intrigue and mystery kept me on the edge of my seat, and the unexplained had a strong pull on me to keep wanting to know more and more. Toward the end of the last two episodes, things began to feel a little rushed, like they were running out of time or something; but never once did the story become too cheesy or inexplicable, or too farfetched. A few of the cases had me biting my nails with worry. The feelings in this story are so raw and relatable that they're almost tangible through the screen! The actors cast for this incredible story really put forth their most spectacular work!

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