Escape (2025)

A Gem That I Won't Be Forgetting Anytime Soon <3

This drama is not deep, ground-breaking nor does it deliver something life changing. What it does present to us is 10 episodes (and 3 side-story episodes) of absolute enjoyment!

ESCAPE is one of the most engaging dramas I have watched in recent times, making me look forward to Wednesday every week. The story is almost silly at times but balances its humour with the right amount of heavy and emotional topics (such as child neglect, gambling addiction etc.). Every character was presented and handled beautifully. As an audience, we have been introduced to each character with enough background (or are provided with the same overtime) to relate to, sympathize with or care about them.

Hachi and Linda are the main characters with the most amazingly strong chemistry. There was supposedly nothing romantic (at least explicitly) between them until the final episode and yet their every interaction, even if playful, felt special and after the initial episodes, they made me feel like I had butterflies in my stomach. Their relationship started out pretty rocky but what they eventually evolve into is based on unconditional love and companionship. Hachi's special powers/condition don't scare Linda, instead she allows him to believe in himself and become better. Similarly, Linda provides Hachi with reassurance that there is someone in this world whom she can trust, someone who will hold her hand without hesitation. Hachi, Linda and Hikaru give us the most heartwarming moments, depicting the most perfect found family.

There are also characters I hate, such as Bandai and the journalist, Shiraki, but I can't help but agree that their intrusive and hateful characters were necessary tools to take the story forward while explaining us the plot/background and shining light on the motivations of various characters. The headache we receive by these two and Yamaguchi is balanced with the camaraderie moments between Hachi, Linda, Gan-san and Riri and also all the new characters our MCs meet in their journey. Komiyama-san and the junior detective's gradual senpai-kouhai relationship is also pretty cute. Even the initially annoying social media influencers make their way to your heart. I feel pity for Yamagi Keishi's character and believe he redeemed himself by the end of the drama, salvaging his relationship with his daughter as much as he could.

Overall, this is certainly a drama that you would not regret watching (provided that the humour and plot is your cup of tea)!

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The Adventure Of Unexpected Escape

Escape. And ode of kidnapping that leading into a journey of an escape. The adventure while uncovering the layers of truth that cruel and disgusting. While forgiving over misinterpretis what should be done. The birthday party that celebrated with diabolical surprise and maturity.

The premise is unique and such a breath fresh air. The execution seems fun and cherish. The romance stuff was my roman empire. The witty jokes that fit my humorous. The social issue with a right amount of weight. Everything were good enough, not an exaggerate.

I love to see the switching genre within thriller, mystery and romance, so smooth to enjoy. The supernatural touch was okay and not a ruinous, just adding a lil spice and done. Nothing serious, but fit the screenplay perfectly. It's success to build its story, by the way.

The performance of both heroine, Sano Hayato and Hiyori Sakurada were perfect to each other. Their chemistry was indeed overflowing. Dare to say like they born to be Hachi and Rinda. Their dynamic was the best. Their silly, their dumb, their awkward, also their 'no-need-confess' relationship were seize me up.

However, the story was about kidnapping, but I love that they're not normalizing or giving excuse for it. Instead they serving the best explanation of the negative things.

Afterall, it's all about coming of age. The rebellion of daughter to a father, the misinterpret, the growth of unspoken childhood experience, those tangled string were slowly unravel. One by one become clear. And lefting zero plot hole, at least for me.

If you looking for a thriller, mystery, comedy, romance, this one might be the best answer for you. Just give it a try! Their sillyness will making you hooked since the very first second. You're gonna keep craving for their dynamic as long as the show runs. A good craft!

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