3
7
2
HIDDEN GEM OF 2026
"If you don't know what you don't know, you'll never know what you need to know."
I find dramas like these to be tough to review because of how delicate the world and representation is for this kind of show, and as someone who isn't an expert in the field that tackles ASD and ADHD, I can't comment on how accurate the depiction is. But, what I can say, is that Kenichi Matsuyama played a remarkably convincing portrayal of the character. He embodies Ando uniquely in a way that I haven't seen for this type of role before.
The rest of the supporting cast were fantastic too. Even the guest appearances were great as well, which I find refreshing because with procedural dramas performances can vary, but with this one, there isn't a single case where I find the guest actors lacking.
In a way, this reminds me of Liaison: Kodomo no Kokoro Shinryosho. I think there are some similarities with the setting of the leads and how the cases and themes were handled. Kiyoharu Ando was diagnosed with ASD ( Autism Spectrum Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) as a child. Now, transferred to a new branch, he must fulfill his duties while keeping his condition from his colleagues. For Ando, he's challenged by the thought of working in the legal field when he's an "alien" who can't function as normal humans do. Does he have the qualities to be a judge? what does it even mean to become a judge? these are some of the questions that he and the viewers are tackled with.
The cases are typical with one big case in the second half that becomes a highlight and important catalyst for the lead's story arc which I think was fantastically handled. I bawled my eyes out on that final courtroom scene.
It might be a huge statement to say that this is the best drama I have seen this year. But honestly, I was already feeling a bit hopeless when it came to finding any great dramas lately, which I know is totally a me problem. So I'm glad that I did not let this one pass, which is also why, I wanted to give it a highlight. Maybe, there are others out there who might find something valuable in this story.
I find dramas like these to be tough to review because of how delicate the world and representation is for this kind of show, and as someone who isn't an expert in the field that tackles ASD and ADHD, I can't comment on how accurate the depiction is. But, what I can say, is that Kenichi Matsuyama played a remarkably convincing portrayal of the character. He embodies Ando uniquely in a way that I haven't seen for this type of role before.
The rest of the supporting cast were fantastic too. Even the guest appearances were great as well, which I find refreshing because with procedural dramas performances can vary, but with this one, there isn't a single case where I find the guest actors lacking.
In a way, this reminds me of Liaison: Kodomo no Kokoro Shinryosho. I think there are some similarities with the setting of the leads and how the cases and themes were handled. Kiyoharu Ando was diagnosed with ASD ( Autism Spectrum Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) as a child. Now, transferred to a new branch, he must fulfill his duties while keeping his condition from his colleagues. For Ando, he's challenged by the thought of working in the legal field when he's an "alien" who can't function as normal humans do. Does he have the qualities to be a judge? what does it even mean to become a judge? these are some of the questions that he and the viewers are tackled with.
The cases are typical with one big case in the second half that becomes a highlight and important catalyst for the lead's story arc which I think was fantastically handled. I bawled my eyes out on that final courtroom scene.
It might be a huge statement to say that this is the best drama I have seen this year. But honestly, I was already feeling a bit hopeless when it came to finding any great dramas lately, which I know is totally a me problem. So I'm glad that I did not let this one pass, which is also why, I wanted to give it a highlight. Maybe, there are others out there who might find something valuable in this story.
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