mysecretsoul
United States
Friends and vassals wait with baited breath as Kanbei finally meets Oda Nobunaga. In those thrilling moments as our hero presents himself and speaks strategy against the Mouri, it appears unclear whether Nobunaga is impressed or will lop off his head. Luckily, when the warlord reaches for his sword, it is to offer it to Kanbei along with his blessing. For history nerds like me, this is the Heshikiri-Hasebe, supposedly Nobunaga’s favorite sword. With this lofty gift, he also sends Hashiba Hideyoshi, whom we get to know more intimately in a serious of heart-warming and funny scenes. Kanbe seems to have met a kindred spirit in this "Saru."
I wonder if Kanbei knows just how helpful his wife Teru is, though. With the lord at Himeji so easily manipulated, the Kodera might have lost everything. Thanks to some quick thinking by those at home, our hero’s efforts are not wasted.
I wonder if Kanbei knows just how helpful his wife Teru is, though. With the lord at Himeji so easily manipulated, the Kodera might have lost everything. Thanks to some quick thinking by those at home, our hero’s efforts are not wasted.
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Nobunaga turns his eye to the unification of Japan, sparking curiosity across the fractured land. It's interesting to note how certain individuals view his declaration (Kanbei with wonder, his lord with suspicion and distaste). Eguchi Yosuke continues to make the most out of short scenes, particularly when delivering grand lines. During the final subjugation of Mino: "Tear down this gate and let a new wind blow through my castle!" Perfect.
Now to Kanbei. Though I find the motion from Otatsu to Teru somewhat quick, it's nice that the characters were allowed to show their respect for her. What will happen now that Kanbei directly serves in place of his father? How will his new bride's family work with him? I'm curious to see.
Now to Kanbei. Though I find the motion from Otatsu to Teru somewhat quick, it's nice that the characters were allowed to show their respect for her. What will happen now that Kanbei directly serves in place of his father? How will his new bride's family work with him? I'm curious to see.
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Many exciting elements were featured in this episode, quite fitting for such a turbulent era. We rejoin Kanbei as he is sent to the castle to be "fostered" (held hostage, more like), learning how being used for truces and guaranteed loyalty must feel for men and women alike. A little later, Kanbei distinguishes himself in his first battle; this aspect is handled perfectly, showing his nerves and yet how sharp he can be under pressure. Using prior knowledge of the land, he saves the day and manages to gain some attention--positive and negative.
We also spend some time with Nobunaga, who encounters difficulty in his invasion of Mino. A short, yet poignant glimpse into his background fascinates ("You're a demon!"), airing a little humanity into this bombastic historic presence. Meanwhile, it becomes clear how brilliant the enemy strategist is; how great would it be if they had one of their own?
We also spend some time with Nobunaga, who encounters difficulty in his invasion of Mino. A short, yet poignant glimpse into his background fascinates ("You're a demon!"), airing a little humanity into this bombastic historic presence. Meanwhile, it becomes clear how brilliant the enemy strategist is; how great would it be if they had one of their own?
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An excellent first episode, with good balance between historic action and the origin of Kuroda Kanbei. They've set him up nicely as an inquisitive youth, whose quick mind will only sharpen in coming years. We also have a possible childhood love interest, a storied family to grow up in, and a unique grandfather whose influence likely played a huge part in our hero's development. I also enjoyed the peek at Eguchi Yosuke's Oda Nobunaga; his scenes were few, but even not looking at the cast list, you knew who you were looking at. He just bursts with the boisterous charisma one expects.
The compositions by Yugo Kanno are to die for already, by the way. I haven't yet been able to stop listening to the theme music.
The compositions by Yugo Kanno are to die for already, by the way. I haven't yet been able to stop listening to the theme music.
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Watashi no Kirai na Tantei Episode 4
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While the gang investigates an unusual injury, Akemi seems to have developed an interest in alien culture. The case is characteristically quirky and unusual, though I enjoyed the previous two much more. Still love the laughs, though some are silly; the writers seem to have pinpointed the long-running gags that work.
Plus, it's good to see Ryohei join Ukai and company for case-by-case misadventures. My only wish is that Gouriki tones Akemi back down; I've been fine until now, but her "kyah!" was a little out of control this time.
Plus, it's good to see Ryohei join Ukai and company for case-by-case misadventures. My only wish is that Gouriki tones Akemi back down; I've been fine until now, but her "kyah!" was a little out of control this time.
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Watashi no Kirai na Tantei Episode 3
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Ukai and Akemi run into a strange little murder case involving two squid-related shrines and one unpopular marriage. It continues to surprise me how well this drama balances investigation with comedy; the two are so well mixed together. I'm totally in love with the parody, fourth wall-breaking aspect too; for instance, our "Black Jack of the Detective World" even appears momentarily in cosplay as the doctor himself.
Also, whenever Ukai starts his final deduction, a character from the next case appears during the slides. A very cute way to tie things together, indeed. Poor guy just wants to hunt down lost dogs for rich ladies, but what can you do?
Also, whenever Ukai starts his final deduction, a character from the next case appears during the slides. A very cute way to tie things together, indeed. Poor guy just wants to hunt down lost dogs for rich ladies, but what can you do?
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Watashi no Kirai na Tantei Episode 2
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This time around, we delve more deeply into the case introduced last episode. The investigation style becomes clear, too; it's very classic detective work, with plenty of shtick. I noticed an interesting trend: as our leads make a deduction, it's dramatized on screen. Whenever Ukai is speaking, the action is plausible and framed like a picture. If Akemi instead, it's surrounded by colorful blocks (and usually ridiculous). Ukai totally humors her though, which leads to fun exchanges.
And that denouement! Great explanation, quirky presentation, and even a little touching...much to my delight.
Katagiri Jin also makes a cameo in this episode, solidifying the idea of our leads as a comedy duo.
And that denouement! Great explanation, quirky presentation, and even a little touching...much to my delight.
Katagiri Jin also makes a cameo in this episode, solidifying the idea of our leads as a comedy duo.
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Watashi no Kirai na Tantei Episode 1
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Very excited about this one! The episode structure utilizes a classic detective story format, with plenty of good-natured jabs at popular examples of the genre (including Galileo). Our first mystery is decent, though part of a two-episode arc.
What really impressed me? How funny the drama actually is. Tamaki Hiroshi plays Ukai big and hammy, but it's perfectly suitable; his facial expressions and physical movements are priceless. Gouriki Ayame isn't my favorite actress, but paired with Tamaki...it's like watching a well-attuned comedy duo. Their bird bit made me audibly cackle.
What really impressed me? How funny the drama actually is. Tamaki Hiroshi plays Ukai big and hammy, but it's perfectly suitable; his facial expressions and physical movements are priceless. Gouriki Ayame isn't my favorite actress, but paired with Tamaki...it's like watching a well-attuned comedy duo. Their bird bit made me audibly cackle.
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Medical Top Team Episode 3
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Perhaps for-profit hospitals are a rising social issue in South Korea? This marks the second time I've seen it used as a plot point this year, though Medical Top Team handles the subject much more capably.
It was enjoyable to see more of Han Seung Jae and his motivations. He has more opposition than he knows, and his desire to see Top Team succeed is more complicated than we know. The budding tension with Tae Shin will certainly be interesting, though I still hope they'll respect one another.
Top Team is almost fully assembled, though the final seat is still in question. This aspect, along with the cliffhanger surgery, leaves a lot of room for interest. If they can just find a better balance between talking and operating, we're looking at a solid drama.
It was enjoyable to see more of Han Seung Jae and his motivations. He has more opposition than he knows, and his desire to see Top Team succeed is more complicated than we know. The budding tension with Tae Shin will certainly be interesting, though I still hope they'll respect one another.
Top Team is almost fully assembled, though the final seat is still in question. This aspect, along with the cliffhanger surgery, leaves a lot of room for interest. If they can just find a better balance between talking and operating, we're looking at a solid drama.
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Medical Top Team Episode 2
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Detailed surgeries meet effective hospital politics. Occasionally you see dramas where aspects works better than the other, but both elements are exemplary in Medical Top Team.
I rather enjoyed the expansion of characters and their dynamics with others. Both Sung Ryeo Won and Joo Ji Hoon caught up to the initial blow-away likability of Kwon Sang Woo, as their characters have displayed sparks of mystery about them.
Otherwise, take note of the delicious soundtrack, with its unique instrumental pieces and colorful vocals. The trend of bright shades used in clothing and scenery continues as well, leading to a unique feel.
I rather enjoyed the expansion of characters and their dynamics with others. Both Sung Ryeo Won and Joo Ji Hoon caught up to the initial blow-away likability of Kwon Sang Woo, as their characters have displayed sparks of mystery about them.
Otherwise, take note of the delicious soundtrack, with its unique instrumental pieces and colorful vocals. The trend of bright shades used in clothing and scenery continues as well, leading to a unique feel.
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Medical Top Team Episode 1
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Excellent pacing and crisp, colorful cinematography are highlights of this pilot episode. Scenery (indoors and out) appears unbelievably deep and rich. The camera angles are wide and show wonderful detail; this is a surprisingly beautiful drama. Surgical scenes are bloody, as expected, but seem carefully done and well-shot.
While the introductory plot line offers nothing unique to the medical field, it holds interest with gusto. Also populated by capable actors (with Kwon Sang Woo playing his Tae Shin with natural, vibrant affability), Top Medical Team has a lot of potential. Watch out for this one; the hour flew by so quickly it was shocking.
While the introductory plot line offers nothing unique to the medical field, it holds interest with gusto. Also populated by capable actors (with Kwon Sang Woo playing his Tae Shin with natural, vibrant affability), Top Medical Team has a lot of potential. Watch out for this one; the hour flew by so quickly it was shocking.
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I've started feeling affectionate toward Hyung Min lately; his scenes with Doctor's Son in this episode have solidified those feelings. One of the screen caps here showcases a particular moment between the two I positively loved. Both of them are after the right thing...and crazy smart too.
Otherwise, the action scenes are tight as always. I find it interesting that each character has their own flavor of movement. You won't find any homogeneous choreography here. There was also a shocking revelation for Soo Min and Hyun Soo really needs to stop giving me a heart attack per episode. Somebody put that boy in a protective bubble for the rest of the series, okay?
Otherwise, the action scenes are tight as always. I find it interesting that each character has their own flavor of movement. You won't find any homogeneous choreography here. There was also a shocking revelation for Soo Min and Hyun Soo really needs to stop giving me a heart attack per episode. Somebody put that boy in a protective bubble for the rest of the series, okay?
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It appears that the revelations about Safari were true...to an extent. He's what Shi Hyun could have become and what Soo Min could still--a failed undercover. This adds an interesting dynamic to a character that was fully deplorable...though there was something bittersweet about his past with our hero. I'm not 100% sold that it was a necessary twist or that it was even fully cooked within bounds of the story...but I'll take it, for the lovely performance it allowed Jung Kyung Ho. His reaction to the reveal is Grade A acting and it's amazing to finally see the bare human beneath the undercover veneer.
This show has broken the halfway point and has retained exceptional quality. I don't know where we're headed, but it's the good kind of uncertainty this kind of program should afford. Though I'm still a bit worried about some aspects
(how the romance fits in, what Shi Hyun will do with the enemies and friends he must arrest, where they're going with Hyung Min, etc.), I'm still confident the show will work it out beautifully. Unsurprisingly, it was another great episode.
This show has broken the halfway point and has retained exceptional quality. I don't know where we're headed, but it's the good kind of uncertainty this kind of program should afford. Though I'm still a bit worried about some aspects
(how the romance fits in, what Shi Hyun will do with the enemies and friends he must arrest, where they're going with Hyung Min, etc.), I'm still confident the show will work it out beautifully. Unsurprisingly, it was another great episode.
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Another pleasant episode, though slightly marred by an extended montage of the leads having flashbacks about each other. It seems a little too early for that, considering there are only three episodes worth of material to draw from, and it lasted too long and came to very little.
Otherwise, it's nice to see the leads being friends before jumping right into a relationship. There's a sweetness about their interactions that's very genuine. The extended cast at the radio station had some touching sequences with Xiao Shu this time around as well; they're turning out to be somewhat likable, though still one dimensional. At least the story is starting to develop beyond that point, but it's slow and I'm not sure if it'll pick up much based on the preview for next week....
Otherwise, it's nice to see the leads being friends before jumping right into a relationship. There's a sweetness about their interactions that's very genuine. The extended cast at the radio station had some touching sequences with Xiao Shu this time around as well; they're turning out to be somewhat likable, though still one dimensional. At least the story is starting to develop beyond that point, but it's slow and I'm not sure if it'll pick up much based on the preview for next week....
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Another mature, darkly toned drama for Monday and Tuesday. Golden Empire has a similar feel to Cruel City and Shark, though it has a unique spark in that it is a period piece. The start is solid and holds interest, but seems to be geared toward the viewer also interested in the financial/social climate the story takes place in.
Go Soo will likely be the big draw otherwise; this is his first drama in several years, after all. His acting in the sequences in the last fifteen minutes, from the car stunt to the hospital, are riveting. With a character who is something of a fallen angel type, it's really a promising role. It'll be good if the other plot lines become more compelling after converging more directly with Tae Joo's; right now, they feel like bland but necessary devices of exposition.
It's definitely worth a look at episode 2.
Go Soo will likely be the big draw otherwise; this is his first drama in several years, after all. His acting in the sequences in the last fifteen minutes, from the car stunt to the hospital, are riveting. With a character who is something of a fallen angel type, it's really a promising role. It'll be good if the other plot lines become more compelling after converging more directly with Tae Joo's; right now, they feel like bland but necessary devices of exposition.
It's definitely worth a look at episode 2.
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