... things make sense, likely because they follow the original plot. So no out of place subplots had to be added to build Manpyou Teppei into a sympathetic hero fit to be played by KimuTaku. But only if you look at it as a writer or a very cool-headed watcher.

However, as a mere consumer, I enjoy the 2007 version better (esp the rewatch as I rediscovered forgotten or misremembered scenes). Even though I already knew the ending and am aware how badly written it is as a story... I can only say it is a personal bias - I dislike most of the actors in the 2021 version except for Nakai Kiichi and I like ALL of the actors in the 2021 version, even the side characters (whether original or invented for the 2007 version) except for Aibu Saki. Rokkaku might have been excellent as Watanuki, but he can never compare with Tsurube Shofukutei. (I wonder if it is traditional to cast a comedian in this bad guy role...)

This is the key difference that resonates throughout the whole series. Because Teppei is not the hero, there is NO hero in the 2021 version. No one is remotely likeable, not even Daisuke. The Daisuke played by Kotani Kinya was classy Lawful Evil, the one Nakai Kiichi gave us is a kind of Neutral Evil old tanuki.

Everyone is a little bit tainted - the Teppei in this version has his faults.