Exciting "New" Sherlock

The plot line follows the origin story(ies) of Sherlock Holmes, however, with a few tweaks and changes, this show is something completely new... yet familiar.


The story does have the comforting (?) and typical feel of Japanese detective shows; but when you throw in the "eccentric Sherlock and his witty sidekick (friend?)" then you get a completely different drama. Combined with the technology, thrills, suspense, and mystery that a Japanese police/detective/crime drama already has plus the Sherlock story itself seems to make this drama quite interesting; something new, yet something old and familiar. Which is why I think it's a "comforting" show. To say it's a predictable show is an overstatement, the feeling of it is but the story itself is something brand new!


I like how they did not dwell on the "major evils" throughout the show, nor did they build up to a big bang finale. Towards the end, the show created the "major evils" one step at a time; sometimes a line, sometimes a person, sometimes an entire criminal plan, etc...


The cast selected made this show what it is, I believe. Dean Fujioka was the perfect choice for Sherlock; though I can think of a few others who I would like to see in a few of the same roles, but it would just be my personal preference(s) based on what I've seen of their acting and because I've seen the entirety of this drama.; so it would sort of be like me superimposing a role from one show in to/on to this show. Which wouldn't be too interesting, but it wouldn't be too bad, either. So I think the cast was chosen with that in mind; something like "pick a couple of A-list actors then fill out the roles with B and C list", sort of thing. The entire cast had me completely mesmerized right up until the end! Their skilled talent full of respect and genuine humanity is what made this show such a success!

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Dramatic DNA Chase!

From the beginning this show interested me because of Yasuda Ken and Tanaka Kei, both of whom I am a very big fan of, so I knew that this show was going to be something special. With each case, the DNA never lies... Or does it?


Each case is scientifically and genetically tricky; there were so many twists and turns I felt like Alice in Wonderland a couple of times. Sometimes the science was hard to follow, but all in all the collaborative police work met the DNA in the middle and each case was solved with an (typical to Japanese Police Dramas) episode flash back of what had happened so far. Without the cheesy "I've figured out the culprit!" lines, though.


Each story was so different, yet the ending fell in to place spectacularly as if it was a beautiful puzzle. I could never guess who the culprit was, especially toward the end; and I feel like the last couple of episodes really amped up the theatrics and suspense! This is a thrilling show of epic mystery; with both good humor and dark moments, it is definitely one of my favorite shows! Especially since they filmed and aired this during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had to be extremely exhausting and difficult for the cast and staff to not only work, but do so safely!

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Enthralling Science

This second season is way more intense than I believed or knew going in to the series as a whole. If you're squeamish or no good with horror or scary things or blood, then please do not watch this series.... but even still it is one fantastic show!



The show focuses on understanding science and the unknown as it's main plot line but the relationships behind the scenes of each case are really what seem to carry the show through one episode to the next to the finale. The belief, respect, and bond that each character and actor/actress has formed between the cast, staff, directors and writers, and even within themselves is amazing to watch grow from season one episode one until the finale of season two!



Again, if you're not good with horror or blood then please do not watch this. But the story is something else! There are remnants of other dramas within this story but it is definitely in a superb category of it's own!

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Incredible Science and Dramatics

The entirety of this show is something magical, something I have never seen from a drama before! Granted the story and plot lines are slightly typical and towards the end a bit predictable, but this show is completely and utterly fantastic and perfect on its own!



The story itself is something I have never seen before; the action, the dramatics, the mystery! It has been years since I have seen a show this detailed, researched, specific, heartfelt, and spectacular! The emotion, respect, skill, and dedication the actors/actresses, director(s), writer(s), and staffs is so visible and honest throughout the show that its almost tangible through the screen.


The suspense and mystery is quite thrilling; I never could guess what was happening and the truth of what did happen was so extraordinary that I had goosebumps while watching!


If you like a good mystery, enjoy a good thrill, or like to solve detective shows as they air then please watch this show!

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Incredibly Amazing

"Zettai Reido" is one of my favorite series for multiple reasons: the cast, the relationships, the action, the talent and skill, the writing/script, the drama, the story and plot lines, and so much more!


The epic action and drama within the storytelling of this series is fantastic! It flows perfectly from season one to the special episode to the last episode of the last season. The amount of talent, skill, respect, and genuine love for this series and their character by every actor/actress within this series is tangible and equally as epic!


To watch the characters as they grow throughout the series, from season 1 to season 5, or just at season 5 alone, is really extraordinary! Though I do recommend starting from season 1 before starting season 5! If you like a lot of romance then I think you're only going to get a little bit; but the relationship between friends and coworkers within this series is strong and something I really like within the entire show.



Season 5 is full of drama and thrills, beginnings and endings, mystery and suspense, epic fighting and talents. I do think it can be a little dark and scary at certain points, but nothing as terrifying as to give someone nightmares! This show is a fantastic and extraordinary story if you are just beginning or a long time fan of Japanese dramas, by themselves or as cop/detective shows!

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Fantastic Season

This show tells a wonderful, funny, heartwarming, unique, mysterious, bittersweet, talented, thrilling, and genuine story about honesty, humanity, and relationships with others and with oneself.


Each case brought the story and cast of wonderful characters together as a team of more than just co-workers; the respect and rapport between each person was almost tangible and made them seem like family. It was great having an episode showcasing each person's strong points that also showed the strong points of how "Zero Gakkari" works together.



The "main" storyline was somewhat the same as the other seasons within this series (1-4) but it doesn't make the show seem boring at all! If anything it seems to tie all the seasons together. Not once did I feel lost within this show, even though there was a couple backlash scenes.


I laughed, cried, and worried with the cast of Zero Gakkari and hope more people will enjoy it too!

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I began this drama because of the cast and the story synopsis, even though they say "don't judge a book by its cover" (lol) and I have to say that I didn't really have high hopes or high expectations for this drama going in, but it absolutely did not disappoint! This charming, enchanting, one-of-a-kind story is absolutely worth watching!

Even though I said this show is "one-of-a-kind", I have to say that seems to be about 50/50 true. The more I watch the more I can sort of tell that some episode's stories are familiar and some are brand new story's. There were similarities to other stories, but there were also similarities to a few shows as a whole, and there were brand new moments within the series in its entirety. Not one episode, minute, or second is not worth watching or in any way disappointing!

The title and one of the characters is hilarious alone, and partly my reason alone for watching; I don't want to spoil it but a hint for it would be "it's a language thing". If I'm being honest, too, this show definitely has some "Hero", the drama starring Kimura Takuya, vibes. While some of the humor was a fall for me, it was pretty hilarious how the creators, writers, directors, and cast brought forward the comedy and laughter within and from each episode. Another hint for this would be "dog".

The actors/actresses were very talented! The actress for Mizuki, Murasaki Maaya was very talented and a real joy to watch as her character grew throughout the show, her story really created a nice high point for the show. But then again, I really liked episode six; this show definitely has a few tear-jerker episodes, so keep the tissue box handy. The guest cast for each episode was full of surprises and I was thrilled to see who would be joining the cast for each episode! This is going to sound hypocritical but I don't look at the guest list as much as I look at the main character and/or supporting character cast lists. I'm more likely to watch a drama or movie with actors and/or actresses I'm familiar with, which I think is true for many viewers, than I am a cast of unknowns; however, if I like the synopsis and the supporting (and sometimes even the guest cast) then I'll watch the show or movie.

The story of this show was very well told. Each episode was full of stories told from a very genuine and honest human viewpoint. Extremely relatable and full of heart, warmth, and laughter; each episode was told with strength of character and genuine raw, real humanity! Absolutely a show to be watched and treasured!

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If I'm being completely honest then I have to say that I began watching this drama because of the cast! While I do realize that this is a pretty shallow and a little unreasonable reason to watch a show, I have to say that it definitely wasn't a bad decision. The show employed a very strong cast, in both talent and personality as well as strong characteristics for themselves and their characters.

I'm not sure if that last sentence came out correctly. Although if you watch the show, I'm sure it will make even the smallest bit of sense. At least I hope it will. Watching a show based on the cast itself is sort of like reading a book based off the cover alone; a little biased, unrealistic, and slightly rude to the creator/director/actor/writer/etc... However, if you have a favorite author/actor/director, then why not go ahead and follow your favorites! Which is what I've done with this show!

The story for this show was amazingly detailed, yet completely easy to understand! It sort of reminded me of "Mr. Brain" with Kimura Takuya, to be honest. The story itself is like this: mystery, thriller, suspense, adventure, comedy, medical, police, government, science, health, and relationships. Though if you're looking for romance, I'm not sure this story is right for you; though there are hints of romance throughout.

The story itself is a unique tale that I have not seen before. Granted the base of a police/government/political/medical drama is there, it seems to hide just along the outskirts of the story's true base. Watching Himokura, Takaie, Makino, and the rest of the Cabinet Secretariat office (where Makino works with Mitsuishi Ken) tackle, or maybe "attack" would be a better choice here, each illness and/or parasite case head on without hesitation as they gather information, do experiments, and face the "bad guy" in each case is truly amazing. I'm not sure if the characters they play are extremely brave or ridiculously stupid on some level. Though, it is true that Himokura has no real affection for humans or want to interact with them, it is interesting to watch him widen his inner circle; and throughout the show it's very visible how "real" and "honest" the writer(s), director, and cast made it seem as Yamashita (aka Himokura) did this on his own time within his own way.

Considering Covid-19 times right now, I think it is easier to sympathize with the characters as they go through their illnesses, especially toward the end; and I have to say that I had 50% of the show figured out and had 50% no idea how this story was going to end! This show is most definitely worth checking out; it's thrilling adventures, the cast, and the story... This show is one of a kind amazing!

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This show is only 7 (though really it could be 8 or even 10 if you consider the first episode) episodes, however, this is the most emotional, heart-pounding, gut-wrenching roller coaster ride I have ever been on. Each episode is so strong on multiple levels, for multiple reasons, that it has become such a show deserving of being called perfect!

I'm not one to watch real life, romance, thrilling, or even medical shows most times because I'm a huge chicken (lol), though sometimes shows like those seem to jump out and grab me at episode one... And this is exactly that type of show!

I can't be sure how accurate this retelling is of a true story, but I have to say that Koizumi Kotaro portrays his character as a caring son, influential chairman, understanding doctor, and learning (yet knowledgeable) businessman, among many other titles, very, very well!! If you're a fan of Koizumi Kotaro, then this series is an absolute must to watch! Seeing him as an unorthodox detective and teacher (which I also adored) made me a little uneasy if I would like him in such a serious show, but his acting is almost magical; he wears his emotions and whatever he thinks on his face, whatever he's going through or thinking you can see it immediately on his face if you pay attention. The way this man tells a story through his acting is what makes him amazing to watch, almost as if he's the man of 20 faces!

This story is such a wonderous and superb story. The way each episode was filmed was as if it was teaching the viewer how each part of a hospital worked, from admittance to human resources and even within the community. In fact, it amazed me to see just how important a hospital is to a community, especially non-medically related. Each hospital and health system is different, so I'm not entirely sure that every medical person or business or clinic/doctor/hospital could follow this story, but it does have some very strong and highly valid points.

This story had lots of ups and downs, hint the earlier reference to a roller coaster, especially toward the end. It was like being a fly on the wall and watching how a community works, within a business and within a city. Watching each actor as their character grew throughout each episode was intense! Almost as intense as the story itself. I don't want to only applaud Koizumi Kotaro in this series, however much I like the man and his acting; please do not only focus on him, there are so many amazing and talented people in this story!

This story is as amazing as it is, I believe, because it did not have a lot of popular actors/actresses in it, give or take a few. Thus allowing for each actor to portray each point of the story, as well as their character, with such strong, believable, and genuine conviction! If you don't have many popular people within a series, then you will be able to focus better on the story itself. With each loop this story threw, I was more and more worried and curious as to how it would end; and I did not see the ending coming in the slightest! This is definitely a spectacular show!

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This story is not at all what I was expecting! The show itself is filled with superb talents and amazing stories for each episode! The synopsis did not at all do it justice, in my opinion. Each story is thrilling and heartwrenching, they all kept me guessing until the end, as I could not guess beforehand which person the real suspect was!

The relationships between each character is fascinating to watch as they grow together as a team and as a whole division within the MPD. They all seemed to show a very real work-life situation(s) between different people within the workforce of police, prosecutors, and civilians. Each story was something extraordinary to watch as each case was verified down to the last tiny detail.

This wasn't a story of finding the answers/truth and being held back by the past, though at the beginning it may seem that way. As each episode goes it felt like watching a live retelling of detective novels! The ending was not at all what I expected, however, and I believe that is what made this series something special. Because each episode does not seem to build a finale tell-all episode, yet continues to create stories that "find answers" to the crime at hand, you begin to let your guard down and just enjoy the show. And because of that, I blew through this show within one day!

If I have to say one thing I disliked, it may be that there were some episodes that did not seem long enough (but i wouldn't call them rushed stories either) and there were a few actors/actresses within the series that I wish I could have seen much more! This show is filled with an amazing cast, including the guest cast for each episode.

Not one story is left with open ends or rushed, and that may be what makes this show as amazing as it is. However, because each episode is different in its own way, I do believe that gave this story its base to build up to a big finale. Each episode builds up each character first and secondly, it builds up the story as a whole, this show is a very extraordinary piece that I hope multiple people get a chance to watch!

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This show was something I watched because I liked the synopsis and I wanted to see more of Inagaki Goro after watching him in "Fukuie Keibuho no Aisatsu"; though I have to admit that the show does become slow toward the ending, sort of like it was grasping at straws for something to be interesting to fill the gaps before the show's finale... And it wasn't awful, either!

The way the directors, writers, and cast created this show was so spectacular to watch it was almost as if watching a live play of a painting come to life. I know that doesn't make much sense, but the music within this show flowed so well with their movements and the suspense of each episode and theft that it seemed as if each story was filled with magic.

The "Take Five" crew are some of the most interesting people I've seen before: a teacher, a security man, a doctor, a construction worker, and an "undercover man" (you'll figure out the last bit if you watch); not to mention they don't exactly fit any suspicious group of people I know of. Though I have seen the same types of people in other police/crime/mystery genre shows that are criminals and arrested separately, I can honestly say I have never seen any of them form a group like this show.

The story itself is unique, in that it doesn't seem to be a copy of any other show. It seems to follow a certain, very strong, singular creative point but it does not draw on any other detective/police/mystery shows for their material. Each episode was a different story with a different theft and after the main story ended for that episode, somehow it led to a tiny bit of string left at the doorway of an open door that led the viewer to follow along with its main storyline. What I mean to say is, even though each episode had a different story, it all seemed to continue if you followed the tiny details (like a detective) left throughout each episode that built up at the end to create the main story.

Each character was such a mystery until the end that it was such a grand, almost magical, experience watching them create each plan, go through each theft, and still live their normal lives; whether that be as customer and owner, or doctor and patient, or even police and suspect/random encounters. I have to admit that sometimes I had a love/hate feeling toward Sasahara Rui (played by Matsuyuki Yasuko), although toward the end she did kind of annoy me as well, though I have to say her character is a puzzle within herself and if you get wrapped up in trying to follow her and her story specifically you may miss certain other important parts to other characters or the story as a whole.

A hint, do not let your guard down when you watch the members of the Take Five group, whether that be separately or together, each one is a very strong player throughout the show: Minami Shinichi (played by Rokkaku Seiji), Iwatsuki Kai (played by Inagaki Goro), Hioka Tamotsu (played by Irie Jingi), Niimi Haruto (played by Matsuzaka Tori) and Homura Masayoshi (played by Karasawa Toshiaki). Also, do not be fooled by what or who the "witch" appears to be.

This story and its characters are an enigma! Nothing is what it seems, it's all smoke and mirrors from one theft to the next and the main story is something incredible to be witnessed! This is a very underrated gem, I hope more people get a chance to watch this wonderful show!

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I have to say, for the first time in a while, the synopsis is what made me want to watch and yet the show itself has made me want to stop watching. However, being honest again, a couple members of the cast helped me with continuing to watch! The episodes are completely different to some of the usual police/mystery/crime/detective series or films that I've seen before; though everything seems to follow a very normal pattern, with the typical dramas and movies of the same genre, I can't put my finger on what seems different to me.

This is my first time seeing Inagaki Goro in any type of acting position, and it will not be my last! As soon as I saw him in the first episode, he gained another fan! (I really hope that didn't come out to creepy lol). The way he carries himself is quite elegant, his unique talent and skills are almost tangible by the way he acts and reacts.

It is also my first time seeing Dan Rei in anything, as well, and she was fantastic! The role of the eccentric, "possibly genius" detective is a role I've seen multiple times but rarely portrayed by a female (unless I'm not watching enough shows and I will fix that). The way she carried herself throughout the show showed off either the personality of someone who has an immense amount of self-confidence or an immense amount of courage to not care if she is disliked, or a 50/50 mix of both. She also seemed to have an air about her that seemed to portray her character as someone with a breaking point that she continued to get closer and closer to as the show moved on. It was almost like magic watching her work and seemingly walking with the viewer, almost as if teaching them, throughout the episodes.

This show was quite unique with each of its cases, some were following the general outline of shows I've seen before and most cases were stories I've never seen before. This show was quite interesting to watch; though in some places it seemed like the story was rushed, yet it never left any detail out or rushed through the important pieces, like capturing the criminal or doing the investigative work. The ending of this series was something I never saw coming! It did sort of feel like a cliffhanger like they could have carried on with the show if they wanted, but it also felt like they had wrapped everything up quite nicely with a very explosive story that seemed to say there could be more.

If you are a fan of Inagaki Goro, Dan Rei, or Emoto Tokio (which i am all 3 lol) then this show is definitely something to watch! This show is a good series to watch, also, if you are just getting started with Japanese dramas, crime/mystery/detective/police, or otherwise. It was a smooth intro, middle, and outro toward any type of crime/mystery/detective/police drama, meaning that this drama could lead you to happier/simpler types of detective shows or possilby even creepier types of detective shows! (i hope that made sense lol)

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This is one of the most in depth, exciting, mysterious, thrilling, hilarious, cheesiest, suspenseful, and amazing stories I have ever watched! This was released in 2002 (and for its time, at least to me) is one of the most greatest shows in the dective/police genre.

The drama that is in this show is well built, full of twists and turns, creative, and extremely well executed! There are times where this show may seem more comedic than necessary, but it honestly evens out the show as a whole. Instead of making it one large creepy-suspense-thriller, which it definitely had the talent, script, and excellent means to be so.

The amount of comedy in this show's 10 episodes only makes it that much more enjoyable to watch. Some of the comedic "relief", so to speak, in this show is classic to Japanese comdey, and absolutely made this show so superb!

I think if this show was reimagined today that it would become even more amazing. This is definitely not a show to miss!

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This show is the definition of thrilling suspense! I was 50/50 on this show because it started out a little slow and scared the daylights out of me because I'm a giant chicken! But to be honest, this show is one of my absolute favorites and will be for forever!

The mysteries, depth of darkness, and bittersweet realities within this show have made it such a fantastically epic series! There were a few moments where I had to turn the volume down or mute the audio altogether but that was mostly because I'm a huge chicken and rarely watch this type of show. However, I really hope that doesn't dissuade anyone else from watching! Maybe just do so in a well-lit room..?

Also, I have to say, I mostly started this show because I saw "Crisis" and I wanted to see more of Hidetoshi Nishijima in action; he does not disappoint in this series either! In fact, he seems to be in "top form" always. Ikematsu Sosuke is superb in this series, almost to a point that it's terrifying! And even though I know Kagawa Teruyuki and he is one of my favorite actors, he and Maki Yoko are two people whose acting I will continue to follow with vigor because of their insane immense talent and skill that was so visible within this series it was close to tangible.

This series is very heartfelt and unique, it is completely unlike any police/detective show I have ever seen (from Japan or anywhere else)! This series shows the conflict of dark and light, good and evil, so well it is almost scary. Each moment of this show builds and builds to create something so utterly realistic, gut-wrenching, honest, and creatively heartbreaking... Yet such a fantastic, dramatic way of showing how society works in everyday life, tragedies, and the rebuilding of society.

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I'm writing this review late mostly because of my mixed up feelings for the second season of a series that I really enjoy watching!

The story line for the second season has changed from investigating the old, closed cases to investigating "live" cases, and that doesn't bother me so much as I really do enjoy watching just about any police/detective drama. However, I think why I'm so mixed up about the change is because it was such a sudden and immediate change from the ending of the special. Sure there were some loose ends and some were tied up and some weren't, in my own opinion, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this second season!

I hope more people will give this series a chance! It might be a little confusing if you don't watch the special between seasons one and two, so check that story out first! I haven't been disappointed with this story at all; no matter what change(s) are made!

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