Gifted Season 2

Season 2: One Case, Too Many Problems

Season 2 feels like a completely different show from Season 1, and not in a good way. The atmosphere, pacing, and writing all take a noticeable dip. Where Season 1 had its flaws but still managed to keep things tight and engaging, Season 2 feels sloppy, riddled with questionable decisions, and lacking in attention to detail.

The biggest disappointment is Shiki-kun. His presence is almost nonexistent, reduced to a side role behind Natsuki. His ability, which was a highlight in Season 1, is sidelined in favor of the new villain Yakumo, also known as the “Eye of Darkness.” Yakumo gets far more screentime than Shiki, and while his hypnotic powers make for an intriguing concept, the writing around him often collapses under its own weight.

Unlike the episodic mysteries of Season 1, Season 2 stretches one single case across eight episodes. This could have worked, but the execution is shaky. Natsuki’s signature “I found you” moments lose their charm, and the crime-solving logic is full of glaring holes. For example:

-CCTV and eyewitnesses put Natsuki’s father at the scene, but Yakumo is never even checked as a suspect, despite Ryuzaki knowing he was there.

-Natsuki’s dad is quickly made a suspect, yet basic forensic checks that would have cleared him: no fingerprints on the knife, blood spatter pointing to self-infliction. They are completely ignored.

-Yakumo, who is built up as a meticulous manipulator who lets others do the dirty work, suddenly shows up in a parking lot shooting at targets like a common thug. Remember, he's been planning the assassination for over two years. He likes to make smart plans before he takes action.

-Natsuki knows the whistling has a psychological effect on victims, but still allows Yakumo to complete the entire Nutcracker tune while cuffing him.

-In the finale, the Special Investigation chief has to show credentials just to enter the building, yet Shiki somehow waltzes in wearing his school uniform without explanation.

-also, there was no explanation of how Yakumo, the eye of darkness, became the chief's puppet. He has no motive. There was no money involved.

Season 2 does manage to sell a somewhat convincing story if you turn your brain off. It can serve as background noise while folding laundry, but if you’re expecting the sharpness of Season 1, you’ll be disappointed.

Overall, Season 1 had flaws, but Season 2 is a step down. If you’re out of crime dramas and need something to pass the time, it might be watchable, but it’s far from must-see.

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I'm really glad....~

I am thrilled that I began this story, the twists and turns were like a roller coaster and it truly felt like the fine line between the predictable and the unknown was held in high regard while the show was being created. While there are familiarities within the second season just like the first, I could never truly predict what would happen next! This second season, however, left a bit of space for a cliffhanger, unfortunately.


I enjoy watching Masuda Takahisa act, and with each role, it appears that he is only getting better. No matter the role he is cast in, it is very obvious that he is putting in a lot of hard work, diligence, respect, and raw unfiltered honesty of his self as he creates each character and the story(ies) they live in.


Watching Ukisho Hidaka and Nakayama Yuma was a treat as well, they are very skilled actors and seemed to immerse themselves within their roles as if they were acting as their true selves. Which is kind of scary if you watch the show. However, both Ukisho Hidaka and Nakayama Yuma have piqued my interest in Shikigami-ryu, wondering if it is a real thing or if it is just something created for the show/story. Watching Ukisho Hidaka and Nakayama Yuma train during the two seasons was so extraordinary; watching the way their bodies moved in deliberate yet effortless movements of strength was truly a beautiful art.


In all honesty, part(s) of me could guess what was going to happen but the show continuously threw in a wrench just as I thought "aha! thats the explanation" and whatever I thought went out the window as completely wrong. But, again, there were some predictable moments, too. So I think it will differ for each viewer.


I really enjoyed how they worked in the "fantasy" pieces of the story. The writer(s), director(s), staff, actors, and so on, truly weaved in those moments with the reality of what was happening during the story. It was almost tangible the pride every person involved with this show, from season one to season two, took in their work to tell an intriguing, curious, suspenseful story that would leave viewers grasping at straws for answers.

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