GATE24: The Border (2026)

Please give this a chance

If I'm honest, I wasn't exactly feeling it after finishing episode 1. I hung in there because I can see its potential.

This show is basically Border Security: Japan dramatised. It actually feels quite claustrophobic as the bulk of the set consisted of a smallish passenger processing area and a few small auxiliary rooms/office. There are scenes shot in the airport proper, but you know the set is in a studio.

Gate24 is meant to be an experiment where Immigration and Customs are integrated into a coherent unit. Hence it is placed in a separate area. As you can imagine, the friction between the two groups is amplified rather than lessened at first. Lots of sly remarks and feather ruffling.

On top of that, there are no top stars in the ensemble, just semi familiar faces. The characters are roughly divided into key/quirky characters and boring ones. You know who will be waving the flag from the front and who are the well-paid extras.

As you can imagine, the storyline is contrived. A plane full of international passengers seldom go on a crime spree. However, the show has found its footing by EP 3 and the plot does develop more depth. This is particularly true towards the end where the plot becomes more coherent and the A-team has assembled. It went from a promising start to a solid finish. Congrats!

This doesn't mean the show will appeal to everyone. It is still an acquired taste and quite niche. Some viewers might take one look and hit the skip button. I was THAT close to doing the same.

As a complete package, it is idealistic and a bit jingoistic in a low key Japanese way. The reward is there if you last the distance. Don't expect any exposé on Japanese Customs and Immigration though. ;)

In terms of acting, it is a mixed bag. The whole ensemble did fine. Individually, it is a bit patchy. I appreciate the FL being a smart and nerdy type, but I don't understand why she has to try to look mousy and invisible for the entire run. I wish there is more growth in her character. There is also very little interaction between the team members other than the odd shared meals after work. We assume they all become fast friends . . I hope.

In the end, I enjoyed this series. It is almost quaint to see this type of "old fashion" drama being produced. Trust the Japanese. Even though it has limited appeal, there should be room in the dramaverse for something different. Peace.

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A Pleasant Viewing Experience

Coming on the heels of some shows I didn't like very much, Mori and her coworkers at Gate 24 were a breath of fresh air. Not overly complicated, easy to follow plots, an interesting view into Immigration and Customs in Japan. With her occasional "Oh my" Mori was the center of this show and though her expressions and reactions were purposely limited in range, she was a reliable commodity and delivered the expected smiles. My list of Jdramas I've watched is just a tenth of Kdramas and I'm not going to say this was a masterpiece by any means, but it was entertaining and light.

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