Please give this a chance
Normally, when I write an early review it is because the show is so bad I needed to rant about it. That is not the case here.If I'm honest, I wasn't exactly feeling it after finishing episode 1. I hung in there because I can see its potential. Sure enough, my perseverance is rewarded. Please allow me to explain.
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.
It is obvious the writer-san has big plans for the team. Their mettles are already being tested. The team is being forged. There is a tacit understanding and some budding friendships. Maybe something more will follow? There are already a few side eyes between protagonists.
I suppose what I'm trying to say is while some show digs a deep hole during its run and ends up lying in it, this one started in a shallow pit and doing its best to climb out of it. I know this type of mockudrama is 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.
After a hesitant start, it is making strides. It deserves to be given a chance. Both the setting and protagonists are growing on me. Hwaiting!
It is almost quaint to see this type of "old fashion" drama being produced. Trust the Japanese. Maybe it won't be a hit, but there is always room in the dramaverse for a good drama. Peace.
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