Cheer

Absolutely! I hope people would have more confidence in that veteran actor.

That's what we all hope.

2017 is too far, the drama will lose its flame by then.

That's why a special with Sakai would've been perfect. However, I still believe in Abe anyway.

As genger said Roosevelt Game wasn't a loosing game and 17% is high rating for Japanese dramas. Also, you can't forbid TBS from producing similar dramas, they have all the right to search for high ratings. Before Hanzawa there were about two dramas written by the same author broadcasted in TBS but they didn't get much attention like Hanzawa Naoki, it's the channel that kept pushing it with the author's novels until they hit the jackpot with Hanzawa. I wouldn't blame them, it's the ratings that broadcasting channels appreciate after all.

But I also disagree with genger here, Sakai could've refused the role anyway because he clearly stated that he doesn't want his acting to be attached to one character. Plus, he led huge success as Komikado sensei in Legal High so he doesn't exactly need Hanzawa Naoki 2 anymore. He needs a Taiga drama to establish his acting skills and he sure got what he wanted.

The idea of the sequel came after the drama ended and Sakai doesn't really want to attach his acting to one certain character so he wouldn't have signed that contract even if they offered him to.

I know that but he did a sequel for Legal High and he would've done the same for Hanzawa. However, TBS was in the wrong if they did this year; they could've persued him somehow but they chose to delay it next year when he will be super busy with his taiga drama.

It's very hard though.

I know exactly how you feel.

2016 is the year of making Sakai's Taiga so he can't do it.

It's true that it won't feel the same without Sakai but Abe is really an awesome actor. He won't fail us for sure!

If they wait until 2017 then the flame will die by then. It would be 5 years away from the prequel which is too much to handle.

Yes Micks, it's about time! You won't regret it, I can promise you that.

Hanzawa Naoki is Masato for all of us who loved the drama!

Absolutely!

No one can doubt Abe's abilities but it's still very weird.

They should've just done it this year, it would've been perfect!

I know!

Yes, even Taiga dramas that are the most accurate of all aren't 100% truthful. Also, dramatization is a must after all. It won't hurt :D

Will Do, I will most definitely do!