7
3
Give this series a chance
Normally, when I write an early review it is because the show is so bad I needed to rant about it. I'm writing this for a different reason.
If I'm honest, I wasn't feeling it either after watching episode 1. I hung in there for another ep just to be sure. While I won't say the show is now amazing, it has at least stabilised and I can see a path forward. 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. ;)
It is obvious the writer-san has big plans for the team. They will be sorely tested in time (I hope). I can see the plots are getting more interesting. This goes for the team building as well. There is now a tacit understanding. Who knows, friendships and maybe something more will follow? ;)
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 is trying 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.
For once, maybe we should give this a chance. While the show is earnest, there is every chance it will fade into obscurity. It does need more time in the oven. The potential is there. Both the setting and characters are starting to grow on me. It is almost quaint to see this type of "old fashion" drama. Trust the Japanese. Just don't sue me if this turns out to be a dumper fire! Peace.
If I'm honest, I wasn't feeling it either after watching episode 1. I hung in there for another ep just to be sure. While I won't say the show is now amazing, it has at least stabilised and I can see a path forward. 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. ;)
It is obvious the writer-san has big plans for the team. They will be sorely tested in time (I hope). I can see the plots are getting more interesting. This goes for the team building as well. There is now a tacit understanding. Who knows, friendships and maybe something more will follow? ;)
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 is trying 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.
For once, maybe we should give this a chance. While the show is earnest, there is every chance it will fade into obscurity. It does need more time in the oven. The potential is there. Both the setting and characters are starting to grow on me. It is almost quaint to see this type of "old fashion" drama. Trust the Japanese. Just don't sue me if this turns out to be a dumper fire! Peace.
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