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This review may contain spoilers
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.
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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