I think Hayashi Kento's acting is the secret behind the empathy towards Beki. He's maybe the only actor who didn't…
Oh, for sure! Thinking back on your reply, Hayashi Kento really was the thread that made me feel empathy and attachment towards Beki. Whether he's in the lead or supporting role, he really manages to bring the characters he plays alive. All the other characters felt like a caricature to me, and it made the viewing enjoyable also! haha
It disappoints me how flat of a character Yusuke was. I felt much more empathy for Beki and his found family because of how the writing unveiled their backgrounds. (it also didn't help that Sakai Masato's acting was not my cup of tea. I couldn't feel the emotional depth that was required from the character in the final ep)
I love how Kujo reflected upon how short-sighted her view of “changing the students” were. It wasn’t until she realized that she went back for self-preservation — alongside how evil her students can be — that she got a grip of what is needed to be done.
Seeing the pilot ep, I think this drama has the potential to surpass 3-nen A-gumi story-wise. I loved the 2019 drama with Suda Masaki but there were moments when it felt too preachy for me. And gauging how they’ve set the tone already that this drama was going to be dark, I have expectations.
The 2nd episode with Tsurubo Shion legit broke me. I can only imagine the guilt he must’ve felt with his best friend gone, and so he can’t move on even years after.
It would’ve been more impactful if they placed Ikeda Elaiza’s segment as the last instead of Daigo’s. The thrill was lost on me when the SP ended on a much lighter note than the previous ones.
I have a question: how come Saeki was still alive? Did Kihara shoot him only to leave wounds that aren’t fatal or is Saeki just that strong of a cold-blooded mercenary?
It was shown that it was the girls in his former middle school. He’d get letters in his locker and a lot of…
In my perspective, yes. I for sure would be astounded to receive a blood-stricken object, especially if it's from someone who admires me from afar and only know superficial things about me. He likely felt that his boundaries were crossed, but that's just me.
Unresolved topic: What traumatized Nikaido so bad?
It was shown that it was the girls in his former middle school. He’d get letters in his locker and a lot of attention from them, which he was indifferent to — but he became traumatized and started becoming averse to girls when he received a blood-filled sanitary napkin (if I’m not forgetting since I’ve seen this drama over a year ago) in his shoe locker.
Love how Amane’s not the typical tsundere we’re used to seeing in josei shows. And sometimes I forget this is a romance drama because of how immersed I am in Ichika’s growth journey! Hoping for Amane to push her further from behind, especially in becoming the head chef and defying all odds.
Pleasantly surprised by how beautiful and comforting the 1st episode was! Also love the slight banter between Ichika and Amane regarding Kyoto and Osaka. It subtly highlights the changes Japan underwent in the Showa era.
The ending was uncalled for! Didn’t see it coming and it got me bawling my eyes out. He left suddenly and came back suddenly — only to leave again, for good.
Treating this as a standalone, the ending was a letdown. Building up Yuichi’s and Tenji’s stories for how many episodes just to end it like that was uncalled for. If only they fleshed out and tied up the loose ends, I would’ve been satisfied.
It was still a great watch, though!
Seeing the pilot ep, I think this drama has the potential to surpass 3-nen A-gumi story-wise. I loved the 2019 drama with Suda Masaki but there were moments when it felt too preachy for me. And gauging how they’ve set the tone already that this drama was going to be dark, I have expectations.