SPEC: Sho is the dorama special before the movie that just come out in Japan two months ago. I really enjoyed Keizoku: SPEC and this is more of the same. Weird characters, lots of in-jokes and a story about super powers. This is going to be one spoiler filled review so don't read if you haven't watched it.
First thing I want to address is that we finally find out what Toma's Spec is and what actually happened at the end of the dorama series. Its cool that all the characters get to come back but it does make Toma way too powerful. Someone please explain to me how she needs to pull everyone from the ground but Ninomae just appears next to her. Instead of powering Toma down or limiting her Spec, the writers decided to get rid of it.
However, I don't really buy Toma's reason for rejecting her Spec. Toma is like this logical person and she's blaming her powers for her brother and all the bad guys?! The doctor tells Toma there's no reason to erase her Spec because she's not forcing anyone to help her. Toma's second reason is that she doesn't want to be lonely again? She's worried that Sebumi won't hang out with her because of her Spec or that she would get kicked out? Don't really buy it. I know what they are trying to sell me because she does say she understands why Sebumi wants to win without using powers but you don't bring a knife to a gunfight.
Kitamura Kazuki joins the gang as a police officer from organised crime who acts too much like an overacting yakuza but brings a lot of added humour to the story. The story is pretty good with nice twists and people with some interesting powers. I've got a couple of nitpicks here and there but overall, its just very fun to watch. Reminds me a lot of the Trick series. Can't wait for the movie!
In my opinion, "Sho" was decent, but could have been a lot better. It really seemed like they had to do the special to fill in the gap before the movie came out.
ReplyDeleteTanimura Mitsuki kinda got on my nerves. I don't see why she's popular...
And, Toda Erika's acting wasn't up to snuff for the first chunk of the special. She was a few steps back from the Toma character I was used to, but caught up quite nicely after the first half hour. I can imagine with the small budget allocated for specials, she probably didn't have enough time to get back into it completely before the filming.
BTW, Cleopatra-na Onnatachi totally caught me by surprise. First episode was a bit lackluster though... But, it gets pretty interesting after that.
It's got an episode-by-episode type plot, but it works. Well written and well cast, in terms of acting skillz AND eye candy.
Tanimura Mitsuki is better than a lot of other 'actresses'.
ReplyDeleteNow I've got two people recommending Cleopatra so I'll give it two episodes to surprise me.