This story is not at all what I was expecting! The show itself is filled with superb talents and amazing stories for each episode! The synopsis did not at all do it justice, in my opinion. Each story is thrilling and heartwrenching, they all kept me guessing until the end, as I could not guess beforehand which person the real suspect was!

The relationships between each character is fascinating to watch as they grow together as a team and as a whole division within the MPD. They all seemed to show a very real work-life situation(s) between different people within the workforce of police, prosecutors, and civilians. Each story was something extraordinary to watch as each case was verified down to the last tiny detail.

This wasn't a story of finding the answers/truth and being held back by the past, though at the beginning it may seem that way. As each episode goes it felt like watching a live retelling of detective novels! The ending was not at all what I expected, however, and I believe that is what made this series something special. Because each episode does not seem to build a finale tell-all episode, yet continues to create stories that "find answers" to the crime at hand, you begin to let your guard down and just enjoy the show. And because of that, I blew through this show within one day!

If I have to say one thing I disliked, it may be that there were some episodes that did not seem long enough (but i wouldn't call them rushed stories either) and there were a few actors/actresses within the series that I wish I could have seen much more! This show is filled with an amazing cast, including the guest cast for each episode.

Not one story is left with open ends or rushed, and that may be what makes this show as amazing as it is. However, because each episode is different in its own way, I do believe that gave this story its base to build up to a big finale. Each episode builds up each character first and secondly, it builds up the story as a whole, this show is a very extraordinary piece that I hope multiple people get a chance to watch!

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This show was something I watched because I liked the synopsis and I wanted to see more of Inagaki Goro after watching him in "Fukuie Keibuho no Aisatsu"; though I have to admit that the show does become slow toward the ending, sort of like it was grasping at straws for something to be interesting to fill the gaps before the show's finale... And it wasn't awful, either!

The way the directors, writers, and cast created this show was so spectacular to watch it was almost as if watching a live play of a painting come to life. I know that doesn't make much sense, but the music within this show flowed so well with their movements and the suspense of each episode and theft that it seemed as if each story was filled with magic.

The "Take Five" crew are some of the most interesting people I've seen before: a teacher, a security man, a doctor, a construction worker, and an "undercover man" (you'll figure out the last bit if you watch); not to mention they don't exactly fit any suspicious group of people I know of. Though I have seen the same types of people in other police/crime/mystery genre shows that are criminals and arrested separately, I can honestly say I have never seen any of them form a group like this show.

The story itself is unique, in that it doesn't seem to be a copy of any other show. It seems to follow a certain, very strong, singular creative point but it does not draw on any other detective/police/mystery shows for their material. Each episode was a different story with a different theft and after the main story ended for that episode, somehow it led to a tiny bit of string left at the doorway of an open door that led the viewer to follow along with its main storyline. What I mean to say is, even though each episode had a different story, it all seemed to continue if you followed the tiny details (like a detective) left throughout each episode that built up at the end to create the main story.

Each character was such a mystery until the end that it was such a grand, almost magical, experience watching them create each plan, go through each theft, and still live their normal lives; whether that be as customer and owner, or doctor and patient, or even police and suspect/random encounters. I have to admit that sometimes I had a love/hate feeling toward Sasahara Rui (played by Matsuyuki Yasuko), although toward the end she did kind of annoy me as well, though I have to say her character is a puzzle within herself and if you get wrapped up in trying to follow her and her story specifically you may miss certain other important parts to other characters or the story as a whole.

A hint, do not let your guard down when you watch the members of the Take Five group, whether that be separately or together, each one is a very strong player throughout the show: Minami Shinichi (played by Rokkaku Seiji), Iwatsuki Kai (played by Inagaki Goro), Hioka Tamotsu (played by Irie Jingi), Niimi Haruto (played by Matsuzaka Tori) and Homura Masayoshi (played by Karasawa Toshiaki). Also, do not be fooled by what or who the "witch" appears to be.

This story and its characters are an enigma! Nothing is what it seems, it's all smoke and mirrors from one theft to the next and the main story is something incredible to be witnessed! This is a very underrated gem, I hope more people get a chance to watch this wonderful show!

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I have to say, for the first time in a while, the synopsis is what made me want to watch and yet the show itself has made me want to stop watching. However, being honest again, a couple members of the cast helped me with continuing to watch! The episodes are completely different to some of the usual police/mystery/crime/detective series or films that I've seen before; though everything seems to follow a very normal pattern, with the typical dramas and movies of the same genre, I can't put my finger on what seems different to me.

This is my first time seeing Inagaki Goro in any type of acting position, and it will not be my last! As soon as I saw him in the first episode, he gained another fan! (I really hope that didn't come out to creepy lol). The way he carries himself is quite elegant, his unique talent and skills are almost tangible by the way he acts and reacts.

It is also my first time seeing Dan Rei in anything, as well, and she was fantastic! The role of the eccentric, "possibly genius" detective is a role I've seen multiple times but rarely portrayed by a female (unless I'm not watching enough shows and I will fix that). The way she carried herself throughout the show showed off either the personality of someone who has an immense amount of self-confidence or an immense amount of courage to not care if she is disliked, or a 50/50 mix of both. She also seemed to have an air about her that seemed to portray her character as someone with a breaking point that she continued to get closer and closer to as the show moved on. It was almost like magic watching her work and seemingly walking with the viewer, almost as if teaching them, throughout the episodes.

This show was quite unique with each of its cases, some were following the general outline of shows I've seen before and most cases were stories I've never seen before. This show was quite interesting to watch; though in some places it seemed like the story was rushed, yet it never left any detail out or rushed through the important pieces, like capturing the criminal or doing the investigative work. The ending of this series was something I never saw coming! It did sort of feel like a cliffhanger like they could have carried on with the show if they wanted, but it also felt like they had wrapped everything up quite nicely with a very explosive story that seemed to say there could be more.

If you are a fan of Inagaki Goro, Dan Rei, or Emoto Tokio (which i am all 3 lol) then this show is definitely something to watch! This show is a good series to watch, also, if you are just getting started with Japanese dramas, crime/mystery/detective/police, or otherwise. It was a smooth intro, middle, and outro toward any type of crime/mystery/detective/police drama, meaning that this drama could lead you to happier/simpler types of detective shows or possilby even creepier types of detective shows! (i hope that made sense lol)

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This is one of the most in depth, exciting, mysterious, thrilling, hilarious, cheesiest, suspenseful, and amazing stories I have ever watched! This was released in 2002 (and for its time, at least to me) is one of the most greatest shows in the dective/police genre.

The drama that is in this show is well built, full of twists and turns, creative, and extremely well executed! There are times where this show may seem more comedic than necessary, but it honestly evens out the show as a whole. Instead of making it one large creepy-suspense-thriller, which it definitely had the talent, script, and excellent means to be so.

The amount of comedy in this show's 10 episodes only makes it that much more enjoyable to watch. Some of the comedic "relief", so to speak, in this show is classic to Japanese comdey, and absolutely made this show so superb!

I think if this show was reimagined today that it would become even more amazing. This is definitely not a show to miss!

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This show is the definition of thrilling suspense! I was 50/50 on this show because it started out a little slow and scared the daylights out of me because I'm a giant chicken! But to be honest, this show is one of my absolute favorites and will be for forever!

The mysteries, depth of darkness, and bittersweet realities within this show have made it such a fantastically epic series! There were a few moments where I had to turn the volume down or mute the audio altogether but that was mostly because I'm a huge chicken and rarely watch this type of show. However, I really hope that doesn't dissuade anyone else from watching! Maybe just do so in a well-lit room..?

Also, I have to say, I mostly started this show because I saw "Crisis" and I wanted to see more of Hidetoshi Nishijima in action; he does not disappoint in this series either! In fact, he seems to be in "top form" always. Ikematsu Sosuke is superb in this series, almost to a point that it's terrifying! And even though I know Kagawa Teruyuki and he is one of my favorite actors, he and Maki Yoko are two people whose acting I will continue to follow with vigor because of their insane immense talent and skill that was so visible within this series it was close to tangible.

This series is very heartfelt and unique, it is completely unlike any police/detective show I have ever seen (from Japan or anywhere else)! This series shows the conflict of dark and light, good and evil, so well it is almost scary. Each moment of this show builds and builds to create something so utterly realistic, gut-wrenching, honest, and creatively heartbreaking... Yet such a fantastic, dramatic way of showing how society works in everyday life, tragedies, and the rebuilding of society.

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I'm writing this review late mostly because of my mixed up feelings for the second season of a series that I really enjoy watching!

The story line for the second season has changed from investigating the old, closed cases to investigating "live" cases, and that doesn't bother me so much as I really do enjoy watching just about any police/detective drama. However, I think why I'm so mixed up about the change is because it was such a sudden and immediate change from the ending of the special. Sure there were some loose ends and some were tied up and some weren't, in my own opinion, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this second season!

I hope more people will give this series a chance! It might be a little confusing if you don't watch the special between seasons one and two, so check that story out first! I haven't been disappointed with this story at all; no matter what change(s) are made!

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The special for the "Zettai Reido" series is something special! This story is something unique and full of the bittersweet reality that is life. This special episode is full of mysteries that I never could guess what would happen next!

The story itself may start off a little slow, however, once the investigations begin you will fall right in and the story will swallow you whole! The cast has come together as if they had never stopped filming the first season and they work together so impeccably well that it's so intriguing to watch how they solve the suspenseful case!

I never saw the end coming...

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This show is a very unique detective show full of very intriguing stories that I've never seen in any crime, mystery, or police show/movie in a very long time! The cast was superb! It's been wonderful seeing actors and actresses I'm used to in such different roles (ex: from medical to police).

There didn't really seem to be any well developed backstories, and it felt more like you were dropped straight in to the middle of the investigation(s) work day/week/month/year. However, I think that is what really made this show so interesting! With almost little to no well developed backstories (save for a few key, important points of info) I believe the writer(s), director, staff, and crew created a show full of honest humanity and reality.

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This story is so much more intriguing and intense than the synopsis gives it credit! Each episode is full of thrilling mysteries that build up into a very suspenseful and dramatic end. This is a very excellent show if you like Nagai Masaru!

However, each cast member has put their all into the episodes they participated in which has created a very spectacular show! The story itself is exceptionally unique and full of life in more ways than one. Each story shows the genuine, honest reality of life.

The entire show is full of suspense and mysterious thrills that keep the viewers on the edge of their seats. Each episode seems to tell its own story and end within that episode, although if you pay close attention then you can see how each story threads together to create a very exciting end!

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This show is one of the most entertaining, informative, witty, and hilarious shows I have seen in a long time. The story is not unique (a new forensic examiner comes to learn forensic medicine etc..) however, it is unlike any show that I have seen before. I believe the cast and each episode's unique story made this show so very, very interesting!

I think this show deserved more than 9 episodes! Each episode was very interesting, completely unique and genuine stories that I've never seen in any drama, movie, or special before. I really enjoyed watching each actor and actress find their way within their job and grow as a person and within their friend/colleague group! The cast and each story are very well balanced, if not "perfectly" balanced, to make this show as amazingly entertaining as it is! Also, as each story progressed it was very interesting to learn what goes on within forensic medicine.

Even though this show may be an underrated gem, each episode builds a very intricate story that leads to a very intriguing end! I hope more people will give this show a chance!

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I still have no idea what this show is completely all about. Yakuza.. Ad agency. Family man..? This show definitely has more depth, more personality, and more entertainment than just what the synopsis gives!

A couple of the actors I can honestly say I didn't recognize for a full episode! They blended into their roles so seamlessly it was almost scary how they seemed to have forgotten who they are and their true self just to become a role for a 12 episode show.

This show is a pretty evenly balance show of perfection within the story/script and the cast. A lot of shows with similar storylines or similar all-star cast line-ups (like this show) seem to prioritize one or the other, however, this show seems to have managed the role of story and cast "stardom" levels very well. I mean: the story doesn't take over and drown out an actor/actress's true potential or talents, and the actors/actresses do not overpower the story so all you see is them and you forget the story exists. Does that make sense? Maybe this whole review doesn't make sense, though I hope it does!

It does start off a little slow, but as you continue watching each episode continues to suck you in and you don't realize you're at the last episode until it's all over! If you like yakuza stories (action, fighting, gangs, police, etc..) then this may not be for you; but if you like nonsensical, true to life camaraderie with friends, co-workers, and family, as well as, drama, unusual humor, and a little ridiculousness then this show may be for you! I have to say this story is unlike anything I have ever seen or read, and each actor and actress has definitely fit into their role perfectly; if you are a fan of any person in this cast line up then you should absolutely watch!

I hope this review made sense. Though it all seemed to prioritize and overly praise some actors/actresses and the story, without really giving much away, this show really is a fantastic watch!

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I can see why people wouldn't like this show, but please do not let other reviewers and commenters bias you by their statements! Yes, this show does have it's bad points like it's a bit rushed in certain scenes, or you can figure out the criminal easily, or that a character is a bit annoying; but trust me when I say that that is not the entire show and is definitely not something that should stop you from watching this show! And yes I know that was a little hypocritical.

To be honest, what makes this show is it's cast! The entire cast was selected very carefully and the pride they take in their work shows so strongly it's almost tangible; each episode is full of real, honest, raw emotions that will draw you in immediately. The characters alone build this story, each actor/actress really put their all into each episode and has reminded me of why I wanted to watch in the first place.

The story itself is very interesting, not a lot of detective/police/crime/mystery dramas take this approach to their storylines and it's something very unique that can only be done if the right actors/actresses, writers, director, and staff are present. This story builds on each episode like stairs: each time you go up a step to a new story, bits and pieces of the main storyline surfaces. Not one moment in this entire show is wasted!

Also, if you like Fujiki Naohito then this show is a definite must watch!

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With a cast of so many wonderful talents (Kitamura Kazuki, Matsuzaka Tori, Takeuchi Yuko, Sano Shiro, Ishino Mako, Sasai Eisuke, Shida Mirai, and so many more!) I am so surprised that this show is not more well known. At least to me, it isn't. I did not watch this drama for the story; two of my favorite actors are Kitamura Kazuki and Matsuzaka Tori, so to be honest, I began this show for them. This is also my first time watching a Takeuchi Yuko drama/movie, too, but I have to say, immediately from episode 1 I was hooked!

The entire show is heart-wrenching and very charming; the cast has made this show a complete success, in more ways than just the obvious celebrity way(s). This show has so many feelings embedded deeply into each moment of each episode; I've laughed, cried, gotten angry and scared, and even had the goosebumps and felt my stomach drop to the floor with anxiety. The fact that this show is so real and honest is definitely due to not just the cast, but the writers and directors, staff, and crew. Everyone who was working on this show has put forth so much respect, effort, and hard work so much so that it is a very tangible existence.

This may be one of Matsuzaka Tori's and Kitamura Kazuki's best shows! Though I may just be biased.

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This drama is very much a "slice of life". Within this show are all representations of life and it's ups and downs, goods and bads, forevers and for nows, for betters and for worse. The story was told as if it was a movie, how life begins and where we go from where we started from and where and how we end, but the fact that it was played out and told as a drama with 10 episodes really goes to show the cast's and the writer's talent, skill, real honesty, love, and pride for this story.

This is a very unique story, in fact, I've only seen a small handful of shows that come close to resembling this storyline. However, this story in itself is so tangibly real that it's almost scary. We enjoy where we are with our friends and family, in our safety net, but then once our world gets widened with new people and new interests... it's simply that "life goes on". This drama is quite literally telling a life story of someone who civilization would consider "normal" in society; friends, family, a job, etc... But, if this was just a "normal" story, then it would not have been made into one of the most realistic, loving, honest, genuine stories I've ever had the pleasure of watching.

I think the cast is what really made this story so special. At first I wasn't too sure about Odagiri Joe's role, however, as I continued watching, I continued to fall in love with not only his character but how he grew as a person within this story and his role in "society" as a whole. From someone who was in one business to move so quickly, and so well, into another (not to mention new) field of work is something only someone with immense talent and love for his profession as a whole can do so well; it was almost as if he himself, personally, was moving through life and not his character. It was wonderful to see Katsuji Ryo in this story, I believe he was just as good (if not even on par or a little better) as Odagiri Joe. Katsuji Ryo first stole my heart in "Tokyo Dogs" and this show was the perfect place to see him transform in to such a different character.

This story is amazing and heart wrenching and ridiculously talented and filled with love.

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This show was something I started because of Odagiri Joe, but I continued watching because of the rest of the amazing cast and the story was definitely something unique and charming, something I've never watched/read before.

Seigi's way of thinking is definitely unique, to say the least; but I have to say that I agree with at least 50% of it, that is to say, I think along the same lines or I've had the same thoughts before, though I'm also pretty good at being like Kokoro-chan and keeping my feelings to myself. In a (very) long way, what I'm trying to say is, this show is something all families can relate too. Each character in this show's story had a very relatable, very tangible familial feeling to it; I could relate to at least everyone in Seigi's "family" at least once or twice.

This show is definitely Odagiri Joe at his best; his charm shows through with each episode and it is amazing to watch Seigi grow alongside each person who he regards as his "family", whether he knows it or not.

I can see why this show got cut short, but I also disagree with it being cut short. Just as the show seemed to be taking off in the right direction, it ended. Although I do like how it ended. This show is a very sweet, very relatable, talented, unique, tangible, honest and real story about life, friends, and family. It isn't one to be missed.

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