So far, at episode 5/8 (with twice the time per episode to develop plot and characters), I find myself incredibly disappointed with the trajectory of the show. Each episode is supposed to be its own detective story with some subtle hints at an overarching “grand finale” plot. However, NONE of the characters aside from the two leads have any personality at all. The writer opts for one-liner clichés and trope-heavy indirect characterization. When it’s alluded that a “mole” might be present in the Public Safety Bureau, it’s hard to even care, because we know so little about the characters IN the Public Safety Bureau. Any intrigue that might become available to the viewer feels hollow, as we don’t get to know the characters interacting with story developments (and because a lot of story developments happen in “round table” discussion format that is monotonous and long-winded to watch.)
There are several things about the writing that are cumbersome--we learn early on that Arata has special powers, but the viewer doesn’t have the pleasure of discovering more about how they work or his background. Instead, we get to see him collapse a bunch of times in a bunch of ways, all while his partner picks up the pieces. It makes the “detective genius with an odd quirk” trope get old REALLY fast. Sometimes you get a taste of maybe learning something new and fresh, but then it’s dropped or left unexplored. Part of the issue is the show opts for adding new characters or pieces to the puzzle for intrigue instead of using the core pieces it already has efficiently. What’s left is a confusing jumble of forgotten characters and vague tangents that promise more info with no follow through.
Social and political issues such as immigration and economic evil are referenced, but the exploration of these themes remains shallow at best. It feels like the social issues that are discussed and the world building run parallel—when the writer tries to intersect the two, it feels clunky. I’m still holding out hope for developments towards the end, but as it is now, the show already has quite a few problems.
I will say that the animation and music, particularly during the fight scenes, are entertaining and well executed (though few and far between). If you’re a completionist or die-hard fan, this is bearable content. But if you’re looking to get into the series this way, or are satisfied with how the last two seasons played out, it’s safe to say you can skip this storyline.
