Right from the "Silence of the Lambs" inspired opening sequence, we can tell that this is not your run-of-the-mill "Furuhata Ninzaburô". The episode was directed by Masayuki Suzuki and it has a kind of cinematic, expansive stylishness not usually seen on Japanese television. Look at those hauntingly gloomy shots in the pouring rain, the black-and-white flashbacks, and the smooth camera motions that make this special episode far more dynamic and atmospheric than any previous episode has ever been. In fact, with its 108-minute runtime, "The Terror of Dr Kuroiwa" is easily the closest we'll ever get to a "Furuhata Ninzaburô" movie and considering how good the cinematography is I'd happily watch it on the big screen.
This is a great way to kick off a new season after a three-year break. Furuhata's retirement is a good excuse for Kôki Mitani to reintroduce the three regulars (Furuhata, Shintaro and Mukojima) as well as introduce us to Saionji, a dedicated, smart, and very short police detective and the newest addition to the team. Saionji works unexpectedly well in the context of the programme offering not only a capable and intelligent collaborator for Furuhata but also a worthy rival to Shintaro. Season two saw the introduction of a similar character in Haga but he appeared far too briefly to truly make a mark. Let's hope Saionji gets more room to develop as a character.
While the filmmaking is markedly more atmospheric and cinematic, the writing seems to have unfortunately become goofier. There are a lot of gags in "The Terror of Dr Kuroiwa" which feel oddly out of place. The entire opening sequence which sees the retired Furuhata keeping police dogs, while undeniably funny, seems like it would belong more comfortably in an outright sitcom rather than a dramedy such as this. There are other similar over-the-top gags peppered throughout this episode especially the addition of a goofy, fourth-wall-breaking waiter who is most definitely overused.
But fear not, Mitani is still a good thriller writer and "The Terror of Dr Kuroiwa" has some truly innovative changes to the "Furuhata Ninzaburô" format. The first 30-minutes are especially interesting as they are played as a straightforward whodunnit. Unusually for this show, we don't get to see who the killer is until Furuhata himself figures it out. Although the title of the episode spoils some of the fun, it is quite intriguing to see in greater detail how Furuhata thinks and how he starts suspecting the killer. There is also a terrific mystery surrounding the killer's methods and motive. It's not terribly original (it's borrowed chiefly from Agatha Christie and William DeAndria) but it does provide more mystery than is typical in an episode of "Furuhata Ninzaburô".
The guest star is Ken Ogata who has a superbly creepy look and authoritative presence here. He's a formidable bad guy and it's a shame that he and Furuhata share so few scenes together. The final third of the episode in which they finally get to go head-to-head absolutely sizzles.
As is standard for these extended episodes of "Furuhata Ninzaburô", the middle drags somewhat. Mitani pads it out with lots of superfluous humour and a subplot involving Dr Kuroiwa's frightened accomplice but I do have to confess that my attention did start to wander especially during the endlessly talky restaurant scenes. In conclusion, "The Terror of Dr Kuroiwa" is beautifully filmed and features a top-notch guest star but it is nowhere near the best of "Furuhata Ninzaburô". Mitani seems not to have quite gotten his groove back after the extended break and the episode frequently wavers between awkward humour and downright horror. Shame, because the premise is very unusual and intriguing.
This is a great way to kick off a new season after a three-year break. Furuhata's retirement is a good excuse for Kôki Mitani to reintroduce the three regulars (Furuhata, Shintaro and Mukojima) as well as introduce us to Saionji, a dedicated, smart, and very short police detective and the newest addition to the team. Saionji works unexpectedly well in the context of the programme offering not only a capable and intelligent collaborator for Furuhata but also a worthy rival to Shintaro. Season two saw the introduction of a similar character in Haga but he appeared far too briefly to truly make a mark. Let's hope Saionji gets more room to develop as a character.
While the filmmaking is markedly more atmospheric and cinematic, the writing seems to have unfortunately become goofier. There are a lot of gags in "The Terror of Dr Kuroiwa" which feel oddly out of place. The entire opening sequence which sees the retired Furuhata keeping police dogs, while undeniably funny, seems like it would belong more comfortably in an outright sitcom rather than a dramedy such as this. There are other similar over-the-top gags peppered throughout this episode especially the addition of a goofy, fourth-wall-breaking waiter who is most definitely overused.
But fear not, Mitani is still a good thriller writer and "The Terror of Dr Kuroiwa" has some truly innovative changes to the "Furuhata Ninzaburô" format. The first 30-minutes are especially interesting as they are played as a straightforward whodunnit. Unusually for this show, we don't get to see who the killer is until Furuhata himself figures it out. Although the title of the episode spoils some of the fun, it is quite intriguing to see in greater detail how Furuhata thinks and how he starts suspecting the killer. There is also a terrific mystery surrounding the killer's methods and motive. It's not terribly original (it's borrowed chiefly from Agatha Christie and William DeAndria) but it does provide more mystery than is typical in an episode of "Furuhata Ninzaburô".
The guest star is Ken Ogata who has a superbly creepy look and authoritative presence here. He's a formidable bad guy and it's a shame that he and Furuhata share so few scenes together. The final third of the episode in which they finally get to go head-to-head absolutely sizzles.
As is standard for these extended episodes of "Furuhata Ninzaburô", the middle drags somewhat. Mitani pads it out with lots of superfluous humour and a subplot involving Dr Kuroiwa's frightened accomplice but I do have to confess that my attention did start to wander especially during the endlessly talky restaurant scenes. In conclusion, "The Terror of Dr Kuroiwa" is beautifully filmed and features a top-notch guest star but it is nowhere near the best of "Furuhata Ninzaburô". Mitani seems not to have quite gotten his groove back after the extended break and the episode frequently wavers between awkward humour and downright horror. Shame, because the premise is very unusual and intriguing.
