"TV Preview Room" is a website where journalists review TV programs of various genres, from dramas to documentaries, variety shows, and anime, before they are broadcast. This time, we will be looking at the extended first episode of "Aibou Season 24" (TV Asahi, Wednesdays at 9 PM), which will be broadcast on October 15th, titled "Atonement by Death."
The well-known and popular detective drama "Aibou" was first broadcast in 2000 as part of the Saturday Wide Theater. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the "golden duo" of the Metropolitan Police Department's Special Investigation Unit, Ukyo Sugishita (Yutaka Mizutani) and Kaoru Kameyama (Yasuhito Terawaki), will enter their 11th season.
The first episode of this memorable new season begins with the unexpected twist that Ukyo hides his identity and becomes an apprentice to the Living National Treasure storyteller Seiryu Takizawa (played by Tsurutaro Kataoka). This is part of the investigation into a case where there is suspicion of a false accusation, but it is fresh and interesting to see Ukyo doing odd jobs such as running errands as an apprentice.
The suspenseful development of searching the mansion without being noticed by Seiryu is also a highlight. Also, the "shocking actions" that Ukyo takes had me laughing out loud. It's a scene that is full of Ukyo's personality, who sometimes goes out of control in pursuit of the truth.
The first episode of "Aibou" features big names from the political and police world, but this time the Special Investigation Unit is confronted by Prosecutor General Garyuuoka Utako (played by Yo Kimiko). Unusually for a big name in the "Aibou" world, Garyuuoka behaves with a strong sense of justice, but as the story progresses it becomes clear whether she truly means it.
Familiar faces from the series also appear, including "Special Missions Unit boss" Kai Mineaki (Koji Ishizaka Koji) and Cabinet Intelligence Officer Yashiro Miyako (Nakama Yukie). In particular, one exchange between Mineaki and Ukyo, coupled with Ukyo's facial expression, makes for a hilarious scene.
In this episode, Ukyo and Kaoru basically investigate separately. The cool and intelligent Ukyo and the warm-hearted and physically strong Kaoru approach the truth from their own routes, in a way that is typical of "The Partners." The scene where the two stand side by side again was cool and fitting for the 25th anniversary.
