The final episode of the TV drama series "Mamono（Monster）" starring actress Kumiko Aso(TV Asahi, Friday 11:15pm *excluding some areas) was broadcast on June 13th, and the final battle between Ayame (Aso) and Toya (Akihisa Shiono) and the appearance of a "big-name actor" at the end became a hot topic.
◇The following contains spoilers.
The drama is a joint production between TV Asahi and South Korea's SLL, the company that has produced global hits such as "Itaewon Class," and depicts a suspenseful love story in which Ayame, a solitary lawyer, falls in forbidden love with Toya, who is a suspect in a murder case.
The final episode depicts the fierce final battle between Ayame and Touya. Touya turns into a "demon" and attacks, and Ayame resists, screaming, "You've never loved anyone. But I loved you...!". The story unfolds in a bloody and violent manner, with punches and kicks. However, it is his wife, Natsune (Kita Kana), who has been obedient to Touya, who puts an end to Touya, whose limbs are now tied up.
Ayame and Natsune are indicted on charges of murdering Touya. Because Natsune maintains complete silence, Ayame is forced into a disadvantageous situation, but when paralegal Nagisami (Mayu Miyamoto) tells Natsune about Ayame's feelings, Natsune confesses, "I killed Touya." Ayame is found not guilty, and Natsune is sentenced to seven years in prison.
The story then moves on to Ayame several years after the trial. She now works at an NPO that supports women, and there is no longer any trace of the lonely woman clinging to love.
At the end of the episode, Ayame passes by a mysterious man holding a bouquet of flowers and reminisces about the days when she and Toya made passionate love. The mysterious man only appears for a moment, but he is played by Joe Joe Odagiri. Aso and Odagiri co-starred in the "Prescription Police" series (TV Asahi) which aired from 2006 to 2019, and this time Odagiri made a friendly appearance, drawing the attention of viewers.
Comments from Aso and Shiono at the time of the wrap-up of filming were also released. Aso expressed her gratitude, saying, "The other day, when Joe Odagiri came to filming, he said, 'It looks like you're having a lot of fun,' and it is. I couldn't help but say how great this group is, but the staff are all so kind, interesting, and fun... I don't think there are many great 'groups' out there, and I love you all so much that I want to continue working with this team from now on. Thank you very much."
Shiono, who gave a crazy performance as an abusive man towards the end of the film, said, "I think this film, which is a Japan-Korean co-production, was a challenging one for me, Aso, and all of the team here. There were many difficulties, but we were able to grow as a result. I feel that 'The Monster' was born from the toughness of the Japanese staff, combined with the Korean sensibility and the director's skill. It is by no means a cheerful film, but I hope it will be one that will stay in someone's heart."
