The final episode (episode 8) of NHK's "Drama 10 'The Uncertain Court of Themis'" (General TV, Tuesdays at 10pm), starring actor Matsuyama Kenichi, entitled "Prepared to Face the Case", was broadcast on March 10th, and Matsuyama, who plays the main character, assistant judge Ando Kiyoharu, captivated viewers with his monologue that lasted over six minutes.
In the final episode, Yuki (Ogi Shigemitsu) is trying to tell something to psychiatrist Yamaji (Wakui Emi). Learning this, Ando begins to investigate the connection to the Maebashi family murder case using clues left behind by Yuki. Worried about Ando's mental state, Onozaki (Yui Narumi) accompanies him in the investigation. As the Maebashi District Court First Branch, the defense team, and the prosecution approach the truth from their respective perspectives, the existence of the real culprit emerges, and the dots gradually begin to connect.
Finally, the day of the decision on the request for a retrial arrived. After Assistant Judge Ochiai (Tsunematsu Yuri) declared in a resolute tone, "The truth must be revealed," Ando began to speak, "Everything that is in my heart right now."
"Ever since I was a child, I was never able to do normal things like everyone else. Being normal was very difficult for me. When I was 13, I was diagnosed with a developmental disorder. It wasn't anyone's fault that I wasn't normal. It wasn't that I didn't try hard enough. I was relieved. But at the same time, I wondered why me. Why me, and not someone else? I was consumed with thoughts like that. I couldn't help but feel anxious about how I should live my life. It was at that time that I had the opportunity to pick up the Complete Collection of Laws. It contained the rules of society. I thought it was a textbook for living. The law protects the ordinary, everyday life. Promises. I became interested in this job, which protects everyone's normality. I too want to be useful to society. I want to be needed. That's what I wished for. I have continued working as a judge, hiding my characteristics. This has caused trouble to those around me. I wonder if it's okay for me to continue in this job. Sometimes I want to quit, other times I don't. I continue, unsure. I want to continue. It's because I love this job, which protects everyone's normality. Why did those involved in the judiciary choose to pursue this path? I'm sure there are different reasons for each individual. But I think there is one common thought. I want to do the right thing. I want to be right.
"The Maebashi family murder case. The police investigated frantically. The prosecutors were expected to bring charges. The courts were also committed to handing down strict punishment for the crimes. Everyone tried to be right. However, individual feelings, sense of justice and ethics are easily overshadowed by organizational logic. Even if each individual tries to be right, they can make mistakes. The judiciary killed an innocent person. That also means that the real culprit is set free. And then further tragedy will occur. A crime committed by the judicial system. I am scared. I am so scared. I feel like I am shrinking in front of the facts that have happened, and my thinking is about to stop. But does that mean it is okay to turn a blind eye to the truth? If we turn a blind eye, we will not know what is really true. If we don't know what we don't know, we won't know what we don't know. If we don't know what we don't know, we won't know what we don't know! We have to find out! We need to find out what happened. If the promises of society are broken, then what can we live by? Laws must be unshakable. In order to regain trust, we must be prepared to lose it. What has happened cannot be changed. We have no choice but to start from there. We have no choice but to start from there! I'm sorry. I can't put it into words well. But these are all the words that are in my heart right now."
In response to Ando's words, presiding judge Kadokura (Kenichi Endo) once again announced the decision to begin a retrial in the Maebashi family murder case...
Comments on social media included, "Those long lines and that acting. Matsuyama Kenichi is amazing," "Every single word Ando spoke pierced my heart. Matsuyama Kenichi is truly breathtaking, I know I'm saying this late, but," "I was glued to the screen," "Ando-kun had a long six-minute take. Matsuyama Kenichi didn't just memorize his lines, he spoke as 'Ando Kiyoharu'," and "I rewound Ando's courtroom scene in the final episode so many times." Some viewers also expressed their hopes, saying, "I cried my eyes out at the final episode. Isn't Matsuyama just a genius? Every word Judge Ando said resonated with me. I hope there will be a sequel," "It was interesting. I hope there will be a sequel," and "It was a truly wonderful drama. I hope to see a sequel someday."
