[Faithful Reader]

"7:00 PM-8:00 PM"
Written by: Shûkei Nagasaka
Directed by: Kosuke Suzuki
Original Air Date: February 26, 2021

Start the Clock: Genji and Genba look around the dark forest for … something. Genji is ready to leave since Alexis will be out of surgery soon. Genba wants to keep looking, at least until 7:20, promising to come back if nothing happens.

Nanjo physically tends to Dr. Hamahata and emotionally tends to Rikka. He tells her that Miyu is fine, but they do not know her exact whereabouts. He givens an update to Itsuki who wants Rikka brought in.

Miyu, Ken and the posse are brought into a police station. Miyu wants to make a call, but Chiharu wants to cause trouble. Ken and Miyu have a chance to talk (which is not going to be an issue with two people of opposite genders arrested for a crime at all!) and both agree that they should be honest going forward. Even though it will be bad for Ken, both agree to be truthful in their responses.

Urara checks in with Hina, who is feeling a lot better now that she does not have to hide things. Yohei thinks Urara just gave her concession speech. She puts it into the hands of the people, but Yohei wonders why she destroyed twenty-five years of work in thirteen minutes. When he calls it over, she wonders if he is referring to the campaign or their marriage.

Genba searches the forest finding a large box and a mountain with a door leading down. He is unaware that he is in the sights of a scope. The agent calls Andre to report Genba, who has found a latch and entered an underground facility (the area he drops down into has no ladders, so how someone is supposed to get out of it is an exercise for the viewer.) As Genba searches, he is tasered and taken away by armed figures.

As Mylo cheers up Itsuki, a handcuffed Genba comes to in a cell. Agent Retsujiro brings his personal effects. The facility is one for dangerous felons. Genba fills him in on the assassination and asks about what will happen at 7:20. Retsujiro says there will be a prisoner arriving. Genba asks for backup to be called. There is not enough time for them to arrive, but they are needed and Genba will take the blame if it is in vain. He asks about personnel but there are minimally staffed. Genba asks for the maintenance personnel to be dressed to make it look better guarded than it is.

19:16:25 As Andre’s group gets ready for an ambush, Genba prepares the agents, especially those who do not have experience with that sort of things. They stay in the lights, which do not go out, and safely escort the hooded prisoner in, the ambushers wondering why there are so many armed guards and general brightness. Andre is crestfallen but has a backup plan.

Ken gets nowhere professing Miyu’s innocence as the cop thinks they are an item. Miyu tells Tsutomu that she is Genba’s daughter. Had she stopped there, it might have been enough, but she lays out the kidnapping plot and the safe house which are unconvincing. She begs them to call CTU to confirm her story and gives them a number to call.

The agents take off their gear, but Genba wants to keep the alarm up. Retsujiro does not agree since nothing happened. There are procedures he has to follow unless CTU intervenes. Genba asks to use his phone.

Magoroku says that the online buzz about Urara is going up. She gets a call from Genba asking her to untie his hands. She asks him to call CTU, but he knows she can do it faster. After hanging up, he notices wires and follows them.

19:35:01 Andre wants to do a super loud plan to break in, but the posse does not like the plan. They offer him a chance to change it. but he wants to go through with it. Andre even holds the leader at knifepoint to punctuate his goal.

Genba’s findings lead him to a surveillance room. He finds the hooded figure but is interrupted by Retsujiro. Despite it being against the rules for Genba to be in the room, Retsujiro yells and does not drag Genba out. Thankfully, the figure looks up to reveal Victor Hayashi, father of Alexis and Andre and the man Genba killed seven years ago, supposedly at least.

Genji as back at CTU and gives an update to Itsuki. She asks about telling Genba of his family but is rebuked.

Genba fills Retsujiro on the danger Victor and Andre represent and ask to move him, but Retsujiro needs to follow procedure.

19:45:48 An undeterred Andre plans to just blow up the station he paid to turn off. It will make noise but that will only add to the confusion and require minimal explosives.

Urara and Yohei have an open talk of their marriage. Urara is questioning but Yohei feels they have come too far personally and professionally to give up at this point.

As Miyu is brought into holding, Retsujiro asks Genba why the authorities went to so much trouble to keep Victor alive after ordering his death seven years ago. There are uses such as information or political fodder, but that is mainly speculation. They get permission for Genba to talk to Victor for five minutes.

19:52:15 Under Retsujiro’s surveillance, Genba approaches Victor. Genba apologizes for the deaths he inadvertently caused but wants to keep Rikka and Miyu safe. Plus, Alexis and Andre are at risk. For his part, Victor finds Genba’s assertion offensive and arrogantly agrees in the most sarcastic way possible. Approval to move Victor comes in and Genba asks for a super-secret escape not on the plans.

Nanjo brings Rikka into CTU having dropped off Dr. Hamahata at the hospital and tells Itsuki as much.

As Victor is escorted, the power goes out. The team high tails it to a safe room but Andre sets off an explosion to get in.

20:00:00

iMagic: The surveillance room has a big ass fancy schmancy tablet/table

Stormtrooper Accuracy: Genba is in the crosshairs but is not shot for some reason.

Dunder Mifflin: Genji calls for a helicopter to pick him up. That should cause some chatter around the office.

Money Shot: Facility head Retsujiro Iwakata and Shock troop commander Sousuke are introduced.

Food Glorious Food: Mylo brings Itsuki a coffee. Genba and Genji both chug bottles of water separately but Genba’s in unlabeled.

[REDATED] it!: Genba uses his observational skills to locate Victor, both the facility he will be taken to in general and his specific location therein.

The Cubbies: Nanjo looks at the pictures around Genba’s house.

I’m Not a Spy: Itsuki is minorly annoyed by Mylo and is chewed out be Genji.

Five Minute Rule: Miyu has had a mostly crappy day with Ken being the one exception.

Amnesia Bait: Rikka is justifiably freaking out at the start of the hour after seeing three people get shot, but she pulls herself together to tend for Dr. Hamahata.

24-Gate: As the polls have their last moments open, Urara is congratulated by her staff.

Let’s Up the Rating: If men in uniform are your thing, this episode has eight.

THAT kind of topless: The shot that hit Dr. Hamahata went clean through, so he will survive.

Employee of the Month: Retsujiro is nonplussed by the fact that nothing unusual happened when they brought in Victor mainly because, from his perspective, nothing happened.

One More Time: “I don’t celebrate failure.” “Failure?” “That speech might as well have been a concession.”
Yohei and Urara unsure of their future.

Hour Time: “What happened to Shido?” “It looks like he went inside.” “He’s not supposed to…” Batman has been an enduring figure in comics for decades. As much as he is an action hero crimefighter, he is also the world’s greatest detective, to the point where the pilot of Batman: The Animated Series has several scenes of pure silence while Batman investigates crime scenes.

Genba follows up on that by using his amazing observational powers several times. There will be action and great dialogue but there were some things he had to figure out for himself. Both the finding of the base and the surveillance room are done with little dialogue and good acting. Well, the former is punctuated by the villains trying to figure things out, but we see Genba finding putting the pieces together.

The base is a great set piece. The parts that we see mainly exists for this episode, but you get a good sense for it. An off the books facility that you need to be a bigwig to know about, it is there entriely to do things quietly. It works when orders are followed, and you get the sense that you are placed there is you are good at following orders. It is the focus of this episode and introduces us to two great characters.

Retsujiro tells Genba ‘no’ several times. His is not shocked when nothing happens during the transfer because he did expect anything to happen. He has orders to follow and knows that when a prisoner comes in, it is not because there is nowhere else to put them, it is because there is a lot of secrecy needed to keep that prisoner hidden. He wants to help Genba but his hands are tied. Genba is endeared and calls in Urara to help him out. They really are on the same side and have their own resources to complete their respective missions.

We have also met Victor who we have heard about for several episodes. No money shot aside, we get a good introduction to him in phases, first hooded, then unmasked and then in conversation with Genba. The cards are close to the vest and there is no reason to reveal too much at this point. Victor is not the broken prisoner; he knows there is a plan. He has a lot of menace in his conversation with Genba and is enthusiastic in the end when things go off the rails. There is more in the tank for this character, but this is a good introduction with credit to the actor, writer and director.

The rest of the episode pales and not just in comparison. The usually reliable Urara deals with the fallout but it does not impact the polls, even though it is sketchy as hell that the revelation came out with an hour to go. The scenes with Yohei have no bite but the scene with Hina is solid. The daughter has perked up with everything out in the open and is another great instance of the gender flip working out.

Miyu’s scenes should go towards helping her out by revealing about CTU. Even with Chiharu feeding lies to the detectives, this should pan out. It is not like she does not give them a number to call or anything. Her moment with Ken is good but the scene where she is put into holding just does not come across well. The nervousness is not played well enough.

Nanjo and Rikka tie up the amnesia subplot and go back to CTU. While it is good for that to be out of the way, it just kind of takes up time and doesn’t really have much excitement but it is well played. Similarly, Itsuki and Mylo hold down the fort and Genji does not want to be questioned.

One very well done piece and a bunch of things around it that are kind of there but do not have pizazz ultimately making for a very uneven hour.

[Faithful Reader]

"8:00 PM-9:00 PM"
Written by: Shûkei Nagasaka
Directed by: Toru Otsuka
Original Air Date: March 5, 2021

Start the Clock: As some of the polls close, things look good for Urara. Not present in the celebration is Urara herself whom Yohei has to ask/beg to join the rest. At the police station, Chiharu is put into the holding cell. She brushes off the recognition she gets from her cellmates and proceeds to harass Miyu.

Urara addresses her staff. She is happy to get the truth out and while they have to wait for the ballots to be counted, their victory is pretty much assured. She has everyone give themselves a round of applause.

Genji is also taking a victory lap with Itsuki as the lone audience member. Sure, the power did go out in the area Genba investigated but that was coincidence, right? The phone rings with Genba on the line, taking Genji out of his reverie. Genba relays the direness of the situation requesting backup. Genji wants to go through the proper channels while Genba needs them there five minutes ago. Nanjo brings in Rikka and they are greeted by Itsuki. They still do not know where Miyu is, but Itsuki wants to talk to Rikka. Even though she already told Nanjo everything Itsuki might be able to get some additional clues.

As the team makes it through the tunnel, Genba has Victor open a door to reveal an empty hallway. A nearby explosion has them double back.

Genji sends a message to get approval for the team he just sent when Rikka comes to his office. She has some important questions, some of which Genji has the answers to and he politely asks her to go back to be questioned. After she leaves, he has someone watch her to make sur e she does not approach him, or anyone else, again.

Urara finds Noboru working hard on the speech. She gives him some notes and receives some verbal compliments in return which she thanks him for.

As the CTU team gets close, Genba and his group run into Andre’s. There is a standoff, but Andre has a hostage: Retsujiro. As the CTU team finds the door blown open, Genba surrenders. Andre shoots Retsujiro anyway. Victor is ready to shoot Genba but the reinforcements are close. Andre blows their way out, but Victor has a hostage in Genba.

In the holding cell, Chiharu verbally baits Miyu again. Chiharu calls her out for being spoiled and attacking her for bonding with Ken. When Miyu defends herself, she raises her voice prompting a guard to cool their jets. Andre’s crew creates a way out of the tunnel while Victor baits Genba.

20:25:21Victor calls Genji at CTU. He offers proof of Genba’s life just so CTU knows. For his part, Genji informs the team but there is little more they can do given their respective locations. He gives orders to the team and is cordial to Itsuki.

Genba calls out Victor for some faults. Victor had a body double, meaning he knew he was in danger. Genba tries to put the blame on Victor which does not work but gets him close enough to try an escape. The attempt ends up not working, and he and Andre dismiss the claims further.

20:32:15 One of the hoodlums in holding wants a smoke and takes out one that she smuggled in. The guards come back, and she throws it towards Chiharu. The guards find the contraband and are ready to investigate Chiharu, but Miyu sticks up for her. The hoodlum is removed. and Chiharu wants to talk to the detective again to tell him the truth this time.

Mylo gives Itsuki an update about finding Miyu but there is little to go on without widening the search area. He also asks how Genba is given the harsh things Genji has said but Nanjo shoos him off.

Noboru shows Urara the updated speech. It looks good and she asks him to stay while she reads it. Her neck is bothering her, so Noboru gives her a little massage which she appreciates than politely asks him to stop.

20:38:23 Genji finally gets Naomichi on the phone but finds the director is displeased. Genji says that Genba got results with preventing Victor’s capture, but Naomichi says that Victor is off the books but with him being alive, news might leak. Naomichi orders Genji to clean things up. Genji goes downstairs and order an all-out assault whether Genba is in the way or not. On a brighter note, Nanjo gets a call from the police about Miyu. He jots down a few notes hangs up the phone (!) to inform Rikka with Itsuki. After Nanjo leaves, Itsuki tells Rikka about the assault, putting the best spin on it she can.

The CTU team blasts their way in with orders to obtain Victor and nothing about Genba.

20:49:18 Miyu is released into the custody of Tsutomu who takes her back to CTU. Urara is told to smile by Mister No Smiles himself Magoroku. She is worried about Yohei but Magoroku reminds her that when she is in power, she will have greater concerns. If Yohei cannot handle it, that is his problem.

The CTU team finds the remains of the guards and also the hole that Victor carved out. Unfortunately, the way is blocked by a laser triggered bomb, since a regular bomb would not look as cool but be more effective. Out of the facility, Victor goes to shoot Genba but learns about Alexis being alive. Genba offers a skeptical Victor the meeting with Miho as proof which upgrades Genba to a captive.

Ken gets the news that Miyu is freed due in no small part to Chiharu’s revised testimony. Miyu is getting a ride from Tsutomu as she calls her mother to send regards. Suddenly, a van comes out which Tsutomu avoids, but some masked men come out, shoot him and kidnap Miyu.

21:00:00

iMagic: Andre calls CTU, speaks to Itsuki, is transferred to Genji then puts on Victor. I’m sure he had the number on speed dial of sorts.

Stormtrooper Accuracy: Genba comes close to beating up Victor and is only saved by Andre happening to come around right when that happens.

Dunder Mifflin: Genji thinks calling Itsuki out of her romantic failures in the main office is a good idea.

[REDATED] it!: When speaking to Genji over the phone, Genba gives tactical information and in retaliated against for it.

The Cubbies: Nanjo brings in Rikka, says a couple of lines but mainly just hangs out.

I’m Not a Spy: When Itsuki expresses concern for Genba, Genji thinks her motives are less than pure.

Five Minute Rule: Miyu is finally pout of captivity for about five minutes before she is abducted.

Amnesia Bait: Rikka has no clue that they are still searching for Miyu though Genji assures her that the bad guys not knowing Miyu’s location is a good sign.

24-Gate: The hard workers of the Asakara campaign, upon hearing that Urara is heavily favored as some of the polls close, give one of the least enthusiastic cheers ever.

Let’s Up the Rating: The only thing missing from Noboru giving Urara a massage is a seventies porn soundtrack.

THAT kind of topless: Genba tries to take down Victor and holds his own pretty well.

Day Player of the Week: The two young hoodlums in the jail cell are fairly rough and tumble.

Employee of the Month: Genji is at his most competent early on deducing that if the bad guys asked Rikka where Miyu is, they do not know where she is either.

One More Time: “It’s Victor Hayashi” “In the flesh?” “Of course.”
Genji and Naomichi discussing the final boss.

Hour Time: “What kind of trouble?” “I can’t tell you.” “It never ends.” This late in the season, it is shocking how little happens an episode. Usually there is forward momentum in one plot; though while Genba and Miyu get captured, there is not a great deal of actual progress in the plots here.

Thankfully what we do get is done very well.

Chief among the set pieces is Genba versus Victor. There are others involved but it is pretty much the two of them. The tables are turned early enough that Genba is put into captivity. He holds his own in that state just as well as Victor did earlier. Actually, it is a little better since Victor really has a problem not smirking. Even with Victor has the upper hand, Genba knows how to proceed. Visually, it is striking to see them talking while the background is sparking as the tunnel is dug through. In the end, when Genba is going to be shot he has a final card to play with Alexis. The moment is tense, but Genba uses his knowledge to save his neck.

The political phase moves not a bit, but we have good scenes all around. Urara is told to be happy after telling her staff to be happy. The election being pretty much over, she can ride the wave of success and take a victory lap. We see the players from her team from the happy Hina to the smiling Yuta (albeit briefly) to the dour Yohei to Magoroku. Noboru finally gets a chance to get his plot started and while it does not go over too well, it is great to see strong actors on screen.

Rikka is brought into CTU and quickly sidelined. Too much happens in the office with the breakneck plot of rescuing Genba that can quickly overshadow that triumph, but it is done well. Part of the success is as a counterpoint to the chaos going on, but Rikka is a definite highlight. No longer in control she is more demure but she still has a presence.

Miyu gets a plot of her very own, but Hiyori Sakurada just cannot sell it. She confuses tiredness for boring and it is just not that interesting to watch though it is good that Chiharu found her moral compass. This has all the potential to be of interest, but it falls flat in no small part due to the performance from a main character.

There are two characters who have lasted longer than their counterparts in terms of story time and they are welcome. Mylo has not had a lot to do in episodes, but he brings a bit of youthfulness. The writers find things for him to do, conversations for him to have and when they do not, the actor still finds a way to have fun. There is no reason for him to still be around, but he has a character and is good to watch. To a smaller degree, we get a tag scene with Ken who is relieved that Miyu got out. Unfortunately, this is the high point of the Miyu storyline this episode and she is not even on screen.

There are no huge derivations from the source material but what we have here is good and the detours work.

[Faithful Reader]

"9:00 PM-10:00 PM"
Written by: Shûkei Nagasaka
Directed by: Kosuke Suzuki
Original Air Date: March 12, 2021

Start the Clock: As Miyu is kidnapped, Urara prepares to give a speech. Hina, Yuta, and Shegeko are on the sidelines while Yohei is on stage. The speech is about how well the party is doing in general and things are going well all around.

Genji yells at the bomb team to work faster when Itsuki gets a call from Genba who confirms he is being held hostage. Victor wants to hear from Alexis. Itsuki orders Nanjo to get Alexis on the line and Mylo to trace the call. Genji comes down in time to be looped in and listen on the call. Alexis is able to have a brief conversation before Victor asks to speak with someone from CTU. Genji accepts the charge which is an offer to not kill Genba in exchange for Alexis and there is no wiggle room. Genba’s logic of Alexis not being in any condition to move is overruled by Victor wanting to see his son. At CTU, things are not looking good; the trace did not work and Naomichi still considers Victor dead.

As Urara finishes the speech, Yohei talks to Noboru. Yohei will be apart from Urara for a moment as a separation will do them good, but he trusts Noboru to carry on in his absence.

Itsuki approaches the downtrodden Genji. There is little he can do in the situation and everything Itsuki brings up, including the fact that they can track Victor if they do the exchange, is something Genji already brought up to Naomichi. As Victor’s crew arrives at their base, Itsuki brings the bad news to Rikka that even though Genba is alive the higher ups will not take the deal to keep him in that state.

Victor brings in a captive Genba while he gets reacquainted with Kazuyoshi, the leader of the group, and the leader’s daughter, Sayuri. Victor and the boss dine while Victor takes great pleasure in tormenting Genba.

Rikka approaches Genji asking to know why they are going to sacrifice Genba. Genji says that Gnba has special training, and the higher-ups will not budge. If Rikka wanted the truth, she just got it. Rikka approaches Itsuki who thinks there just might be someone that can help. She will have to make a call.

21:23:17 Itsuki reaches out to Urara and gives a rundown of the situation. She tells Urara that Genji follows the rules but is ambitious. Urara asks to speak with him. Nanjo gets a bad call and is approached but Itsuki and Rikka who wonders why Miyu is not there yet. Itsuki has no answer but offers Rikka to wait in the conference room. After she leaves, Nanjo tells Itsuku about the abduction.

Urara calls Genji whose first instinct is a referral to the higher ups. Urara says that when she is elected, she will be in a position to promote Genji and she will be more willing to do that if he complies. With that, she leaves the ball in his court.

As Andre arranges an expensive way out of the country and Victor finishes dessert, Genba puts Sayuri in a headlock. Victor shoots her and Genba is tackled by three guys as Victor demands to speak with CTU immediately.

21:31:25 Yohei has a fairly condescending talk with Urara but takes his leave while promising to keep Urara attended to. Noboru enters having prepared some responses for questions that are sure to come up, with consultation by Magoroku. She wants to see them in five minutes and compliments Noboru. Neither realizes that Shegeko was caught the tail end of teat conversation.

Nanjo sees Genji about an update but Andre calls telling them that they will do the exchange in twenty minutes and gives them an address which turns out to be a warehouse. Alexis is in s fragile condition, but they have medical staff at the ready. Genji goes to make the preparations on his authority.

As Kazuyoshi mourns Sayuri, Victor says it was a mercy killing on his part. Kazuyoshi does not buy it and readies a sword but is shot by Victor. Genba is ordered to go out for the exchange but as he leaves, Miyu is brought in.

21:40:07 While Mylo and Nanjo coordinate, Itsuki gives Rikka the news of the exchange. Rikka would like to hear from Miyu and Itsuki says she will look into it. Rikka thanks Itsuki for being so honest throughout the day. Nanjo and Itsuki reflect on not being able to tell Rikka the truth.

On the van to the exchange point, Genba asks for Miyu’s freedom, but Victor would rather take a nap and Andre would rather shoot Genba.

Urara goes over Noboru’s work, and it is impressive especially done in two hours and while other things were being worked on as well. Noboru will have to run it by Magoroku and the legal team. He asks about Yohei, particularly how they met, and things get a little too cordial before they retire.

Genba is taken to a warehouse area but locked up. Andre says there is a sniper in the area. Alexis’ safe return will give him freedom, death otherwise. He puts a phone in Genba’s jacket for further instructions.

21:50:45 Urara is at a meet-and-greet while Yohei asks how Noboru is doing. The seductions were Yohei’s idea! As Noboru goes off, Shegeko approaches Yohei with concerns about the marriage. Yohei brushes her off.

Genji brings out Alexis but Victor talks via a tablet. Genji wants Genba but Victor tells him to be patient. When Genji brings out armed men, Victor shows him the captive Miyu. Their deal is still on but only a freed Genba and not Miyu. Genji proceeds with the exchange. Andre finds and destroys the tracker.

Genba is freed and is directed to a nearby car. He is ordered to see Urara immediately.

22:00:00

iMagic: The high-tech group the coordinated an attack to kidnap a specific person in public has tape to put over their mouth to prevent them from yelling.

Stormtrooper Accuracy: Genba is able to sneak past the three armed guards from a seated position and grab Sayuri with none of them noticing until it is too late.

Money Shot: Gang boss Kazuyoshi Namisaki and Kazuyoshi’s daughter, Sayuri Namisaki are introduced one right after the other.

Food Glorious Food: Victor and Kazuyoshi have a big spread of food for a late-night feast.

Peter Griffin Moment: In a rare costume change, Victor puts on a nifty suit while Andre puts on one with pinstripes.

[REDATED] it!: Genba is told to sit but things being Japan, he has to pop a squat on the floor.

The Cubbies: Nanjo takes the call about Miyu and asks Genj for an update.

I’m Not a Spy: Itsuki knowingly lies to Rikka about Genba being safe.

Five Minute Rule: Miyu’s ingenious plan for being gagged with tape? Removing it.

Amnesia Bait: Rikka gets an unknowing lie that Miyu is safe from Itsuki.

24-Gate: The votes are still being counted but enough are in for Urara to give a ‘we are doing awesome’ speech anyway.

Let’s Up the Rating: Urara openly flirts with Noboru.

THAT kind of topless: Sayuri is shot in the head in such a way that it almost immediately clots.

Day Player of the Week: Kazuyoshi is a new character but adds dimensionality to both the villains as a whole and Victor in particular.

Employee of the Month: Andre has a pretty good feeling that Alexis will be returned safely.

One More Time: “If we agreed to go public, the fact that the government was holding a felon in secret custody would become public. On top of that, it made the mistake of letting that dangerous person escape, and there are organizations, including us, doing top-secret missions behind the scenes…”
Naomichi shooting down the idea of an exchange.

Hour Time: “Father, you always said ‘You’ll destroy yourself with women.’ You were right.” This episode has the distinct feeling of putting characters together that have not had interactions with each other before, or at least in a while.

The one the goes the poorest is Genba and Miyu. It is brief by necessity and while it was well done it exists only for the plot to move forward. We’ve already seen Miyu kidnapped, by this exact group essentially. Doing it again does not really add to the overall story, particularly when Miyu is sidelined at almost every opportunity.

The rest of the villain plot is done well. We are in their headquarters and meet some other big names in the organization. Victor is welcomed back with open arms, and we meet the top of the totem pole. Kazuyoshi and Sayuri do a great job establishing themselves in their brief moments on screen.

Itsuki gets her first scene with Urara. Left with few alternatives, Itsuki lays out the situation giving Urara enough to go on about Genji. The follow up call with Genji is another great scene with Genji not being able to go beyond a certain point but Urara giving him an out to make the right decision. She dangles the carrot but did some research to find the best one to use.

Genji also has a strong scene with Itsuki. He has been a jerk to her in almost every scene they are in together but here, he is professional. With both Itsuki and Rikka he lays out the situation, though with deference to each. Itsuki lies to Rikka several times, some intentional some not, but this is the first time they have spoken with no animosity between the two.

If the characters are around and the episode count is running to a close, you might as well make good use of them.

[Faithful Reader]

"10:00 PM-11:00 PM"
Written by: Shûkei Nagasaka
Directed by: Kento Kiuchi
Original Air Date: March 19, 2021

Start the Clock: As Andre’s team races through downtown Tokyo, he calls Genba ordering him to make sure Urara answers the phone at 10:30. There is a large chunk of their cash stuck in an account and Urara can release it. Genba wants Miyu released first but is in no place to be making such a request.

Noboru finds Urara alone as the votes are being counted. He asks her to join them, but she is reluctant, and they make small talk. Urara talks about how weird things got and Noboru admits a bit of a crush. Urara reciprocates those feelings and gives him a keycard and an appointment to meet her in room 915 is twenty minutes. They are interrupted by Yohei.

As Miyu is moved to another room, CTU has few leads. They try working on the last known location of Alexis but get a call from Genba. He cannot say much except that he is not able to come back to CTU, Miyu is in danger and to tell Rikka he is fine.

Alexis is brought into the room with Miyu and medical staff. Things do not look good though Alexis is able to see his father one last time before succumbing to his injuries. Andre is ready to shoot Miyu but Victor reminds him how useful she is as a hostage.

Rikka aimlessly wanders the halls wondering about Miyu. She is told to go back to the conference room. Yohei confirms the rendezvous with Noboru. On one hand he is sickened that she would risk everything, but he offers Noboru a stipend to continue.

Nanjo and Mylo have news for Itsuki. The plans for the secret facility have been altered and only a handful of agencies have the authority to do that, including CTU. Mylo asked for access logs, but it looks like there is another mole. She has Nanjo and Mylo look into it before being intercepted by Genji. He orders her to do something about Rikka. That ‘something;’ involves leaking the Genba is okay (albeit under the terrorists’ control) but Miyu is not. Victor assures Miyu that Genba has an easy task. When she asks if she will be freed afterwards, Victor does not respond.

Genba calls Urara asking to meet soon. Urara is uneasy knowing that they have Miyu and she could very well be in danger but Genba swears no harm will come to her.

22:22:41 Urara meets Noboru in the hotel room … and promptly fires him. She knows about Yohei and Noboru could have refused. She has no place in her team or politics in general for someone who will blindly follow orders.

Nanjo and Mylo share the access records. There have been six in total but five of those are scheduled routine maintenance. The sixth is Genji. Nanjo wants to inform higher ups, but Itsuki puts a hold on that. Nanjo works on restricting access instead.

Urara confronts Yohei who takes credit for getting Urara this far. Urara is disgusted thinking they might need a break, but Genba arrives. After being patted down, he tells her about the funds and that he is pretending to work with Victor to keep Miyu safe. Urara is confused; the funds were disposed of a while ago and Victor should know. The phone rings and Urara answers. When she asks for demands, Victor confirms that Genba is there. Genba notices a device on the phone, tosses it into another room and tackles Urara for cover before it explodes while Andre explains to Miyu that her father is dead.

22:33:31 Yuta and Hina rush to see what the commotion is about but are kept back. Urara is shaken but otherwise fine. Her security team checks out that area and Genba orders them to wait until they give a report on Urara. Yohei enters accusing Genba of an attack, but Urara has his back. When it comes time to report on Urara’s status, Genba asks for them to be silent so that he can rescue Miyu and Victor can think he accomplished his goal. Yohei says this is a tough request for the candidate based on honesty, but Urara acquiesces.

Genji notices the problem with his computer and uses Nanjo’s to access the information. After he leaves Itsuki realizes that they will have to restore his access but monitor his actions.

Urara explains the situation to Yuta and Hina and both are supportive. Genji tells everyone at CTU to stop what they are doing and gather around the news as the report of Urara’s death comes in. Victor and Alexis see it as well and while Alexis wants to kill Miyu, Victor wants confirmation of Genba’s death. Andre calls Genba who offers himself in exchange for Miyu. They make the arrangements reminding Genba to come alone.

22:44:11 Genba is finally about to call Rikka and let her know he will get Miyu. She tells Genba of her pregnancy and they are overjoyed. Genba says he is looking forward to being with his family. Meanwhile, Alexis tells Miyu what happened with Operation Dark Night, trying to convince her that her father is a killer.

22:50:55 Genji informs Itsuki and Nanjo that Urara is alive, though they are sworn to secrecy. Miyu effects an escape but has limited options once out of the building. Left with no other options, she jumps into the water. Itsuki shares a Shido family picture with Rikka and the two make amends.

Andre tries to find Miyu but Victor is not worried since Genba does not know she escaped Andre gets a call from Luna telling them that Urara is alive. Except we see that ‘Luna’ is actually Itsuki.

23:00:00

Stormtrooper Accuracy: After Miyu runs out, several henchmen come into the room and stare at the guy she just threw hot coffee into before being told to go after her. After she jumps into the water, the henchmen just shoot blindly in her general direction, though they are not shooting at the same spot.

Dunder Mifflin: Genji screams in excitement when Genba calls, and everyone’s head turns.

Food Glorious Food: One of the henchmen pours himself a cup of coffee, prompting Miyu with a means of escape.

[REDATED] it!: Genba takes charge after the failed bomb assassination.

The Cubbies: Nanjo is able to clandestinely put a block on Genji’s access. Because he’s that awesome!

I’m Not a Spy: It was Agatha, er, Itsuki all along!

Five Minute Rule: Miyu is brought into another room in the complex, mainly so that she can be in the room when Alexis dies.

Amnesia Bait: Rikka is at the point where she has to wander the halls aimlessly to be on screen, er, get information about what is going on.

24-Gate: Urara has been brought up to speed with Genba possibly being compromised due to Miyu being kidnapped.

THAT kind of topless: Alexis is bleeding out so much that his hospital gown has a sizeable stain.

Day Player of the Week: The security guard who initially tried to arrest Genba and made-up with him hours later is now taking orders from him.

One More Time: “Did you bring in the bomb?” “Don’t be hasty. Captain Shido saved my life. Moreover, that’s twice today.”
Yohie being suspicious of and Urara sticking up for Genba.

Hour Time: “Alexis.” “Father.” “Don’t die.” One of the effects of these serialized shows is that the penultimate episode tends to be a bit of moving the pieces around the board in preparation for the finale. Some of these can be very strong, the best of the series and others can just be obvious that they need to move characters around.

This is in the former category. Most everything works and even what does not work is done well. The weakest is the Noboru plot that is brought up and excised to be brushed aside by the bombing plot. Urara does assert herself and needing to surround herself as needing strong people around her and while Yohei will throw that in her face later, she has established herself and does not suffer Noboru.

The Rikka plot has some froward momentum. This was the worst part of the original version here which has her counterpart just kind of stuck at CTU, but it works better here. Part of the success goes to Tae Kimura being such a strong and genuine actress. She has interactions with a few people, but she works it well. The writers gave her an opportunity to take advantage of her history with Itsuki plus she gets a chance to connect with Genba. They take a moment to connect and find out that their family will grow. Genba sheds a tear, and it is the first time in quite a while where he is able to put aside the weight of the world and be a husband. It is a very human moment and while Genba is off to save Miyu against all odds, you see him as a father.

Miyu is the strongest we have seen her in a while. Part of it is that she is captive for a lot of the episode, but it seems that surrounding Hiyori Sakurada with stronger actors will elevate her performance. She is at her best when she is being confronted by Andre about Genba but she holds her own. A great deal of her success is due to villain incompetence, but she does escape.

Genba and Urara have more scenes together which is never a bad thing. We have a bit of a reversal of their roles thus far with Genba being in charge. The buildup is good with everyone knowing that Genba is under pressure and could very well kill Urara. She sticks up for him, pointing out that he has protected her all day. The last time they were together it was the debacle with Miho and Alexis, but Genba has gained Urara’s trust. She stands up for him and lets him take command in the aftermath.

CTU is playing catch up and the cast there has relatively little to do though it is done well, and we get the revelation of Itsuki being the mole. This is a great cap to some great scenes that comes a bit out of nowhere but has implications with the final episode on the horizon.

Gebna is off to save Miyu who is already saved, and we just have to stick the landing.

[Faithful Reader]

"11:00 PM-12:00 AM"
Written by: Shûkei Nagasaka
Directed by: Kosuke Suzuki
Original Air Date: March 26, 2021

Start the Clock: As Genba races to the docks, Miyu eludes the evildoers. They eventually start firing, which concerns Andre as their plan will not work without Miyu being alive. Victor assures him that Genba is on his way no matter what.

Rumors of Urara’s death continue to be exaggerated and Yohei wants her to come clean. She emphasizes that she will once Miyu is safe and calls Yohei out for being willing to sacrifice the daughter of a public figure.

As Rikka looks lovingly at a picture of her family, Genji asks Itsuki for an update. She tries to throw him off the scent, but the marine police call with Miyu in custody. Genji verifies her identity, and she relays that they must stop Genba who is unaware of her safety. Genji fills in the blanks and orders Miyu brought back in and tries to reach Genba while ordering a troop to the area.

Genba arrives at the dock and as he assesses the situation, almost immediately gets a call from Andre. They direct him to the exchange point. Genba wants to hear from Miyu first in order to trust them and they counter with the knowledge of Urara being alive.

As Nanjo reports that the troop is out along with backup, Genba calls Itsuki. He is certain there is a traitor at CTU. She asks if it could be from the Urara Asakura delegation, but the phrasing Andre used strongly implied it came from CTU. Itsuki reads off the shortlist of those who knew and Genba tasks her with finding out who the spy is. She walks off but not before Genji gets a suspicious look.

Magoroku gets an urgent call to turn on the news and finds that the press knows Urara is alive. She immediately confronts Yohei who claims that they already had a strong inkling of such. She is too pissed off to handle him and rushes off to do a conference with the media.

Itsuki tells Andre that Miyu has been taken into custody and is on her way back to CTU. Also, there are two task forces heading their way. Andre is ready to cut his losses and run, but Andre asks Itsuki to call Genba and say that Miyu is dead. This will lure him out but if it does not work, Itsuki will be on thin ice.

Itsuki calls Genba with the news and he is distraught. As he collects himself, he sees a nearby truck.

Victor plans for a direct assault from Genba, knowing how one who lost his daughter feels. What they do not expect is Genba to come charging in on a truck and firing with guns in both hands. The Hayashi family tries to retreat with Andre holding things down while Victor gets away, but Genba distracts long enough to shoot Andre. He confronts Victor but has run out of bullets. After Victor fires a gun out of his hand, he makes a lunge for another weapon and shoots Victor.

Nanjo informs Rikka about Miyu.

23:29:00 As Urara addresses the press, Magoroku approached Yohei. Astonishingly, Magoroku agrees with Yohei’s decision to leak the news, insofar as it let them get the information out. Also, Urara wants to talk to Yohei after the conference is over. Magoroku notes that their relationship is not dead and Yohei might be able to save it.

News reaches Genji of Genba’s success, though somehow this news came without the revelation of Miyu being safe or Itsuki being a spy. Everyone is elated, including Rikka who happened to be wandering by.

Itsuki is in the server room deleting data, placing a bomb and shooting a guard who happens to be walking by. She calls a contact and asks for an extraction before being found by Rikka. The two talk, though Itsuki is eager to end the conversation. Rikka outright asks if there is anything between Itsuki and Genba. Not only does Itsuki say there are none, but she will also transfer shortly after all is said and done. Rikka notices the blood and tries to exit, but Itsuki also takes note and holds Rikka at gunpoint.

23:39:41 Genba goes to the marine police to claim Miyu’s body and is met with confusion then confirmation that she is not there. He calls Genji to ask about the body and Genji says Miyu is on her way back to CTU. Genba realizes that Itsuki is the spy, but Genji needs more evidence, though he does see the Itsuki is not at her desk.

Rikka sits bound and gagged while Itsuki finishes her work. Genba calls tech support for footage of Akechi from that morning. It has been deleted along with the backups. Thankfully, Genba has the code for the Top-Secret backups.

Yohei completely blows his saving roll in talking to Urara first by asking to delay the conversation then saying that he leaked the information for her. Urara gives him her pity, telling him he is unfit to be her husband and asks him to leave.

Genba gets the footage which shows Itsuki slaying Akechi.

23:48:56 Genba gets the footage to Genji who orders Itsuki taken into custody, though they have to find her first.

Having set the bomb for ten minutes, Itsuki is on the line with her contact. A rendezvous point is set but she has to get rid of all evidence, at which point she looks menacingly at Rikka.

Nanjo questions Genji about Itsuki but the evidence is damning. The manhunt for Itsuki is on but she eludes/shoots her way out, making her way to the garage to escape but is stopped by Genba. He is ready to shoot her, but she says she is working for an authority beyond the Hayashi’s. Plus, he was responsible for some of the deaths, too. Genji and Nanjo talk him of the ledge, especially since Miyu is back at CTU.

23:54:40 Genba and Miyu are reunited, though Genba wants to get Rikka so that the family can walk out together. Over news footage that Genba saved Urara, Genba tries to find Rikka but soon finds Itsuki’s trail. He deactivates the bomb only to find her shot. The bomb reactivates with eight seconds left as Genba picks up his wife and makes his way out. Miyu is shaken by the explosion as we see Rikka and Genba’s bodies in the rubble.

00:00:00

In a post credit sequence, we see Genba regain consciousness.

iMagic: Genba openly asks Andre where he got the phone number. Andre brushes it off, but the real reason is because the plot demanded it.

Stormtrooper Accuracy: The plan to get Miyu to reveal herself? Shout at her to come out.

Dunder Mifflin: Itsuki knows all the nooks and crannies from which to make secret calls in CTU.

Peter Griffin Moment: After hearing the news of Genba’s victory, Rikka asks Mylo where Itsuki is and Mylo does not see her but guesses she is in the rest room.

[REDATED] it!: That guttural scream we saw in the opening moments of the series? Nowhere to be found.

The Cubbies: Nanjo gets the task forces ready and tells Rikka the good news.

I’m Not a Spy: Calling CTU to get information? Good. Calling the specific person who is a spy, but you are unaware of that? Less good.

Five Minute Rule: Miyu does not know exactly where she was being held, but CTU decides to search the area of the dock she was found in.

Amnesia Bait: Rikka is bound and gagged close enough to a phone that, if she were able to free herself even partially, the jig would be up.

24-Gate: Being told to turn on the news, Magoroku knows exactly which channel to use. Also, Urara is able to get a conference with the press at a moment’s notice.

THAT kind of topless: Genba single handedly (and completely bloodlessly) takes down the Hayashi gang.

Day Player of the Week: The marine cop who talks to Genba at the station placates him politely even going so far as to call dispatch and make sure there were no other bodies found.

One More Time: “Mago, say something.” “Sorry, but can you leave me out of this?”
Yohei needing some help but getting none.

Hour Time: “Let’s … go home together.” The culmination of the series is a dark one. Whereas the original series would end with Rikka’s equivalent dead, here there is a bomb (!) and Genba might very well be in dire straits as well.

There is a lot leading up to that moment, including Genba combing CTU looking for Rikka and that turning into a hunt of a different kind. Itsuki placed Rikka as though she was just sitting in a chair, but we get a big clue as to what happened when Rikka does not respond. The camera work is great and as odd as it is to praise someone for playing a corpse, Tae Kimura does it well. Really, she sells the scene with Itsuki earlier as the two complete their reconciliation. For someone who did not really have all that much to do in the final act of the series, she did what she could and then some.

Chiaki Kuriyama deserves a lot of credit for Itsuki as well. There are two different characters in there and you can see the difference between the two while not betraying who she is. It is a fine line to walk but it is done with success. The biggest problem is that if she was a spy all along, why didn’t she sit on her hands back at the breakfast meeting? If she does, Urara is killed and Genba is framed. The script tries to cover this up by saying that there is a higher up, but it does not really track. That was the biggest offender but given her role in CTU, there were a lot of times she could have had success but did not for reasons not explained to the viewer.

Nanjo really has nothing to do in this episode. He does some things around the office, but you could eliminate him from the script and not have too much to change. Genji has some good moments when he finds out about Itsuki initially and when he tells Nanjo. The conversation is filled with rage as he tells Nanjo that she is a traitor.

That takes care of everyone at CTU except Genba, who kicks major ass in the top of this episode. He is cornered into a fight, but he wins that fight, even taking out the boss in the end. It is a great action sequence and a nice mirror to the suspenseful sequences we will get later. His ass kicking follows to CTU where he comes oh so close to a win. He has a scene with Miyu and comes real close to disarming the bomb. The one two punch of Rikka and that bomb is harsh. Thankfully, there is a post credits scene but that last shot was poetic. Oddly enough, it might have worked on its own.

The Asakura plot had an ending as well. Everything played out well here as well, though the soul of it was Yohei. Magoroku was right that their marriage may not be over, but Yohei blew it. Several times. Magoroku was right in that the right words would save their family, but Yohei actively went against that information, instead throwing it in Urara’s face that she in the candidate based on honesty. Urara throws that right back at him, disgusted with his demeanor for the day. Yukie Nakama owns the scene and plays it as a strong Prime Minister.

A fantastic though not perfect ending all around.

[Faithful Reader]

24-Japan
Series Overview

Start the Clock: As the day began, CTU got word that Prime Minister Candidate, the first woman to do so, Urara Asakura, was the target of an assassination. Genba Shido was put in charge of the investigation. Things got testy when Genba’s daughter, Miyu ran away, leaving Genba’s wife, Rikka, to find her.

For her part, Urara finds out that there is some shady business involving her family. She was unaware, but her son might have committed a murder, voluntarily or otherwise. She eventually decides to come clean at a breakfast meeting that morning.

Genba makes progress towards the assassination though Rikka and Miyu are kidnapped by the assassins. The near-do-wells use that as leverage to blame Genba for the attempt on Urara.

But Genba is able to foil that plot, eventually rescuing his family. Unfortunately, he got himself in a large amount of trouble in order to do so. Thankfully, Urara realizes that Genba was part of a mission she ordered years ago. The two meet and they realize that the family Genba killed in that mission is not as dead as they thought.

While Genba is invetigating that lead, the safe house that Rikka and Miyu is hit which gives Rikka a momentary bout of amnesia and Miyu reconnects with an unlikely ally.

Urara gets the truth out while Genba finds Victor Hayashi, the person whom the entire point of the mission was to kill. As the polls close with a probable victory for Urara, Genba exacts his revenge on the Hayashi clan. The victory is short lived as one of Genba’s trusted colleagues turns out to be a mole, one who shot Rikka before being apprehended.

Favorite iMagic: From 7:00 AM -8:00 AM: All the ‘Find my iPhone’ app tells me is that it is in the building. They’ve got a GPS that works down to the millimeter!

Favorite Stormtrooper Accuracy: From 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Alexi Hayashi manages to book a room not only in in the same hotel but on the same floor as Urara and does not try to do her in when she is pretty much down the hall from him. Is anyone trying anymore?

Favorite Dunder Mifflin: From 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Got to admire the professionalism in the office. The first female candidate for Prime Minister and the most favored to win comes to CTU and no one bats an eye or fangoobers.

Favorite Money Shot: Specifically skipping the first episode which is too obvious a target, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM has two figures that will play big roles as the season transitions; Andre Hiyashi roughly two thirds through his conversation with the villainous Tamizo but new Captain Midoroku Obata CTU first Division Squad A gets one as she steps into CTU with an icy glare.

Favorite Food Glorious Food: From 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Holy crow do Rikka and Miyu get an amazing spread of food at the safe house. If I went to a restaurant and ordered it, I would be paying at least fifty dollars! Someone spared no expense at getting a first-class lunch.

Favorite Peter Griffin Moment: From 8:00 AM -9:00 AM: For the first time in a long day, Genba takes a power nap. For like half a minute. It proves to be detrimental as his captive Rouri takes the moment to attempt an escape.

Favorite [REDATED] it!: From 4:00 AM -5:00 AM: As Genji chews out Genba, he mentions being hit by the tranquilizer dart which causes Genba to chuckle, a fact that does not go unnoticed and infuriates Genji. Later, Genba will officially ask Genji to talk to Eifuku and it will tear Genji up to give that permission.

Favorite The Cubbies: From 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM: Nanjo never tells Itsuki that he called for the internal investigation, but it takes her all of five seconds to figure it out. Honorable mention to 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM where Genji is entirely out of line with his questioning, but Nanjo takes it on the chin.

Favorite I’m Not a Spy: From 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Itsuki has a ‘What’s a containment breach?’ moment when Mylo tells her that going from 20% to 98% of recovering lost data in moments is too good to be true.

Favorite Five Minute Rule: From 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM: Miyu decides that it is a good idea to attack the driver of the van they are in. She also tries to claim that some cops who have pulled someone over on the street are already on the case.

Favorite Amnesia Bait: From 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Ever the adult, Rikka apologizes for getting so personal with Itsuki during the questioning.

Favorite 24-Gate: From 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: As Yohei tells a staff member at the school that he and Urara are a power couple, she calls him over about his shenanigans.

Favorite Let’s Up the Rating: From 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: The only thing missing from Noboru giving Urara a massage is a seventies porn soundtrack.

Favorite THAT kind of topless: From 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: A car is about as close quarters combat as you can get and Genba still kicks ass.

Favorite Day Player of the Week: From 12:00 AM – 1:00 AM: Either Kenshi Takemoto or Tomohiro Furuya swho both sell air traffic controllers who loses a plane.

Favorite Employee of the Month: From 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM: Mylo takes one look at Akechi and knows how to speed things up. Then he decides to look at a corpse for some reason. And is not revolted.

Favorite One More Time: From 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: “Get the big shot in front of you to put in a good word.”
Old, retired mentor with connections Eiji telling Genba how to find a ‘Get out of Jail Free” card.

Hour Time: "Event occur in real time." Making an adaptation is always risky. A close adaptation does not lend itself to much artistic flair or interest to old audiences while a more liberal approach that is almost a completely different series is a little off putting.

It was clear from early on that while a lot of the structure overall would be mirroring the U.S. version, there were clues that there would be some detours. At the outset, we start at the end of the series with Genba finding out Rikka is dead and smashing through the gates. Fans of the original know what it is, and it is an exciting sequence for new viewers.

A lot of the derivations involve characters staying past their time in the U.S. version. Mylo is probably the biggest example, but the addition of Yohei’s mother is another change. The former worked while the later did not and a lot of the flaws of the U.S. version are present as well. The main difference is the actors, though they do save what could otherwise be a bad scene, more or less. Mylo got to have a deeper story, breaking up the tension as the day progressed, as did Ken to a lesser extent as his counterpart was pretty much gone by the time they went to jail. It helps that there is a good five more minutes of runtime in the modern Japanese market than twenty years ago on network American television. There are no huge changes but the ones that are there serve to enhance the story. The amnesia subplot is still weak but highly elevated by the acting. The budget is smaller here but at times it works whether intentionally or not such as the climatic twenty-third hour explosion being smaller and indoors plays a lot more realistic.

The overall assassination plot worked well as was the one big plot running the entire season. The tension as high at times and things got suspenseful. As the season went on and Urara shared more scenes with Genba, they popped together as an onscreen pair. The Miyu and Rikka plots were a bit hit and miss though they had the biggest burden of having to burn an episode here and there putting the showcase on the acting. The Urara political side of things worked well even with the gender flip which several characters leaned into and had fun with.

The DNA of the series is pure 24. The split screens, the ticking clock, it is all there. The music is spot on, with themes coming to prominence, especially in the final hour as Itsuki becomes ‘Luna.’ These are all surface level things, but it works as a franchise and the case is able to hit it out of the park.

Hiyori Sakurada’s Miyu Shido is not really able to elevate the material. Too often, when a scene falls flat, it is her scene. She mistakes confusion for drowsiness and is too disinterested. Granted, it is a long day, but too often the scenes with her were better when she was surrounded by stronger actors.

Terri Baur was the weak link in the U.S. version overall, where the writers pretty much ran out of material for her and regulated her to sitting around CTU for three episodes. Thankfully, Tae Kimura is simply amazing. She has chemistry with everyone, even when she is taken hostage. The amnesia scenes could have been a failure but she manages to keep things interesting and engaging with the audience. She is a joy to watch.

Nanjo peaked early on as far as an overall character is concerned. A side effect of Mylo staying on longer than before is a lot of what Nanjo would do was handed to Mylo. He was mainly support after the first act of the series though he would be supportive of Genba, having his back when things looked grim. Hiroyuki Ikeuchi played the stalwart soldier helping out when he could, eventually saving Rikka.

It took a while for George Mason to become the asshole boss to Jack Bauer but 24 Japan kept bringing in more antagonists as the day wore on. Shiro Sano and the rest of the cast gave separations between Genji and the rest. He is not met favorably initially but is eventually won over. He does bad things as the day goes on, but they are necessary and the only time we see him lose it is in the end when Itsuki is revealed to be a spy. There are several times where he crosses the line but eventually gets back on your good side.

Itsuki Mizuishi is mainly there to be support and reveal things about Genba’s relationship with Rikka, but Chaiki Kuriyama never breaks the professionalism until the very end. The transformation is striking and there is a difference between her working with a colleague and a civilian. For the vast majority, she is a strong second to Genba.

The supports to Urara are a great pair of contrasts with Denden playing the slimy Joshu and Toshiki Ayata playing the reserved Magoroku Osada. The latter is the heart behind Urara’s soul knowing politics and being very calm in the face of danger. As Yohei, Michitaka Tsutsui just does not survive the gender swap. He does not have that sneakiness required of a Lady Macbeth role. Their relationship is doomed and while it does work with the two being on different pages, Tsutsui’s end does not work.

Yujkie Nakama owns the role of Urara Asakura. She will never be mistaken for Dennis Haysbert and se does not try to either. She makes the role her own and we saw that early on in the parking garage and later when she puts the pieces together. She has a different energy to her but is no less firm. Her speeches work as does her moments as a mother along with being a candidate. Her being on the screen was always great to see.

Later seasons of 24 would feature Jack Bauer showing his age, but the thirty-six-year-old Kiefer Sutehrland when he started was different than the fifty-four-year-old Toshiaki Karasawa. That aspect of his character was brought in much earlier and he was the central character of the series. He was the one who had to make the wrong decision for the right reasons. Several times he has to go off book, but he always leaves a trail to show why he is doing his actions. As much as the action sequences were on point, so were the quieter moments when he would put things together. He was a more established actor than Sutherland was at that point, but he was great as the series lead.

The series is not required watch and some things are better while others are worse than the original and while I came close to not doing this watch twice, I did wind up enjoying the series and would recommend it, if you have a day to spare.