Keizoku 2: SPEC

Just the fact that it's a Japanese-made series, and yet the supernatural stuff in the show doesn't feel cheesy at all, that alone is worth tons of extra points. Then if you add in the great acting performances, not just by the leads but by pretty much the entire cast (no wonder all the directors got awards, they managed to coach so many actors), and let's not forget the intriguing mystery story. The main storyline is so dark that the Japanese, as they are wont to do, lighten it up with humor that is purely Japanese and therefore may not appeal to everyone, yet I can't imagine it without it. Plus, the series manages to both surprise and intrigue considerably – after all, you're dealing with the supernatural, but you're also dealing with people's motives for doing what they did. Saya, like a proper Japanese detective, has her stereotypical moment where she has to do her little ritual so she can accurately reveal the perpetrator afterwards. Except here it doesn't take away from it at all – on the contrary, I always looked forward to Saya tearing up the papers and tossing them in the air; it always looked pretty effective. I've already talked about the great acting performances, but I can't help but single out Kamiki: his Ninomae was absolutely breathtaking! (11/10/2014)