Tokyo Vice

Season 1 didn’t start off very fast - the episodes really could have done with a quicker pace. From the third episode on, my satisfaction started growing; I assumed that the creators were preparing the viewers for a spectacular finale but I ended up just staring blankly at the screen like a little boy who’s had his toy taken away by another kid on the playground. My disappointment wasn’t so much about the series itself but about the ending, or rather non-ending. / Lesson learned: If feminists really care about women's rights, they should start fighting for them in Japan or Iran. (10/29/2022)

The first episode served as a typical introduction to the series; the creators introduced me to the main character, the setting, and the theme, and overall left me eager for more episodes. Initially, the main character didn't particularly impress me, but the setting was right up my alley, as I've long held a positive affinity for Japan. Particularly, I appreciate the original Japanese culture, though there's now a noticeable influx of foreign influences. Well, after the first episode, I'm hopeful that it could unfold well, and I might witness a series showcasing distinctive aspects of Japan. / Lesson learned: To understand the Japanese, change your way of thinking. (10/26/2022)

The show seems to be keeping a low profile, and I'm not talking about action scenes that are hardly even there. What's more concerning for me is the lack of significant story development in those fifty minutes. As I mentioned in my previous review, I'm a fan of Japanese culture, so I enjoy soaking in the local vibe. Other than that, I'm afraid this episode hasn't brought anything special to the viewer. But I'm still hopeful for an improvement in the next episode. / Lesson learned: Yakuza is not a hot tub. 3*- (10/26/2022)

The third episode's plot noticeably kicked into gear. What I enjoyed most, though, was diving into Japanese customs – so different from the European and American ones. Finally, things were picking up, and the scene with the arrest was the highlight. I can imagine a lot of scenarios, but that was miles away from our usual circumstances. I had to replay that bit a few times to fully soak it in. Perfection. / Lesson learned: If you discover a hole in the ground and a wasp occasionally buzzes out, don't go pouring water in there. Trust me. I've been there. (10/26/2022)

The creators came up with an intriguing storyline that cranked up the drama with the Yakuza and dropped some surprising discoveries regarding loan sharks. So, despite the sluggish start, the plot got me hooked. (10/28/2022)

Alright, it's clear now that the creators have found their groove and style, and lucky for me, I'm vibing with both. Episode five took me back to Tokyo, and I gotta say, no complaints on this end. The whole code of honor lifestyle still fascinates me, and honestly, I kind of wish our politicians would apply the same punishment for its violation as the yakuza do. Just imagine the sight of dozens of politicians, forced to operate a mobile phone with their noses due to a complete absence of fingers. Yep, even criminals can come up with some surprisingly good ideas. / Lesson learned: That's what you get for asking questions. (10/28/2022)

Some series kick off strong, and it's a wild ride, but as the episodes pile up, the quality often takes a nosedive. This one started off kind of slow, but it just keeps on getting better. This episode had me so hooked that I didn't even bother nitpicking, just went ahead and slapped a solid five stars on it. The creators are doing a great job stitching together looser plotlines into a tight logical story which has a decent atmosphere, a hefty dose of manipulation and intrigue, plus, as a bonus, some unfiltered violence. / Lesson learned: Seek and ye shall find. Sometimes even things you didn't seek. (10/28/2022)

I'm afraid the upward trend in the quality of the series came to a halt. The plot, while not weak, didn't quite match up to the previous episode and felt more on par with the fifth. It looks like the creators decided to slow things down before the big finale, hopefully setting the stage for an explosive ending. Either way, you could tell the police investigation took a noticeable dip, and the yakuza conflicts somewhat stagnated. Like I said, this episode felt a lot like the calm before the storm, but unlike folks living by the coast, I'm actually looking forward to some proper thunder and lightning. / Lesson learned: Don't get into debt. People might want their money back. (10/28/2022)

The finale really left me hanging, and the creators kinda dropped the ball. I was expecting a gritty conclusion, and yeah, I'll admit my wild imagination went as far as envisioning decapitations and flying body parts. But all we got were a few slaps and some not-so-friendly threats. The plot wasn't bad at all, and I'd easily give it four stars, if it weren't for that equivalent of a Nigerian letter. Seriously, how naive does someone have to be to fall for a trick from a notorious liar? I had to take one star down for that. / Lesson learned: Don't let someone hit you on the head, it could have lasting consequences. (10/29/2022)