Thursday, December 20, 2012

Preview of Winter 2013 offerings: Yakou Kanransha (TBS)

Title: Yakou Kanransha
Official site: here
Main cast members: Suzuki Kyoka, Ishida Yuriko, Miyasago Hiroyuki, Yasuda Shota, Sugisaki Hana, Miyazaki Karen, Nakagawa Taishi, Tanaka Tetsushi, Natsuki Mari, Takahashi Katsunori
Details on storyline: here, here, here
Timeslot: Fridays 10pm

Comments: The grass is always greener on the other side is probably how Mayumi, the lead character played by Suzuki Kyoka feels as she envies her neighbouring family who has this "perfect" lifestyle. However, when this ideal comes crumbling down in the most unexpected way, how it will affect Mayumi and change how she deals with the warped dynamics in her own family is an interesting offering from TBS. Frankly speaking, I've not been so keen on TBS dramas in recent years for various reasons but this drama caught my eye from the time it was announced. Not only because its story is based on a Minato Kanae novel, it's more of how the theme captivates me. It's human nature to envy others for what they have and you don't but when your "goal" or "ideal" is gone, how you cope with the sense of loss and use this as a catalyst to changing your own circumstances is something worth exploring. The cast also looks rather appealing with capable supporting actors and the very different female leads at two opposite ends of the spectrum. The issue now is, will TBS be able to make full use of this cast and material to churn out a hit or fizzle out again with a half-hearted attempt?

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