And I'm happy to be able to say that it's been an extremely satisfying journey from the very first minute to the very last!
The plot is very intricate but the writer(s) managed to wrap everything up nicely, all doubts were resolved, all questions answered - which is a lot more that can be said of many such dramas which instead tend to lack dramatically in that aspect.
The cast did a pretty good job, as a whole.
The "packaging" (production value, music etc.) is top-notch, period.
Perfect 10 as far as I'm concerned!
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This review may contain spoilers
veteran detective
Set during the same timeline as Odd Taxi, this story follows Rena and Sato, two detectives from the Ibusuki Detective Agency (IDA), as they navigate an intricate web of investigations. Their initial task is to confirm whether a banker is involved in an affair, but their plans are disrupted when Dobu makes off with critical evidence. Forced to pivot, the duo takes on a new case at the request of Taeko Harada, who hires them to shadow Hiroshi Odokawa and uncover his potential connection to a missing girl from Nerima. For Rena, the case becomes deeply personal, as she shares a connection with the missing individual.Characters
Rena: A seasoned private investigator with a sharp mind and a strong sense of duty. She is paired with the rookie detective Sato and is the driving force behind many of the duo's breakthroughs. Her personal tie to the missing girl adds emotional depth to her character.
Sato: The newest member of the IDA, known for his knack for stumbling into odd and unpredictable situations. Despite his inexperience, his determination and unique perspective make him a valuable partner.
Ibusuki: The no-nonsense head of the IDA, overseeing the operations and providing guidance to the detectives.
Sekido: A resourceful fixer who lends his expertise and connections to aid Rena and Sato in their investigations.
Review
This spin-off delivers a compelling addition to the Odd Taxi universe by expanding the narrative through a fresh set of characters. The plot strikes a delicate balance between suspense and emotional stakes, especially with Rena’s personal involvement in the missing girl’s case. The intertwining of their investigation with events from the main story provides intriguing context for fans while standing strong as an independent narrative for newcomers.
Rena’s seasoned detective instincts play off well against Sato’s rookie energy, creating a dynamic partnership that’s both entertaining and effective. The inclusion of supporting characters like Sekido adds further intrigue, offering a network of resources that elevates the complexity of the case.
With its engaging storyline, nuanced characters, and ties to Odd Taxi, this narrative extension not only complements the original but adds new layers of intrigue to the franchise. Whether you’re already a fan or stepping into this world for the first time, it’s a thrilling detective story that’s worth a watch.
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vibes r immaculate
this drama seems to be a spin-off of the manga/anime Odd Taxi. I have never watched the anime nor read the manga, but was drawn to watching the drama because of the casts. Overall, I think this was a very lovely watch. Everything from the story, to the music, cinematography, characters, comedy, and dialogue was a treat.The drama follows Rena and Sato, two young detectives who seem like an unlikely pair. Rena is calculative and intelligent, while Sato is clumsy and peak loserism lol. Since the drama seems to be adopted from the origins of Odd Taxi, I consider the taxi driver, Odakawa, also a main character. He was constantly involved in their investigation, and was quite an interesting character to learn about. I hope if we do get a s2, his mundane and thought-provoking character can be explored more. Eiji was another character I loved, he was very pathetic loserism in the first half, but became a hero by the second, I loved that for him. Odakawa and Eiji make the funniest pair, especially in the last episode I laughed so hard at their encounter.
There is only one big case followed through in this drama, the case of the missing idol. It was extremely well-written, and I enjoyed all the twists and turns we got to experience. While in the middle, the case's plot seemed a little dragged out, by the last few episodes everything was answered very well and tied up nicely.
The cinematography of RoOT is something that really stood out to me. It was shot so beautifully, I loved the different parallels, use of flashbacks, close-ups, transitions, and color. The music was also so good, I enjoyed hearing new music every episode and discovering some new lo-fi beats. The vibes of this drama felt like if you literally teleported yourself into the cover-art of a japanese lo-fi city album.
As for romance between the two main characters, there is very minimal. Rena and Sato have good chemistry and teamwork, but do not give hints of romance until maybe the last 2-3 episodes. By then, Sato seems to have developed interest in her, but Rena's feelings on this matter are unknown. I hope we can get a chance to explore this more though a second season, because they make a great pair and are extremely comfortable with each other. They were constantly protecting each other through the drama, which I loved to see.
Overall, I think RoOT is a nice short watch with very enjoyable vibes. Even if you have no knowledge of Odd Taxi, you will adore it!!
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