[Discussion] Keizoku 2: SPEC

shinqtaro · Post by **shinqtaro** » Oct 10th, '10, 01:56

From Drama-wiki:

Details:
Title: ケイゾク 2: SPEC
Title (romaji): Keizoku 2: SPEC
Tagline: 警視庁公安部公安第五課未詳事件特別対策係事件簿/Keishichou Kouanbu Kouan Daigoka Mishou Jiken Tokubetsu Taisakugakari Jikenbo
Format: Renzoku
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: TBA
Viewership ratings:
Broadcast network: TBS
Broadcast period: 2010-Oct-08 -
Air time: Friday 22.00
Theme song: THE RICECOOKERS: NAMIno YUKUSAKI
Related TV shows: Keizoku

Synopsis:
Like the original series, "SPEC" will revolve around a pair of police detectives as part of a special division solving difficult cases (Mishou). Touma Saya is a woman with an IQ of 201 and an inability to "read the atmosphere" in social situations. Due to a previous case, her left arm is in a sling. Her partner Sebumi Takeru used to be the star performer of the Metropolitan Police. After some incident however, he was transferred to Mishou. Those two track down offenders with special abilities(SPEC) who managed to get away with their crimes.

Cast:
Toda Erika as Toma Saya
Kase Ryo as Sebumi Takeru
Fukuda Saki as Shimura Misuzu
Shirota Yu as Chii Satoshi
Tanaka Tetsushi as Reizei Toshiaki
Kamiki Ryunosuke as Ninomae Juichi
Shiina Kippei as Tsuda Sukehiro
Ryu Raita as Nonomura Kotaro
Ito Takeshi (伊藤毅) as Shimura Yusaku
Tokui Yuu as Kondo Akio
Yasuda Ken as Unno Ryota
Okada Kohki as Baba Kaoru
Matsuzawa Kazuyuki as Shikaima Ayumu
Sainei Ryuji (載寧龍二) as Inomada Souji
Arimura Kasumi (有村架純) as Masaki Miyabi

Production Credits:
Screenwriter: Nishiogi Yumie
Producer: Ueda Hiroki
Director: Tsutsumi Yukihiko, Imai Natsuki, Kaneko Fuminori
Music: Shibuya Keiichiro (渋谷慶一郎), Gabriel Robert

Official web site:
http://www.tbs.co.jp/spec2010/

First impression:
Unlike the original where the first 2/3rd of the series are pretty much conventional mysteries, ep.1 while still being a mystery, already contains sci-fi/super-natural elements (very similar to some episodes in the 1st season of the Fox show "Fringe", or the non-alien invasion episodes of X-Files). So looks like the producer/writer/director know where they're going this time, unlike the original where they changed directions abruptly in the final third and turned it into a complete mess. IMO the 2 new leads pail in comparison to those in the original (both acting wise and chemistry), and I also prefer the original's theme song and score. Still, ep.1 is quite interesting/intriguing so there's now at least 1 drama I look forward to every week in the new season.

RainSprite · Post by **RainSprite** » Oct 10th, '10, 13:06

This series looks interesting. I must admit that Toda Erika's acting in it though is what draws me too it. Can't wait till it's subbed.

Anyone know who's subbing this series?

furransu · Post by **furransu** » Oct 10th, '10, 14:37

^ sadly none!

RainSprite · Post by **RainSprite** » Oct 10th, '10, 14:44

Well, that's really lame >.<; I hope some group picks it up soon - I'd love to watch it and be able to understand what's going on.

NoraThorn · Post by **NoraThorn** » Oct 10th, '10, 17:43

I haven't watched the original series and expected usual detective dorama so I was quite surprised by super-natural elements. But I think it's refreshing to watch a mystery once in a while, especially after boring real-life doramas.
I liked how weird Toda's character is but sometimes she overacts a little, imho)

saayan · Post by **saayan** » Oct 10th, '10, 20:47

NoraThorn wrote:I haven't watched the original series and expected usual detective dorama so I was quite surprised by super-natural elements. But I think it's refreshing to watch a mystery once in a while, especially after boring real-life doramas.
I liked how weird Toda's character is but sometimes she overacts a little, imho)

Unfortunately, I agree. I like her character but I feel like Toda Erika was miscast. I can't help but to think Kanno Miho or Ueno Juri would have rocked the role a little better.

But besides that, awesome start! Kase Ryo is so bad ass and cool.

tinyamaki · Post by **tinyamaki** » Oct 11th, '10, 11:42

Please sub this series.

Anyway, I think Erika's overacting is part of the script and I'm satisfied. (Just an opinion)
Kase Ryo's really hot here...hahahaha..the first time that I saw him was in Honey and Clover movie and his character is a bit boring for me but in SPEC, he's really cool....hehehe

shinqtaro · Post by **shinqtaro** » Oct 11th, '10, 15:03

I'm also of the opinion that the acting skills required for Toda Erika's character is a bit out of her league here. If you've seen the original, Nakatani Miki's character retained her eccentricity throughout, even after she solved the cases and explained her rationale to everyone, whereas Toda Erika suddenly becomes this super, kick-ass detective when she revealed who the murderer is and how the crime was committed. So her eccentricity feels more like 'acting' weird, as suppose to being really weird. Of course, this being only ep. 1, I hope she can grow and really get into her role. Can't help but think that Ueno Juri will be perfect for this role, although she's probably busy filming next year's taiga.

dpedaci · Post by **dpedaci** » Oct 11th, '10, 15:26

Keizoku was one of my favorite dramas, so I was excited and surprised to see a sequel, but I'm not sure about how it's going to be with an entirely new cast. I hope they are able to retain the strange dark tone of the original series.

Reira_pl · Post by **Reira_pl** » Oct 11th, '10, 22:25

I hope someone will sub it. Please!!

Right now I'm watching first season of the series and it's very good, but it has very different feel. The heroes in first series are rather normal, but have something weird hidden inside, whereas Erika Toda seems like total freak and the guy is like Robocop.

LadyDarkness · Post by **LadyDarkness** » Oct 16th, '10, 17:11

Could some one give me episode summaries for the first two episodes? I love the cast. I wish they show more of Shirota and Kamiki!

noshadow31 · Post by **noshadow31** » Oct 18th, '10, 18:41

I've subbed ep1 which can be found here
http://www.d-addicts.com/forums/viewtop ... 13#1334313

isbes83 · Post by **isbes83** » Oct 19th, '10, 09:25

thank you sooo much for the subs! really appreciate it!

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Oct 19th, '10, 12:33

thanks for the subs, that's super fast too!

About the drama, I'm quite enjoying it so far, I just can't get used to the Chief's lame jokes and weird facial expressions yet. Sometimes I think it's just totally unnecessary. I like Sebumi's character so far, the only 'sane' person in there, too serious but I like him, he strikes a balance to Toma's eccentricity. I'm gonna continue this till the end. I love investigative stories, especially one that involves supernatural or unexplained cases.

About Ueno Juri as Toma, yeah I think she'd be great too, maybe in a different acting style, but since she's busy with Gou, I'm fine with Erika.

dpedaci · Post by **dpedaci** » Oct 19th, '10, 15:37

Thank you for all your hard work on the subs!

Keizoku is one of my favorite dramas and I just watched it again about a year ago. I think Toda Erika is doing fairly well, but it almost seems as though she's trying to imitate Nakatana MIki's portrayal of Shibata and that makes some of her behaviour and mannerisms seem forced. The Chief seems to be playing an accelerated version of himself from the original--which often seems to be the case in Japanese dramas when they do additional seasons, the characters seem to emphasize their qualities from the first season. I'm enjoying it more than I thought I would, I thought I'd have a hard time with someone new playing Shibata.

shioki · Post by **shioki** » Oct 20th, '10, 06:26

I've never watched the original version, but the chief is pretty comical. I don't get his lame jokes too, but it's his face that's funny! Esp in ep 1 when he was testing for poison. Toma and Sebumi as the violent + weirdo pair reminds me of nodame, except that Toma isn't a super weirdo like nodame, and Chiaki also loves to hit nodame.

the case in ep1was

ecco27 · Post by **ecco27** » Oct 20th, '10, 07:25

I'm soooo happy the first episode was subbed because I really like this show so far and there is no way I would have been able to understand it without the subs.

kimutaku144 · Post by **kimutaku144** » Oct 20th, '10, 08:20

I like Toda in here, mangaish as expected. I think if Juri acted as Toma I will remember her as Nodame all the time :p looking forward for more episodes...

bouken_red · Post by **bouken_red** » Oct 20th, '10, 14:27

I felt like I saw yabe kenzo in 05:31 in 1st episode...
but i didn't really sure whether it's him or not.. hahahaha

anggar · Post by **anggar** » Oct 21st, '10, 09:06

bouken_red wrote:I felt like I saw yabe kenzo in 05:31 in 1st episode...
but i didn't really sure whether it's him or not.. hahahaha

yup,, me too...
in police building,, right ???

and I saw so many Lupin III's poster in their [toma-sebumi] office

Lupin III: old movie & anime

ecco27 · Post by **ecco27** » Oct 21st, '10, 15:26

I also saw Kiriyama and Mikazuki from Jikou Keisatsu in the police building

In the Japanese Wikipedia it says that all those rooms in the hallway are from TV Asahi police jdramas haha.

bouken_red · Post by **bouken_red** » Oct 21st, '10, 16:01

hahaha so the ppl before yabe kenzo was kiriyama.. hahaha.. not as curly as odagiri jo back then.. hahaha..
I think they're not really cameo of original actor.. jz sum ppl dress up as them.. =p

saayan · Post by **saayan** » Oct 23rd, '10, 12:16

asdkjdlsa ep 3 was so awesome. **** just got real.
Sebumi is so bad ass. I would totally want a dependable partner like him. lol

I think SPEC is my favorite of the season so far (though I'm loving Nagareboshi too).

chokubi · Post by **chokubi** » Oct 23rd, '10, 17:34

Episode 3 was indeed pretty good. What made it better for me was

Quite amazing that there are already so many layers and characters ambitiously woven into the overarching plot. Can't imagine how it'll all come together at the end.
And judging from what has happened so far,

Love all the quirks from the original series as well as new references being used. Will be following this one to the end.

Kae · Post by **Kae** » Oct 24th, '10, 03:13

noshadow31, thank you for the subs. I love episode 1. I like The Ricecooker's song and the opening credits is really great artwork. For now, while waiting for the subs, I'll content myself with summaries done by shioki et al

noshadow31 · Post by **noshadow31** » Oct 25th, '10, 10:45

Am I missing a lot out of this series by not watching the original series? (and also other Asahi-TV police dramas) T-T

Kae, you're welcome.

chokubi, can I ask you some questions?

dpedaci · Post by **dpedaci** » Oct 25th, '10, 11:20

I don't think you need to have seen the first show to understand the second, but it might give you a little more depth and insight. This website has thorough plot summaries of all the episodes in the first series.

http://www.geocities.ws/keizoku1/Synopsis.html

chokubi · Post by **chokubi** » Oct 25th, '10, 13:24

@noshadow31

Most of the things being brought over from the original series seem to be limited to only the art direction, running gags and anything that has no plot significance.
Like Nonomura's lame jokes actually came about during a stakeout with Kondo (he's the short guy who dropped by with the murder case file in ep2) in the original series.
Even the series format has changed for the most of it, so there's little to no reference from the original to rely on. The TV Asahi corridor thingy is purely an easter egg.

Edit: Shiina's character

xxpinkyzxx · Post by **xxpinkyzxx** » Oct 25th, '10, 16:01

I have just watched this drama up to ep. 3 and I'm loving it so far! Interesting storyline. Really can't wait for ep. 4!

But i think Toda Erika is not really into her character... hope she'll improve in the following episodes =/

isbes83 · Post by **isbes83** » Oct 26th, '10, 04:18

i did not watch the first series but i kinda like erika toda acting, it was very cute and cimical ina way. i really enjoy first episode and patiently waiting for the subs

noshadow31 · Post by **noshadow31** » Oct 26th, '10, 16:59

Thanks for the clarification, chokubi.

dpedaci, thanks for the summary link!

agree with xxpinkyzxx about Toda Erika still not into her character, I can still see her trying to act weird and making ugly faces. Toda Erika does not suit ugly face role. She's too pretty for that and it hurts me to see her doing weird faces. >_<

chokubi · Post by **chokubi** » Oct 26th, '10, 18:24

NP noshadow31,

I'll admit that Toda Erika initially looked like she was overacting a bit, but I'm starting to like what she's doing. (Her facial expression when she went down the elevator with Sebumi (in ep3) was kinda funny IMO.)

yummy_lady · Post by **yummy_lady** » Oct 27th, '10, 06:09

can anyone tell me what english sentence did toda say in ep 1mean please? i couldn't hear it well

noshadow31 · Post by **noshadow31** » Oct 28th, '10, 08:44

@chokubi Guess we have to wait until ep2 subs release for more people to join in. ^^;;

Eiskold · Post by **Eiskold** » Oct 29th, '10, 17:39

yummy_lady wrote:can anyone tell me what english sentence did toda say in ep 1mean please? i couldn't hear it well

what i heard was. 'that's a piece of S**t, we're the motherf**king pigs man"

but yeah... can't unhear it. someone translate the subs for that please.

mopi · Post by **mopi** » Oct 30th, '10, 08:36

I am quite interested in Sebumi's paper bag. for environalment protecting purpose?
which kind of thing would be taken out of it by him in every EP? It's the most interesting thing for me.

Sebumi, this character is totally different from Kase's last casting, Sota in Arifureta Kiseki( 2009 ). What an amusing actor he is.

NoraThorn · Post by **NoraThorn** » Oct 31st, '10, 13:14

Plot is a little bit mangaish but still so interesting! Can't wait to see

2mopi
I also wandered all the time why he uses paper bag

Well, it adds Sebumi's weird charm anyway <3

chokubi · Post by **chokubi** » Oct 31st, '10, 13:49

Think his paper bag is purely to compliment Toma's red travel case.
Speaking of accessories, I'm really intrigued to know what's "hidden" inside Toma's bandaged arm.

ecco27 · Post by **ecco27** » Oct 31st, '10, 19:58

That paper bag, I was wondering if he had it when he was a normal detective too or if it's a new thing for him.

Kae · Post by **Kae** » Nov 1st, '10, 07:07

Well, so far I like this show well enough to watch w/o subs, which I rarely do. I guess the gags and facial expressions help

All the gyoza makes me want one at Shinjuku Ramen everytime I watch an episode.

clakaz · Post by **clakaz** » Nov 29th, '10, 17:27

This is a good surprise. Fun ride until now (chapter 7). It was a little episodic in the beginning but now　everything has being completely taken over by the main story. I like that the Toma character is not thaat random (some past incident can explain in part her eccentric behaviour nowadays).
Its not deep or anything. Its just very good - excelent - entartainment.

xxpinkyzxx · Post by **xxpinkyzxx** » Dec 5th, '10, 10:54

already watched up to ep. 8. A lot of suspense....

noshadow31 · Post by **noshadow31** » Dec 7th, '10, 16:56

those who have seen ep8...

chokubi · Post by **chokubi** » Dec 8th, '10, 13:30

noshadow31 wrote:those who have seen ep8...
Those guys are not EXILE real members right? just wondering

I really like how random it is

Just the first guy, he's one of the dancers, Naoto.

noshadow31 · Post by **noshadow31** » Dec 9th, '10, 16:24

thanks, chokubi

cute cameo role, isn't it?

clakaz · Post by **clakaz** » Dec 9th, '10, 20:59

I think that Nakatani Miki's character from Keizoku I was subtle mentioned in episode 8. Chief Nonomura said that a certain information was provided by a big figure now that was, in the past, his subordinate.

chokubi · Post by **chokubi** » Dec 10th, '10, 17:51

noshadow31 wrote:cute cameo role, isn't it?

The director must've lost a bet with him or someone from the group to do this in-drama promotion for them, lol.

clakaz wrote:I think that Nakatani Miki's character from Keizoku I was subtle mentioned in episode 8. Chief Nonomura said that a certain information was provided by a big figure now that was, in the past, his subordinate.

Yup, he was definitely referring to her.

Instead of Exile, wished she was one who made the cameo appearance. Still keeping my fingers crossed!

l0nEr · Post by **l0nEr** » Dec 12th, '10, 16:29

Omg Omg .. so looking forward to the next episode 10. Is that the last episode?

Momosodapop · Post by **Momosodapop** » Dec 12th, '10, 17:41

l0nEr wrote:Omg Omg .. so looking forward to the next episode 10. Is that the last episode?

Yup, ep 10 is the finale! CAN'T WAIT~

After seeing the latest episode, I'm really hyped up for the last one. It's gonna be great.
Compared the very first ones, these passed few episodes have been much more full of suspense.

For ep 9

noshadow31 · Post by **noshadow31** » Dec 13th, '10, 08:40

Did I miss something?

ep9

l0nEr · Post by **l0nEr** » Dec 13th, '10, 15:08

LadyDarkness · Post by **LadyDarkness** » Dec 13th, '10, 15:45

Can't wait for the last epi. Not like I can really understand what exactly happens until the subs are out though

Momosodapop · Post by **Momosodapop** » Dec 13th, '10, 18:00

Really wish I can watch this show with sub~

xaralind · Post by **xaralind** » Dec 19th, '10, 15:34

episode 10 is the last episode yes? i know this is going to sound a bit stupid, but i've just finished watching and right now and quite confused as to what has actually happened >< especially at the end!

if anyone would recap/explain, that would be awesome

Kae · Post by **Kae** » Dec 19th, '10, 15:50

xaralind wrote:
so who stopped time at the end and reflected the bullets? is ninomae really dead?

Does anybody know if there will be a second season or a movie? It's so open-ended.

How awesome and ridiculous is that teeth scene, huh?

l0nEr · Post by **l0nEr** » Dec 19th, '10, 16:03

Momosodapop · Post by **Momosodapop** » Dec 19th, '10, 16:27

After watching the final episode, I have to say that this drama is so weird and so brilliant at the same time.

The ending is pretty much open-ended though. There are so many things that are left to be discussed. (or may be... too much?)

Regarding the ep 10,

At the very end, after the credit and the gyoza thing, Toma said that there will be no movie! I'm not sure if she was really joking or not.
However, IMO, the whole story isn't completed yet. I feel like I still need more~ haha This show is such a fun ride

mikilove13 · Post by **mikilove13** » Dec 19th, '10, 16:32

shinqtaro · Post by **shinqtaro** » Dec 20th, '10, 02:40

BTW (and I may be reading too much into this), the episodes are numbered based on the 10 heavenly/celestial stems, which is an ancient Chinese cyclic character numeral system.

noshadow31 · Post by **noshadow31** » Dec 20th, '10, 03:49

The last episode is disappointing to me that I start to regret watching this series. it's just so confusing and while it's ok not to explain everything happening in the series, too much of inconclusiveness makes viewers think "well wouldn't it be better not watching at all?"

maybe i'm just too slow for this intelligent(?) drama. A part of it is also because my japanese is not good enough. i'm hesitating whether to rewatch it once the eng subs are all out.

anyone who understands the series, please explain

Eata · Post by **Eata** » Dec 20th, '10, 05:03

Momosodapop wrote: Regarding the ep 10,
If you notice, the ending song has Toma holding paper with names of characters(?). Those names are written in black and red; red represents the one who actually died I think.
The strange thing is that when Ninomae's name showed up the color kept flashing between black and red.

Momosodapop · Post by **Momosodapop** » Dec 20th, '10, 07:27

shinqtaro wrote:BTW (and I may be reading too much into this), the episodes are numbered based on the 10 heavenly/celestial stems, which is an ancient Chinese cyclic character numeral system.
For the finale, instead of using the last Kanji character in the system, they crossed it out and replaced it with another Kanji character which can be interpreted as 'beginning/rise' (as in a new dynasty or era). Also, it ended with the phrase 'praying for a [kanji] episode' in which the kanji character can be interpreted as 'successive'. The 2 characters are the first 2 in a common 4 character Chinese phrase implying 'beginning -> succession > change/twist -> closure'. So the producers may be planning to have one of more SPs (whether TBS greenlights it is another matter).

Wow, so that is what it means. Thank you for pointing that out. I don't think that you are reading too much into it.

Eata wrote:
According to what I saw, Ryouta's name was red, but at the very end, Ninomae's name was black. I'll bet he's still alive. I really hope sequel/movie will be made~~

ecco27 · Post by **ecco27** » Dec 20th, '10, 08:00

I'm really hoping for an SP or movie! It's true the ratings weren't that great but it's a good sign that the finale ratings were the best of all the episodes I think and also imo the ratings for the original Keizoku weren't particularly great either (better than these but dramas in general got better ratings at that time) and it still got a SP and movie. Maybe the DVD sale will be good. It was also available online right? Maybe it got some viewers that way. And I read that in an oricon survey the readers ranked it second after Freeter, that's only a small sample but at least it means people were interested? I'm clinging to hope here

mikilove13 · Post by **mikilove13** » Dec 20th, '10, 08:13

The SPEC's listed in the show.

aprilmoon · Post by **aprilmoon** » Dec 21st, '10, 10:55

Who here thinks Shirota Yuu's character (Chii Satoshi) looks like Aizen?

wishingstar · Post by **wishingstar** » Dec 23rd, '10, 15:04

I think that the last episode is too open ended but I think they're planning for a special! Certainly hope so anyway...

I'm not sure if English Subs have been taken up, but anyway if you wanna look at recaps you can check out this website called thoughtsramble.livejournal.com This person did a recap on just one episode though

rootabega · Post by **rootabega** » Jan 3rd, '11, 08:31

This thread had made me want to watch the whole series now. I quit after the first episode because seeing Toda Erika cast alongside one the best actors in all of Japan, Kase Ryo, was just too painful. It's like casting Winona Ryder next to Laurence Olivier, IMO.
Apparently, Kase's character starts coming into his own as the series progresses. He's allowed to be more than just a foil for the "kooky" character Toda attempts to portray. All well and good.

zebub_blast · Post by **zebub_blast** » Jan 6th, '11, 23:28

There's this community on livejournal called our hour which have subs. Is anyone part of it that can post these. They have up to episode 9 and they declined my request to join. Why aren't they sharing the love.

c3mut · Post by **c3mut** » Jan 8th, '11, 13:23

ydyd123 · Post by **ydyd123** » Jan 12th, '11, 11:44

Opps sorry! cos the series has ended so i unintentionally thought that those who come here will have finished the show.

Momosodapop · Post by **Momosodapop** » Jan 12th, '11, 12:37

^
^
Umm... I think that you should really put a spoiler in your post.

ydyd123 · Post by **ydyd123** » Jan 12th, '11, 13:09

mixedmedia · Post by **mixedmedia** » Feb 13th, '11, 14:08

Thought it was funny when Satori (Mano Erina) told Reizen to sing Hello Project instead of AKB. I also noticed the doctor who likes melons had a Melon Kinen-Bi (disbanded former Hello Project group) 10th anniversary DVD (or at least a picture that looked like the cover) on his desk.

Whats up with Arimura Kasumi (Miyabi) being typecast as a girl who goes out with old men? She had a similar character in Hagane no Onna also.

Who else wanted to eat tons of gyoza after watching the episodes?

The end didn't really explain anything so there'll be a special or something later?[/spoiler]

nikid · Post by **nikid** » Feb 13th, '11, 17:46

mixedmedia wrote: The end didn't really explain anything so there'll be a special or something later?[/spoiler]

well, in the end of last ep (after credits) Touma said she wasnt going to do a movie, so maybe thats some kinda hint, dunno though

arminna · Post by **arminna** » Feb 18th, '11, 22:39

sorry for not continuing the subject but i have no idea where else my question would fit.

i was wondering about the main theme of this awesome series. does anyone have a score for it? i want to play it by myself but without a score for me its impossible.
tried to google it, but i am not a japanese speaker, so couldnt look there... help, anyone?

Asian DramaWiki Forum

[Discussion] Keizoku 2: SPEC

[Discussion] Keizoku 2: SPEC

Keizoku 2:SPEC recaps

Who is online