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Title: SCANDAL
Format: Renzoku
Genre: Drama
Episodes: 10
Viewership ratings: 13.0 (Kanto)
Broadcast network: TBS
Broadcast period: 2008-Oct-19 to 2008-Dec-21
Air time: Sunday 21:00
Theme song: LOVE ~winter song~ by Fukuhara Miho

Synopsis

It all started with a wedding as lives of four married women converge. They are from different backgrounds and diverse generations, appearing to be leading blissful lives. But underneath the facade, their days are strewn with betrayal, misery and deceit. The story will follow these ordinary women and uncover what is to them the true meaning behind family, marriage and love.

Main Cast

Production Credits

Screenwriter: Inoue Yumiko
Producers: Shono Jiro, Ueda Hiroki
Directors: Shono Jiro, Takanari Mahoko, Yamamoto Takeyoshi

Review

Plot/Story

It hits the viewer in the beginning that it is a “chick” flick with mainly female leads and casts ranging from actresses from their 20s to 50s. An interesting plot in the first episode, where a supposedly main character goes missing after her wedding night bash with her “girlfriends”, not so close ones at that. A definite hook to keep the viewers peeled for the reason for her disappearance.

As the story unfolds, the other 4 “girlfriend” characters are “brought” either by choice or by life’s many issues to find the truth and as such became closer as confidantes and eventually close friends.

Although the plot and direction is above average, the ending could be a lot stronger. The ending is where the drama fails in my opinion. It just does not wow the viewer to a point of exclamation “what a writing genius!”

Casting

The casting is done fairly well. Suzuki Kyoka is technically the lead and she did a great job of playing her uptight housewife role, she looks excellent at 40 btw. Hasegawa Kyoko is a pleasure to watch, she always brings her A class to the table. Fukiishi Kazue the youngest of the lot, looks great on camera but has a forgetable face and performance, could be a break out role for her although not likely in the short term.

The character who shined out of the whole cast lot is of course Momoi Kaori san, a very poised and experienced actress. A completely different league of her own, extremely impressed with her performance.

What does J think?

An averagely attractive cast when combined do a great job, however the issue with the drama is not the casting but the over plot construction and ending. If you are fans of housewifey family dramas with a twist, this may appeal to you but do be warmed about the lack of climatic ending.

Overall a good job by the main writer (Inoue Yumiko) who has penned <Gift>, <First Kiss> and <Engine> amongst others. I believe this is not her best work in the last couple of years, ganbate ne.

Rating: (Borrow the DVD)

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