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Title: MR. BRAIN
Format: Renzoku
Genre: Comedy, mystery
Broadcast network: TBS
Broadcast period: 2009-May-23 start
Air time: Saturday 20:00
Theme song: JUMP by Van Halen

Official site

Synopsis

Tsukumo Ryusuke is neuroscientist working for the National Research Institute of Police Science (part of the National Police Agency). He is generally incapable of reading the atmosphere of a situation, but when it comes to science, he is well respected. Whenever something catches his interest, he thoroughly sticks to it and never gives up, chasing down the criminals with certainty. –Tokyograph

Main Cast

Production Credits

Screenwriter: Makita Mitsuharu
Producers: Ishimaru Akihiko, Iyoda Hidenori
Directors: Fukuzawa Katsuo, Hirakawa Yuichiro, Yamamuro Daisuke
Music: Kanno Yugo

Preview

A much anticipated drama this year with TBS and Kimura Takuya with a structure that is similar to Kiina and Galileo with science and crime sleuthing with some comedic elements thrown in. With Kimutaku at the helm and top supporting casts in some episodes with the writer who previously did Trick 1 & 3, this should be a great Spring drama hit.

My rating prediction on average will be about 22.

After 1 Episode

A very entertaining first episode with the transformation of Kimutaku’s character from a Male Host to a Neuroscientist (that mystery has yet to be cleared up). The mystery solving structure on an episodic basis is pretty classic, but the comedic element is more impressive than I thought partly because of Kimutaku’s ability to bring it up a notch in comedic scenes. The supporting cast is good but forgettable, with Ayase Haruka well casted, bringing her “innocent” and clumsy personality on screen, indeed she fills that role very well. Additionally, there seems to be 1 or more side plots that may be revealed at the last couple of episodes, this format is something I prefer in episodic endings, will see how that pans out.

This drama opens up a new science for the lay man, something that most people can relate and definitely learn from. Now I can tell how a person is lying just by looking at them…ahem

Overall so far, a pretty addictive drama with very interesting scientific nuggets one can pick up and learn from. Nice touch, lets hope they keep up the quality.

My rating guess on average still remains.

Review

I will keep future reviews Twitter short

Story/Plot: For this season, Mr. Brain is by far the top few dramas, it edges out Boss IMHO. Great murder mysteries in each episode that ties in with a neurological example. However, the ending comes a little short and was predictable. It did not explain his demise in the first episode, hence I assume Mr. Brain 2 will either be scheduled in 2010 or an upcoming SP will arrive very soon.

Cast: All in all, a good ensemble, most are forgettable, a few standouts, for e.g. the janitor girl, and the female boss. Pretty hard for anyone to outshine Kimutaku or complement him. Ayase Haruka san fits her role well but needs more experience to get to be on a complementary par.

Rating: Overall great ride, addicitive and informative. Kimura Takuya with his long locks is charming and funny. Ending needs a brush up.

JapaneseeDrama Rating: 4/5

To watch online, go here

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