Galileo XX (2013)

As a Galileo fan, I've been quite disappointed with the second season (reasons explained in my review over there) but I'm so glad I read Japanese reviews praising this special episode and decided to watch it.

First, the story for this episode is so well written, and the surprising thing is that it's the drama's original story ie. it's not based on Higashino Keigo's novel like other ones! Hats off to the screenwriter on a marvelous story & great characterization.

Above all, watching this episode helped me reconfirm that Shibasaki is not just a pretty face, but is truly a talented actress. Also helped me understand all the more why she's the best match for this drama, and that however Yoshitaka Yuriko might try to do her best playing Kishitani, she will NEVER come anywhere near the quality of Ustumi Kaoru.

best part about the story in this special is not the case itself, because to be honest it can feel like a very common case especially to detective drama fans like myself. The best part was how this episode shaded light on detective Ustumi's struggle to prove herself as a female detective in a society where gender equality is considered impossible; Police department. Above all, showing how Ustumi is not the normal detective Japanese dramas always show who only cares about making an accomplishment and getting recognized for, rather she's an honest and unyielding detective that never gives up before uncovering the whole truth until there's no unclear questions unanswered. This special certainly succeeded in giving Utsumi's character more dimensions and depth than any of the other episodes of the first season.

On a side note The directing and camerawork in this one was given the utmost care it came out worthy of a theater release.

I would definitely recommend this episode to any Galileo fan out there, despite Yukawa sensei not having much role in here.

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