KADO: The Right Answer
Synopsis
Cool-headed and rational, Koujirou Shindou is a government official and master negotiator with a well-earned reputation. While departing on a business trip, a giant cube materializes and his plane is taken undamaged into the mysterious, indestructible structure. As Japanese authorities attempt to identify the cube's properties and origins, Shindou encounters an otherworldly entity known as Yaha-kui zaShunina, who materializes in the form of a human man. He assures Shindou that the passengers are not in any danger and requests help in negotiations with the human world. Hailing from a higher dimensional universe known as Novo, Yaha-kui zaShunina is able to transfer information between Novo and Shindou's universe through a cube called Kado. Despite having these unfathomable abilities, he does not appear hostile. Instead, he announces that he has come to this world with only one intention: to "advance" humanity—starting with Japan. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Initial intrigue and strong premise were betrayed by a disappointing second half and ending. Many viewers felt the show devolved into a generic romance/drama, squandering its potential for mature sci-fi exploration. While some praised the art, music, and realistic depiction of diplomatic interactions, the overwhelming sentiment is one of disappointment and unrealized potential.
Strengths
- Intriguing premise with exploration of complex topics like ethics and technological advancement.
- Realistic portrayal of humanity's response to first contact.
- High-quality art and music, particularly the blend of 2D/3D animation and the score's enhancement of key moments.
Weaknesses
- Poor ending that betrays the initial setup with forced romance and deux ex machina.
- Unexplored potential of its premise, only scratching the surface of the effects of new technologies on humanity.
- Inconsistent character development with 1-dimensional characters and nonsensical dynamics.