Case File nº221: Kabukicho
Synopsis
In Shinjuku ward's east side lies Kabukichou, a vibrant city of chaos that glows brilliantly with neon lights but also hides unseen darkness. Employed at a university hospital on the west side, John H. Watson is looking for someone who can assist him with an odd case. His search leads him to the Pipe Cat, an underground bar that serves as a meetup venue and job board for some of the best detectives in Shinjuku, the most prominent among them being Sherlock Holmes. Upon finding the bar and meeting the peculiar investigators, John learns that they are pursuing a case involving Jack the Ripper, an infamous serial killer. Due to subsequent events, John ends up driving Sherlock to the crime scene of a murder supposedly carried out by Jack the Ripper. Even though John is only there to enlist Sherlock's help with his case, he witnesses Sherlock brilliantly uncover the truth behind the crime scene. However, he begins to realize that Sherlock is not only a genius detective but also an eccentric character. As John continues to request Sherlock to assist him with his case, he finds himself spiraling into the detective lifestyle of solving cases beyond the minds of ordinary civilians. Through this work, John begins to see the true colors of the chaotic city that is Kabukichou and starts to unravel the unsettling mystery behind his own case. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is polarized. Some appreciate the show's unique take on Sherlock Holmes, quirky characters, and surprising plot twists, while others find it a fragmented mess with inconsistent tone and disappointing characterization. The first half is slow, but some viewers suggest it develops into a deeper, darker story later on.
Strengths
- Unique and quirky characters with surprising depth.
- Twisty plot with unexpected turns and a deeper story than initially perceived.
- Good music and art that fit the atmosphere.
Weaknesses
- Fragmented and messy plot, especially in the second half.
- Inconsistent tone that struggles between comedy, mystery, and drama.
- Dreadful characterization and deviation from the essence of Sherlock Holmes.
- Slow start with uninteresting episodic cases.
- Uneven pacing and boring mysteries in the second half.