Orthros no Inu ad at Tokyo Metro Ginza Station
If TBS Friday drama Orthros no Inu (Orthros’ Dog) signaled Hideaki Takizawa’s return to weekly dramas since the epic Yoshitsune that aired in 2005, then fans might have to wait a little longer for him to actually show the acting prowess he was known for in his youth. Takizawa, better known as Takki, rose to popularity after early roles in News no Onna and Majo no Jouken struck the chords of teen hearts everywhere. In 2005, he became the youngest person to lead a period drama, Yoshitsune, until Aoi Miyazaki broke his record last year with Atsu-hime. Since Yoshitsune, Takizawa has busied himself starring in drama specials and stage plays. This is a long-awaited drama for his fans.
This series is about two men who have been gifted with opposing powers, and their fated meeting that spirals into catastrophic events. Takizawa plays Shinji Ryuzaki, a death row inmate who possesses the ability to heal any wounds and illnesses. Although having the power to heal others, he is a dark introvert, who likes to manipulate and coerce others to bend to his will. Ryuzaki is in prison for killing three men and showing no remorse for his actions. Opposite him is Ryosuke Aoi (Nishikido Ryo), a kind teacher afflicted with the gift of killing anyone with a single touch if he intended it. Despite his ability, Aoi chooses to not use his powers for personal gain, yet a single meeting with Ryuzaki has propelled him to use his power, adding on to his guilt. Orthros no Inu raises philosophical questions regarding the nature of goodness with these two characters. Would Ryuzaki be called good because he brings positive consequences, in spite of malicious intent? Or not? Is Aoi an evil man because he can kill with a single touch? The audience has to wait and see.
Orthros no Inu, described as a “speed mystery” by TBS and Warner Bros. Japan, have yet to meet the hype regardless of Takizawa’s casting. After watching three episodes, the show is not speedy at all, although mysteries do abound. The set-up is very slow and even dragging at parts. We have yet to gain insight to the motivations of some of the minor characters. Watching the show leaves the viewer a little unfulfilled because instead of an unfolding the plot, it (the plot) is caught in a mire of confusion and more mystery. I suppose the small build-up will eventually lead to a fast denouement with everyone in jail or worse dead.
Despite the molasses thick plot, the writing is not awful and the cast capable. Takizawa may not be at his finest in this drama, but he is convincing enough as a devil’s advocate of sorts. Nishikido, as usual, shows that he is constantly improving and evolving as an actor with the roles that he chooses. He may not be a chameleon-like actor but his portrayal of sincere and conflicted teacher Aoi endears audiences to his plight. Leading the supporting cast is personal favorite, Asami Mizukawa, whose portrayal of Detective Nagisa Hasebe makes this drama worth watching.
Orthros no Inu airs on Fridays at 10:00 PM on TBS.
Get the episodes from D-addicts.
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