Taking a break from anime (read: most recent post about anime as of this writing), I decided to watch a live-action Japanese show. I opened Viki, and INFLUENCE was one of the shows that greeted me on the landing page.
Honestly, the plot synopsis of INFLUENCE at Viki sucked. It was laid out boringly. However, I still decided to give it a shot, and I am glad I did. Beware that this post may contain spoilers of the show.
My eyes were glued to the screen the whole first episode. It starts with the introduction of a novelist who meets up with a local fan. The fan, Yuri, tells of a story of her, her two friends Satoko and Maho, and their unique relationships. The viewer also learns that the three women are involved in a series of murders and deaths.
The first episode perfectly set up the tone of the series, a drama with a taste of mystery and thriller. The main characters are well defined and stay true to the writing up until the finale. Meanwhile, the supporting characters leave impactful impressions even with shorter screen times.
I personally found the pacing of the whole series good. The main plot and subplots move along at a speed that the viewer won't be overwhelmed, and the structure of the plots are simple arcs. Some twists can be guessed, but the characters' reactions make up for the predictability.
The final murder the three women are entangled in is the strongest plot arc and climax of the series. It became a beautiful case wherein Yuki showcases how much she loves her friends in their unfair world. The three of them committed wrongdoings, which is a fact, but Yuki takes the blame so that her two friends can live the happy lives she wishes them to have.
The final episode satisfyingly ties all the loose ends from the previous episodes. The viewers get to see all the connections crystal-clear and know the women who have grown older.
I strongly recommend INFLUENCE to anyone looking for a Japanese drama. It has everything going for it, and the viewer can enjoy a wonderful, thrilling roller coaster ride of emotions and twists.
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