This post brought to you by the fact that Oguri Shun is now a dad! Yay, babies!
Ghost-Seeing Detective Cheo Yong (obvious title is obvious) was a show that I’d been wanting to watch for quite some time. When I did finally watch an episode, it sucked, so I felt like I had to find a replacement. That’s where “BORDER” (TV Asahi / 2014) came in. The premise is similar, with Oguri Shun as an added bonus. Instead of being born with the ability to see the dead, Ishikawa Ango was shot in the head (!) and is able to see/talk to them as a result of having left that bullet in his brain.
I thought BORDER was a perfect example of how to tell a detective story with a fantasy/supernatural twist. Yes, he uses his powers for good, but it’s still “cheating”. How do you begin to explain your leads or miraculous pieces of evidence? And even still, does being able to see the dead ensure victories? When does satisfying that sense of justice go too far? Ultimately Ishikawa gets caught up in the sorrows of others and gosh it was so good. Oguri Shun is surprisingly expressive and that pain/humanity was written all over his face. Those close ups when he was feeling super emotional… #TOOREAL
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(More) Reasons to Watch: Hanazawa Rui all grown up! :’) Also marks the first Oguri Shun drama I’ve watched since 2007, and what a comeback it was. The ending for this show was also bananas, what the fuuuuuuuuuu—very rare in dramas and made the whole journey worth it. I’m actually in the minority and I don’t want a second season, this was perfect.
Honorable Mention: “Gonzo” (TV Asahi / 2008), about a cop battling some serious demons. “Vampire Prosecutor” (OCN / 2011), for teaching me never to judge a drama by its title. That ending was also just…… (lies down) when a procedural mystery does an ending properly I am given LIFE.