Day 18: Favorite Character II

Sometimes the protagonists in female-lead dramas are hapless and lacking in some quality, usually having to do with their inability to attract males. Even if you have a female lead in a drama, I bet you there will be constant insults angled at her lack of a love life. In “BOSS” (Fuji TV / 2009), not so much (thank goodness). We got the fakeout with rumors that she lost her job and had to move to America because of a man, but it was much more serious than just romantic entanglements.

This is a perfect example of a typical detective/cop show. A new team is assembled for a specific reason: an outcast leader, a group of misfits, with odds all against them. As typical as the formula was, Osawa Eriko was the character to win me over.

This show was my introduction to a lot of actors, my favorite of which was Amami Yuki as Osawa Eriko, who is classy/stunning/a glamazon. I loved that she wasn’t phased by people being outwardly disrespectful towards her — all she would do was BE better and demonstrate why she’s excellent. My indefatigable and above-it-all queen ♡♡♡

Osawa also always advocates for Kimoto (played by Toda Erika), which I appreciate even though I don’t actually care that much about Kimoto. She’ll go as far as making Kimoto her bodyguard for certain cases, stressing that she always has her back, and complimenting her work while still pushing her to be better. It was so rewarding to see that it finally paid off by season’s end.

First episode had some Scooby-Doo levels of trickery but I loved that she both fooled AND impressed everyone with her interrogation skills. Osawa is just a woman? Oh, she’ll show you the kind of woman she is. “That was lesson one. See you later.” Bam!

Other Reasons Why Osawa Eriko is ***FLAWLESS:

• She makes my heart go boom when she says stuff like this: “That’s not true. [I’m not] your worst enemy because you’re a woman. I’m your worst enemy because you’re a cowardly criminal. Please remember that.” Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaasssss.
• There’s one thing that makes her heart race… and that’s 2PM (especially Chansung). I feel you, girl.
• Osawa’s relationship with Nodate is also a highlight in the show and in my life (haha). I love watching them go back and forth! He’s her biggest supporter and it’s cute when he pretends not to care! Season 2 kicked it up a notch, and it felt like I was being fed crumbs when I needed the whole sandwich. Gimme!
• Amami Yuki has a fantastic haircape.

Honorable Mention: Oh Hye-won (“Secret Love Affair”, jTBC / 2014), Jang Hye-sung and Seo Do-yeon (“I Hear Your Voice”, SBS / 2013), Himekawa Reiko (“Strawberry Night”, Fuji TV / 2012).