Change
Episode 1-6
Probably because I had watched a fair amount of such politics-driven dramas, I guessed right from the start Asakura Keita (KimuTaku) would have to fight against Kanbayashi sensei (goodness, this jiji has an air of evilness, especially when he smirks) and the other old jijis. And also, it was pretty obvious Asakura the dummy to politics will be winning people’s hearts (those who looked down on him) as the drama goes. Nothing very spectacular about this drama, but being a sucker for politics drama I’m watching this pretty faithfully.
Kato Rosa is being pretty much a vase, as Chinese reviewers would refer to those cast that only act pretty and basically contributes nothing much to the plot. She’s pretty cute as the star-struck believer of Asakura the politician, which separates her from Miyama Rika (Fukatsu Eri). Miyama is this know-it-all secretary originally from Kanbayashi sensei’s office, and often belittles Asakura. No surprise again as she gradually thinks better of Asakura as the drama goes on, and oh where does her loyalty lie? *note the tinge of boredom*
The winning supporting cast is nonetheless Abe Hiroshi. This man sure pwns each drama he’s in. Although I can’t shake away the image of Ueda Jiro in Trick whenever he points his finger at KimuTaku. But I digress. I wish he has more screentime though, in Change. Anyway, he pwns because he gives just enough comic relief, yet is equally serious whenever is required of him. Ok, maybe I’m biased. :p
Episode 7
So what’s the meaning of being a politician? Grabbing power whenever you can, or push for reforms and such for the benefit of the country and its citizens? How will Asakura fight back that wily old fox Kanbayashi? This was a 15 minutes longer episode and much as I can pretty much guess how things go, it’s still a pretty well shot episode. Fukatsu Eri did a pretty good job of being caught between two bosses, how she would have told Kanbayashi she would like to continue to be Asakura’s chief secretary if not for Asakura came barging into Kanbayashi’s office then.
Also, I’d like to think the death of Ryosuke the kid would be a pushing factor for Asakura in the remaining three episodes to push for the reforms. Indeed, when one is in the seat of power for too long, they would have forgotten their original ideologies, and could only see fame, power and money, and nothing else.
Episode 8
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