This episode lost all of the uniqness of the previous one and a lot of the charm, although it feels significantly more like a traditional HBO/Max series. But...big but, Ken Watanabe plays a more substantial role, which is definitely welcome. As does Rachel Keller who is also excellent. Even with the more traditional pacing and tone I still I still enjoyed this episode.
5 Reviews
A more comfortable watch, relationships develop
bosporan7 April 2022
Possibly familiarity, but it feels less of a subtitle tsunami than episode 1 and consequently offering dynamic dialogue. Jake tries to link with the police (personified admirably by Ken Watanabe) but his status as 'Gaijin' is reiterated through his gullibility. Jake turns this around at the restaurant and perhaps begins to gain a foothold of respect.
We also learn that exposition through typing with subtitles is not entertaining!
We also learn that exposition through typing with subtitles is not entertaining!
Slightly easier to follow, still very absorbing.
Sleepin_Dragon21 August 2023
Jake feels on top of the world when he finally manages to get an article published, his joy is short lived however, when he is humiliated in front of the staff, for making an error about a thief.
Episode one was exceptional, very atmospheric, but deep and intriguing, this second episode was good, but perhaps didn't have quite the same level of intensity, I'd still say it's very absorbing drama however.
It's definitely an exploration of the darker, more seedy side of Tokyo. I'm fascinated by the gangland warfare, even if I don't fully understand the ins and outs of what's happening, I'm sure it will all come together as it progresses.
The acting, is genuinely hard to fault, everyone is delivering, I can't highlight a single performance, they're all nailing it.
7/10.
Episode one was exceptional, very atmospheric, but deep and intriguing, this second episode was good, but perhaps didn't have quite the same level of intensity, I'd still say it's very absorbing drama however.
It's definitely an exploration of the darker, more seedy side of Tokyo. I'm fascinated by the gangland warfare, even if I don't fully understand the ins and outs of what's happening, I'm sure it will all come together as it progresses.
The acting, is genuinely hard to fault, everyone is delivering, I can't highlight a single performance, they're all nailing it.
7/10.
Kishi Kaisei
Prismark1013 December 2022
Michael Mann's intensity and stylishness is missing in the second episode as he does not direct it. It does start off in a lighthearted manner.
Jake Adelstein is being chased by a man with a knife and he runs to the cop for help. Only for Jake to be accused of taking a woman's underwear. He is investigating a panty thief.
After that, Tokyo Vice develops several plot threads. Jake investigating the stabbing of a low end gang member who borrowed money and his interest increased after missing a payment.
Jake also wants to develop a relationship with Samantha and the moody criminals that frequent the club she is a hostess at.
At the newspaper, Jake finds himself struggling after not doing well with the panty thief. Maybe Jake is not cut out to be a crime reporter in Tokyo.
There is some light to the darkness here but for many of the characters, menace is in every corner.
Jake Adelstein is being chased by a man with a knife and he runs to the cop for help. Only for Jake to be accused of taking a woman's underwear. He is investigating a panty thief.
After that, Tokyo Vice develops several plot threads. Jake investigating the stabbing of a low end gang member who borrowed money and his interest increased after missing a payment.
Jake also wants to develop a relationship with Samantha and the moody criminals that frequent the club she is a hostess at.
At the newspaper, Jake finds himself struggling after not doing well with the panty thief. Maybe Jake is not cut out to be a crime reporter in Tokyo.
There is some light to the darkness here but for many of the characters, menace is in every corner.
A Dark Look At Japanese Society
douglasmcbroom8 April 2022
Not as good as the premier episode owing to the fact that Michael Mann's directorial style is missing. As I wrote of the first episode, I am not a fan of Ansel Elgort, but he is what he is and I'll have to accept that if I stay on board.
Also, as I indicated in my previous review, I was surprised at the aggressive, rude and racist portrayal of the Japanese, but in this episode add the corruption of the police in a society known for honor.
Also, as I indicated in my previous review, I was surprised at the aggressive, rude and racist portrayal of the Japanese, but in this episode add the corruption of the police in a society known for honor.
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