From the writer that brought us the super lame dialogue filled Kaseifu no Mita comes another jdorama about the perfect housekeeper. Kubota Masazumi is a newscaster which means he is someone who does more than read out the news and he has a contracted housekeeper played by Shibasaki Kou who does everything perfectly for him.
WHAT I LIKED
- The concept of the story is interesting with two people with problems in an unusual and symbiotic relationship.
- I loath to say it but Shibasaki Kou does a pretty good job. She pulls off the fake smile well. Hhmm. Maybe its more she's right for this role. I like her monologue at the end of episode 5. I guess her roles should be limited to disturbed characters like her role in One Million Stars.
- Kuroki Hitomi is hilarious as Shibasaki Kou's mom.
- Renbutsu Misako!!! (Once again playing a thankless supporting role but supporting role Renbutsu Misako is better than no Renbutsu Misako.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
- The writer Yukawa Kazuhiko (GTO, Oyaji etc) chose the wrong job for the husband Masazumi and/or the portrayal of it. The husband character serves two purpose. He is one half of the flawed couple making each other's lives work and he is the shining light for Shibasaki Kou's character.
However, as a newscaster, all he see him do is anything but read the news. The writer tries to sell that Masazumi is greatly respected by his colleagues and an inspiration for Renbutso Misako but Masazumi's only concern is spouting empty words and the dorama treats it like its a great thing. Its not like he is the one doing the investigative reporting. Take for example the abused children speech. Am I supposed to feel moved with that phony speech? When Masazumi is at his best, he is supposed to be this shining light but he comes across as self serving spouting his kireigoto nonsense.
- All the episodes run for 51 minutes which is 5 minutes more than usual and that's way too long in terms of pacing.
SUMMARY
The only reason to watch is Shibasaki Kou's character. Besides that, I basically forwarded half the four episodes. If you enjoyed Kaseifu no Mita, Maru Maru Tsuma is the show for you. For me, its got an interesting story but execution is all over the place. Give the script to Sakamoto Yuji and it would be a much better show. Frustratingly interesting in places.