Review: 'Inheritance Detective'

A genre of television that is wildly popular in Asia but much less so in America is the "traditional procedural, but with over-stylized humor and acting." Psych might be the closest equivalent we've seen here, although Elsbeth also has some elements of that hyper-stylized approach to storytelling.

It's a format I quite enjoy, although I realize it's not for everyone. But if you're willing to take a chance and watch something a bit out of your comfort zone, Inheritance Detective is a charmingly offbeat Japanese series that nicely balances its quirky tone with some genuinely unpredictable mysteries.

The series is a live-action adaptation of the manga Sozoku Tantei by Nishiogi Yumie, who has also written the television adaptation of the manga. It airs weekly in Japan on Nippon TV, with new episodes premiering Saturdays on Netflix in most of the rest of the world.

Haie Nao (Akaso Eiji, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead) is a young, dapper ex-lawyer who runs the Haie Inheritance Investigation Bureau, which focuses on cases involving contested wills, disputed assets, and long-lost heirs. He was expelled from the bar for reasons that aren't initially clear, but he retains his sharp legal skills and uses that knowledge of the law to wade through complex legal challenges for his clients. All while crunching on plain coffee beans in an effort to focus his mind.

Nao is joined at the Bureau by the long-suffering Mitomi Reiko (Sakurada Hiyori), who tries to keep the business afloat while also inserting herself into every case in order to stay motivated. Tomonaga Hideki (Yamoto Yuma) is the gamer/in-house tech wizard, who also serves as the show's grumpy side kick.



In the first episode, a famous author does leaving only a video will, which isn't legally binding. His estate is being fought over by his manipulative ex-wife and three daughters who saw him primarily as a walking ATM machine. There is some evidence he wanted to leave at least part of his estate to the only person who cared for him in his latter years - a devoted housekeeper. Of course, proving that will require Nao to use some Perry Mason-level legal wrangling. While not actually performing any legal duties that might get him in trouble with the bar.

In episode two, the team takes on the case of a young girl whose estranged father might have been murdered by a black widow serial killer. Of course, there turns out to be much more going on then simply the possibility of solving the perfect murder.

Inheritance Detective is a breezy, fun drama to watch and while the very aggressive acting style at times can bring me out of the moment, it doesn't last long. Akaso Eiji is incredibly charismatic in the lead role and it's easy to see why people in need come to him despite his challenging personal style and unique approach to interpersonal relationships.

Episode four just dropped on Saturday, but based on what I've seen so far, this is a great choice for viewers who enjoy global television and love themselves a quirky detective.