wmineo

To be honest, the first episode of the series is its weakest, but the good news is that Deka Wanko gets stronger with each episode -- all the way through its climax. The cast is all first rate with each member giving a funny and sometimes moving performance without exception. While a few of the broader gags don't play to an American ear, overall about 90% of the jokes land, and the constant reinforcement of the running gags pays off well, too. Tabe Mikako's charming turn as the Gothic-Lotita detective with the superhuman or dog-like, if you prefer, ability to track scents is wonderfully done. The Tokyo location camera work is a huge asset and visits many wards of the city.