THE MILLIONAIRE DETECTIVE: BALANCE UNLIMTED (SEASON 1 ANIME REVIEW)

 This is the first time I've watched an anime and felt like it was an accurate representation of my favorite DC super hero, Batman. Not only did I get a pretty decent story and entertaining series, but I also got a anime version of the dark knight...I'm here for it. Let's jump into it!


Let's start off with the general plot of this series. In this anime we have a detective, Haru, who is currently part of a lower division at his precinct. Haru used to be part of a higher division that took on more dangerous cases, but after having a traumatic moment during a robbery case, he's removed and has been put into a lower rank. One day while trying to work a case within his division he bumps into Division 1 and decides to involve himself in their case. While that's happening he runs into a maniac raging down the road who almost hits him and get's into a crazy accident. A very mysterious, but super well dressed guy steps out of his fancy car and presents himself as a detective who is working in Haru's division. Thus, starting a new partnership and adventure with Haru and our very rich detective, Kambe. 



Honestly, the star of this show is Kambe. Yes, we get Haru and that's typically who we focus on, but Kambe was a pretty interesting and entertaining character. Kambe is super rich, just like Bruce Wayne, and uses his money for good...just like Bruce...and he's kind of a dick...just like Bruce if you're part of the Bat Family or Justice League. Kambe's character is literally Bruce/Batman except he's always batman. He's doesn't have two identities like Bruce Wayne does. Everything he does, says, and how his mannerism is very close to our not so friendly but very rich dark knight. He's mysterious, serious, and constantly working because he has a heavy perspective on justice. He has a massive high tech hideout with a Butler, an Oracle, and both his parents passed away.....Like come on... THAT BRUCE WAYNE



I enjoyed Haru as a character, but I think his progression was...generic. I've seen this type of story a lot. Character goes through something traumatic, wants to still be part of what was left behind, but can't move forward because of that experience holding them back. It's been done in a lot of anime, movies, and all sorts of series. It wasn't anything new for me so I found myself not caring that much for the moment where he does overcome that obstacle. I think if it had been done in a more interesting and creative way, I probably would've cared more. However, I enjoyed his comedic timing and his ability to say what the viewer is thinking. There are times where you and Haru are both on the same page and questioning the same thing. Like "are we really about to do that right now?". It's a great way to stay connected with the show. Haru is a likeable character, but he's not memorable and super interesting. He felt like more of a support character for Kambe, but is treated as the main character. That makes sense because he's just as important as Kambe, but he doesn't entirely feel that way because of how he's written.



Kambe and Haru are an interesting duo. They do things in very opposite ways and their sense of justice typically lead to the same result, but how their execution is very different. Kambe believes in using his money to solve the problem. For example, Kambe uses money as part of his interrogation. He would much rather pay you to answer his questions if that means he's gonna get the result he wants. Haru would rather do the good cop bad cop and get the answers out of the person he's interrogating that way. He doesn't believe money can fix everything and thinks it shouldn't be used to fix every problem. Haru is the moral scale in their partnership while Kambe just does whatever he needs to do to get the job done. By the end of the series, you do feel the growth and connection they have with each other. The bond of their partnership has strengthen and it's great to see that chemistry when things really go down. I will have to point out that the ending of the series does feel like The Dark Knight Rises with Bruce and John (who picks up the name Robin later on). A lot of this series felt like it was from The Dark Knight or The Dark Knight Rises. Something to pay attention to. 



I do have a few gripes with the series as a whole. First being that it felt a little slow even when there was a lot going on. I think because this series wasn't anything brand new in story, I felt like not a lot was happening even though there was a lot happening, if that makes any sense. Case's felt like they took awhile, but that's probably because I pretty much knew what the end result would be. A lot of the show is pretty predictable, especially the plot twist. You can see it coming from the very beginning and that kind of takes you out of the show. Also, I felt the twist itself was a little confusing and rushed. I felt like the writers were kinda lazy about it. It doesn't have as much impact as it should. The series is only 11 episodes, but I feel like with one or two more it would've really helped with adding that impact and not feeling weirdly rushed.



Was this my favorite series in the world? Not really. However, it was still fun to watch! I think this is one of those series you watch when you have time or wanna just see what it's about. I honestly found myself watching more so for Kambe and I think you will too. It's not one that I plan on re-watching, but I'm glad I got to experience it! Have you seen The Millionaire Detective? What are your thoughts? Let me know down below! Thanks for stopping by. Peace!

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