Fabulous cast, mediocre drama
6 / 10jdoramadotcom · 2011
There's so much acting talent in every episode that Ryoko Hirosue is reduced to under ten minutes in the introductory episode - which as as tense and thrilling as anything you'll find in doramas. Takuya Kimura plays a man whose recent brain injuries spark an interest in novel approaches to crime prevention, and heading the "brain" unit lets him assist in solving crimes unsolved for years. In two episodes, Yukie Nakama shines as a victim of multiple personality disorder - a highlight of the series.
Haruka Ayase, whose proven her skill at comedy and action, falls between the cracks in her lackluster role as Mr. Brain's assistant.
The drama take its inspiration from programs like The Mentalist, but with added production gloss. Ultimately, it comes of as somewhat shallow and even puerile at times, calling upon high-tech graphics to suggest an approach to crime solving that's often preposterous. A major antagonist is never quite brought to justice - which suggests that MR. BRAIN 2 is always a possibility.
Never boring - it's just a waste of top-flight acting talent.