House of the Owl

The first few episodes are undoubtedly exposition heavy, which may put off some viewers. With four separate storylines to establish, the show spreads itself a little thin.

However, I do not wish for this to discourage those interested in watching "House of the Owl". Beyond its initial character introductions, the family dynamics are well-crafted and offer plenty of engaging moments.

As the story gradually unfolds, there is a significant increase in quality on almost all fronts. The final few episodes contain some of the strongest, most passionate acting performances paired with an abundance of exciting plot developments. In particular, the Ryutaro/Sarah narrative goes from being one of the weaker side stories to a genuine highlight of the show.

The season ends on a high note, striking a solid balance between delivering a satisfying conclusion and keeping plenty of doors open for a potential second season.

At its best, "House of the Owl" is an ambitious series that is not afraid to discuss sensitive topics and challenge viewers' beliefs. The writing, cinematography, and acting styles are a breath of fresh air, and I would like to see these qualities set a new standard for Japanese TV dramas.