Ron Kamonohashi's Forbidden Deductions (2023– ) User Reviews

Ron Kamonohashi's Forbidden Deductions

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 3 January 2024]

Totomaru Isshiki is a detective in Tokyo. He hasn't solved any big cases but things are going to change when he meets Ron Kamonohashi. Ron is a great detective; unfortunately he has lost his detective's licence. This is because of an incident, which he can't remember, where a suspect died. Whenever Ron catches a killer be can't help persuading that person to take their own life. An unofficial partnership develops. Over the course of the series they take on a number of cases and we learn more about Ron's past.

I thought this was an enjoyable anime series. The central idea is interesting as are the cases we watch our two protagonists solve. The character designs are good; a more realistic look suits the nature of the show. There are a few cases covered, each lasting a few episodes. It is clearly intended that there will be further seasons; the final episode raised several questions in an epilogue. Overall a solid show that I'd recommend to mystery fans.

These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.

Interesting, but repetitive

[talking_about_movies · 7/10 · 27 December 2023]

This is an interesting story for sure. It just has one of those very common problems. Instead of following the main storyline, the one we're all interested in, it keeps having episodic mysteries where the same thing happens again and again. Nothing changes between the dynamics of these characters. And the mysteries are not that great for me to ignore this flaw.

Nonetheless, it's a fun enough time for me not to drop it. Ron is a fun character. The world building is interesting. And I'm looking forward to seeing what the main plotline holds in the future.

Mainly, who I wasn't fond of was the side character - Totomaru. He's just not good enough honestly. Just being a good person doesn't make a character. He doesn't change across the mysteries. He acts the exact same way again and again. I would've liked to see some sort of strength or resolve from him. Or I would've liked to see him learn from Ron as he solves these cases. Or, if not that, at least improve upon the main purpose he's there for. He accompanies Ron for a reason. Without spoiling, I'll say that he's there to save people from dying. After 3-4 cases he should know that he needs to save this person and try something different as soon as possible. But no, he just keeps standing there. Until whatever's going to happen, starts. And then he'll rush to save the person at the last moment. It's not good character writing.

But anyway, Ron and the now formed villain in the main plotline, are interesting enough for me to look forward to season 2. But this was a mediocre experience.

Breathtakingly gorgeous

[Mysterygeneration · 6/10 · 14 January 2024]

You've heard of the brilliant but eccentric investigator Sherlock Holmes. It's likely that you are familiar with Moriarty the Patriot, the most infamous adversary of Sherlock Holmes who received a fantastic anime adaption a few years back. Ron Kamonohashi, a brilliant but quirky investigator with a sinister talent that led to his being barred from practicing detective work, is now the most famous detective in fiction making a comeback to anime.

The protagonist of these kinds of stories is usually an average person, such as John Watson. In this instance, we have Toto, a low-level detective who handles all the cases Division 1 considers to be unworthy of its time-the organization's "trash bin." It has some similarities to Zootopia. I appreciate Toto's perseverance and optimism in the face of all the obstacles on his path.

Ron possesses Ranpo's skill from Bungou Stray Dogs, which allows him to solve a case as soon as he walks into a room and figure out what happened instantly, much like an ideal detective character. In contrast to a perfect detective, Ron possesses a more subtle, ancillary skill. Not to give too much away, but this is what leads to the title: Ron cannot lawfully conduct detective work because of this ability. Since Ron has to keep his detective job a secret, it's a really interesting contrast that raises the stakes and further develops his character. It also presents an opportunity for Toto's growth, since he needs to gain self-assurance before he can acknowledge and accept credit for Ron's labor.

The OP is entertaining and lighthearted despite this interest and the stakes involved with Blue, the institute searching for Ron. The ED is also breathtakingly gorgeous. The OP and ED are still a part of the anime, even though I realize that many viewers don't find them interesting. It therefore sticks out when it highlights particular themes or concepts that could come as a surprise.

All in all, if you liked the Sherlock Holmes stories and are looking for something like, I suggest this anime. Even though Ron's ability is a mystery beyond the Mystery of the Week, the anime manages to maintain humor and lightheartedness throughout. Toto's hilarious responses to Ron's shenanigans are worth seeing on their own.