Sho's New Challenge and a Bit of Fangirl Rant
Like everyone else, I'm excited that Sho is starring in his own drama this upcoming season. ANY Arashi member in a drama = WIN and instant success, because well, let's face it, despite whether the story or even acting for that matter is any good, Arashi fangirls will not their beloved idols' efforts be in vain.
Take "Kami no Shizuku" for example. Has any drama had as low ratings as that one did? Consistent weekly ratings below 5%. And yet, it managed to bag how many Nikkan Television awards? Best actor? Best DRAMA? Really, with ratings below 5%?! But KAT-TUN fans did not disappoint and stood behind their beloved Kamenashi, bolstering his ego with awards where ratings did not. I have to admit, though I'm not a huge KAT-TUN fan, I do like Kame, and did attempt to start this drama for his sake. Though I quickly lost interest after half of the first episode. I could see it going in a downward spiral... and spiral down it did. I thought One Pound Gospel was Kame's low (although I loved that drama for the pure ridiculousness of it!) but this definitely takes the cake.
Back to my Sho point. I'm looking forward to seeing him in The Quiz Show 2. We've seen him in light, happy roles that I'm interested to see how he plays a dark, tortured and overall CREEEEEPY character! I think he can pull it off though. I think he'll convey his creepiness through his facial expressions. It'll definitely be interesting to watch, because if he does it well, it'll be brilliant. If he lacks, he'll end up looking psychotic.
WHICH, in fact, the host of the 1st Quiz Show season actually looks. I've started watching the 1st season of The Quiz Show, kind of as a precursor to see what this one will be like. If I could sum it up in one word, it would be BIZARRE. The host spends his time in an asylum, trying to regain his memory when he is not hosting. The producer (who incidentally is Prince Himuro from UtaOnii) always appears complacent, with the occasional chuckle at the contestant's misfortune. A quiz show where people's private lives and sins are exploited publicly? Contestants are broken down slowly, almost painfully, as their misdeeds are brought to light. I'm 2 episodes into it so far, and I wonder if further episodes will shed some more light on to what's actually going on (like why the premise of the show is what it is, and what the stories behind the producer and the host are).
Similarly, I hope they do that with this season of the Quiz Show as well. I'm looking forward to seeing Sho in that light. Ohno pulled it off well in Maou, let's see how Sho does. Though I secretly am hoping for Sho's character to have psychotic episodes.
Oh, and of course, I'm looking forward to Jun's Smile too! Yay for Arashi dramas!