kizoku tantei
There are some occasions where being a fan gives you a more critical view of a person's acting because you've seen their public persona on variety programs too many times. This is true for Kame, and it is true for Aiba-chan.
When people mention "kizoku" (aristocrat) in Arashi, I'm thinking of either MatsuJun who can flawlessly pull off arrogance and aggression while still managing likeable, or Sho, who's at least got the educated bearing to pull it off. Aiba's acting isn't the problem per se, but he's not projecting enough hubris and uncaring into a character that needs it.
That aside, there's many problems with the show. The first episode is 65 minutes, which is about 25 minutes too long for the amount of plot that happens. The pace is slow, there's not enough tension for a mystery thriller, the actors are doing their best with what they've got but there's too many cringeworthy exaggerated moments that exists just for the sake of loose comedy or glorifying the main character.
I've never been a fan of Takei Emi and this drama won't change my impression of her. The side characters are the best part about this though they're really not stepping out of their comfort zone. Namase Katsuhisa does his usual hilarious schtick as a one-step-behind-everyone-else policeman. Matsushige and Takito put in memorable appearances as a butler and chauffeur but have a very limited role.
Ultimately, it's a wasteful exercise by Fuji TV to revive the Gekku slot, where they should have spent more money on the script and production (as impressively adorned the tent is, the entire episode took place inside about 5 or 6 sets with almost no outdoor scenes). As likeable as Aiba-chan is, he doesn't quite have the charisma to carry a role that depends more on charisma than characterisation, and Takei Emi manages to be less annoying than usual but still forgettably bland. The rest of the very capable cast is short-changed by the scattered script.
First episode rating: 11.8% - better than last season by far, but not what the once golden slot should be capable of. And, to be fair, I think the ratings accurately reflect the quality of the script.
