You're Under Arrest

One of the hardest things to write is a review for a show that's so short that nothing of any importance happens. Now that I've said that, let me say that the first episode of You're Under Arrest is actually pretty entertaining. The episode splits into three parts, virtually...the first section of the episode is a high-speed chase between Natsumi, a new cop late for her first day at work, and Miyuki, who is right on her heels. The middle section deals with their reaction when they find out that they're going to be partners! Finally, they get into yet another high-speed chase trying to track down a "mad bomber" known as The Fox. There's virtually no time for character development, but I suppose there isn't supposed to be...it's just madcap, fast fun. At only 25 minutes, it barely starts before it finishes. Having established who the main players are, we can only hope that future episodes will expand on them and make them more than the caricatures they are now.

You're Under Arrest: Episode 1 -- nothing objectionable, save for mild violence -- B

Considering my reaction to the first episode of this series--cute and entertaining, but not nearly long enough--I was hoping that the continuation of the series would not disappoint. Thankfully, I was right. The second episode blends an enjoyable plot with character development otherwise ignored in the first episode.

Our two heroes, Natsumi and Miyuki, stop by a local school to talk with the kids there about an upcoming typhoon about to hit the area. They're worried about their "mascot," a cat that appears about to have kittens. While standing on the sidewalk, a crazed car nearly takes out the group. The kids are pushed out of the way just in time, and a motorcycle cop recognizes the driver. It turns out that this guy goes a little nuts and takes over the roads during severe storms, and there's a score to settle with the police. Not to mention that the motorcycle cop's got a thing for one of our officers, who is determined to get that cat taken care of before the typhoon takes out all the power in the city.

Although it sounds a little dopey on paper, it is a great episode. The plot lines mentioned blend together well, and the hint of romance and humor is appreciated. This series will play well on DVD when all of the episodes can be played together and seen as a group. There's a television show in Japan; hopefully, it will make its way over here too. As it stands, I probably won't see any more of the series until it makes a DVD debut, but I'm looking forward to that.

You're Under Arrest: Episode 2 -- nothing objectionable, save for mild violence -- A-