Smoking

There's a lot wrong with this show, there's plenty of plot holes but the charm, characters and relationships they have more than make up for it.

If you seek an intelligent but humble television series that takes you into a fictional world you've probably never explored: and, becomes more satisfying, interesting, entertaining, complex, and compassionate with each episode-then give the Japanese television series "Smoking" a try and you'll likely become addicted.

The writers throw you into the deep end of the blood-filled Yakuza pool before you really know what's happening: and, initially the warm blood repulses, disorients, and demands your focus.

But, your tolerance for fake blood, and your patience, proves rewarding when some revealing character development (in the form of back-story) starts weaving into the current events, driving the briskly-paced 28 minute episodes.

Initially Smoking seems predictable: but, by the second hour, the main characters' individual (back) stories begin to balance the scale with some unpredictability, heart-felt emotions, and writing that eventually challenges the actors enough to demonstrate why they landed the lead rolls.

Like fine cigars, fine whiskey, and fine wine, time reveals complexity, nuance, pedigree, quality, craftsmanship and the rewards for your patience - much like the Japanese TV series Smoking.

I started watching it on Netflix as a joke with no high hopes for it, thinking it would be ultra cheesy! By the time I knew it I'd already watched 6 episodes. The acting is a bit naff in places but I enjoyed the whole thing! The story was great and easy to follow, plus the whole series is filled with gore and the episodes are a good length to keep you entertained without getting bored halfway through. I'm sad that it's ended and I'm already wishing for season 2!! :)

Superb show that kept me hooked the whole way through. Short snappy episodes that cut to the chase. Fingers crossed for a second season!

The shows composes itself the same way from start to end. It's simple. Bad people who do bad things to others deserve bad things happening to them - That's the motto throughout the series. The characters are unique and very fun loving and have a great synergy between them all throughout the series. It takes you on an exciting ride with lots of emotions from start to end especially the end where the more you discover the more you relate to the characters. The characters have really done their parts well. Too bad, its not getting renewed for a new season. 9/10 would recommend for a one time watch.