Fair Shake Review: Erased

Erased

(Genre: Drama, Mystery)

Sometimes, Miko introduces me to shows that she finds my interest me like they do her. This time, though, it was right before the season was about to begin. Thus I knew that if I was to watch this, the chances of me having to watch this subbed was high. Some stories are worth that change of habit, though and this seemed promising. Since I am also a binge watcher, I stayed clear of the show until the season was near done. That didn't prevent me hearing opinions of some reviewers, so I was happy hearing relatively positive thoughts overall. The premise of traveling back in time to change the future for the better is a tried and true formula, but its approach seemed unique enough to dive in!

The first episode really fleshed out the unique aspect of our main character, Fujinuma Satoru's, time traveling ability he calls "Revival". It's explained as a sort of deja vu phenomenon where he notices something wrong that needs to be fixed from a few minutes ago. The results of saving these people occasionally do some harm to Satoru, but nothing too harmful. Yet by the end of the episode, the event that triggers his most special revival sends him 18 years back to the before the childhood tragedy seemingly connected to who he has to save. What it takes to change the future is what will unfold, and it all must be done in the form of a child.

The twists and turns of this anime kept me hooked and watching each episode. I do believe that you must suspend your belief a bit to immerse yourself into the story, but I do feel that it is decently executed. If you don't mind kids almost having a Detective Conan way of thinking, you will certainly enjoy how each new trial is dealt with. I, for one, loved how all the characters interacted with each other and kept the theme of being there for someone prevalent throughout the show. Plus, I always get a kick out of shows that try to delve a little into how the criminal mind works. I did get some hints of who the true culprit was going to be, but I didn't expect resolution we got. Yet, I certainly have more to say in the more spoiler territory of this review. The video below will contain those thoughts. For those who'd like to see Erased beforehand, I'd advise you come back to watch my spoiler-filled musings on the anime.

Other Erased related videos

Erased Promo Video (What Miko showed me)

Weebing Out Over ERASED (What I heard while waiting to watch it)

ERASED Was Never That Good (Digibro's opposing review)
Glass Reflection Review (Arkada's take on ERASED)
Steins;Gate Promo Video (Another time traveling tale)
Read Monster's Synopsis (Monster is a GREAT Thriller I recommend)