All Kindaichi cases, in my opinion, are repetitive and predictable. The same plot has been used over and over again.
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
The killer have a grudge (a motive to kill). Toward the end, we will feel a sympathy toward either the killer or the victim which latter they found out that the victim has genuine feeling to the killer.
Generally, all fixed characters don't have character development, or I must say... no development at all! (Fixed age, still in high school, forever friendzone, etc). For one who have used to Kindaichi's plot will get tired and bored.
The most prominent characteristic in Kindaichi series is 'murder' theme and Kindaichi will always 'coincidentally' on the scene when the murder acts were done by one (or two) of suspects whom will die one by one. When the murder occured, Kindaichi will always be one of eyewitness and be a detective at the same time. (Of course, Miyuki is a must, because she will 'coincidentally' gives Kindaichi a clue). What makes one case different to others are only characters and murder scheme/tricks (how it's done). This murder tricks are the essence of this series. So, don't search any development here, because there is none, null!
Because of this, I always wonder how high the probability of one person (esp. A high school student) to always involved in murder scene. If this is in another genre (e.g. psychology) manga, he will be branded as a person who will bring bad luck to everyone around him which later will be avoided and bullied by everyone whom know him. Luckily, he's one of a wonder. Never killed, never bullied, women loves him, people like him, only have one enemy! (Ah.. don't remind me about that Akechi guy, an absolute perfect and mary sue type guy).
His nemesis, Takato, is like a filler to me. A filler of all fillers. He's randomly appear and BAM!! gives Kindaichi a game to play then vanished when they're done. At this point, I kinda think that his presence is like a brother (favorite playmate) to Kindaichi rather than nemesis. You know he gives some difficult games that Kindaichi likes, tricky murder. I'm not even sure how or when will this have proper ending. It can be an open ending which in the future can be continued by another mangaka (I will be sad if he's still high school student by then. If this is true, my guess is there will be no development whatsoever in any way). Or either Kindaichi or Takato has tragic ending (die).
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
Wait... I remember. Kindaichi has caught Takato in another manga, not in this one. Well, another question then, was Takato run away again? Or this manga takes place before Takato was caught? If the answer is latter, then it explained why Kindaichi is still high school student
I'm not hating this series, because actually I kind of enjoy it. This series should be read one day = one case. Not continously read all of them. Because, one will distracted by how repetitive the plot is, when the essence is how the crime is done (the trick, or magic like he said).
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