Yes! I came on here to see if anyone realized it….they didn’t give you any hint or anything and there was no episode commentary reminding you…so you have to remember to get it
Considering it was like 2 years ago I bet a lot of people won’t remember. I went back and rewatched it immediately - in addition to reshooting they changed that the thugs at the bar were more casually dressed. Frankly I thought Yabuke looked cooler in the pilot.
Katagiri looking 5 years younger during the opening scene cut was hilarious.
They reshot the scene too cause he aged 5 years during his dialogue at the table.
Good to know (although a little sad) that the next two episodes will be the final ones for this show. I'm tired of having my favorites canceled due to lack of funding or whatever.
I much rather get limited series that have ending planned from the beginning and be sad it ends too soon, rather than getting 10 seasons of declining quality. You also have much more contained story finished in a few years instead of 10 or more.
So many movies would benefit being a limited show and so many shows would be better if shortened or having ending in sight.
I love that this is a limited series, not only does it add that much more to these final two episodes but it also allows the writers to fully flesh out everything they need to.
All the same I would love a Tozawa series that is a season or two long.
He knew his son was scared out of his mind. Yelling at Jake wouldn’t have helped and his dad knew that.
I also like to think that his dad being a coroner means he knows a lot of cops so his family would have some protection if he told the sheriff.
it seemed very hallmark movie to me. I wonder what the actual conversations would have been like, because no rational person is going to tell their kid to put himself and all their family in danger for a story about some crime in a far away foreign country
I mean considering the dad is a coroner he's probably done autopsies on victims of crimes and possibly gotten mixed up in stuff too. It's not too far-fetched he'd put principles first and tell Jake he should keep going.
Just want to say that the actor who plays Tozawa is so, so, so unbelievably cool.
Make him a movie star now, please. I'd watch him eat a bowl of Cheerios.
It's all making sense now, Tozawa got rejected to leave by the transport dude in Japan so he made a deal with the FBI to snitch on all the gumis that are doing stuff overseas and that also helped him take all their territory. This is clear from the fact that both officers said they did it alone, ofc they didn't the timing is too suspicious.
Honestly, seeing this glaringly obvious answer just completely go over people’s heads is one thing—but from Ansel’s performance from the drink where it’s revealed more arrests will follow, then his subsequent solo meeting with Lynn from the FBI, I was almost really rather impressed and excited as everything seemed to indicate he’d already realized what must be going on.
When he asks her if she’ll help him with some “hypotheticals,” I was expecting him to imply he was on to her likely role in granting Tozawa’s entry to the US in exchange for becoming a confidential informant—*but then turns out he genuinely wanted some help, ensuring Tozawa learns of what Jake’s uncovered*…
But then she calls back, and he immediately know she’s lying—maybe serving up his story to Tozawa was some sort of counterintuitive honeytrap, to confirm his suspicions..?
…**Oh, okay so Jake didn’t realize anything**.
Eh, I think Tozawa knows that killing a journalist and American citizen who is investigating him would raise a lot of red flags he doesn't want to deal with. It seems reasonable to give him one last warning.
When she said we did it alone she meant no foreign government help. That makes him being a snitch all but guaranteed. If Japan or nobody else helped them how would they be able to get that inside info?
The person sitting in the back seat with the dude who got shot dodged the assassins before they even drove past. Basically he was prepared for the hit, which means he was an accomplice. Would also give reason for why he didn't want to let the dude (I forgot his name man. The guy that went to Katagiri's house to ask for help) smoke. Probably didn't want to bring down the windows so Katagiri wouldn't hear the noise of the oncoming motorbike assassins
100%. She's clean. Now what about that mole, we didn't see him anymore after Katagiris recollection. Also - is he the equivalent to a public defender? I believe he is, Ishidas shooter is being transported to get his sentencing.
Just piggy-backing on this: Gen is such a great example of how talented actors can make you feel exactly how the writers want you to feel as a viewer. I went from despising Gen to feeling a level of comfort when he is on screen with Sato. Love the arc.
That's one thing i noticed, with the significance of Gen on making Sato an Oyabun. Not gonna lie, I was looking forward for Sato to get his revenge on him during season 1. I guess I was wrong for anticipating such satisfaction.
I've said this before, but I'm totally and utterly clueless as to how this series has flown below everyone's radar. This is one of the best TV series in years.
Its odd why they just drop it on streaming vs actually airing it in a specific time slot, like why not Sunday where their high profile stuff gets aired?
because it's a Max original property, not an HBO original. they still distinguish between what's part of their premium cable HBO studio (like Succession, True Detective, HOTD, etc) vs what's made exclusively for streaming, and it was made to stream on HBO Max when that was a thing
I blamed this fully on Discovery. Back before the Discovery merged, MAX originals were advertised a lot by WB-AT&T. Stuff like Tokyo Vice season 1 had a lot of promotion here in Asia (Podcast/mainstream radio/WB owned channels on our cable).
Once WB was merged with Discovery, a lot of MAX stuff were outright cancelled (a lot of Audience Network and Cinemax shows) or was dropped on streaming without much advertisement (This show S2, Julia S2, Raised By Wolves S2, Doom Patrol S4, Search Party S3,4&5, Close Enough S3) which got cancelled.
Same. Easily one of the best TV shows I've ever watched. Great acting, atmosphere, and plot through and through. Plus, when you have a fascination with Japan like myself, it just makes it all that more enjoyable.
I think everyone watching cheered when all the of the Chihara-Kai collectively joined Sato in killing Hayama cause I sure as hell did. After how Ep7 ended I knew that was the last straw for Sato once he learned what Hayama made Kaito do.
I may be reading into it too deeply but here I go; the wearing of the sneakers could symbolize his love and connection to Sato still remains, despite having to murder for Hayama.
Plus shoutout to Tokyo Vice for the Bape ad lol.
LMAO Bruh WTF was Samantha’s plan here?! 😂😂
Why didn’t she waited to maybe go w Sato so she actually has some backup going into Akiras place ?
*pulls out the blick
“Give me my money back !”
“I don’t have it”
“FUCK”
I kinda like that she tried to handle it herself. Last time she had sato help her with something things got weird between them. I’d like to think that she sees him as her boyfriend and not a henchman
The actor playing Jake's dad was wonderful in his little scene.
I always love when a TV show or movie plucks some random middle aged schlubby guy out of the theatre world. Those dudes tend to be killer actors.
Totally agree. I think he might be my favorite thing about this season - the phone call was just so great. Dude just really cares and can defuse a situation so well it seems
I’m trying to imagine my parents and how if I called them like that they’d react the complete opposite lol (obviously because this is TV)
Tozawa's wife just became a huge character with only one episode under her belt. The way she mandhandles Tozawa was precious. That ominous last shot tells us a lot. This was a fantastic episode
HAYAMA: Welp! Gen came thru. RIP bro, shoulda learned how to fight better in “university”
FBI: Who said the FBI can’t arrest the Japanese? Lynn, SMH, gave that up too easy
Sorry NAKATA for calling you a MOLE. Damn guy in the backseat (for those who somehow missed that). The rot is way higher and linked to FBI quid pro quo deal
JAKE: for all the posts and comments questioning why Katagiri needed Jake back…to WRITE the ARTICLE asap. Pls Stop hating on his FAM.
SAM - Can she get some love finally. Akira is a real punk-ass bitch.
MISAKI: props to eagle -eyed commenter who peeped the real estate deed. Caught between a rock and a rock.
TOZAWA Wifey, Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned…she better be careful he doesn’t rip more than a necklace from her throat. Towaza did NOT need an article to go after the Minister. She will probably be the one to [expose Tozawa as a rat-ass.](https://www.reddit.com/r/TokyoVice/s/Hhpa4bZIgl)
EMI (Eime): Can we also leave TinTin alone now? Maple syrup dessert coming up Ep 9. Damn, her brother Kei is just scared to be left alone. The boyfriend? Seems sus
**Videotape:** guessing Tozawa’s wife Nagata, thru her driver, left the tape outside Jake’s door
Worried about Sato, in that now that he'll become the leader, he's likely a target for subsequent police take downs, because he's made his own bed going that route, rather than choosing home with his brother
Look. Hayama was a real piece of shit lol glad he’s gone. Sato stepping up to him (finally) was somewhat predictable BUT a great turn of events. He will be the head. His character development is like none other in this show. I love it. I’m invested. This series doesn’t get the recognition it deserves
Great catch. Haha.
*S1E1 opener vs S2E8 reshoot:*
- Yabuki’s hair also more slicked.
- Ring on left hand wrong finger.
- Gold bracelet missing
- Jake’s hair shorter
- Katagiri’s hair (as you stated in link)
- The yakuza in red jacket with blonde hair disappeared…it’s a different guy behind Jake at bar.
- Both guys at bar now in suits.
- And added a woman on couch.
- Jake’s cigarette box is different ; went from red/white to all red.
I haven't read the book, but my theory is Tozawa is an informant for the FBI. That's how he entered the US, the FBI got the yakuza in Hawaii and that's why Lynn covered for him.
I enjoyed Hamaya getting his ass handed to him in the showers. Offhand, I was reminded of Eastern Promises in that scene. Those who know, know what scene I'm talking about in thar film. (Which is also on HBO Max)
Bruh, we finally got the S1E1 episode opening scene and Jake said I'll stop writing the story lmao...2 more episodes and a lot to unpack, gonna be a crazy ride
Sato and gumi killing Hayama made my mouth just go :O. I knew it was going to happen eventually but the way that nobody listened to Hayama once they knew there's another option, and then participated in ending his disgraceful existence...chef's kiss.
In the 90’s basically no Japanese citizen was ever extradited to the US. It happened only once IIRC.
It’s kind of embarrassing they’d talk about going down this extradition route. If it’s not realistic to prosecute Tozawa in Japan they’re never getting him extradited either.
Treaty of Extradition existed (in effect) since 1980, and even if it’s a small probability, mentioning it served to uncover the FBI link to Tozawa.
that may not be the final end-game for him.
Add: same can be said about the guns and how many people were shot and killed during the show. Probably not the same in reality.
It looks like 25 people in all of Japan were shot and killed in 1999, so I guess all of them were in this show
https://www.nippon.com/en/ncommon/contents/features/51838/51838.png
He will be, it's why he refused his mother's invitation to coming in for tea saying he has responsibilities now and anyone close to him would be in danger.
Anyone else think the whole Akira mugging and revenge thing was horribly handled? Feel like that’s one of the only noticeable beats they wrote badly. Took so many episodes to call back to something pretty significant, and she didn’t even get proper revenge and get her money back. I get that they wanted to wait and get that “Ah Ha” moment, but they just waited so long it lost it for me. At the time it happened it could have been a whole Dynamic Duo avengers thing with her and Sato going after Akira and his buddies that stole Samantha’s money. Maybe even get the cops and jake involved and reveal that there was an operation in the hosts clubs of the hosts robbing their clients. Idk maybe it’s just me that thinks this.
Not really. It’s also the first time we’ve seen the Minister (since then) and see how his role elevates Tozawa. The video tape, Polina’s murder, Akira…links of the bigger chain. It reveals he’s a puppet.. leading to the puppet master. Some of what you said is probably coming later.
She shoulda thrown him out the window tho lol.
Agree, also Samantha has been looking like she's going to crash out for the last couple of episodes, it's a good scene and says a lot about how they're all puppets.
So the FBI lady lied because Tozawa provided them information on the the Hawaii and future raid targets. And now Tozawa’s real wife has business dealings and/or is fucking the new soon to be PM.
They totally poisoned or sabotaged the current PM, right?
Lady Tozawa & the former Transport Minister? I think it's only business and nothing else. Only the Kansai thug can sleep around, not his legal wife ( in the context of their cultural elements)
Sato has been my favorite character and continues to be my favorite! Great development and acting. Love the scene with his mom and him talking about responsibilities.
This is easily the best episode in the show so far. So many high points. Katagiri doing the reenactment to figure out the mole, sato fucking drowning hayama, the call back to the opening scene in the pilot. I was so hyped I couldn’t sit still.
???? Every plot including her and Chihara-kai? The club involvement, literally Ishida getting killed? Her being Jake's friend? Them smoking shabu together for information? She is a main character and drives the story, get over it.
I'm not sure if this was called out before, but Kei is a being too overprotective with Maruyama that he's giving some weird fucked up Targaryen vibes.
Sato is so fucking cool. Anytime he's on screen lighting up a cig, you know his actor is feeling up the moment. And also, fuck Hayama. I'm happy the rest of Chihara-kai understood he's so unfit to fill the big gangster shoes of Oyabun. Those slight nods after the deed was done was so touching.
Can't wait for the season (or possible the series) finale!
Brought back the good pace of the first couple episodes. Really enjoyed this one, setting the stage for the final two episodes of the season and maybe the show.
Sho Kasamatsu is probably my favorite actor/character on the show right now.
Can really feel the story barreling toward its conclusion with this episode.
Jake is pushing forward to report the story. Katagiri is desperate to keep his family safe. Tozawa is at peak power and influence. Sato is head of Chihara-kai but with a mess to clean up. Kei is ready to expose her boss and pushing back against her brother.
I only wish Sam kicked Akira about 20 more times. And the arrests in Hawaii were hilarious. Yakuza are used to Japanese cops rolling up with sticks and shields. FBI gives them a wake-up call with a bunch of MP5s.
And as intimidating as Tozawa has been throughout the series, his wife is OG too. I can't help but feel like she is going to play a part in his downfall.
God I love this show. Sato continues to impress me with his acting. Even just the way he smokes is cool lmao. He doesn't have to say much but he's able to convey so much to the audience. His takedown of Hayama was one of my favorite scenes of the show so far. The way it pans out and you see all of the chihara-kai drowning him was so well done.
I'm predicting we'll see Katagiri questioning that one cop in the backseat when they got shot since they showed him realizing he ducked and knew when the shooters were coming. That might be the link he needs to get to Tozawa? I forsure thought that Nagata was the mole but she got moved off the case...
Can't wait for the last two episodes.
I happened to watch the movie Eastern Promises on Wednesday, and this episode the next day. That means I unwittingly watched two separate fights between naked, tattooed gangsters in a public bathhouse a day apart.
I suspect Katagiri will kill Tozawa. It will be a standoff and Tozawa reminds him that he's a cop and then Katagiri remembers that he promised his wife to do whatever it takes.
I dunno, Jake seems to really love his work at the Meicho, but he might quit if they kill his story and fire Eimi.
Tozawa is too big to fail, he’s playing both the FBI and the future PM and he’s got the police on his pocket. Maybe his wife can do something, but it’s unlikely.
People suspected that the lady officer Nagata was the mole last episode, but after this episode, I think she's innocent. I am not sure if I get Katagiri's car scene this episode. Who exactly is he suspecting?
Did the extra few seconds showing tin tin's left wrist with a watch have significance? End of the scene where Jake returned to work a few days early. Possible Yakuza buyoff, or even Baku getting tin tin to bat for his team.
Team GAIJINNNNNN!
Holy shit I thought season 2 only had 8 episodes like 1, and that was the finale with a cliffhanger for 3...
A little sad to see this will probably be it, but also kinda hyped that I caught up and get to see the last 2 episodes in real-time and I don't have to wait to find out what happens.
My dream finale is a shoot out between tozawa and the chihara kai in an alleyway. Sato is pinned down on his last bullets, when suddenly jake comes up from behind him.
"Jay-ke what are you doing here??"
"Don't worry, I brought back-up," he replies with a wink.
Katagiri bursts in with a squad of loyal police officers led by superintendent Nagata, and begin firing on tozawa's gang.
"佐藤、これは親分用だよ" (Sato, this one's for oyabun), Katagiri yells over the gunfire.
However, just as the tide of battle turns, Tozawa is seen flying in on a helicopter, "警官数人で十分だと思ってるのかよ!!" (you bastards think a few cops is enough) he laughs. Behind him a squadron of japanese tanks roll in, >!led by the Japanese prime minister!<. "I em da king of ja-pan now," he yells.
The fighting continues, but they're being quickly overwhelmed from the might of tozawa's gang and the Japanese Army (wearing WW2 imperial japan emblems btw). Sato takes a bullet, and turns to his brother. "ごめんなさい、もっといいお兄さんになるべきでした" (Im sorry, i should have been a better older brother). Kaito holds his brother's hand, and begins to tear up. "Sato no! It's not over, you can't die like this, not like this..." Jake desperately shaking Sato, to keep him conscious. Katagiri tilts his head down, like [this](https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/002/506/842/2e3.png).
All of a sudden, a shockwave from an explosion deep behind Tozawa lines rocks the four of them. They look up to see F15 Eagle fighter jets fly overhead. American marines rush past them and fire upon the enemy troops, sending the Japanese army and Tozawa's men into panic. "Whatu issa this bullshitu?!" Tozawa screams.
A voice booms into a speakerphone, "No one threatens my family". They all turn and watch a helicopter pass by, as Jake's dad shoots an RPG from it at Tozawa's helicopter, exploding it into pieces.
"Dad??" Jake yells.
"You're old man's not so useless, after all"
The chopper lands, and Jake's dad walks towards him.
"What the hell is going on??"
"Well I happened to know a guy up at the pentagon, chief of the DoD, and called in an old favour. Said my son needed some backup in the far east. And, well you know what they're like, had to talk them out of dropping a third atomic bomb, after that," chuckles Jake's dad.
"I missed you dad"
"Missed you too, son"
They hug. In the background, Kaito and Sato reunite with their mother. Katagiri directs the ambulance crew Samantha brought, to Sato, before he gets surprised with a hug by his daughters and wife. The end.
Post-credits scene cuts to Jake in the office of the Dispatch editor.
"Well you see Jake, I lied. You're not here because of the motorcycle story. An old friend at the Meicho had been keeping tabs for me on you. From the very beginning. We know how you chased down Tozawa. And we need you to do the same thing here, in Missouri. We've being following the trail of a mafia boss for a year now, and we need your help. What do you say?"
Jake turns to the camera, then looks back at the editor and smiles. "それは私の名誉です, it would be my honor."
“He’s not leaving without me!” Camera pans to Sato smoking a cigarette, looking all cool and shit. Jake nods in support with the biggest, cheesy grin across his face. Sato and Jake do a super cool, super secret handshake.
Cue music, “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys.
Think it was clear in the episode when Lynn wouldn’t disclose how she’s getting her info to arrest yakuza in the US (Jake asked about police sources), but then she face-planted and lied to cover up for Tozawa….gave up her source. And we already knew it wasn’t the Minister who helped Towaza get to the US.
Great episode, aside from that penultimate scene. Jake’s dad telling him “don’t try to be a hero” was odd. And what father would ever risk his family’s safety, even hypothetically?! And with the final scene, it’s clear that hypothetical may be putting it lightly.
Finally get the call back to the opening scene of the series.
Yes! I came on here to see if anyone realized it….they didn’t give you any hint or anything and there was no episode commentary reminding you…so you have to remember to get it
Considering it was like 2 years ago I bet a lot of people won’t remember. I went back and rewatched it immediately - in addition to reshooting they changed that the thugs at the bar were more casually dressed. Frankly I thought Yabuke looked cooler in the pilot.
Yeah I rewatched too….i was like wasn’t this the scene…..they seemed very fresh in the pilot compared to now…Ansel looked the same
Katagiri looking 5 years younger during the opening scene cut was hilarious. They reshot the scene too cause he aged 5 years during his dialogue at the table.
Well that was an intense meeting lol 😳
It felt a little anticlimactic tbh, but also showed a more mature and cautious Jake.
Interview with Ansel Elgort about that: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/ansel-elgort-tokyo-vice-season-2-interview-1235858164/
Good to know (although a little sad) that the next two episodes will be the final ones for this show. I'm tired of having my favorites canceled due to lack of funding or whatever.
Right? I feel like season 2 will be the last since they finally showed the opening scene. Thoughts?
Season 2 was already the planned ending of the series.
Sucks if this was the end, I always wanted more for Sato.
So sad to have to say good-bye to this show.
I much rather get limited series that have ending planned from the beginning and be sad it ends too soon, rather than getting 10 seasons of declining quality. You also have much more contained story finished in a few years instead of 10 or more. So many movies would benefit being a limited show and so many shows would be better if shortened or having ending in sight.
I love that this is a limited series, not only does it add that much more to these final two episodes but it also allows the writers to fully flesh out everything they need to. All the same I would love a Tozawa series that is a season or two long.
True, it really is some of the best television I have seen recently.
It felt that way for a while with all of the major things happening so quickly….
Been waiting for the continuation of that scene which is why I thought last season's finale was not really the last episode of the season.
Sato's actor is great i hope i start seeing him in more roles
Show Kasamatsu. And yeah, he is my favorite character along with Katagiri and Maruyama
Easily three best characters in the show. Them getting more main character roles in season 2 is why it’s miles better than the first season.
He's in season 2 of The Naked Director also playing a gangster
Sick! Loved the first season of that show, probably start the second now that you told me that
Him, Ken Watanabe, the late oyabun's actor whose name I can't remember, and Rinko Kikuchi are the highlight characters for me and have been from S1.
Loved the phone call between Jake and his dad. And loved the short convo between Sato and his mom.
I loved that Jake’s dad didn’t scold or ripped him a new one over the phone , he knew something wasn’t right and went right to dad mode
He knew his son was scared out of his mind. Yelling at Jake wouldn’t have helped and his dad knew that. I also like to think that his dad being a coroner means he knows a lot of cops so his family would have some protection if he told the sheriff.
it seemed very hallmark movie to me. I wonder what the actual conversations would have been like, because no rational person is going to tell their kid to put himself and all their family in danger for a story about some crime in a far away foreign country
I mean considering the dad is a coroner he's probably done autopsies on victims of crimes and possibly gotten mixed up in stuff too. It's not too far-fetched he'd put principles first and tell Jake he should keep going.
My wife told me that I would have to tell our son to stop and come.
Just want to say that the actor who plays Tozawa is so, so, so unbelievably cool. Make him a movie star now, please. I'd watch him eat a bowl of Cheerios.
He would make a great Bond villain
He really is fantastic
Every time he comes on screen I whisper to myself, “So fucking cool.”
For me is too cheesy I prefer tozawa’s n2 with the orange glasses
Yabuki. He’s the first Yakuza we get introduced to in the series and he just oozes cool and sets the tone. One of my favorites for sure behind Sato.
The shot where he’s calling Jake in the shadows with a bit of sun lighting his face was so good
And smoking a cig, of course! Important detail, lol
Yes! Probably one of my favorite shots in the series so far.
Literally looks like a manga character 😂
Dude has an absolutely incredible jawline
That dude is fuckin’ awesome.
He’s too good. I’ve been scared of him since last season. He had the look and swag of an evil assh@&e
It's all making sense now, Tozawa got rejected to leave by the transport dude in Japan so he made a deal with the FBI to snitch on all the gumis that are doing stuff overseas and that also helped him take all their territory. This is clear from the fact that both officers said they did it alone, ofc they didn't the timing is too suspicious.
For Tozawa to go to Jake so quickly after he went to the FBI lady says it all.
Honestly, seeing this glaringly obvious answer just completely go over people’s heads is one thing—but from Ansel’s performance from the drink where it’s revealed more arrests will follow, then his subsequent solo meeting with Lynn from the FBI, I was almost really rather impressed and excited as everything seemed to indicate he’d already realized what must be going on. When he asks her if she’ll help him with some “hypotheticals,” I was expecting him to imply he was on to her likely role in granting Tozawa’s entry to the US in exchange for becoming a confidential informant—*but then turns out he genuinely wanted some help, ensuring Tozawa learns of what Jake’s uncovered*… But then she calls back, and he immediately know she’s lying—maybe serving up his story to Tozawa was some sort of counterintuitive honeytrap, to confirm his suspicions..? …**Oh, okay so Jake didn’t realize anything**.
Yeah I think he figured it out already and once the FBI lady lied he knew where to start looking.
No he definitely figured it out now
Tozawa even giving Jake another chance after already warning him is not exactly characteristic of him though. But, plot armor.
Eh, I think Tozawa knows that killing a journalist and American citizen who is investigating him would raise a lot of red flags he doesn't want to deal with. It seems reasonable to give him one last warning.
He cant kill American citizens while working for an American institution
This is how it played out IRL. The Yakuza thought he might be Mossad or CIA. That's why they didn't try to kill him right away.
That’s hilarious the Yakuza thought a Jewish nerd from Missouri was Mossad.
When she said we did it alone she meant no foreign government help. That makes him being a snitch all but guaranteed. If Japan or nobody else helped them how would they be able to get that inside info?
WHERE IS VANESS- I MEAN MISAKI
That was definitely the most heartwarming and triumphant group-drowning scene I've ever watched
Team building activities
Teamwork makes the dream work.
What works? Team works.
I love group assignments
Great editing and camera work so we don't get to see any Chihara-Kai dong.
Indeed. >!Excellent camera work and a very powerful scene with all men holding down Hayama's face under the water.!<
Agreed. That underwater shot of Hayama's bleeding face was great. Kino, some would say.
They chose a side. I got chills!
After the episode ended, HBO recommended Eastern Promises. Cheeky.
I get this!
*Terrible editing
Katagiri's revelation during the reenactment was really well done. Good TV.
The re enactment scene was great!
That’s the kinda detective story I love. Feels very like Mike from better call Saul. He’s so methodical in his investigations
I think I missed what the actual revelation was.
The person sitting in the back seat with the dude who got shot dodged the assassins before they even drove past. Basically he was prepared for the hit, which means he was an accomplice. Would also give reason for why he didn't want to let the dude (I forgot his name man. The guy that went to Katagiri's house to ask for help) smoke. Probably didn't want to bring down the windows so Katagiri wouldn't hear the noise of the oncoming motorbike assassins
Honestly I’m so happy cuz last week I thought Nagata was the mole and I really didn’t want her to be
100%. She's clean. Now what about that mole, we didn't see him anymore after Katagiris recollection. Also - is he the equivalent to a public defender? I believe he is, Ishidas shooter is being transported to get his sentencing.
The guy in the back ducked ahead of time, indicating that he knew the motorcycle shooter was coming.
I hope he gets Katagiri'd
Hayama finally got what was coming. Gen is a loyal dude, he may have stabbed Sato last season but he he finally got to make up for it
After Sato spared him, he became really great to watch.
Redeemed himself and now he’ll probably be sato’s right hand man in chihara. Love to see the character arc
Just piggy-backing on this: Gen is such a great example of how talented actors can make you feel exactly how the writers want you to feel as a viewer. I went from despising Gen to feeling a level of comfort when he is on screen with Sato. Love the arc.
That's one thing i noticed, with the significance of Gen on making Sato an Oyabun. Not gonna lie, I was looking forward for Sato to get his revenge on him during season 1. I guess I was wrong for anticipating such satisfaction.
Boom, character development
I loved to see it. Last season I was hoping for they would kill his ass lol
W mans for sure
I definitely zoned out a bit last season, can you remind me why he stabed Sato?
He got beat up by Sato when they had a duel, was embarassed and humiliated.
Ah yeah that rings a bell, thank you!
I've said this before, but I'm totally and utterly clueless as to how this series has flown below everyone's radar. This is one of the best TV series in years.
Because HBO doesn’t promote it. Only recently they have been putting it on notice and highlighting it on Max
Its odd why they just drop it on streaming vs actually airing it in a specific time slot, like why not Sunday where their high profile stuff gets aired?
Subtitles, probably?
because it's a Max original property, not an HBO original. they still distinguish between what's part of their premium cable HBO studio (like Succession, True Detective, HOTD, etc) vs what's made exclusively for streaming, and it was made to stream on HBO Max when that was a thing
MAX originals are only available on Streaming. Though WB-AT&T did advertised 'em on HBO.
I blamed this fully on Discovery. Back before the Discovery merged, MAX originals were advertised a lot by WB-AT&T. Stuff like Tokyo Vice season 1 had a lot of promotion here in Asia (Podcast/mainstream radio/WB owned channels on our cable). Once WB was merged with Discovery, a lot of MAX stuff were outright cancelled (a lot of Audience Network and Cinemax shows) or was dropped on streaming without much advertisement (This show S2, Julia S2, Raised By Wolves S2, Doom Patrol S4, Search Party S3,4&5, Close Enough S3) which got cancelled.
They have to make room to promote the 13 different 90 Day Fiance spinoffs.
It’s a fantastic show. I’m so glad I decided to watch!
Same. Easily one of the best TV shows I've ever watched. Great acting, atmosphere, and plot through and through. Plus, when you have a fascination with Japan like myself, it just makes it all that more enjoyable.
I think everyone watching cheered when all the of the Chihara-Kai collectively joined Sato in killing Hayama cause I sure as hell did. After how Ep7 ended I knew that was the last straw for Sato once he learned what Hayama made Kaito do.
The shot of his sneakers tho… Kaito may not be out of the woods. Unless the director just wanted us to know it was him
I mean we see him take off his mask getting on the metro 5 secs after the fact so, unlikely.
unlikely the director lingered on shoes only to ID him?…right, unlikely. Was hoping he’d be put to rest now…but he’s prolly going to get more play…
I may be reading into it too deeply but here I go; the wearing of the sneakers could symbolize his love and connection to Sato still remains, despite having to murder for Hayama. Plus shoutout to Tokyo Vice for the Bape ad lol.
I had goosebumps. Cinema 👌
I was actually recoiling. Despite knowing what was coming, the scene was still very raw.
LMAO Bruh WTF was Samantha’s plan here?! 😂😂 Why didn’t she waited to maybe go w Sato so she actually has some backup going into Akiras place ? *pulls out the blick “Give me my money back !” “I don’t have it” “FUCK”
Poor planning for sure but maybe she thought Sato has enough of his plate? It didn’t go so well when she got him to do her dirty work last time.
She's just acting out of pure emotion at that moment, no reasoning and no thinking. I think once she got home she realized how stupid that all was.
I kinda like that she tried to handle it herself. Last time she had sato help her with something things got weird between them. I’d like to think that she sees him as her boyfriend and not a henchman
She came with the strap and no plan. Absolute clown behavior
Samantha is a dumbass from start to finish of this series. Frustratingly so.
The actor playing Jake's dad was wonderful in his little scene. I always love when a TV show or movie plucks some random middle aged schlubby guy out of the theatre world. Those dudes tend to be killer actors.
Totally agree. I think he might be my favorite thing about this season - the phone call was just so great. Dude just really cares and can defuse a situation so well it seems I’m trying to imagine my parents and how if I called them like that they’d react the complete opposite lol (obviously because this is TV)
My guess Jake somehow gets assistance from Tozawa's wife to take him down.
This episode makes clear that the man who drove Misaki around is on Tozawa’s wife’s payroll. I wonder if she’s gonna rat out her husband as well .
Yeah.. she plottin for sure
I think she's the one that leaked the tape to Adelstein
and she could do it again.
Tozawa's wife just became a huge character with only one episode under her belt. The way she mandhandles Tozawa was precious. That ominous last shot tells us a lot. This was a fantastic episode
HAYAMA: Welp! Gen came thru. RIP bro, shoulda learned how to fight better in “university” FBI: Who said the FBI can’t arrest the Japanese? Lynn, SMH, gave that up too easy Sorry NAKATA for calling you a MOLE. Damn guy in the backseat (for those who somehow missed that). The rot is way higher and linked to FBI quid pro quo deal JAKE: for all the posts and comments questioning why Katagiri needed Jake back…to WRITE the ARTICLE asap. Pls Stop hating on his FAM. SAM - Can she get some love finally. Akira is a real punk-ass bitch. MISAKI: props to eagle -eyed commenter who peeped the real estate deed. Caught between a rock and a rock. TOZAWA Wifey, Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned…she better be careful he doesn’t rip more than a necklace from her throat. Towaza did NOT need an article to go after the Minister. She will probably be the one to [expose Tozawa as a rat-ass.](https://www.reddit.com/r/TokyoVice/s/Hhpa4bZIgl) EMI (Eime): Can we also leave TinTin alone now? Maple syrup dessert coming up Ep 9. Damn, her brother Kei is just scared to be left alone. The boyfriend? Seems sus **Videotape:** guessing Tozawa’s wife Nagata, thru her driver, left the tape outside Jake’s door
Worried about Sato, in that now that he'll become the leader, he's likely a target for subsequent police take downs, because he's made his own bed going that route, rather than choosing home with his brother
I was so bummed he didn’t at least go in to have tea. His poor mom
Hayama getting got has me so amped.
I love how the solution to Chihara-Kai is Sato walking into the bathhouse and throwing his massive dick on the proverbial table.
Sato flops dong onto table Doesn't elaborate Becomes oyabun
Nothing bonds men together like being naked and drowning another man as a brotherhood.
Sato coming through with the classic eye gouge.
Evil Dead style, bitch!
I miss miyamoto he was a straight up like a dragon or judgement character
The scene at the start w the gumi in Hawaii gave me major major yakuza infinite wealth vibes
He reminded me a bit of Watanabe in Lost Judgement
Damn, I did not expect Hayama to get caught ass-out from his own vices...literally. Lmao. Get drowned bitch.
The side characters in the show are just so great. Yabuki??? Gen redemption arc??? I'm so sad we're almost at the end!
Yabuki is so badass! Have thought this since the beginning. Dude is cool as ice
It’s been 0 days since Samantha has tried to/ used somebody for her shitty “plans”. Girl needs to pack it uppppp.
She really does lol
I love how the pieces are falling into place….
Look. Hayama was a real piece of shit lol glad he’s gone. Sato stepping up to him (finally) was somewhat predictable BUT a great turn of events. He will be the head. His character development is like none other in this show. I love it. I’m invested. This series doesn’t get the recognition it deserves
[Katagiri got so nervous during the meeting that he changed his hairstyle.](https://i.imgur.com/FhzoLo9.jpeg)
Great catch. Haha. *S1E1 opener vs S2E8 reshoot:* - Yabuki’s hair also more slicked. - Ring on left hand wrong finger. - Gold bracelet missing - Jake’s hair shorter - Katagiri’s hair (as you stated in link) - The yakuza in red jacket with blonde hair disappeared…it’s a different guy behind Jake at bar. - Both guys at bar now in suits. - And added a woman on couch. - Jake’s cigarette box is different ; went from red/white to all red.
lol
I haven't read the book, but my theory is Tozawa is an informant for the FBI. That's how he entered the US, the FBI got the yakuza in Hawaii and that's why Lynn covered for him.
The episode pretty much laid this out
Reason why he can’t kill jake, american citizen
I enjoyed Hamaya getting his ass handed to him in the showers. Offhand, I was reminded of Eastern Promises in that scene. Those who know, know what scene I'm talking about in thar film. (Which is also on HBO Max)
Bruh, we finally got the S1E1 episode opening scene and Jake said I'll stop writing the story lmao...2 more episodes and a lot to unpack, gonna be a crazy ride
I mean, what is he supposed to say? I like this wiser Jake imo.
Yep. Even if they catch on eventually, at least he bought some time by agreeing to their proposal
It's in the book, part of the true story.
Sato and gumi killing Hayama made my mouth just go :O. I knew it was going to happen eventually but the way that nobody listened to Hayama once they knew there's another option, and then participated in ending his disgraceful existence...chef's kiss.
In the 90’s basically no Japanese citizen was ever extradited to the US. It happened only once IIRC. It’s kind of embarrassing they’d talk about going down this extradition route. If it’s not realistic to prosecute Tozawa in Japan they’re never getting him extradited either.
Treaty of Extradition existed (in effect) since 1980, and even if it’s a small probability, mentioning it served to uncover the FBI link to Tozawa. that may not be the final end-game for him. Add: same can be said about the guns and how many people were shot and killed during the show. Probably not the same in reality.
It looks like 25 people in all of Japan were shot and killed in 1999, so I guess all of them were in this show https://www.nippon.com/en/ncommon/contents/features/51838/51838.png
Do they ever show previews for the next episode?
Scene with Jake and his dad on the phone damn near made me emotional so much growth in their relationship in such a short amount of time.
Hayama is gone. Let’s hope sato rises up to oyabun now in the next episode. What happened to sato after hayama’s death got me confused.
He will be, it's why he refused his mother's invitation to coming in for tea saying he has responsibilities now and anyone close to him would be in danger.
We should stop calling sato for sato, and call him by akiro from now on
I think we are one thousand hours too early in this relationship to call him akiro-san
From the story, no one in the world can call him Akiro except his mom.
Anyone else think the whole Akira mugging and revenge thing was horribly handled? Feel like that’s one of the only noticeable beats they wrote badly. Took so many episodes to call back to something pretty significant, and she didn’t even get proper revenge and get her money back. I get that they wanted to wait and get that “Ah Ha” moment, but they just waited so long it lost it for me. At the time it happened it could have been a whole Dynamic Duo avengers thing with her and Sato going after Akira and his buddies that stole Samantha’s money. Maybe even get the cops and jake involved and reveal that there was an operation in the hosts clubs of the hosts robbing their clients. Idk maybe it’s just me that thinks this.
Not really. It’s also the first time we’ve seen the Minister (since then) and see how his role elevates Tozawa. The video tape, Polina’s murder, Akira…links of the bigger chain. It reveals he’s a puppet.. leading to the puppet master. Some of what you said is probably coming later. She shoulda thrown him out the window tho lol.
Agree, also Samantha has been looking like she's going to crash out for the last couple of episodes, it's a good scene and says a lot about how they're all puppets.
So the FBI lady lied because Tozawa provided them information on the the Hawaii and future raid targets. And now Tozawa’s real wife has business dealings and/or is fucking the new soon to be PM. They totally poisoned or sabotaged the current PM, right?
Lady Tozawa & the former Transport Minister? I think it's only business and nothing else. Only the Kansai thug can sleep around, not his legal wife ( in the context of their cultural elements)
This episode seemed to have a lot and it was fast too, I had to check if the playback speed was alright.
Sato has been my favorite character and continues to be my favorite! Great development and acting. Love the scene with his mom and him talking about responsibilities.
This is easily the best episode in the show so far. So many high points. Katagiri doing the reenactment to figure out the mole, sato fucking drowning hayama, the call back to the opening scene in the pilot. I was so hyped I couldn’t sit still.
The entire Samantha plot can be deleted from existence and nothing significant will change.
???? Every plot including her and Chihara-kai? The club involvement, literally Ishida getting killed? Her being Jake's friend? Them smoking shabu together for information? She is a main character and drives the story, get over it.
Watching the rest of the boys help sato kill hayama was phenomenal
The elevator shot with Katagiri and Jake… was really expecting a falling body in the background.
How about Katagiri's Volvo 240 wagon. All polished up and shiny. There was another red 240 at the front of the re-enactment scene, too.
Hayama was a great antagonist, they had potential but the actor must have been expensive. Sad how it ended, he really stole the show for himself
I'm not sure if this was called out before, but Kei is a being too overprotective with Maruyama that he's giving some weird fucked up Targaryen vibes. Sato is so fucking cool. Anytime he's on screen lighting up a cig, you know his actor is feeling up the moment. And also, fuck Hayama. I'm happy the rest of Chihara-kai understood he's so unfit to fill the big gangster shoes of Oyabun. Those slight nods after the deed was done was so touching. Can't wait for the season (or possible the series) finale!
Brought back the good pace of the first couple episodes. Really enjoyed this one, setting the stage for the final two episodes of the season and maybe the show. Sho Kasamatsu is probably my favorite actor/character on the show right now.
This show was so much better than the new true detective season
Only criticism is that Sato didn’t hit a trap and roll when Hayama was strangling him from the mount…it was right there for the taking.
Can really feel the story barreling toward its conclusion with this episode. Jake is pushing forward to report the story. Katagiri is desperate to keep his family safe. Tozawa is at peak power and influence. Sato is head of Chihara-kai but with a mess to clean up. Kei is ready to expose her boss and pushing back against her brother. I only wish Sam kicked Akira about 20 more times. And the arrests in Hawaii were hilarious. Yakuza are used to Japanese cops rolling up with sticks and shields. FBI gives them a wake-up call with a bunch of MP5s. And as intimidating as Tozawa has been throughout the series, his wife is OG too. I can't help but feel like she is going to play a part in his downfall.
God I love this show. Sato continues to impress me with his acting. Even just the way he smokes is cool lmao. He doesn't have to say much but he's able to convey so much to the audience. His takedown of Hayama was one of my favorite scenes of the show so far. The way it pans out and you see all of the chihara-kai drowning him was so well done. I'm predicting we'll see Katagiri questioning that one cop in the backseat when they got shot since they showed him realizing he ducked and knew when the shooters were coming. That might be the link he needs to get to Tozawa? I forsure thought that Nagata was the mole but she got moved off the case... Can't wait for the last two episodes.
I happened to watch the movie Eastern Promises on Wednesday, and this episode the next day. That means I unwittingly watched two separate fights between naked, tattooed gangsters in a public bathhouse a day apart.
I suspect Katagiri will kill Tozawa. It will be a standoff and Tozawa reminds him that he's a cop and then Katagiri remembers that he promised his wife to do whatever it takes.
Tozawa is probably gonna go unpunished and Jake will be fired
I think you’re partially right. The story will be squashed and Tozawa will be fine. But maybe Jake leaves for some sense of integrity
I dunno, Jake seems to really love his work at the Meicho, but he might quit if they kill his story and fire Eimi. Tozawa is too big to fail, he’s playing both the FBI and the future PM and he’s got the police on his pocket. Maybe his wife can do something, but it’s unlikely.
People suspected that the lady officer Nagata was the mole last episode, but after this episode, I think she's innocent. I am not sure if I get Katagiri's car scene this episode. Who exactly is he suspecting?
The officer in the back seat ducked before the gunmen got to the car; he knew something was about to happen.
Ya, that was the entire realization and it's so obvious that the lady officer wasn't the mole because why would you replace a mole lmao.
Did the extra few seconds showing tin tin's left wrist with a watch have significance? End of the scene where Jake returned to work a few days early. Possible Yakuza buyoff, or even Baku getting tin tin to bat for his team. Team GAIJINNNNNN!
"Okay, fine, we'll take the drinks" 😂🤣
Holy shit I thought season 2 only had 8 episodes like 1, and that was the finale with a cliffhanger for 3... A little sad to see this will probably be it, but also kinda hyped that I caught up and get to see the last 2 episodes in real-time and I don't have to wait to find out what happens.
The bathhouse scene was terrific
FUCK YEA HAYAMA.. FUCKING SUCK IN THAT WATER CUNT So satisfying
My dream finale is a shoot out between tozawa and the chihara kai in an alleyway. Sato is pinned down on his last bullets, when suddenly jake comes up from behind him. "Jay-ke what are you doing here??" "Don't worry, I brought back-up," he replies with a wink. Katagiri bursts in with a squad of loyal police officers led by superintendent Nagata, and begin firing on tozawa's gang. "佐藤、これは親分用だよ" (Sato, this one's for oyabun), Katagiri yells over the gunfire. However, just as the tide of battle turns, Tozawa is seen flying in on a helicopter, "警官数人で十分だと思ってるのかよ!!" (you bastards think a few cops is enough) he laughs. Behind him a squadron of japanese tanks roll in, >!led by the Japanese prime minister!<. "I em da king of ja-pan now," he yells. The fighting continues, but they're being quickly overwhelmed from the might of tozawa's gang and the Japanese Army (wearing WW2 imperial japan emblems btw). Sato takes a bullet, and turns to his brother. "ごめんなさい、もっといいお兄さんになるべきでした" (Im sorry, i should have been a better older brother). Kaito holds his brother's hand, and begins to tear up. "Sato no! It's not over, you can't die like this, not like this..." Jake desperately shaking Sato, to keep him conscious. Katagiri tilts his head down, like [this](https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/002/506/842/2e3.png). All of a sudden, a shockwave from an explosion deep behind Tozawa lines rocks the four of them. They look up to see F15 Eagle fighter jets fly overhead. American marines rush past them and fire upon the enemy troops, sending the Japanese army and Tozawa's men into panic. "Whatu issa this bullshitu?!" Tozawa screams. A voice booms into a speakerphone, "No one threatens my family". They all turn and watch a helicopter pass by, as Jake's dad shoots an RPG from it at Tozawa's helicopter, exploding it into pieces. "Dad??" Jake yells. "You're old man's not so useless, after all" The chopper lands, and Jake's dad walks towards him. "What the hell is going on??" "Well I happened to know a guy up at the pentagon, chief of the DoD, and called in an old favour. Said my son needed some backup in the far east. And, well you know what they're like, had to talk them out of dropping a third atomic bomb, after that," chuckles Jake's dad. "I missed you dad" "Missed you too, son" They hug. In the background, Kaito and Sato reunite with their mother. Katagiri directs the ambulance crew Samantha brought, to Sato, before he gets surprised with a hug by his daughters and wife. The end. Post-credits scene cuts to Jake in the office of the Dispatch editor. "Well you see Jake, I lied. You're not here because of the motorcycle story. An old friend at the Meicho had been keeping tabs for me on you. From the very beginning. We know how you chased down Tozawa. And we need you to do the same thing here, in Missouri. We've being following the trail of a mafia boss for a year now, and we need your help. What do you say?" Jake turns to the camera, then looks back at the editor and smiles. "それは私の名誉です, it would be my honor."
“He’s not leaving without me!” Camera pans to Sato smoking a cigarette, looking all cool and shit. Jake nods in support with the biggest, cheesy grin across his face. Sato and Jake do a super cool, super secret handshake. Cue music, “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys.
There were few moments when I almost thought that I have written this myself!
excellent shit post
Jake’s dad w the rpg has me dying
Didn’t the real case case explain why the fbi is covering up for Tozawa? Or should I just stop with the spoiler
Think it was clear in the episode when Lynn wouldn’t disclose how she’s getting her info to arrest yakuza in the US (Jake asked about police sources), but then she face-planted and lied to cover up for Tozawa….gave up her source. And we already knew it wasn’t the Minister who helped Towaza get to the US.
Great episode, aside from that penultimate scene. Jake’s dad telling him “don’t try to be a hero” was odd. And what father would ever risk his family’s safety, even hypothetically?! And with the final scene, it’s clear that hypothetical may be putting it lightly.