J-Drama of the Week (2)

J-Drama: Rookies

Genre: Sports – Drama – Comedy

Episodes: 11+ Special

Network: TBS

            Rookies is a sports drama adapted from the successful Shōnen manga that goes by the same name. The story revolves around the baseball team of Futakotamagawa high school. Koichi Kawato is the new Japanese literature teacher at the school. He catches interest in the suspended baseball team of the school. The team was suspended due to a violence incident during one of their games. The suspended team turned into a group of thugs interested only in smoking, fighting and women. In spite of all that, Kawato sees potential in them. He's determined to get them back on the field and help them realize their dream, reaching the baseball high school tournament.

           The first few episodes show Kawato's attempts to retrieve the team members. Then, the rest of the episodes contain the team games and their efforts to reach the national tournament. Beside all the troubles with the team, Kawato has his own secret. He struggles to become a fine teacher that can make a positive difference in his students' lives.

          

           Generally speaking, I like sports dramas. I like the competitiveness that comes with it. I, also, like watching the underdog winning, which is the case with almost all sports drama. However, Rookies had more than that. Rookies is about realizing dreams and achieving goals. Rookies is about the importance of teamwork and the value of friendship. Rookies is about hard work and sacrifice for the greater good. Rookies is about "All for one, and one for all". Having the optimum high school experience is by working for your dreams and seeing them come true.

 I liked watching rookies because:

-It's interesting. The drama was good and the games were stimulating.

-It's informative. I learned a lot about baseball. I didn't know a thing about baseball before watching it.

-The comedy was good. It didn't ruin the mood.

-The characters were fine and they developed well. The actors played their roles splendidly.

-The OST suited the show. It was nice. The theme song Kiseki by Greeeen is one of my favorites. Also, the special's Haruka was nice.

-It's inspiring. Though in my case, it just made me regret wasting my high school days. If you're not there yet, then there's still a chance.

      Finally, I can say that Rookies was one of the best J-drama I've watched. It was very enjoyable, exciting and inspiring. If you're into sports and J-Drama, then this should be on your list.