Roy Fun Tawan Deurd: Episode 1

Roy Fun Tawan Deurd is finally here! Yes! You have my permission to do a jig.

Rising Sun Series #2 has a whole set of new villains and has upped the conflict for Onitsuka. The first episode takes its necessary time to introduce the main players, set up the subplots and string us along the internal battle that Ryu goes through. He has conceded to the fact that life as a Samurai’s wife is dangerous and heartbreaking, after witnessing his sister in law going through those wretched tears, he does not wish it upon Mayumi. Why not nip it in the bud? Or so he thought. But it’s not so easy letting someone you love go. Especially when you continue to sneak little peaks at her, hoping that it will be enough.

And the pretty OST? We have a duet version of the main title song as well as the song by Nadech and Yaya. I pretty much can listen to anything Lula sings, and I adore NY harmonizing together. Love.

EPISODE 1 RECAP

We open with a narration that Onitsuka partnered with the authorities to rid the country of villains, namely Misawa and Sato. In the process of doing so, casualties in the form of their leader and several loyal members’ lives were sacrificed.

In reference to Ryu and Mayumi, their attachments developed into full flung love, but that very love must take a backseat to responsibilities and Ryu’s desire to keep the one he loves happy. We remember this all too clearly, since the scene of their breakup is all too fresh in our memory.

Even though love itself may have changed, the feelings they have for each other still hold strong, persevering, unforgettable.

7 Years Later (7 years from the big fight)

Like a vision, Mayumi and Ryu promenade to the middle of a beautiful garden, where Ryu takes the umbrella from her hand, lingering on the touch. He grasps her hand and tells her that seven years ago he was living in a nightmare, like a lifeless person. He thought all was lost.

Mayumi turns away in sadness, she relents that she too lived the same way. Ryu hugs her from behind and states that they’ve finally reconciled and understand each other. He places a tender kiss on her cheek and thanks her for her love and commitment.

They are soon to be married and Ryu vows to love her and support her forever. She returns the promise but adds that she will be loyal to him forever as well. It’s like a perfect ending as we watch them hold each other, and being the adorable lovebirds that we know they can be. Perhaps it’s a promise of what is to come, just as soon as we get through all of the messes first..

And immediately we are clued in on Ryu’s worse nightmare. As he takes Mayumi home, his enemy tails him and just as the enemy aims for Ryu, Mayumi pushes him away and takes a bullet for him. He watches in horror at her bloody body. She tells him it’s too late, they are no longer future betroths. He is only a trace of a dream that she’s willing herself to forget. Mayumi dies in his arms. *shiver*

The nightmare shakes Ryu awake from a nap he wasn’t aware he was taking. He lifts his head and we spot a photo album he’s been looking at, they are pictures of Mayumi practicing kendo.

“It’s been 7 years, hasn’t it?” he utters.

He shuts the photo book and it is back to business as usual. Before we pan away from his office though, a collection of Mayumi’s photo frames are in the corner of his desk. This simple thought that Ryu has been following her life for the past 7 years really hits home the fact that he still loves her dearly. Although he thinks that by breaking up with her was for her own good, he is unable to move on and carries on his love as if things were virtually the same. I find this oh, so sweet.

Our good guys evaluate the baddies in this series, contemplating how a good clan like themselves would contend with 3, I repeat, 3 baddies.

One, we have Ricky’s illegitimate son, Taka-on who has taken over the reins at Misawa. Even though he despises his father for loving Satoshi more, he still gave them the highest honor at the home because he wants them to witness his successes. The warriors of Onitsuka are surprised at how quickly Taka-on has established his grounds. Ryu believes that since the man is newly minted in the business world, he must have a strong backing from someone.

Secondly there’s Haru (hi Joey Boy!) who’s nipping at their heels in the merchant market. The man is ruthless as we watch him kill off a traitor. However, that someone with power? Well he’s our resident Big Bad in this series: Yamamoto. Rumor has it that he had been responsible for backing Misawa and Sato back in the day.

Our good guys peer at their shipyard and their future: it’s so true that where there’s good, there are bad people. The process and the fight itself have its own life cycle, how do you fight them off successfully when more resurface? This time around, the set of baddies will give Ryu & Co a run for their money.

Although Onitsuka has garnered the respect from the Chief of Police, during a meeting; one person among the police force voices his disdain for Onitsuka. He states that the crime in the city should be dealt with by the police, not a bunch of Samurai warriors (aka thugs in his eyes). The big fight between Onitsuka, Misawa and Sato several years ago has left the remaining force wary, and he wonders how the chief will explain this to the board during the investigation interview. The man warns the Chief that he’ll be watching his every move.

Osamu isn’t concerned over the investigation; he’s done his job, what’s there to be worried about? The bad thing though is that during the big fight, all of the evidences have been eliminated, or otherwise they would have nabbed that Yamamoto. Before Osamu could forewarn Onitsuka of the recent findings, he gets ambushed. A man appears (apparently a friend and not foe) and helps keep the baddies at bay, but he too gets shot a few times and hits the ground.

He gets carted off to the hospital where Mayumi works, she recognizes Osamu’s face immediately.

His condition is critical and word about the shooting reaches Onitsuka. Meanwhile Mayumi operates on the younger man (known as Yuji a police officer) – who knew she’s going to be a surgeon! – and she removes the bullets successfully. Osamu on the other hand, cannot be revived; the gunshot to his chest caused him to lose too much blood. Aw, goodbye Chief.

Onitsuka clan sits around their King Arthur’s square table (Ryu being Arthur of course) and contemplate who’s responsible for this latest killing. With Osamu gone now, the country is back in turmoil.

Yamamoto marks off another nuisance from his list. The next target? Onitsuka. He chuckles evilly to his creepy alligator. Every villain must have a pet, right?

Mayumi gets off her shift and is totally unaware that a certain someone is taking pictures of her. He watches her from the corner of the hospital. He follows her around with their duet playing in the background. How about that duet?! Love it when actors can sing in their own shows. With Nadech and Yaya, it’s a cherry on top because they sound so nice together. *rewind*

Ryu’s bodyguards – aka our commentators/funny men – remark that he’s taking so many pictures that he’s turning into a stalker. Lol. They wonder if he will ever show his face after watching over her for 7 years. He doesn’t see the point in it – but his bodyguards beg to differ that she would be pleased to know that he’s been watching over her – every girl would. But Ryu relents that he’s only doing this for himself and it makes him happy simply to watch her.

Koji wonders if that’s truly the case. He suggests that Ryu pick their engagement date now that Mayumi has completed her medical training. Ryu states that every women who stand by Soriyo’s side end up in danger, and he doesn’t want the past to repeat itself with Mayumi. Koji surmises that the happiness lies in the person who’s making that sacrifice – if she’s not willing and happy, then maybe it’s not true love. Is Ryu confident that this is what Mayumi wants? Oh Koji, you’re so wise. Ryu doesn’t look so sure of this.

Mayumi on the other hand hates the reminder of Ryu. Whether that’s her sister who reads the gossip magazines and likes to tell her who Ryu is rumored to consort with, or her parents, who kindly remind her that they should give thanks to Ryu for encouraging dad to allow her to study medicine. All of this causes an immediate, ensuing headache. She excuses herself to her room, where even the darn traditional instrument (koto) reminds her of HIM. Heh. She wonders when his name would cease to exist in her world.

While Ryu could think of nothing better than memories of her. He even gets distracted during his keno practice, allowing his bodyguards to poke fun at him.

Mayumi is pleased that her handiwork has not only saved Yuji, but he’s healed rather quickly. Yuji thanks his doctor and doesn’t take his eyes off of her, he asks whether they’ve met before. This prompts the two to remember several years ago when Yuji had been the one to apprehend the purse thief. Yuji asks to treat her to dinner for saving his life. But we know he’s interested in her beyond that.

Her colleague is irate on her behalf that (according to the gossip magazine) Ryu is dating Aikiko, the entertainment princess, when she’s the future fiancée. Mayumi is unfazed by this, and tells her coworker that the elder’s promise is merely empty words. In the restroom she overhears the nurses gossip about Ryu: that he’s a total playboy but is willing to end his ways for Aikiko. Mayumi cries despite her resolve and wonders how in the world she is able to eradicate him completely out of her life.

Ryu attends a fashion show, where the girls are in bathing suits, strutting on the runway. Koji mentions that they are at a charity event; Ryu ought to put on a smile. Ryu pastes one on to placate Koji. Well at least one of them is enjoying this.

The warrior points out that the highlight of the show is Aikiko, who is the daughter of their oldest supporter. They add that she’s suitable with Ryu, but Koji relents that it seems Ryu already has someone else residing in his heart. Alas, he still has to make an appearance on stage since Onitsuka sponsored the event. But she shamelessly announces to the media that her special person has given her flowers. She goes in and kisses him on the cheek – hey hands off lady! Even Ryu is shocked by her forwardness.

The media questions whether they are a couple but Ryu & Co ushers their way out of the hotel. They meet a foe along the way who attempts to get to Ryu. However, Ryu’s men are too capable. He warns the newbie (Taro’s replacement) that he needs to spare his weapons when in public, Ryu doesn’t want people to think that their clan would do anything illegal. You mean fight off the sword with hands (human flesh?) Yessir.

Aikiko thanks Ryu for the flowers but he’s not pleased with her performance. He warns her not to act that way again (on stage, in public) because it’s not suitable. Ryu reminds her that she’s the #1 actress, she ought to be careful about her image. But Aikiko doesn’t care, especially after he has saved her life. We flash back to a nightclub where one of the producers tries something with Aikiko but Ryu rescues her in time. In order to take her away, he claims that Aikiko is one of his own (since she’s the daughter of an Onitsuka clan member) and from then on, Aikiko apparently can’t get those words out of her head. Furthermore, he’s the only man who has been nice to her without wanting anything back in return. Ryu tells her that he treats all of his Onitsuka members that way.

Her father is quite appreciative of Ryu’s assistance. When Aikiko presents tea for him at her home, she states that a woman’s role is not only to repay her parent’s debt, but to be a good wife to her husband as well, hinting to him that she would be a good wife for him. Once they see Ryu out, her father warns her not to behave this way with Ryu again. Aikiko states that people who love each other behave this way with each other. But dad warns her that Ryu has never uttered that he loves her, so she shouldn’t dwell on it one sided. Heh. Aikiko points out that he hasn’t denied her so she’ll go on hoping, especially when he hasn’t formalized the engagement with his “future fiancée.” Dad basically tells her to stop dreaming and wake up, ‘coz it’s going to hurt if she continues on dreaming.

Mayumi tends to her patient who’s developing a crush on her. Turns out, his father is the man who opposed Osamu. This is going to be interesting. When she’s out of earshot, dad warns him not to be interested in Mayumi because she’s Ryu’s future wife. But I’m sure there’s another underlining meaning to dad’s warning.

Newbie bodyguard – Taro’s replacement, Pretty Face, whatever his name is – also knows Aikiko’s father. The older man had raised him after his parents died. Growing up with Aikiko, Taishi (oh that’s his name) has a crush on her. She tells him that she can’t act as if she’s chummy with him in front of Ryu. Aikiko decides to appease him by relenting that she won’t ignore him in public anymore, only, methinks she’s going to be using his new position to her benefit. She gifts him with a fancy knife and tells him to protect her future husband well – and to also report to her every day of Ryu’s whereabouts. Ryu had just told Taishi that his whereabouts are top secret.

Yuji’s father is promoted to take the late Osamu’s position and on his first day on the job, he decides to take a group of cops to apprehend the culprit behind Osamu’s death. He claims that not only does he know who’s responsible, but he’s sure that this person is behind everything. Raise your hand if you know who or what clan he’s referring to!

Ryu recalls his parent’s unfortunate deaths, his uncle and family’s death, and finally, the fake death of Takeshi, his cousin. It’s a heavy burden to have everyone he loves seemingly dead, while he’s still alive.

As we’ve guessed, the new Chief in town wants to question Ryu surrounding the death of Osamu, they even have a warrant and everything. Koji relents that Sorel is busy and makes them wait but Chief thinks this is an excuse so that Sorel could run away. Koji counters that Onitsuka do not run, and with that, guns and swords are drawn. Okay, that was cool.

Ryu tells them to put their swords away. He is willing to cooperate if they truly have evidence that he had paid someone to kill Osamu. Turns out, they have a confession. A hired hand claims that Ryu paid him to kill off Osamu. In another interrogation room Ryu dismisses that notion, because his clan has always worked with the police. Their mission in life is to protect the people. New chief doesn’t let it go easily; he says they have a gun that had been used to shoot Osamu. There’s an Onitsuka marking on it. Ruh roh.

The news reaches Mayumi’s work place. She tells her colleague that she doesn’t care about Ryu, but when the news hits her, she can’t mask her reaction. So much for not caring, hee. Her colleague says that he has made bail and if she’s worried about him, she ought to pay him a visit. Mayumi manages to put on her façade and her friend suggests that if she’s totally over Ryu, she can open her heart for Yuji who happens to be knocking at her door with pretty lilies in tow. Yuji moves in quickly, flirting and making his affections known. Mayumi doesn’t know how to handle this and excuses herself.

The new chief puts a tail on Ryu in case he gets any bright idea and leaves the country. Trying to put in a good word for Ryu doesn’t help matters for Osamu’s right hand man. The new chief says that it surprises him that a good, clean cop could side with thugs.

My, our Ryu has gotten quite good at playing the koto. Seven years ought to make anyone proficient, no? He’s soon not in the mood though as he decides a certain face ought to help him ease his mind.

Persistent Yuji wants to take Mayumi home but concedes with just walking her to the train station, and this is what Ryu sees when he goes to see his lady. She’s wearing another man’s jacket with flowers in her hand. He came to feel better but it only worsens.

Once home, Mayumi gazes at the pretty lilies and her sister immediately gets suspicious. She wonders if another man is trying to court her sister. Mayumi claims that they are just friends, but she couldn’t help feeling flattered by his attentions.

Ryu takes his frustrations out on the kendo practice, his bodyguards flinch on behalf of Taishi who’s defending Ryu’s attacks. He’s too heated and loses the fighting weapon due to distractions. The bodyguards praise Taishi’s fighting abilities, but suddenly pale when Ryu decides that they too need to practice with him. Heh.

They decide it’s time they be honest with him. The guards’ lament that Ryu has never shown his face to Mayumi, how is she to know that he loves her? (They’re reasoning why Mayumi is suddenly walking with a guy.) Knowing that they are right, Ryu walks away. But Taishi peers at his boss’ back and probably understands what he’s going through.

Back in his room, Ryu does some major thinking.

Meanwhile the warriors convene to discuss how to prove Ryu’s innocence. Koji thinks that he wants to get the truth out of the hired hand who framed Ryu, and the three warriors put their heads together to figure out how they can get Koji into the police holding.

And they do exactly that, Koji is given 5 minutes to question the hired hand (since they still have someone they know who works there). However they spy a woman visiting the hired hand. They decide to wait and see – the hired hand tells his wife that they need only wait for a moment and they will be given the funds to run away. Before he could say anything further, he sputters up the food he’s been eating and is poisoned to death. His wife apologizes because the baddies have kidnapped their child and she must do this. Before Koji and a warrior are able to do anything, the room goes pitch black. Uh oh.

As Mayumi is in the middle of two patients that she needs to tend to, the nurse calls her away because someone wants to see her.

She comes to a screeching halt when she sees his face. It’s Ryu, holding a bouquet of flowers.

COMMENTS:

How thankful am I that Ryu finally decides that biding his time and staying away is a moot point?! Good boy!

I mean, don’t get me wrong, Yuji is a nice guy. He helps old ladies cross the street, he’s probably a “good” cop, but there’s no second lead support from me. I’m just way too invested in R&M as a couple that any distractions tend to irritate me more than make me smile. Ha.

If anything, his presence is a nice reminder to Ryu that the darling Mayumi is ripe for the plucking if he doesn’t move fast. Nothing like another man coming in on your love to light a fire under your ass. Bravo. Time for some R&M love.

Because it is some good love, right? The first 5 minutes of the show got us all yearning for their sweetness (hell, I’ll even take their bickering) back. Remember how in the first series, at their young and impressionable age, they discussed that it will take her 7 years to become a proficient doctor? And that they don’t know what will happen until then? Well, look where we are at now. Fast forward 7 years and much has changed, but one thing still remains the same: their hearts.

Ryu has pushed her away not realizing that what he needs most in his life is love. He has encountered so many losses in life, that I’m happy to see him finally reaching out to the one person who will give him that love and happiness.

And, now that the country isn’t as safe without good cops abound, and so many unknown, scary players are introduced, Ryu needs to keep her close to keep an eye on her safety. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. Besides, Yuji is more than happy to take his spot if Ryu so much as blink an eye.

The conflict for this series has been upped! I’m curious to see how the good guys will get out of this one, especially being framed for murder.

More, please!

News about RECAPS:

I have vacations planned for the next month (I’m off to three different places! Crazy, I know) and I dislike committing to recapping a series when I know I can’t be consistent. The good news though is that Nadech and Yaya fansubbers are really fast, so you won’t be waiting too long for English subtitles. I will try to recruit my wonderful guest writer Uhrenah to fill in for me. However, being out of town more often than not leaves a huge burden on her. Having said that, I may opt for quick summaries or reviews when I’m back in town (off and on). Unfortunately by then, you would have already seen the episode(s)!

I wanted to at least recap the first episode so we know what we’re dealing with going into this story. I appreciate all of your readership for the first series and I do (still) hope that you will stop by to give me your thoughts on this series, because as we know, it looks to be like a good one.