Ranpo Kitan: Game of Laplace [Season 1 Episodes 1-11]

Okay, so I just finished binging all 11 episodes of Ranpo Kitan: Game of Laplace, and wow—this show is like a trippy mystery ride that never lets up. Let me break it down for you guys.

First off, the premise is wild. It’s a modern take on Edogawa Ranpo’s classic detective stories, but with a super dark, surreal twist. The main character, Kobayashi, is this middle schooler who wakes up one day holding a knife next to his dead teacher. Talk about a rough morning! But instead of panicking, he’s low-key excited? Like, he’s more into solving the mystery than proving his innocence. That’s when he meets Akechi, this eccentric detective who’s all about the weird cases. Together, they dive into these brutal, bizarre crimes that are loosely based on Ranpo’s stories—think stuff like people turning into chairs or a killer who leaves butterfly symbols everywhere.

Visually, this show is insane. The art style is so unique—they use this gray, muted color palette for background characters until they become important, which is a cool way to build suspense. And the symbolism? Skulls, butterflies, all that creepy stuff—definitely sets the eerie vibe. Plus, the OP and ED are fire! The opening is this heavy, atmospheric track that gets you hyped, and the ending is this haunting melody that sticks with you.

Now, let’s talk about the characters. Kobayashi is… a lot. He’s this androgynous kid who’s basically a walking enigma. Some people love him, some hate him—there’s a whole debate about whether he’s a “trap” or just a really weird guy. But honestly, his nonchalant attitude towards murder is what makes him interesting. Akechi is the classic detective with a dark past, and their dynamic is fun to watch. The side characters are hit or miss—some are super memorable, like the goth loli teacher with wrist scars, while others are just there to move the plot along.

The mystery aspect is where the show shines. Each episode is a new case, and they’re all messed up in the best way. The first episode with the human chairs? That was so disturbing but also so intriguing. And the symbolism—like the butterfly representing transformation—adds this layer of depth that makes you think. But fair warning: it’s gory. Not like Tokyo Ghoul levels, but there’s definitely blood and body parts. If you’re squeamish, maybe skip some scenes.

What I loved most is how the show balances horror and mystery. It’s not just jump scares; it’s the psychological stuff that gets under your skin. The way Kobayashi is so fascinated by the crimes—like he’s playing a game—makes you question his sanity. And the ending? Without spoiling, it ties everything together in this mind-bending way that leaves you thinking.

But it’s not perfect. Some episodes feel rushed, especially towards the end. The background characters are a bit flat, and the pacing can be off. Also, if you’re not into surreal stuff, this might not be for you. It’s weird, it’s dark, and it doesn’t hold your hand. But if you’re into shows that make you think and keep you on the edge of your seat, this is a must-watch.

Overall, Ranpo Kitan: Game of Laplace is a hidden gem. It’s not for everyone, but if you love mystery, horror, and a good dose of weirdness, you’ll dig it. Just be prepared for a wild ride—this show doesn’t play by the rules.

Rating: 8/10. Definitely worth checking out! 🕵️♂️🔪🦋