Episode 4 of Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective, titled “Flaming Weapon,” presents Dr. Takao Ameku with a seemingly supernatural mystery: a research team plagued by strange ailments after disturbing the graves of onmyōji (Japanese esoteric practitioners) linked to Ashiya Dōman. Is it a true curse, or does a more earthly explanation lie beneath the surface?
A “Cursed” Research Team
The episode centers around a university research team studying the graves of onmyōji. Shortly after examining the site, members of the team begin experiencing bizarre symptoms. The preview for the episode hinted at “a true curse approaching,” showcasing individuals in euphoric, sweat-drenched states. This suggested potential psychological or neurological phenomena at play, a blend of unexplained symptoms that challenge Dr. Ameku’s analytical prowess.
One news outlet notes the episode introduces “a cryptic case,” where Takao confronts a mysterious situation, which will likely unravel connections to potential supernatural (misunderstood) medical conditions. Dr. Ameku must use her scientific and analytical expertise to solve the mystery.
Spontaneous Human Combustion? A Misleading Title
Anime News Network criticized the episode’s title, “Spontaneous Human Combustion,” as being entirely misleading. The review points out the title has absolutely nothing to do with the mystery at hand. The intro scene initially suggests spontaneous human combustion, but this phenomenon never materializes as a relevant plot point.
A Rapidly Solved Mystery
Multiple reviews criticize the mystery’s simplicity and rapid resolution. Anime News Network described the mystery-solving process as being on par with going to the local grocery store to check if they have the cookies you like so much. The reviewer felt there was no fun to be had in mystery-solving, and that the mystery was far too obvious. The problem that the series faces is not getting into the medical weeds enough, which results in a boring and obvious mystery.
The core of the case involves Dr. Ameku investigating a university research team struck by mysterious ailments after examining graves of onmyōji linked to Ashiya Dōman. The legend states that a curse supposedly afflicts anyone desecrating the site. After learning of the team’s medical issues following their visit to the tomb, Takao investigates the tomb and sees there’s a fungus, and determines that that’s the source of the ailments.
One review notes that anyone could have solved the mystery by simply checking the tomb, writing, “After all, it doesn’t exactly take a medical professional to look at a dank cave and think, “Ah, now here’s an environment that could make someone sick if they stick around a bit too long.”
Medical Accuracy and Eccentricity
Even though this episode seemed to miss the mark, in general, the series balances medical accuracy with the eccentric personality of its protagonist. The cases often involve intricate medical details, requiring viewers to pay close attention to the diagnoses and treatments.
One Reddit user, claiming experience in critical care, vouches for the show’s realism. They mention that the show accurately depicts the gaps between medical school theory and the realities of working with unknowns and edge cases in patient care.
The series wants the viewer to know that Ameku is quirky. Her department is located in a cottage on the hospital’s roof, it’s littered with books, and she seems to spend time programming and watching movies with her subordinate.
Production Quality
Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective is produced by Project No. 9. One review noted that while Project No. 9 is not a top-tier animation studio, they were impressed with their work on Senpai wa Otokonoko. The animation is expressive, but sometimes overly so. The review stated Ameku could stand to be a little more grounded, and that she sometimes makes broad sweeping gestures, like she thinks she’s auditioning for Code Geass.
A Series with Potential
Despite the shortcomings of Episode 4, Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective maintains the interest of viewers with its unique premise, engaging characters, and blend of medical mystery and detective work. The series is recommended for fans of mysteries and medical dramas. The series has the potential to capitalize on its premise if future mysteries are better written.
The series follows Dr. Takao Ameku, the director of Tenikai General Hospital’s Department of Investigative Pathology. Despite her brilliance, she tends to eschew pleasantries and is quick to focus on cases that spark her curiosity, occasionally butting heads with hospital administration or even the police. As a former fan of House M.D., one reviewer noted that this is a decent set up for a medical mystery lead.
The first three episodes have garnered mostly positive attention. One reviewer enjoyed the fact that Ameku had to go undercover to get into the psychiatric ward of her own hospital because she had been banned based on her personality.
