Anime fans were introduced to a captivating reinterpretation of a classic literary character with the premiere of Moriarty the Patriot (Japanese: Yuukoku no Moriarty). The series, which debuted on October 11, 2020, has been lauded for its innovative approach to the crime genre by shifting the focus from Sherlock Holmes to his notorious adversary, William James Moriarty.
Reimagining a Classic Villain
Moriarty the Patriot presents Moriarty not merely as a criminal mastermind, but as a multifaceted character motivated by a desire for societal reform. Set against the backdrop of a fictionalized Victorian era, the narrative follows William Moriarty and his brothers, Albert and Louis, on their quest to dismantle the corrupt British upper class. Their methods, often violent and morally ambiguous, challenge viewers to consider whether the ends justify the means—a question that resonated with many at the time of the anime’s release.
The plot intricately weaves elements of mystery, strategy, and psychological depth while maintaining a fast-paced narrative that keeps viewers engaged.
Creative Team Behind the Series
Directed by Kazuya Nomura (Run with the Wind), the anime features a dark and atmospheric aesthetic that complements its themes. Nomura’s direction, combined with a beautifully crafted art style, creates a rich and immersive environment reflective of the show’s darker undertones.
The series composition and scriptwriting were executed by Gou Zappa (How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom), who adeptly adheres to the original manga created by Ryousuke Takeuchi and Hikaru Miyoshi. This fidelity to the source material enables the series to delve deeply into the motivations of the Moriarty brothers while offering a compelling critique of Victorian society and its numerous shortcomings.
A Talented Voice Cast
The voice acting in Moriarty the Patriot has been a significant draw for anime fans, with standout performances that bring the characters to life. Key voice actors include:
Souma Saitou as William James Moriarty, whose calm yet menacing presence captures the character’s intellectual prowess and moral complexity.
Takuya Satou as Albert James Moriarty, who embodies charm and elegance, complementing his character’s beauty.
Chiaki Kobayashi as Louis James Moriarty, the youngest brother, portraying a blend of innocence and burgeoning darkness, which makes his character’s evolution particularly compelling.
Makoto Furukawa voices Sherlock Holmes, Moriarty’s intellectual rival.
Why Fans Embraced Moriarty the Patriot
Moriarty the Patriot resonated with audiences for several key reasons:
1. Fresh Narrative Perspective: By centering on Moriarty, the series offers a new lens through which to view the Sherlock Holmes universe, appealing to both newcomers and longtime fans of the original stories.
2. Complex Characters: The Moriarty brothers are depicted as fully realized characters, complete with backstories and moral dilemmas, which enriches the viewer’s experience.
3. Themes and Societal Commentary: The anime skillfully addresses issues of class struggle, corruption, and the nature of justice in Victorian England, striking a chord with contemporary audiences.
4. Aesthetic and Style: The distinct visual style, marked by a gothic, neo-Victorian aesthetic, complements the dark themes and enhances the viewing experience. The quality of animation, especially in action sequences, has also garnered praise.
5. Mystery and Intrigue: Each of the 11 episodes is filled with strategic twists and psychological confrontations that keep viewers engaged while adding depth to the characters’ backgrounds.
Moriarty the Patriot not only reimagines a literary icon but also creates a rich tapestry of intrigue, ethics, and suspense. Its debut on October 11, 2020, stands as a memorable moment in anime history, highlighting the potential for compelling storytelling from the villain’s perspective. Following the success of its first season, a second season premiered in April 2021, receiving equally positive feedback.
The first season currently holds a rating of 8.18 out of 10 on MyAnimeList, with the second season achieving an even higher rating of 8.28, further solidifying the series’ acclaim among fans.
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