Yugo The Negotiator Vol. 1: Pakistan 1: Departure
Synopsis
A hostage has been taken in Pakistan; the chances of his survival are slim to none. Enter Yugo Beppu, the world’s greatest private negotiator. With keen intellect, quick wits and indomitable willpower, he’s got a reputation for getting hostages released unharmed. So, when the negotiations in Pakistan break down, Yugo is called onto the scene to deal with a fierce anti-government faction. Now, all of Yugo’s psychological strategies will be put to the test as he faces off with a fearsome killer who left the last negotiator dead at his feet. Walking a dangerous line between the powerful military and ruthless guerillas, it will take more than words for Yugo to survive in the blazing desert.
Review
A few years ago, I remember I have watched a Hong Kong drama series that dealt with police negotiators. The job could either be joyous or distressing. Either way it was a good show that displayed how through negotiating, violence or even death could be spared. In comes Yugo the Negotiator, an anime about negotiating as a means to not resort to any violence or the death of the hostage… well there are some violence that you just cannot negotiate your way out of.
The way this anime was brought up to me was not all that impressive. Probably due to the fact that we do not have a superman here; we are not presented with an infallible character. Yugo has failed before in his field, and he is haunted by it. It is that, which drives him to negotiate and save the hostage without any casualties at all costs. In this volume, we are not shown how he does his work. Throughout, he was gathering his information for a job that he has taken that needed him to save someone in Pakistan. By doing that it kind of gives off a feeling like it is taking me for a walk around the park. Even by episode three, I still do not know what is so extraordinary about Yugo. His smarts to get out of various situations? His feelings towards injustice? Or just his morals? Maybe all my questions would be answered in the next volume, but at least, I should be provided with something that would make me want to watch the next volume. At the current state, it ends with nothing intriguing enough to make you say, “I must see what comes next.” It ends with more like a, “Maybe.”
The potential is there for Yugo the Negotiator. The only thing that was lacking was that actual “negotiating” part. The whole complexion of this review would probably have been changed if it was not for that missing link, which would have bound everything together. At least it would get you all juiced up so that you will want to watch how the negotiation will transpire.
The Breakdown
Yugo The Negotiator is most likely a title that will turn it up as it goes on. I wonder how things will be in the future episodes.