ACCA: 13th Territory Inspection Dept.

ACCA: 13th Territory Inspection Dept. is an exciting and thought-provoking animated series that aired on Tokyo MX in 2017. The show draws viewers in with its engaging narrative, combined with an aesthetic that's somewhere between art deco and modernism, complete with jazzy music that fits the venue perfectly and adding to the overall atmosphere of mystique and intrigue.

The show builds its narrative in the fictional kingdom of Dowa, composed of 13 self-governing districts- each unique with its culture, climate, and ways of life. The kingdom has been in peace for a century under the rule of an ongoing monarchy, and overwatching this peace is ACCA, a central organization that functions as the backbone of the kingdom with branches in each of the districts.

The story primarily follows Jean Otus, the second-in-command of ACCA's Inspection Department. The Inspection Department's role is to keep an eye on the other branches and ensure they're not involved in any wrongdoings like corruption or mismanagement, thereby maintaining the established peace. Thus, Jean travels from one district to another, meeting various ACCA personnel and tasting different types of bread, his favorite food.

However, Jean is more than just an inspector. With his cool demeanor and observant eyes, he becomes a key player in a much bigger political intrigue that brews beneath the calm surface of the kingdom. In the kingdom that enjoyed a century-long peace, whispers of a coup d'état start stirring, putting the inspection department under suspicious eyes. Jean becomes the central figure in these whispers due to his access to almost all of ACCA's secrets and information across all districts. From here, the series unrolls into a delightful mix of intrigue and suspense, of politics and drama.

One of the essential characteristics of ACCA: 13th Territory Inspection Dept. is its richly diverse set of characters. Jean, as the protagonist, steps out of the traditional hero mold. He's not animated or flamboyant. Instead, he is laid back and a nonchalant observer who prefers to remain in the shadows. His demeanor masks his keen understanding of the politics around him. Lotta, Jean's sister, and Nino, Jean's best friend, regularly add a layer of depth to the narrative.

Other characters include the division chiefs of each district, and a host of other ACCA personnel who serve to portray the grand diversity that ACCA encompasses. The dynamics between these characters help to move the story forward, each with their motivations, histories, and intentions that lead to exciting twists and turns in the narrative.

The animation of ACCA: 13th Territory Inspection Dept. is exquisite, a mix of soft lines and colors that perfectly encapsulates the show's unique atmosphere. The design also gives each of the thirteen districts a distinct look and feel, underlining their unique cultures and ways of life. The illustrative and stylish art is matched by the jazzy soundtrack, providing an overall vintage yet chic atmosphere to the series.

However, ACCA: 13th Territory Inspection Dept. isn't all about politics and power plays. At its core, the show subtly communicates themes of peace, stability, and unity in diversity—a society where different cultures are respected and peacefully coexist.

What sets ACCA: 13th Territory Inspection Dept. apart is the intriguing combination of political drama and everyday life, and the seamless weaving of both. The series unfolds at a steady pace, relying on a slow burn of layered storytelling rather than sudden, dramatic twists.

In conclusion, ACCA: 13th Territory Inspection Dept. is a series that's worthy of the intrigue it creates. It's an adventure of political maneuverings, subtle power plays, and complex character relationships. The show will engage viewers who appreciate political dramas with a slice-of-life approach, and who enjoy diving into the realm of a carefully crafted universe filled with distinct local cultures. The journey of Jean as he navigates through the labyrinth of secrets and whispers within the kingdom of Dowa makes for a truly thrilling viewing experience.