PREMISE: Everyone said Lt. Dennis Watanabe was washed upâa has-been botanist with a rusty set of shears and a stomach full of whiskey. Now, this leaf-trimmer has to prove to his family, the police force, and, most importantly, himself, that he can cut the roots out from under the drug business that is plaguing Tokushima, Japan.
CHARACTERS: Dennis Watanabe was born in San Diego to a prominent local political family, but eschewed his familyâs world to become a police officer. After witnessing a grisly car-bombing, he sought refuge in Japan and the delicate art of bonsai. But his new life was shattered when his drug lord brother-in-law, Reggie âKing Kobraâ Franz, vowed revenge for perceived slights. The two hurtle towards a showdown, criminally, familially, and botanically. Meanwhile, Dennis tries to save his failing marriage.
NOTABLE EPISODE: In S01.E16, âTendrils is the Night,â Watanabe breaks into the garden of The Jacket, a notorious hitman, to uncover a way to prosecute him. He finds a rare, illegal, parasitic vine species, which allows him to lock up The Jacket on agricultural-based charges.
CATCHPHRASE: Watanabe often remained silent, so the closest thing the show had to a catchphrase was the soft snipping of bonsai shears.
TRIVIA/MISCELLANY: In S03.E10 (âMono No Awareâ), Watanabeâs informant says that cocaine is being hidden in small lemon trees. However, in the final scene, the trees being loaded onto the smugglerâs plane are clearly dwarf pines. This sort of mistake was rare, as the showâs creators were known for their meticulous attention to botanical details.
