VIVANT Episode 16: Fans Debate Whether Ryu Returned as Ally or Enemy
Episode 16 of VIVANT, broadcast August 30, brought back Ryu Minshuen, played by Masato Sakai in his triple role. Ryu was reported to have disappeared and died five years ago. He reappeared before Nozaki (Hiroshi Abe) as a member of the hostile organization Shinshi, and his confrontation scene with his former superior drew heavy attention on social media. Fans are split on whether Ryu returned as an enemy or an ally. The ally theory draws on the pair's history: Ryu disappeared after going on a reckless mission alone out of a desire to be recognized. Some read the opening line delivered with a slap as a message that Ryu knows all Nozaki's lies, and the confrontation itself as a performance to divert suspicion. Bolder theories propose a secret pact made five years ago to undermine Shinshi from within. Skeptics counter that a double agent has weak motivation to side with Nozaki at the cost of abandoning his homeland, and that the thrill of finishing off Nozaki with his own hands seems stronger. Director Miyazaki Yohei said comedian Shinya, who played a mercenary in the flashback, has a brother in the Balka police. Fans connect this to the unnamed officer Shinya played in Season 1 episodes 1 and 2.