Ep 1. Menchi-Katsu

In Midnight Diner season 3 episode 1, titled Menchi-Katsu, viewers are greeted by the familiar setting of Master's late-night Tokyo diner where patrons come for more than just a bite to eat. The episode follows a young boy named Yuichi who is taken in by Master after running away from his abusive family.

Master, played by Kaoru Kobayashi, is the owner and chef of the diner, and is known to listen to his customers' problems and provide them with both culinary and emotional comfort. The diner opens at midnight, when most other food establishments have closed down, and stays open until morning, catering to a diverse clientele of night owls.

In this episode, Master's signature dish - menchi-katsu - takes center stage. The dish is essentially a minced meat patty, breaded and deep-fried, often served with tonkatsu sauce. When Yuichi initially arrives at the diner, he is apprehensive about trying new food, but with some coaxing from Master, he agrees to try the menchi-katsu.

As the night progresses, we see different characters come to the diner, each with their own unique story. A down-and-out actor, a stressed-out salaryman, a mother's desperate plea to find her runaway daughter - each finding solace in the warm comfort and delicious food of Master's diner. The diner serves as a refuge for those who feel lost or alone, and through their interactions with Master and each other, they find a sense of belonging.

Through all the stories that play out in the inky shadows of the night, there is a common thread - the warmth of Master's hospitality. He is not just a cook but an old friend, a confidant and sometimes even a matchmaker. As the night progresses, we see the inner workings of the diner and the people who come there, and the cathartic power of shared food and conversation.

In terms of cinematography, the episode makes use of dim lighting and shadows to create an intimate atmosphere. The camera lingers on the food, showcasing the tempting dishes being prepared and served, making the viewer's mouth water. The music accompaniment is minimal, with only a few pieces of jazz music playing in the background, further adding to the ambiance of the diner.

Overall, Midnight Diner season 3 episode 1 is a heartwarming start to the season. The mixture of food, people, and problems create a rich tapestry of life in a bustling city. Master's signature menchi-katsu ties everything together as a dish that, like the diverse characters in the diner, is both comforting and multi-layered. Viewers are left with a sense of comfort and community that comes from sharing food and stories at the Midnight Diner.