The most unique take on Sherlock I've seen so far. Plenty of Sherlock adaptations go with a fairly standard formula "Sherlock but in (insert location here)!", to varying results. Many are boring, or at the bare minimum - uniform. They don't take risks in terms of the fundamental portrayal of the main cast of characters that the namesake series is known for.

Kabukichou Sherlock AKA Case File n221: Kabukicho, made a ton of changes. An anime original story produced by Kadokawa and Production I.G., Case File endeavours to shake up the classic series in a very anime way, and mostly succeeds.

A case of the week murder mystery makes up the first half or so of the season, which can get a tad repetitive at points. However - the second half's twists enable the story to shift in a direction I didn't see coming.
Some particular plot points you will see coming, if you have ever seen or read a Sherlock story before, however - the execution is far more unique than what I would've expected.

I watched the show dubbed on Funimation, so that means I got to see Justin Briner shine, among a lovely cast of Funimation regulars, keeping the absurdity of the animation and the story alive and well. Kabukicho is an absurd place, and the cast sells it. It would be easy to allow the performance to fail to sell the story, and they manage to pull it off under the careful direction of Cris George, and the strength of the rest of the cast.

There are some issues with it - I cannot go into too much detail without entering spoiler territory, but I will say that the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters is mixed in the show - with some stereotypes and negative connotations causing me some concern. It's great to see an anime with so many LGBTQ+ characters that is not a yaoi/yuri story, but it was not handled as well as I would prefer in this day-and-age...

There are uncomfortable moments in the show beyond this - it is not a pure comedy-mystery play. There are entire portions of episodes without humour - which can lead to some tonal whiplash, especially compared to the start of the series.

Nonetheless, I really enjoyed it. The animation is gorgeous - the opening is fantastic (how often do we see a jazz-style song in an anime opening?) and wish it would be able to continue, but I doubt it.

If you have no interest in mysteries or a new take on Sherlock Holmes that is verrry different from what you've seen before, don't watch this show.
However, if you want an eccentric adventure that you won't forget quick - this is the show for you.

There is no word yet on a second season, but the complete Season 1 is available (+1 OVA) on Funimation. It could have been better, it had some weak episodes, but overall it was - fine but memorable.