Important to note that starting off, all 3 SS cases do not have Tow Ubukata's involvement in any way. Shiotani, who has been involved with every aspect of the franchise, is in charge here. Production I.G. is also back for this passion project, which is why it feels so much like season 1. Though this film feels slightly different as there's another new writer here, Yoshigami, who is clearly a Mika fan. Anyways. it's a solid entry. Case 1 rectifies Mika's arc in Season 2. But really, given how badly that season went, it would've fit better after S1 or the first film. Either way, itdoes a great job of redeeming/developing her character and her subsequent promotion later on feels earned.

Case 1 also explores Ginoza's character a fair bit, giving us more insight on his resolved turmoil with Kogami, and how he's been adapting to life after Masaoka's death.