TV Asahi's long-running detective drama series "Hagure Keiji Junjoha" will come to an end next month with its final special episode. The show ran for 18 seasons between 1988 and 2005, including several special episodes since 1999 aired at the start or end of the year.

The show's protagonist is played by veteran actor Makoto Fujita (76), who was recently removed from the cast of TBS's "JIN" due to his treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Fujita's health does not affect the "Hagure Keiji Junjoha" special, which was already filmed in June.

This special, which will be the drama's 444th episode, deals with the murder of a female lawyer. TV Asahi will air the episode at 9:00pm on December 26.