Death Note: In Review

I was introduced to this series though a podcast I listen to called, “The Narrative Breakdown”. 

“Death Note” was used as an example of how authors can use certain storytelling elements to make a story more interesting.  It sounded intriguing, and after reviewing some christian reviews on content (here) , I decided to give it a try.

I was surprised at the reaction I got from some people when I mentioned I was interested in watching an anime series. One of my sisters said, “Well, just make sure you don't let people know you watched the english-dubed version”.  Apparently “true anime” lovers are opposed to that.

Well, I tested it out on some anime/manga fans, and it's...accurate...unfortunately.

Also, "Avatar: the Last Airbender" is not a true anime series (...apparently), so this is my first excursion into the cartoon-style. 

Anyway, here is my review:

“Death Note” is an animated Supernatural Crime/Thriller series about the rise of a ethically motivated serial killer (called Kira) out to eradicate all evil-doers, and the detective(s) out to stop him.

A lot of the intrigue in this story centers around the two main lead character's trying to outsmart each other. Their intellectual battle brings a lot of tension to the story, even in the scenes with people just standing around asking each other questions

(...and their lips barely moving...because its anime)

there's so much happening under the surface, you—the viewer—really feel like you are watching a fight scene. It's really fascinating to watch. The fact that they are able to do this without it becoming too repetitive or boring is a monumental achievement.

Kudos!+2

Another novelty of this series is its seamless incorporation of fantastical, supernatural elements into a seemingly organic reality. Unlike Harry Potter going to Hogwarts, where you feel you've escaped the real world, you--the viewer--can become convinced that the god's of death (AKA Shinigami) are part of the world...You know, somewhere in Japan, but still...

                                                             (No one will notice...)

The story plays out as you might expect from a crime-thriller, so it still feels rooted in reality. However, later in the series, this becomes a bit compromised as Shinigami take a more active role in the story and do things that it wouldn't actually make sense for them to do. Kudos +1

About three/fourths into the series, the story-line takes a turn from which it never fully recovers. The ending is still fitting, but the means to the end is a bit disappointing.

Kind of changes the moral of the story to "Greed Will Win When Good Won't."  

I am convinced that the storytellers could have avoided this by putting a little more thought into introducing and developing the background characters more effectively. 

 It's like having the last 1/3^rd of your chocolate shake replaced with strawberry.

                                            (Which. Is. UNFORGIVABLE!!!)

(Fortunately, there is a live action version with a better ending! Yay for alternate cannon!!)

Although there is significantly less violence compared to many American crime series (I'm thinking of Criminal Minds), the level of intrigue will likely to make the show an unenjoyable watch for kids. Also, because of the dark ethics, (and because of this) it will probably not be a good thing for an immature teenager to watch.

Do not let your kid's watch this show if you wouldn't let them watch Criminal Minds.

However, if you want something to stave off the boredom, and make you think, this series is excellent.

I would like to thank my incredibly mature 16 year old sister for watching with me!!