Alright, Light’s definitely crossed a line here. Up until this point, there’s been some gray morality regarding who’s the real hero of the show. Kira’s methods were, of course, extreme, but since he was only targeting criminals who were already on death row, you could still describe him as just a vigilante. Now that he’s killed the fed who was following him as well as twelve other FBI agents (!!!) though, I’d say he’s firmly defined him as a ruthless villain - - or, at best, an anti-hero. Before, you could make as equal arguments to sympathize with L or Kira, depending on your leanings, but, after this, well... you really have to root for the master detective with the one-letter name, don’t you?
That’s not to say there isn’t still some sympathetic points to Light. Actually, I think this gives this whole series a lot more complexity and the kind of maturity that doesn’t just boil down to the level of gore. The dinner table conversation with his father and the rest of his family was especially well done. The drama of this police chief breaking the dangers of his job to his family is so powerful and convincing, you forget the irony of it for a moment. Not only is this man chasing his son, who’s right across the table from him, but he’s voicing concern about his own safety when, out of anybody in the investigation, he has the least risk of dying. It’s brilliant stuff.
Ack! I hate to bring up another logic issue, since I already went on that screed about this show’s appealing freeness in regard to suspension of disbelief, but… seriously, what’s up with L’s agent? The police are getting into knots about L’s identity when they can easily interrogate or fingerprint this mysterious trench coat guy who’s standing right there? And how does he always manage to be in the shadows?
You can watch this episode, "Tactics", on Hulu here. And check out my thoughts on the previous episode here.
-- Tom Pinchuk is the writer of UNIMAGINABLE for Arcana Studios and HYBRID BASTARDS! for Archaia. Pre-order the HYBRID BASTARDS! hardcover now on Amazon.com.
He's no better then a murder and a terrorist. Ruling through fear. People always try and excuse Light by claiming that the Death Note corrupted him to do it, but it was obvious that Light always had these ideals. It's only now he was give the ability to act on them.
I look at it like this. What if some serial killer was only killing prostitutes and drug dealers, but he also started killing any police who started investigating and getting close? Even police who weren't close. Just to throw off the trail. Why does it suddenly matter if the class of people he's killing changes? They are still people.
Light didn't just put a toe over the line. He leaped over it with both feet.
L did use that man in his experiment to catch Kira in the open, but he was already scheduled for execution and L isn't the type to kill someone who stands in his way. If you don't agree with his methods then leave.
About the police not investigating the shadowed Geek Squad member. I think it's sort of a "don't look a gift horse in mouth" moment. Why would they burn down their bridge to the one person who they know stands the best chance to catch Kira.
Light started off as a character that seemed smart and mature, but he slowly fell into a pattern of arrogance and villainy. While I did enjoy the overall arc of Light and L's story, this was something that disappointed me.
You'll enjoy the whole series Tom. without being too much "action" I was on the edge of my seat
I think that in the first episode he says something like, "... and I will be the God of this new world." Anyone who crowns themselves a God, especially a god via mass homicide, gets a big bold check mark in the villain column.
I say Light all the way. His constant battle with L is amazing and only gets better as the anime goes on. There are many twists that come up that will surprise mamy who are new with Death Note. My advice is to not look to much into everything until you have seen the whole thing. In addition, I love the working of morality and I side with Light because I like what he is doing (yes I do agree killing the innocent is crossing a line). I'll be bringing this topic up in my next ethics class.