r/anime • u/Holofan4life • 6d ago
Rewatch [Spoilers] Death Note 20th Anniversary Rewatch -- Episode 8 Spoiler
Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.
Welcome to the Death Note 20th anniversary rewatch discussion thread!
I hope you all have a lot of fun <3
Episode 8
Glare
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ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)
What are your thoughts on L installing cameras in the houses of those he most suspect?
What are your thoughts on Light deceiving the surveillance team by watching the news on a portable television hidden in a bag of potato chips?
Where does the "I'll take a potato chip" scene rank in the pantheon of well known anime English dub scenes in your opinion?
Bonus) If you were a potato chip, how would you respond if you found out you were about to be eaten by Light?
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Series information
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Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or past the LNs or mangas out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the LNs or mangas. If you are discussing something that is ahead of the current episode please use spoiler tags(found on the sidebar). Thank you!
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Ways to watch
Streams – Netflix
Schedule
| Date | Episode |
|---|---|
| 10/04/2026 | Death Note Episode 1 |
| 10/05/2026 | Death Note Episode 2 |
| 10/06/2026 | Death Note Episode 3 |
| 10/07/2026 | Death Note Episode 4 |
| 10/08/2026 | Death Note Episode 5 |
| 10/09/2026 | Death Note Episode 6 |
| 10/10/2026 | Death Note Episode 7 |
| 10/11/2026 | [Death Note Episode 8]() |
| 10/12/2026 | [Death Note Episode 9]() |
| 10/13/2026 | [Death Note Episode 10]() |
| 10/14/2026 | [Death Note Episode 11]() |
| 10/15/2026 | [Death Note Episode 12]() |
| 10/16/2026 | [Death Note Episode 13]() |
| 10/17/2026 | [Death Note Episode 14]() |
| 10/18/2026 | [Death Note Episode 15]() |
| 10/19/2026 | [Death Note Episode 16]() |
| 10/20/2026 | [Death Note Episode 17]() |
| 10/21/2026 | [Death Note Episode 18]() |
| 10/22/2026 | [Death Note Episode 19]() |
| 10/23/2026 | [Death Note Episode 20]() |
| 10/24/2026 | [Death Note Episode 21]() |
| 10/25/2026 | [Death Note Episode 22]() |
| 10/26/2026 | [Death Note Episode 23]() |
| 10/27/2026 | [Death Note Episode 24]() |
| 10/28/2026 | [Death Note Episode 25]() |
| 10/29/2026 | [Death Note Episode 26]() |
| 10/31/2026 | [Death Note Episode 27]() |
| 11/01/2026 | [Death Note Episode 28]() |
| 11/02/2026 | [Death Note Episode 29]() |
| 11/02/2026 | [Death Note Episode 30]() |
| 11/03/2026 | [Death Note Episode 31]() |
| 11/04/2026 | [Death Note Episode 32]() |
| 11/05/2026 | [Death Note Episode 33]() |
| 11/06/2026 | [Death Note Episode 34]() |
| 11/07/2026 | [Death Note Episode 35]() |
| 11/08/2026 | [Death Note Episode 36]() |
| 11/09/2026 | [Death Note Episode 37]() |
| 11/10/2026 | [Death Note Overall Series Discussion Thread]() |
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u/Hartzilla2007 6d ago
First Timer
And thus all the lengths Light went to the last few episodes almost come out to a wash because L gets suspicious and starts to zero in on him. And thus we get the origin of the meme. And Light is still having trouble getting L off his case because he's suspicious of some of the stuff Kira is doing. Of course it would probably help if Light could not try to throw shade at L while he thinks he can hide it considering that responding to something that you believe is supposed to spook you with how unspoked you are is the opposite of not being suspicious. I swear to god Light would probably not be in this situation if he could stop taking the bait whenever L pokes him with a metaphorical stick.
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u/zeltheturtl https://myanimelist.net/profile/zeltheturtl 6d ago
I swear to god Light would probably not be in this situation if he could stop taking the bait whenever L pokes him with a metaphorical stick.
Sadly for Light, whatever he's doing right now makes for a great show.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
It definitely feels like by trying to throw L off the scent, he's ultimately playing into his hand. It makes him not less suspicious but a different kind of suspicious.
I do like Mr. Yagami saying he hasn't told his son of the cameras. Because if he did, what even is the point of the surveillance cameras? Though I honestly can't imagine it being easy when you're a father and your son is a prime suspect.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Thoughts on L noticing Raye left an envelope on the train?
What are your thoughts on L being able to deduce Kira was on the train with Raye in his final moments?
Thoughts on us finding out Maki's real name is Naomi Misora?
Thoughts on L being informed Naomi is dead?
What are your thoughts on L considering Detective Yagami's son a prime suspect?
Thoughts on Ryuk casually making a fingering joke?
Thoughts on Light’s dad being in favor of the wire tapping in spite of his reservations?
Thoughts on Mr. Yagami telling L he's never talked about the investigation with Light?
What are your thoughts on Light knowing he's being spied on because the pencil lead was broken?
What are your thoughts on Ryuk being forbidden from eating apples because when he eats them, the camera would just see an invisible entity eating food?
What are your thoughts on Light buying a porno mag to make him come off less suspicious?
What are your thoughts on L sensing that Light is trying to act like his idea of a teenager?
Thoughts on Light’s sister being into soap operas?
Thoughts on Ryuk freaking out over suffering apple withdrawal? This was a massive highlight to me.
What are your thoughts on the ICPO notification on TV where it claims 1500 investigators are being dispatched?
What are your thoughts on Light saying they're trying to get Kira to freak out?
What are your thoughts on Light declaring that L will be witness to his alibi?
What are your thoughts on two people dying as it seems according to the cameras Light is studying?
What are your thoughts on L remarking that the Yagami household seems almost too innocent?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with trash being thrown away, with the implication being it was some of the stuff used to spy on the Yagami household?
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Sorry for being late. I was a potato chip and I was eaten.
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u/ItalianQuagsire 6d ago
lucky
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Obviously, I got better :P
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.
Welcome to the 20th anniversary rewatch of Death Note.
Names need not be written down.
Very few anime transend the medium it is a part of. One Piece, Naruto, Dragon Ball, Speed Racer. Those are really the four where even non anime fans know of it. I would argue there was a point in time where Death Note was like this as well where even if you weren’t an anime fan, you knew what Death Note was.
I of course have experienced Death Note through various memes and the like. I even remember checking out a Treehouse of Horror episode of The Simpsons specifically because they parodied Death Note, and I’m not even a modern Simpsons watcher. But despite being familiar with the show for the better part of almost 15 years, I’ve never actually seen Death Note. It’s just one of those things that escaped me.
I’ve heard Death Note is notorious for having a dip in quality. That with the conclusion of part 1, the show isn’t as good as when it started. This rewatch is less a matter of deciding if the show is good or not and more is part 2 really as bad as it reputation suggests. My prediction will be no but it’ll be a show that goes from 9 out of 10 to 8 out of 10.
Death Note was at one point arguably the most mainstream anime in the entire world. And so it’s time we revisit what I’m sure got many people into anime.
With that out of the way, let’s begin.
I’m watching the dub, by the way. Because potato chips.
I got work in less than two hours. This is about as suspenseful as a Death Note episode.
Three TVs
The police officers along with L going over footage.
Yum, ice cream
L noticing Raye carried an envelope
Left on the train
L wonders if Kira was on the train.
Back with Light
He's written names four days straight.
Ryuzaki being called by someone from the tip line.
Now he's being told Raye's fiancé is dead.
Naomi Misora. That's her real name.
Or wait, she's just being reported as missing.
L wonders if Kira is involved in her disappearance.
Kitamura and Yagami and their families were being investigated.
So L wants to wiretap both families households.
Ryuk casually making a lingering joke.
Like, seriously
The police officers seem to think it's not worth the risk.
But Light’s dad seems in favor of this idea.
Oh, hey, Alfred is named Watari. Okay.
Light coming home
And yes, the surveillance system is already installed.
Ryuk asking if Light wants to play video games.
I swear, they intentionally made Ryuk out ti be a goofball.
Light looking for something
Mr. Light with L
He tells L he's never talked about the investigation with him.
I think Light knows he's being watched.
Yep
He feels someone was in his room
The pencil lead was broken
And so he's buying a book about wire tapping.
A floating apple. Totally not suspicious.
I like Ryuk crashing out over the possibility of not eating apples.
Seriously, hos can you take this seriously? It's glorious.
And so they're gonna have to engage in a camera search.
Light looking at dirty magazines
Gotta through them off the scent
L seems to know this
Ryuk looking for cameras
Light hides the dirty magazine
"Oh, Light" indeed
Light’s sister seems into soap operas.
An ICPO notification on TV
1500 investigators being dispatched
Light doesn't buy it
Light calls this a desperate attempt to shock Kira.
Of course, L sees all this
YES, THE CHIPS
Ryuk looks so fatigued lol
64 cameras. Like Nintendo.
Wouldn't L know that the cameras have been turned off?
Light holding the bag of chips
He is writing
He is writing intently
Gonna continue killing people
Ryuk is tweaking out
Light is gonna show L
Here it comes
"I'll take a potato chip... and eat it!"
LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I can't believe Light being self-indulgent is in contrast to Ryuk suffering withdrawal symptoms.
L and Mr. Light can see Light studying.
Wait, so they can hear Light at the dinner table but not in his room?
L will be witness to his alibi
And yep, two people died
Even still, the Yagami household seems almost too innocent to L.
Garbage Day!
Light out on the balcony
So, Light bought a mini TV for 4000 bucks to know who to kill without L suspecting it. That level of dedication is almost commendable.
I assume that's the surveillance cameras being thrown away.
Overall, What can you say about this episode? This is the one with the glorious potato chip scene, and so it’s one of the most iconic ones in the entire series. This show is just so glorious in how over the top it is, from Light randomly having 4000 dollars on him to Ryuk suffering from apple withdrawal. How can you not enjoy how over the top the show is?
I actually liked how Raye and Naomi's deaths were followed up on and led to the surveillance stuff. Light thinking he outsmarted L only for L to be like "Not so fast" does a good job in making L seem very smart and calculating. I joke of how gloriously outlandish this show is-- and believe me, it is-- but L and Light playing metaphorical chess with one another is legitimately captivating because you can buy that these would be the measures they'd take.
I kinda feel like nowadays, Light would just buy a backup phone and look up the news that way. The whole idea of a new TV is probably the most far fetched thing in all this, and that includes Light eating a chip in dramatic fashion.
This is my favorite episode of the show so far. Yes, the chip scene is iconic and arguably a top 3 dub scene of all time in terms of notoriety, but this episode also did a good job of L and Light trying to out do each other. Light thinks he has the upper hand, but how much of the upper hand does he truly have?
This show is goofy and ridiculous and awesome all at the same time. And this episode manages to be both absurd and also legitimately good.
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u/Second_Cour 6d ago
it wasnt 4000 dollars. Those TVs don't cost 4k. haha but it was still pricey. 40k jpy = 400 bucks at the exchange rate of that time, or about 250usd at today's exchange rate.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
I could've sworn they said 4000 in the dub. I need to go back and listen to it.
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u/Second_Cour 6d ago
Matcha icecream. A lot of matcha ice cream. Big fan of matcha. Not a fan of matcha desserts.
Raye’s finance was missing since the day after his death? Seems impossible given they were staying at a hotel and she was seen at locations including the police station…and she had family in the city. The logic doesn’t logic.
And then L is of course starting to suspect the chiefs family. As I've said before, given how careful Light has been killing Raye and setting up the bus incident seemed like such a stretch.
The door setup however was pure genius. If the paper wasn't replaced it could indeed be a family member yet someone went out of their way to replace it.
Funny that Light finds a way to use apples to manipulate Ryuk
I'll take a potato chip. And eat it! Haha quality line.
Great episode. Incredibly exciting. Shame that there are some clear logical holes but I'm willing to overlook them
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u/TnAdct1 6d ago
If by logical holes, you mean how the whole "TV in the bag" plan worked:
I'm sure whole placing of the TV in the bag happened when Light wasn't at home (with him resealing it outside of home as well).
The manga explains how he prevented his mother and sister from finding out about it: [manga]Light made sure the type of chips he was eating wasn't one that they weren't interested in when he hid the mini TV.
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u/Second_Cour 6d ago
Nope I talked about the logical holes this episode and said nothing about the tv haha. There was no hole there. Rayes finance had multiple holes 1. That despite not knowing what happens when given an extended period before death he sent away his biggest threat to die within a 48 hour time frame. See my comments last ep 2. See my comments this episode about how she is unlikely to have gone missing a day after his death with no one seeing her for multiple days after Raye died. How the police precinct has no knowledge of her being there. How despite staying at a hotel no one saw her leave. Despite having family in Japan they didn't hear from her after rayes death. She didn't meet light for a while until after his death either
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
See, I thought the Raye stuff felt more plausible to me than the TV thing because realistically wouldn't Light had to bring the TV inside with him? What, did he carry a bag of empty potato chips with the TV already inside into the house?
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u/Second_Cour 6d ago
The commenter above explained the tv in potato bags thing. Given only his house is monitored I don't really see it as much of a stretch compared to my point by point deconstruction of why rayes wife story didn't make sense
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
But couldn't maybe "Maki" went undercover until she was going to raise her suspicions? The day she was killed, she was heading to police headquarters. Maybe until she got there she wanted to do some investigating of her own.
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u/Second_Cour 6d ago
It wasn't until later did she come up with her theory. If she was that scared of being found she'd wear a mask haha. Somehow vanishing off the face off Tokyo for five days (7 if including the two days until suicide) is a wiiiild stretch my man haha.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
I kinda feel like it's not as big of a deal as you're making it out to be. In a show where a teenager gets their hands on a book from a demon world, any logical fallacy is almost encouraged.
And it's almost comical how certain things get this elaborate set up like Light hiding the book with a trap door contraption whereas other things get handwaved.
I think if we're being honest, the reason Raye's fiancé went undetected for so long and it not being explained why is because she's not that important of a character. Personally, I think you can theorize that if you're a former member of the task force and worked with the police you're automatically granted immunity from the public life and can go about your life peacefully and unabated.
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u/Second_Cour 6d ago
I'm not saying it's that big a deal, but it still is meaningful. See, if I take your stance that because the premise is fantasy in nature, nothing matters, then by that account, Light being insane and turning into a psycho who kills everyone straight away also doesn't matter. In that regard, no choices or outcomes matter anymore, as there are elements which are largely exaggerated.
What makes a show that has fantasy and detection elements great is how strong the logic is for everything else. You can take big creative leaps, but the underpinning narrative must be solid. Steins; Gate, Shinsekai Yori and some of my other fantasy-mystery shows have this very aspect: sure the overall premise might be far-fetched (it is fantasy) but the logic of the world is solid. You should still be able to imagine that if X happens Y will occur.
With your rationalisation, sorry that's not how it works haha, and I'm not sure where you got that from. Being a member of a government agency in one country doesn't automatically make you invisible anywhere you go. You don't even get full immunity in the country of origin.
We are also talking about her vanishing. Not being given immunity, or given rope to invsstigate (which in a foreign country is insane by itself; if anything a former FBI agent would be scrutinised more by a foreign govt - do you think a seniro member of the CCP will be allowed to do as they please in USA haha, or vice versa?). We are simply looking at it logically - could she have vanished for 5 days, and upon a visit to the Police HQ with multiple cameras, where she even spoke to the officers, and have none of them have any clue that they spoke to her, even after they set out a missing persons alert? No. That's stupid.
All this is, is the writer covering for a mistake of having Light meet her in the police HQ to advance the plot.
Again, overall show wise it's not a big deal, but we are critiqueing a work which is considered to be the best anime of all time. I think it's more than fair to point out weak points, just like you pointed out that Light going into psycho mode within a few episodes is a weak point, when we should have seen his gradual descent into madness, like Breaking Bad which you referenced.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
I think the insanity matters within the context of the show. The characters aren't realistic compared to how people operate in real life, but in this world it works. I often am a fan of unrealistic situations being filled with realistic characters. Dandadan I point to and say you have stuff like cows being abducted and literal testicles being stolen, but at the end of the day it's a love story about two people finding love in a hopeless. Death Note foregos any relatabiltity and instead doubles down on the madness around it. Again, very much like a Studio Trigger show.
I think it works both from an entertainment value and also because I don't think the show is trying to impress. L and Light are that batshit of people that their antics make sense for them. L basically set the tone when he used that decoy in episode 2. That let us know he's just as madcap as Light is.
The people who say this is the greatest anime of all time are likely the ones who grew up with the show or this was their introduction to anime. And a lot of people were probably introduced to anime through Death Note. I personally feel the show lacks an emotional base to be considered one of the best of all time, but sometimes when you go to a restaurant you're in the mood for a certain type of food. Death Note is like one of those Pizza Hut Taco Bell combo restaurants that on the surface seems preposterous but somehow it comes together.
But getting back to your original point, I do agree with you that you can poke holes into the show if you want. I just think the Maki stuff makes more sense than you're giving it credit. I read your comments and I get what you're saying about it not making any sense. But I think it does when you consider as far as the task force knew, Naomi was no longer in Japan.
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u/Second_Cour 6d ago
Oh and another detail: if she was paranoid and went into hiding immediately after - we see her riding the train, no hoodie, no face mask, no scarf, no glasses. That doesn't sound like the actions of someone who is trying to vanish off the radar for five days haha.
It wasn't the day she got killed that she went to the police HQ btw, it was 2 days before more likely (the notebook said that she's to die within 48 hours of the note). But even if we take the stance that she vanished off the map for 5 days, and emerged on the day of meeting Light, she was making quite a ruckus in the police HQ, pleading to speak to someone from the investigating task force: in a building that would have had CCTVs everywhere. She even mentioned "the Kira investigation" and they called the investigators at the time. How somehow that detail would have not made it to L or the investigating task force: "a woman was very insisitent on speaking to you guys" is wild.
Then again, if they did that, that would place Light at the scene. And we wouldn't have many more episodes left haha.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
I think I got it. The police believe the woman known as Naomi disappeared the day after her fiance was killed by Kira. But the police don't know she used the Maki alias that she gave Light. The Death Note is very precise to where you can go into detail on a person's death. Because Naomi used an alias, Light in writing her death framed it to where she died the day after her husband died because she was overcome with grief. The police didn't know she was in Japan because she left the task force to start a family in America.
In fact, if you remember the beginning of episode 7 Light said his goal was to make it seem like the death of her fiancé drove her to commit suicide.
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u/Second_Cour 6d ago
She had to use her passport to get into Japan :P so they're well aware at this point that Naomi exists, and she entered the country. They're later aware that she's dating an FBI agent who was killed.
I think your hypothesis that the note made it seem like she dies T-7 days before her actual date is a good one, but I'm not sure how Light could assume that she would never be found, no matter what. She might still be found no matter what. And a forensic expert would be able to determine a general time of death.
i guess it also depends where/when the suicide note was found and all we know is that was at least 5 days after Raye's death.
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u/IndependentMacaroon 6d ago
Yeah it's far from the only one but the Misora mini-arc is where the suspense logic is really stretched out
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
I was looking up possible answers to your conundrum and I did see someone inquiry that maybe she threw herself into the ocean. There have been a lot of times where bodies aren't recovered.
But I kinda feel like with that ending they almost made it specifically clear she hung herself. I mean, the final visual of the episode was her walking towards a noose.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
But even if he did it when he wasn't at TV, certainly the sight of carrying a heavy bag of potato chips was suspicious. Portable TVs aren't exactly the same weight as a snack.
Mind you, I'm willing to overlook it because of rule of cool.
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u/awesomenessofme1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/kta_99 6d ago
Did they specify that? When I see green ice cream without any noticeable mixings, my first thought is pistachio, but that might be a cultural bias thing.
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u/Second_Cour 6d ago
Yeah it's a cultural thing. It could well be pistachio but I'm Japan green ice cream would be assumed to be matcha
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
See, was Light being that careful around Raye? I feel where he went wrong was in pursuing him in the first place. He got so caught up covering his basis that he only served to make himself stand out more.
I think this episode is a masterclass in the absurd. From Light pretending to be a normal teenager to Ryuk joking about fingering a woman to the whole TV in a potato chip bag and that somehow fitting in it, it's hard to take this seriously and I choose not to take it seriously because it's so awesome in its absurdity. It's how I honestly felt watching a series by Studio Trigger. Like, at a certain point it's best to embrace the madness around you.
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u/Second_Cour 6d ago
Ryuk joked about fingering a woman?
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
He did, it was very early in the episode.
But to my point, how can you not be charmed by something so unhinged? It comes so out of left field that I was dying laughing.
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u/Second_Cour 6d ago
Yeah I think the comedy is great in this show.
Ohhhh "you're pretty skilled with your hands, I guess you're pretty popular with the girls?"
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Yeah, that's the one lmao
I really don't think the creator originally wanted to make a serious story but decided at a certain point to just really make the show as crazy as possible. Like, any show not meant to be somewhat comedic wouldn't have a sub plot of Ryuk having alcoholic shakes but with apples. And truthfully, this episode is the best use we've seen of Ryuk. Outside of him offering Light the eyes of a Shinigami, he's been more in the background so far.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Thoughts on L noticing Raye left an envelope on the train?
What are your thoughts on L being able to deduce Kira was on the train with Raye in his final moments?
Thoughts on us finding out Maki's real name is Naomi Misora?
Thoughts on L being informed Naomi is dead?
What are your thoughts on L considering Detective Yagami's son a prime suspect?
Thoughts on Ryuk casually making a fingering joke?
Thoughts on Light’s dad being in favor of the wire tapping in spite of his reservations?
Thoughts on Mr. Yagami telling L he's never talked about the investigation with Light?
What are your thoughts on Light knowing he's being spied on because the pencil lead was broken?
What are your thoughts on Ryuk being forbidden from eating apples because when he eats them, the camera would just see an invisible entity eating food?
What are your thoughts on Light buying a porno mag to make him come off less suspicious?
What are your thoughts on L sensing that Light is trying to act like his idea of a teenager?
Thoughts on Light’s sister being into soap operas?
Thoughts on Ryuk freaking out over suffering apple withdrawal? This was a massive highlight to me.
What are your thoughts on the ICPO notification on TV where it claims 1500 investigators are being dispatched?
What are your thoughts on Light saying they're trying to get Kira to freak out?
What are your thoughts on Light declaring that L will be witness to his alibi?
What are your thoughts on two people dying as it seems according to the cameras Light is studying?
What are your thoughts on L remarking that the Yagami household seems almost too innocent?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with trash being thrown away, with the implication being it was some of the stuff used to spy on the Yagami household?
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u/zeltheturtl https://myanimelist.net/profile/zeltheturtl 6d ago
First Time Note Taker, subs
IT'S THE POTATO CHIP SCENE! The whole scene is batshit insane. Light is out there executing his seemingly impossible plot in a room with the highest concentration of spy cameras in the world. Epic music plays. And Ryuk is doing fucking handstands because he's having apple withdrawals hahahahahahahahaha.
You know, this show probably has a lot of holes that are patched by very convenient happenings, but its seriousness is so perfectly mixed with the most delusional batshit insane stuff like this scene was, that I'm willing to forgive it practically anything.
QOTD:
What are your thoughts on L installing cameras in the houses of those he most suspect?
Desperate times call for desperate measures. People's privacy have been historically invaded for less.
What are your thoughts on Light deceiving the surveillance team by watching the news on a portable television hidden in a bag of potato chips?
Crazy. Completely crazy. I love this show's overengineered plots so so much.
Where does the "I'll take a potato chip" scene rank in the pantheon of well known anime English dub scenes in your opinion?
Definitely #1 from what we've seen so far. I'm probably forgetting many of the memes yet to come though, because it's my first time actually watching.
Bonus) If you were a potato chip, how would you respond if you found out you were about to be eaten by Light?
Do you know the feeling when something in life simply clicks? That you almost think that it was divine intervention, that aligned the world's actions to take shape in your life the way they took? That potato chip is nearing its end in a well full of this emotion, basking in its radiance almost like a soul seeing Light (pun intended) when reaching heaven's gates.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago edited 6d ago
I totally didn't know the potato chip stuff was gonna coincide with Ryuk freaking out over having apple withdrawal. That added context only makes the infamous potato chip scene that much better.
I almost think the show is becoming self aware in its absurdity. Because nobody in their right mind would have a plot point of someone being unable to eat apples and have it be taken seriously. And honestly, I think the show is better for embracing the absurdity.
There's a fine line between this and becoming a parody of itself, but everything we're seeing is still under the guise of L and Light outsmarting each other. And it's not like the show was doing anything with Ryuk anyway, he can afford to do the more wacky moments in the show.
And Ryuk last episode brought up the deal being on the table still, so even if right now he's more the comic relief he can be heated up quickly into something serious.
Anyway, I think the more absurd the show gets, the better it is. Stuff like the absurd makes the show so much more fun to talk about. It's a quality that reminds me of anime like Jojo's Bizarre Adventure and Kill La Kill, and you don't hear people complain of those shows being unrealistic. If we're not going to get a character that we have an emotional attachment to, then this is the next best thing. Because at least the show is prioritizing being entertaining.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Thoughts on L noticing Raye left an envelope on the train?
What are your thoughts on L being able to deduce Kira was on the train with Raye in his final moments?
Thoughts on us finding out Maki's real name is Naomi Misora?
Thoughts on L being informed Naomi is dead?
What are your thoughts on L considering Detective Yagami's son a prime suspect?
Thoughts on Ryuk casually making a fingering joke?
Thoughts on Light’s dad being in favor of the wire tapping in spite of his reservations?
Thoughts on Mr. Yagami telling L he's never talked about the investigation with Light?
What are your thoughts on Light knowing he's being spied on because the pencil lead was broken?
What are your thoughts on Ryuk being forbidden from eating apples because when he eats them, the camera would just see an invisible entity eating food?
What are your thoughts on Light buying a porno mag to make him come off less suspicious?
What are your thoughts on L sensing that Light is trying to act like his idea of a teenager?
Thoughts on Light’s sister being into soap operas?
Thoughts on Ryuk freaking out over suffering apple withdrawal? This was a massive highlight to me.
What are your thoughts on the ICPO notification on TV where it claims 1500 investigators are being dispatched?
What are your thoughts on Light saying they're trying to get Kira to freak out?
What are your thoughts on Light declaring that L will be witness to his alibi?
What are your thoughts on two people dying as it seems according to the cameras Light is studying?
What are your thoughts on L remarking that the Yagami household seems almost too innocent?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with trash being thrown away, with the implication being it was some of the stuff used to spy on the Yagami household?
2
u/zeltheturtl https://myanimelist.net/profile/zeltheturtl 6d ago
Thoughts on L noticing Raye left an envelope on the train?
Sasuga L.
What are your thoughts on L being able to deduce Kira was on the train with Raye in his final moments?
He's catching up to Kira's taunts.
Thoughts on us finding out Maki's real name is Naomi Misora? Thoughts on L being informed Naomi is dead?
o7
What are your thoughts on L considering Detective Yagami's son a prime suspect?
Narrowed it down to Raye's targets. It was bound to happen sooner or later.
Thoughts on Ryuk casually making a fingering joke?
Completely missed that one.
Thoughts on Light’s dad being in favor of the wire tapping in spite of his reservations?
Well I guess the tenacity runs in the family.
Thoughts on Mr. Yagami telling L he's never talked about the investigation with Light?
But he still wants to believe that his own blood wouldn't commit such crimes.
What are your thoughts on Light knowing he's being spied on because the pencil lead was broken?
All that precaution paying off must be both incredibly satisfying and terrifying at the same time.
What are your thoughts on Ryuk being forbidden from eating apples because when he eats them, the camera would just see an invisible entity eating food?
Hahahahahaha.
What are your thoughts on Light buying a porno mag to make him come off less suspicious?
His study session had me rolling.
What are your thoughts on L sensing that Light is trying to act like his idea of a teenager?
Game recognises game.
Thoughts on Light’s sister being into soap operas?
She's been fun so far. At least the women of Yagami household seem a bit more down to earth.
Thoughts on Ryuk freaking out over suffering apple withdrawal? This was a massive highlight to me.
10/10.
What are your thoughts on the ICPO notification on TV where it claims 1500 investigators are being dispatched?
That message was so weird. If they wanted to make a breaking news insert, wouldn't it be more appropriate to just cut the current programme and have like a live segment? Were messages like this actually used back then?
What are your thoughts on Light saying they're trying to get Kira to freak out?
Sasuga Light.
What are your thoughts on Light declaring that L will be witness to his alibi?
There's no better alibi than the one created by the investigator themselves. It makes them second guess their own intellect. L will most likely not be rattled as other people might tho.
What are your thoughts on two people dying as it seems according to the cameras Light is studying?
Cinema.
What are your thoughts on L remarking that the Yagami household seems almost too innocent?
Sasuga L.
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with trash being thrown away, with the implication being it was some of the stuff used to spy on the Yagami household?
Was it? I thought the implication was destroying the mini LCD that Light used.
1
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
That message was so weird. If they wanted to make a breaking news insert, wouldn't it be more appropriate to just cut the current programme and have like a live segment? Were messages like this actually used back then?
Didn't they just broadcast the message in Light’s household? Nobody else could see that? That was the impression I got, anyway.
Was it? I thought the implication was destroying the mini LCD that Light used.
Maybe. Honestly, I thought it was kinda vague but the big takeaway was that Light had won.
3
u/ItalianQuagsire 6d ago
first time watching, this is becoming a straight comedy i laughed so much LOL
What are your thoughts on L installing cameras in the houses of those he most suspect?
makes so much cents it's dollars
What are your thoughts on Light deceiving the surveillance team by watching the news on a portable television hidden in a bag of potato chips?
what if one camera had an angle inside the chips
Where does the "I'll take a potato chip" scene rank in the pantheon of well known anime English dub scenes in your opinion?
it was actually so hilarious both out and in context, i died laughing
Bonus) If you were a potato chip, how would you respond if you found out you were about to be eaten by Light?
im starting to think you down bad holofan
---
I have to immediately watch the next one I refuse to think she fucking dies here
They're all tired up
Did Ryuk just make a joke about Light being good with hands and popular with women
Also L narrowing it out to Light wow that's quick
Also also no fuckign way is she actually dead
The chief is losing it, but holy shit big respect for allowing the CCTV to be installed generational w
Give him his god damn apples
Imagine your dad watching you bust out out
Cute imouto
Ryuk worked hard
I really like him now LOL
Also what happened to not helping anyone Ryuk got baited from lack of apples
Why's he just laughing at potato chips LOL
LOL this meme Scene and eating potato chips I've seen this one HAHAHA
Epic music x potato chips eating
LOL I GRAB THIS CHIP AND EAT IT HAHAHA
WTF ARE THESE ANGLES
also poor Ryuk suffering withdrawals
2
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
im starting to think you down bad holofan
Only now you're thinking this? :P
I kinda was initially bummed when it became apparent "Maki" was being killed. I was hoping we'd see more of her and the show would go in this serious direction. But if the show is just going to get more and more insane, I'm fine with that. Honestly it makes the show more fun to discuss.
It's like watching a car wreck where you almost want to see what happens next.
2
u/ItalianQuagsire 6d ago
the fact that they in all seriousness added the potato chip scene earnestly is kinda like alright lets see where this shit goes LOL
2
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
And it's Light’s way of basically telling the task force to fuck off. It's both absurd and also something that works within the confines of the show.
2
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Thoughts on L noticing Raye left an envelope on the train?
What are your thoughts on L being able to deduce Kira was on the train with Raye in his final moments?
Thoughts on us finding out Maki's real name is Naomi Misora?
Thoughts on L being informed Naomi is dead?
What are your thoughts on L considering Detective Yagami's son a prime suspect?
Thoughts on Ryuk casually making a fingering joke?
Thoughts on Light’s dad being in favor of the wire tapping in spite of his reservations?
Thoughts on Mr. Yagami telling L he's never talked about the investigation with Light?
What are your thoughts on Light knowing he's being spied on because the pencil lead was broken?
What are your thoughts on Ryuk being forbidden from eating apples because when he eats them, the camera would just see an invisible entity eating food?
What are your thoughts on Light buying a porno mag to make him come off less suspicious?
What are your thoughts on L sensing that Light is trying to act like his idea of a teenager?
Thoughts on Light’s sister being into soap operas?
Thoughts on Ryuk freaking out over suffering apple withdrawal? This was a massive highlight to me.
What are your thoughts on the ICPO notification on TV where it claims 1500 investigators are being dispatched?
What are your thoughts on Light saying they're trying to get Kira to freak out?
What are your thoughts on Light declaring that L will be witness to his alibi?
What are your thoughts on two people dying as it seems according to the cameras Light is studying?
What are your thoughts on L remarking that the Yagami household seems almost too innocent?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with trash being thrown away, with the implication being it was some of the stuff used to spy on the Yagami household?
2
u/ItalianQuagsire 6d ago
What are your thoughts on L considering Detective Yagami's son a prime suspect?
it's like watching them edge each other and im just like ONE OF YOU BUST NOW
Thoughts on Ryuk casually making a fingering joke?
i knew i wasn't the only one who saw that
Thoughts on Light’s dad being in favor of the wire tapping in spite of his reservations?
i REALLY liked it, he's a true homie of the law
Thoughts on Ryuk freaking out over suffering apple withdrawal? This was a massive highlight to me.
that was p damn funny especially when he was going through it while Light was aura-farming potato-chip mogging the camera LOL
What are your thoughts on Light declaring that L will be witness to his alibi?
kinda cool but also bold to underestimate L, i like the ego
What are your thoughts on L remarking that the Yagami household seems almost too innocent?
he's right you know
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with trash being thrown away, with the implication being it was some of the stuff used to spy on the Yagami household?
i think the implication was that Light threw away his radio so there's no evidence that he useed it, if he threw away a camera then he'd be immediately sused
2
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
What are your thoughts on L considering Detective Yagami's son a prime suspect?
it's like watching them edge each other and im just like ONE OF YOU BUST NOW
I kinda feel bad for three dad honestly
Thoughts on Ryuk casually making a fingering joke?
i knew i wasn't the only one who saw that
It was very egregious
Thoughts on Light’s dad being in favor of the wire tapping in spite of his reservations?
i REALLY liked it, he's a true homie of the law
If Light ends up killing his dad, he loses any semblance of the high ground.
Thoughts on Ryuk freaking out over suffering apple withdrawal? This was a massive highlight to me.
that was p damn funny especially when he was going through it while Light was aura-farming potato-chip mogging the camera LOL
It's like Light was taunting everyone he knew.
What are your thoughts on Light declaring that L will be witness to his alibi?
kinda cool but also bold to underestimate L, i like the ego
He is very prideful
What are your thoughts on L remarking that the Yagami household seems almost too innocent?
he's right you know
Right on the money
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with trash being thrown away, with the implication being it was some of the stuff used to spy on the Yagami household?
i think the implication was that Light threw away his radio so there's no evidence that he useed it, if he threw away a camera then he'd be immediately sused
When you say radio, do you mean the portable TV?
2
u/ItalianQuagsire 6d ago
When you say radio, do you mean the portable TV?
yeah the tv, he got rid of the evidence and Ryuk was like damn what a waste of money
at this point Light has no moral high ground anymore, not that he had much to start
2
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
I know Second_Cour was talking about how far fetched it was for "Maki" to die and her disappearing without a trace. But honestly, I find that more believable than Light having $400 at his disposal with no indication he works for a living.
On that note, what do you make of "Maki" disappearing? Do you feel it broke suspension of disbelief?
2
u/ItalianQuagsire 6d ago
We didn't see it so it didn't happen But if she did just vanish, that breaks the rules of having a grounded death from the death note, so it's not congruent with the established rules
2
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
But if Light wrote that she killed herself the day after her husband dying, wouldn't that retroactively cancel out the days that followed? She used an alias, so it’s not like people knew she was around. It's like Light is trying to cover his tracks.
2
u/Holofan4life 6d ago edited 6d ago
I think what makes the "I'll take a potato chip" scene more spectacular is the added context that Light is hiding a portable TV. Light is basically saying "Fuck you, I'll kill people and eat potato chips while doing so". He is flaunting his superiority.
It's the literal definition of having his cake and eat it too.
And also there's the added irony that Light is indulging himself on food while Ryuk is unable to do so.
1
u/AgentOfACROSS 6d ago
Watching Dubbed
L and the boys are investigating Raye’s death. Glad to see they’re on top of things.
In hindsight, the sudden suicide of a murdered FBI agent’s fiance is very suspicious. Light needs to think of better solutions to his plans that don’t immediately default to murder.
I was not expecting Ryuk to make that comment about Light’s hand. That actually made me laugh.
Kira’s dad has agreed to have his house bugged. Surprised he agreed.
Ryuk casually asking Light if he wants to play video games is really funny.
Light rambling about a door handle is really funny to me. He is so paranoid. I mean he has good reason to be, but still.
Ryuk freaking out when he realizes he can’t eat apples now is really funny.
Light trying to look like a normal teenaged boy by reading a porn magazine is really funny to me.
Sayu’s reaction to that movie on TV is really funny.
Light is pretty calm about being under surveillance.
And here we have the infamous potato chip scene. It’s still amazingly over the top. I love it.
I completely forgot that Ryuk is going through apple withdrawals in the background during this scene.
L is still very suspicious of Light. Good
1
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
L and the boys are investigating Raye’s death. Glad to see they’re on top of things.
Makes the past few episodes feel important
In hindsight, the sudden suicide of a murdered FBI agent’s fiance is very suspicious. Light needs to think of better solutions to his plans that don’t immediately default to murder.
Unfortunately, the purpose of the Death Note is the whole death aspect of things.
I was not expecting Ryuk to make that comment about Light’s hand. That actually made me laugh.
I would say it's out of pocket, but not with this show.
Kira’s dad has agreed to have his house bugged. Surprised he agreed.
Otherwise, it would be a conflict of interest.
Ryuk casually asking Light if he wants to play video games is really funny.
How can anyone take this show seriously? Lol
Light rambling about a door handle is really funny to me. He is so paranoid. I mean he has good reason to be, but still.
It feels very thought out to the point of absurdity.
Ryuk freaking out when he realizes he can’t eat apples now is really funny.
Holo shares her sympathies
Light trying to look like a normal teenaged boy by reading a porn magazine is really funny to me.
You can say "Really funny to me" and apply it for half the episode.
Sayu’s reaction to that movie on TV is really funny.
See what I mean?
Light is pretty calm about being under surveillance.
Yeah, no kidding
And here we have the infamous potato chip scene. It’s still amazingly over the top. I love it.
It's funny (There it is again) that this is all just Light’s way of saying fuck you to the investigation.
I completely forgot that Ryuk is going through apple withdrawals in the background during this scene.
That makes it just that much better. Here Light is trying to outdo L meanwhile his buddy is just suffering.
You know that meme from Two and a Half Man where the kid gets forgotten about in the rain? That's basically what's happening to Ryuk here.
L is still very suspicious of Light. Good
As he should be. If Kira is smart enough to kill 23 hours of the day, they're smart enough to thwart being bugged and wiretapped.
1
u/AgentOfACROSS 5d ago
How can anyone take this show seriously? Lol
Death Note is honestly a great comedy anime and I'm never sure how much of it is intentional
1
u/Holofan4life 5d ago
I think by this episode the creator realized the absurdity and decided to lean into it. Like, fitting a portable TV in a bag of potato chips is so nonsensical but awesome at the same time.
I think the story was originally meant to be serious as evidenced by the Raye and "Maki" stuff. But as the interplay between Light and L was being written, it was kinda decided it'd be better to just be campy and ham it up. These two individuals are so insane that they can't have a normal conversation amongst themselves. It's like that SNL sketch where Jon Lovitz and John Lithgow play Shakespearian actors who try to outdo each other.
1
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Questions of the Day
What are your thoughts on L installing cameras in the houses of those he most suspect?
What are your thoughts on Light deceiving the surveillance team by watching the news on a portable television hidden in a bag of potato chips?
Where does the "I'll take a potato chip" scene rank in the pantheon of well known anime English dub scenes in your opinion?
Bonus) If you were a potato chip, how would you respond if you found out you were about to be eaten by Light?
1
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Thoughts on L noticing Raye left an envelope on the train?
What are your thoughts on L being able to deduce Kira was on the train with Raye in his final moments?
Thoughts on us finding out Maki's real name is Naomi Misora?
Thoughts on L being informed Naomi is dead?
What are your thoughts on L considering Detective Yagami's son a prime suspect?
Thoughts on Ryuk casually making a fingering joke?
Thoughts on Light’s dad being in favor of the wire tapping in spite of his reservations?
Thoughts on Mr. Yagami telling L he's never talked about the investigation with Light?
What are your thoughts on Light knowing he's being spied on because the pencil lead was broken?
What are your thoughts on Ryuk being forbidden from eating apples because when he eats them, the camera would just see an invisible entity eating food?
What are your thoughts on Light buying a porno mag to make him come off less suspicious?
What are your thoughts on L sensing that Light is trying to act like his idea of a teenager?
Thoughts on Light’s sister being into soap operas?
Thoughts on Ryuk freaking out over suffering apple withdrawal? This was a massive highlight to me.
What are your thoughts on the ICPO notification on TV where it claims 1500 investigators are being dispatched?
What are your thoughts on Light saying they're trying to get Kira to freak out?
What are your thoughts on Light declaring that L will be witness to his alibi?
What are your thoughts on two people dying as it seems according to the cameras Light is studying?
What are your thoughts on L remarking that the Yagami household seems almost too innocent?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with trash being thrown away, with the implication being it was some of the stuff used to spy on the Yagami household?
1
u/AgentOfACROSS 5d ago
What are your thoughts on L being able to deduce Kira was on the train with Raye in his final moments?
I do love seeing L being intelligent like this
Thoughts on us finding out Maki's real name is Naomi Misora?
Light already said it at the end of last episode
Thoughts on L being informed Naomi is dead?
Once again, it turns out the death of the fiance of a murdered FBI agent is very suspicious
What are your thoughts on L considering Detective Yagami's son a prime suspect?
He's very on top of things
Thoughts on Ryuk casually making a fingering joke?
Very surprising and pretty funny
Thoughts on Mr. Yagami telling L he's never talked about the investigation with Light?
I mean yeah, makes sense he'd keep that down low
What are your thoughts on Light knowing he's being spied on because the pencil lead was broken?
He's so paranoid but I suppose it's warranted
What are your thoughts on Ryuk being forbidden from eating apples because when he eats them, the camera would just see an invisible entity eating food?
Poor Ryuk. He just wants his apples.
What are your thoughts on Light buying a porno mag to make him come off less suspicious?
Somehow it makes him look more suspicious. Light does not seem like he's the type to look at porn.
What are your thoughts on L sensing that Light is trying to act like his idea of a teenager?
I mean yeah, somehow reading porn is more suspicious than whatever else he could have done as ac over
Thoughts on Light’s sister being into soap operas?
She's the most normal character in this show
Thoughts on Ryuk freaking out over suffering apple withdrawal? This was a massive highlight to me.
Yeah that's probably the funniest part of the show
What are your thoughts on the ICPO notification on TV where it claims 1500 investigators are being dispatched?
Once again, that's a very suspicious thing to do
What are your thoughts on Light saying they're trying to get Kira to freak out?
Yeah that's pretty obvious
What are your thoughts on Light declaring that L will be witness to his alibi?
Light's so over the top
What are your thoughts on L remarking that the Yagami household seems almost too innocent?
L's not buying any of this
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with trash being thrown away, with the implication being it was some of the stuff used to spy on the Yagami household?
Oh I thought the implication was L threw away that mini TV thing he hid in his chip bag so it wouldn't be found.
1
u/Holofan4life 5d ago
What are your thoughts on L being able to deduce Kira was on the train with Raye in his final moments?
I do love seeing L being intelligent like this
L's smartness makes him likable
Thoughts on us finding out Maki's real name is Naomi Misora?
Light already said it at the end of last episode
Did he?
Thoughts on L being informed Naomi is dead?
Once again, it turns out the death of the fiance of a murdered FBI agent is very suspicious
How surprising
What are your thoughts on L considering Detective Yagami's son a prime suspect?
He's very on top of things
As he should be
Thoughts on Ryuk casually making a fingering joke?
Very surprising and pretty funny
Ryuk kinda has a dirty mind
Thoughts on Mr. Yagami telling L he's never talked about the investigation with Light?
I mean yeah, makes sense he'd keep that down low
Absolutely
What are your thoughts on Light knowing he's being spied on because the pencil lead was broken?
He's so paranoid but I suppose it's warranted
I would say his paranoia is his downfall.
What are your thoughts on Ryuk being forbidden from eating apples because when he eats them, the camera would just see an invisible entity eating food?
Poor Ryuk. He just wants his apples.
Can't he eat them out of the house? Lol
What are your thoughts on Light buying a porno mag to make him come off less suspicious?
Somehow it makes him look more suspicious. Light does not seem like he's the type to look at porn.
He's more likely to jerk off to the Death Note :]
What are your thoughts on L sensing that Light is trying to act like his idea of a teenager?
I mean yeah, somehow reading porn is more suspicious than whatever else he could have done as ac over
He should've just played video games like Ryuk suggested.
Thoughts on Light’s sister being into soap operas?
She's the most normal character in this show
More than the mom?
Thoughts on Ryuk freaking out over suffering apple withdrawal? This was a massive highlight to me.
Yeah that's probably the funniest part of the show
It was so glorious
What are your thoughts on the ICPO notification on TV where it claims 1500 investigators are being dispatched?
Once again, that's a very suspicious thing to do
It was worth a shot
What are your thoughts on Light saying they're trying to get Kira to freak out?
Yeah that's pretty obvious
Indeed
What are your thoughts on Light declaring that L will be witness to his alibi?
Light's so over the top
It's great :D
What are your thoughts on L remarking that the Yagami household seems almost too innocent?
L's not buying any of this
I do like he's not easily fooled
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with trash being thrown away, with the implication being it was some of the stuff used to spy on the Yagami household?
Oh I thought the implication was L threw away that mini TV thing he hid in his chip bag so it wouldn't be found.
I think you're correct. I wasn't sure.
1
u/AgentOfACROSS 5d ago
What are your thoughts on L installing cameras in the houses of those he most suspect?
Probably a very smart move
What are your thoughts on Light deceiving the surveillance team by watching the news on a portable television hidden in a bag of potato chips?
Such an insane plan but it works
Where does the "I'll take a potato chip" scene rank in the pantheon of well known anime English dub scenes in your opinion?
Easily somewhere towards the top.
1
u/Holofan4life 5d ago
What are your thoughts on L installing cameras in the houses of those he most suspect?
Probably a very smart move
One would assume.
The thing is, this would've worked with anyone not named Light.
What are your thoughts on Light deceiving the surveillance team by watching the news on a portable television hidden in a bag of potato chips?
Such an insane plan but it works
Only Light would think of something like that.
Also, how spacious must that bag of potato chips be?
Where does the "I'll take a potato chip" scene rank in the pantheon of well known anime English dub scenes in your opinion?
Easily somewhere towards the top.
What compares? Over 9000? The scene where the black guy sounds like a whimpy white dude? Some of the Speed Racer dialogue? Terrible day for rain?
I think if you were to make a ranking, the potato chip scene has to be a top 3 known dub clip. There are some people who literally know Death Note as the potato chip anime.
1
u/AgentOfACROSS 5d ago
What compares? Over 9000? The scene where the black guy sounds like a whimpy white dude? Some of the Speed Racer dialogue? Terrible day for rain?
I'd say the potato chip scene is about on the same level as Over 9000 (which is pretty funny considering Ryuk played Vegeta in the Ocean dub).
Also I'd like to make a slight correction. That moment where you're talking about the black guy, that was actually in the Japanese version. The dubbed version gave him a more fitting voice.
1
u/Holofan4life 5d ago
That is a funny coincidence. He's a part of history for two moments.
That honestly makes the moment that much more insane lol
2
u/IndependentMacaroon 6d ago edited 6d ago
Rewatch
I have a lot going on right now so just dropping in on rewatches occasionally for a bit.
Anyway, at this point the strengths and weaknesses of the show are pretty clear. Production plus direction do a great job at making so much talking with so little action interesting - I particularly like the soundtrack with its combination of atmospheric beats (reminiscent of the truly excellent Samurai Champloo soundtrack of a few years before) and gothic bombast - Light's smooth scheming and L's more eccentric genius make for a fun contrast, all the layers of dramatic irony are great drama, and it really gets how Internet and media culture would develop around a phenomenon like this and uses it very well. However, it isn't quite as smart as it would like to be and outside the obvious comedy it can feel more unintentionally camp-funny, like even without over-the-top dubbing the TV-and-potato-chips business is pretty goofy.
The series' misogynistic streak, though lesser than in the author's other series like Bakuman, also shines through; Misora while competent also gets the "time to retire to housewifery" talk and dooms herself by talking too much, Light's date is an unnamed prop and between her and his sister 100% of unpartnered female characters get a "superficial pretty boy obsession" treatment, while besides them and later [Death Note]Misa who is the picture of an obsessive fan and Rem who gets upstaged like Misora there's Light's mom and that's it. IIRC also Light's sister [Death Note]gets assaulted for drama at some point without ever being relevant any other way so yeah really not the greatest series in terms of the female cast. Not that that is/was a huge obstacle for L fangirls (I kind of get it), Light/L shippers (ok, could be fun), and lovers of [later character]Misa Amane's fashion style.
On the point of not-so-smart schemes, there's a pattern of Light's opponents being hyper-competent just long enough for it to look like he's in trouble, but then whiffing or lacking in the final steps. Despite supposedly operating on anything-goes supernatural hypotheses Penber doesn't get suspicious at writing the names of all the agents and trusts Light's bluff (?) about his wife who Light clearly was not fully informed about, and L discounts Kira being able to use different methods of death; Misora knows a whole lot about her husband's investigation except the crucial detail of who he was following and showed his badge to, and is awfully eager to chat about it even after going so far to use an alias; in this episode specifically L's team can locate lots of footage of Penber but somehow none of Light following him even knowing that he's the one Penber was after, plus don't even consider there might be something up with Light and the potato chip bag; and I'm sure I could come up with more. Also you can tell this was a shounen series by how the investigation team is basically L plus some decorative adults.
By the way, the Los Angeles investigation L mentions was the subject of a spin-off novel written by famed mystery fan Nisioisin (Monogatari, Katanagatari, Pretty Boy Detective Club, ...); I've never read it but it's supposedly pretty good.
1
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
I think the show does a good job of highlighting Light’s smartness while pointing out the missteps along the way. For every two steps he takes, there's always one step back. He handles "Maki" suspecting him, but in turn he makes himself more suspicious. He handles the surveillance cameras, but L is still suspicious of him. These are the things that feel like is gonna cost him in the end.
I mentioned this in other comments, but I don't think L is gonna be the one to take Light down. I think it's going to be someone outside the police investigation. It's gonna be one of those slip on a banana peel things where Light gets almost too comfortable and it ends up costing him.
2
u/IndependentMacaroon 6d ago
I don't mean Light's planning flaws that are addressed in the plot, I mean what's not addressed.
1
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
And I'm saying what's not addressed is in addition to Light’s downfall. It's all planting the seeds of what's likely to come.
2
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Since we're talking logical fallacies, I want to mention this comment made by u/cuckoodev in the Death Note rewatch from 10 years ago.
That TV should've made a loud ass noise when it fell into the trash. A thin, plastic (???) bag isn't going to stop that. And Sachiko probably should've felt the weight of it in the trash bag. But whatever ¯_(ツ)_/¯
2
1
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.
Welcome to the 20th anniversary rewatch of Death Note.
Names need not be written down.
Very few anime transend the medium it is a part of. One Piece, Naruto, Dragon Ball, Speed Racer. Those are really the four where even non anime fans know of it. I would argue there was a point in time where Death Note was like this as well where even if you weren’t an anime fan, you knew what Death Note was.
I of course have experienced Death Note through various memes and the like. I even remember checking out a Treehouse of Horror episode of The Simpsons specifically because they parodied Death Note, and I’m not even a modern Simpsons watcher. But despite being familiar with the show for the better part of almost 15 years, I’ve never actually seen Death Note. It’s just one of those things that escaped me.
I’ve heard Death Note is notorious for having a dip in quality. That with the conclusion of part 1, the show isn’t as good as when it started. This rewatch is less a matter of deciding if the show is good or not and more is part 2 really as bad as it reputation suggests. My prediction will be no but it’ll be a show that goes from 9 out of 10 to 8 out of 10.
Death Note was at one point arguably the most mainstream anime in the entire world. And so it’s time we revisit what I’m sure got many people into anime.
With that out of the way, let’s begin.
I’m watching the dub, by the way. Because potato chips.
I got work in less than two hours. This is about as suspenseful as a Death Note episode.
Three TVs
The police officers along with L going over footage.
Yum, ice cream
L noticing Raye carried an envelope
Left on the train
L wonders if Kira was on the train.
Back with Light
He's written names four days straight.
Ryuzaki being called by someone from the tip line.
Now he's being told Raye's fiancé is dead.
Naomi Misora. That's her real name.
Or wait, she's just being reported as missing.
L wonders if Kira is involved in her disappearance.
Kitamura and Yagami and their families were being investigated.
So L wants to wiretap both families households.
Ryuk casually making a lingering joke.
Like, seriously
The police officers seem to think it's not worth the risk.
But Light’s dad seems in favor of this idea.
Oh, hey, Alfred is named Watari. Okay.
Light coming home
And yes, the surveillance system is already installed.
Ryuk asking if Light wants to play video games.
I swear, they intentionally made Ryuk out ti be a goofball.
Light looking for something
Mr. Light with L
He tells L he's never talked about the investigation with him.
I think Light knows he's being watched.
Yep
He feels someone was in his room
The pencil lead was broken
And so he's buying a book about wire tapping.
A floating apple. Totally not suspicious.
I like Ryuk crashing out over the possibility of not eating apples.
Seriously, hos can you take this seriously? It's glorious.
And so they're gonna have to engage in a camera search.
Light looking at dirty magazines
Gotta through them off the scent
L seems to know this
Ryuk looking for cameras
Light hides the dirty magazine
"Oh, Light" indeed
Light’s sister seems into soap operas.
An ICPO notification on TV
1500 investigators being dispatched
Light doesn't buy it
Light calls this a desperate attempt to shock Kira.
Of course, L sees all this
YES, THE CHIPS
Ryuk looks so fatigued lol
64 cameras. Like Nintendo.
Wouldn't L know that the cameras have been turned off?
Light holding the bag of chips
He is writing
He is writing intently
Gonna continue killing people
Ryuk is tweaking out
Light is gonna show L
Here it comes
"I'll take a potato chip... and eat it!"
LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I can't believe Light being self-indulgent is in contrast to Ryuk suffering withdrawal symptoms.
L and Mr. Light can see Light studying.
Wait, so they can hear Light at the dinner table but not in his room?
L will be witness to his alibi
And yep, two people died
Even still, the Yagami household seems almost too innocent to L.
Garbage Day!
Light out on the balcony
So, Light bought a mini TV for 4000 bucks to know who to kill without L suspecting it. That level of dedication is almost commendable.
I assume that's the surveillance cameras being thrown away.
Overall, What can you say about this episode? This is the one with the glorious potato chip scene, and so it’s one of the most iconic ones in the entire series. This show is just so glorious in how over the top it is, from Light randomly having 4000 dollars on him to Ryuk suffering from apple withdrawal. How can you not enjoy how over the top the show is?
I actually liked how Raye and Naomi's deaths were followed up on and led to the surveillance stuff. Light thinking he outsmarted L only for L to be like "Not so fast" does a good job in making L seem very smart and calculating. I joke of how gloriously outlandish this show is-- and believe me, it is-- but L and Light playing metaphorical chess with one another is legitimately captivating because you can buy that these would be the measures they'd take.
I kinda feel like nowadays, Light would just buy a backup phone and look up the news that way. The whole idea of a new TV is probably the most far fetched thing in all this, and that includes Light eating a chip in dramatic fashion.
This is my favorite episode of the show so far. Yes, the chip scene is iconic and arguably a top 3 dub scene of all time in terms of notoriety, but this episode also did a good job of L and Light trying to out do each other. Light thinks he has the upper hand, but how much of the upper hand does he truly have?
This show is goofy and ridiculous and awesome all at the same time. And this episode manages to be both absurd and also legitimately good.
1
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
What are your thoughts on L installing cameras in the houses of those he most suspect?
It would work if the person was anyone other than Light.
What are your thoughts on Light deceiving the surveillance team by watching the news on a portable television hidden in a bag of potato chips?
It's so absurd I can't help but appreciate the creativity.
Where does the "I'll take a potato chip" scene rank in the pantheon of well known anime English dub scenes in your opinion?
It was what introduced me to Death Note. I started using the internet in 2010 and that was really my introduction to the series. I think I first saw it in 2011 and so that would've predated my anime fandom.
1
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Bonus) If you were a potato chip, how would you respond if you found out you were about to be eaten by Light?
"WTF, Light, put me back"
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u/awesomenessofme1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/kta_99 6d ago
I'm not sure that casually perusing a dirty magazine with a disinterested expression like you're reading a newspaper makes you less suspicious. But sure. Even if you can show someone cranking it in a shonen manga, it wouldn't really fit the tone at all.