Death Note Episode 1 Discussion / Poll

[Catgirls]

Welcome to the discussion thread for Death Note, Episode 1!

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[KiNA]

Perfect.

So far both main character's voice matched their identity well .. Couldn't wait for L's voice as well .. Nah, I'm joking .. I cant wait for Misa Misa

Adaptation from manga was perfect, altho as most people noted .. Raito's reaction when meeting Ryuuku was a bit .. erm .. missing.

If I have to nitpick .. then the only one I can complain is did he really go so maniac early? Dont think he quite lost it earlier >.<

All in all .. a perfect start to one of the greatest manga. I had goosebump when hearing ryuuku's voice ^^

[Ottocycle]

Anyone else thought they overpimped the mass writing of names? The overly sharp hand movements and the super shiny pen(or was it a mechanical pencil) for example. I thought translucent pan overs at various angles of people dying as he was writing would have been nice.

I liked the camera shaking though..

As for the voices, Miyano Mamoru did a great job as Raito, we can clearly hear his start to the path to madness here, while not losing his Tamaki charm.

Ryuk was..underwhelming? But good nonetheless. A fresh change from what I would expect Zaraki Kenpachi from Bleach to voice(generically).

[Nightengale]

I suppose it was neccesary to give a feel that rather than just writing down names, Light was playing the ochestra of death, sending down (( self-proclaimed )) God's judgement to the evils of the world. Don't we always see exaggerated slams on the organ keys (( even when a smooth quick tap for quick interchanging patterns is the proper way to play organs )) and exaggerated camera angles during epic organ plays, this is pretty much the same thing, only with a mechanical pencil and a book.

[ShikaShika]

Originally Posted by humbug23

Anyone else thought they overpimped the mass writing of names?

I actually really loved that, just shows how crazy Light really is. He really does think of himself as a god.

Hmm... I wonder if I should give this episode a 9 or a 10... I'd give it a 10 but I know the next episode has an even higher potential so what would I give that then?

[Li Jianliang]

Episode 1 Screencaps & Summary

Light is Light, the perfect model student who placed 1st the national mock exams... So of course he's gonna properly carry out his self-designed role of 'God' by writing names from night until dawn. I find it neat that he writes names in different languages... However, I wonder if there's a limitation to names in the Death Note, say, whether Light has to write the name in the language it was given. Like if he wants to kill someone named "John Doe", would he have to write it in English or the name in katakana would suffice?

Originally Posted by ShikaShika

Hmm... I wonder if I should give this episode a 9 or a 10... I'd give it a 10 but I know the next episode has an even higher potential so what would I give that then?

I'd rate each episode to my own standards and not compare it with other episodes in the series or any other anime.

[ShikaShika]

Originally Posted by Li Jianliang

I'd rate each episode to my own standards and not compare it with other episodes in the series or any other anime.

After some consideration, that's what I thought as well, so I gave it a 10. But I'm reeeealy looking forward to the next episode.

However, I wonder if there's a limitation to names in the Death Note, say, whether Light has to write the name in the language it was given. Like if he wants to kill someone named "John Doe", would he have to write it in English or the the name in katakana would suffice?

I'd say he'd have to write it in the language given, so katakana wouldn't work.

[Nightengale]

Every death in Death Note due to the note is shown to be killed in their original given name. We can see that in this episode where there are both English and Japanese (( probably some other language too )) written in those 2 full pages. Not that it's a problem for Light anyway, being the capable of writing in English and Japanese and probably Chinese as well. As for other obscure languages like Thailand, he still needs to google the criminal's name and crime first, so it's all a matter of copying the lines.

This overall episode is pretty much a quality anime-setting up episode done tastefully. I've would've given it a 9 if not for Light's 2 minutes playing "The Conductor of Death" directing "The Orchestra of God's Judgement" that sealed it a 10. That scene was orgasmic.

[Li Jianliang]

I see, so then you just need to be named in a language that doesn't have a written form (I can't recall any off the top of my head) to be spared from the Death Note, or better yet, never be named in the first place. Would this be a loophole?

After watching the episode three times, I've also noticed that Light's eyes turn from brown to red as he use the Death Note. Neat, this is something that can't be executed as well in manga. ^_^ And the music, too; I can almost feel the glory of Light during his intensive late-night Death Note sessions. XDD

[Lilith]

Ep 1
I gave it 10/10. Perfect.

I loved the opening, both song and sequence. It was powerful and there you can see most of the character who'll appear. The Light (red) vs L (blue) scenes were beautiful.

I really enjoyed the BGM and think they thought of it well, especially the "hymn" (I don't know what they're called in English) we hear in the Shinigami world.

Ryuk was better than I expected. He's not that ugly monster with annoying hoarse voice. Light was just awesome, his voice actor did a good job. Everything about the animation was good IMO. I can't wait to meet the rest of the characters.

I also love the ending, again, both song and sequence. I liked how the still image of composed Light suddenly changes to a maniac with wide open mouth one, then changes back, in synchronize with the song rythem. I think it has a blue feeling which made me a little sad...

Spoiler for manga chapters until the end of "1st part":

that my eyes got teary. The reason is that until this very day I believe that Light is a good person (be aware that I stopped reading it when that someone died since it got licensed). It was just his misfortune to pick up the cursed Death Note. I kept thinking about how this normal-A-straight-student will change into egoistic-with-God-complex.

Just what on earth have you got yourself into, Yagami Light...

Originally Posted by Nightengale

I've would've given it a 9 if not for Light's 2 minutes playing "The Conductor of Death" directing "The Orchestra of God's Judgement" that sealed it a 10. That scene was orgasmic.

I couldn't agree more, that scene was done magnificently. While it did differ a bit from the manga, but it had a great impact.

I love Death Note. Looking forward to the next episode.

[ShikaShika]

Originally Posted by Nightengale

We can see that in this episode where there are both English and Japanese (( probably some other language too )) written in those 2 full pages.

You know, it bugs me a little bit when people just say that anything written in the roman alphabet is written in English. There are quite a few other languages that utilizes that alphabet.

[Nightengale]

Originally Posted by ShikaShika

You know, it bugs me a little bit when people just say that anything written in the roman alphabet is written in English. There are quite a few other languages that utilizes that alphabet.

Like Malay. But that's hardly the issue at hand.

Besides, there's no need to really look that deeply. It's not like we can genuinely make out the names written, and all it proves is that Light is comfortable with roman alphabets and Japanese/Chinese characters all around.

Edit : - Err..My mistake. We can make out some of the names written, though from what I skimmed through, mostly are really Chinese/Japanese and English/Names with romanized alphabets. Doesn't seem to have other particular languages though.

[Karnot]

I thought translucent pan overs at various angles of people dying as he was writing would have been nice.

God, no ! Thats the way of doing it in the most boring way.
The story isnt quite filled with action as it is, especially the first half, so going a little out of the way to change a pace is good thinking.

However, I wonder if there's a limitation to names in the Death Note

I, myself, wonder if there is a limit to how many names you can write before you run out of space. I mean, the story spans QUITE SOME TIME, and Light still had lots of pages.

Also, what counts as a person's name ? A name written in official papers ? A name given by parents ? A name as in how a person refers to himself ?

[White Manju Bun]

Ive never read the manga but I thought the 1st epi was amazing! Tamaki's seiyuu I thought was perfect for Raito. Smexy!
I love the mass killing scene at the end

Originally Posted by Nightengale

This overall episode is pretty much a quality anime-setting up episode done tastefully. I've would've given it a 9 if not for Light's 2 minutes playing "The Conductor of Death" directing "The Orchestra of God's Judgement" that sealed it a 10. That scene was orgasmic.

Amen! I couldnt agree more, I went back and watch it 2 more times!!

[Darklightz]

Oh that was just amazing.I can't wait to see the rest of the serie.

I am pleasantly surprised at how they added new elements to the story while keeping the original story intact.All these little details that make the anime worth watching for those like me who read the manga.

Also the scene when Light starts mass killing criminals was superb!Very well done!

[Archer]

Originally Posted by Karnot

God, no ! Thats the way of doing it in the most boring way.
The story isnt quite filled with action as it is, especially the first half, so going a little out of the way to change a pace is good thinking.


I, myself, wonder if there is a limit to how many names you can write before you run out of space. I mean, the story spans QUITE SOME TIME, and Light still had lots of pages.

Also, what counts as a person's name ? A name written in official papers ? A name given by parents ? A name as in how a person refers to himself ?

One of the unwritten rules to the Death Note: The Death Note will never run out of pages.

And for the second question, it's not any one of them. The only name that can be trusted can only be seen through a special method.

Oh, and Light can write in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.

[yura`]

Gosh, I remember being blown away when I first started reading the manga, and amazed at how the plot is laid out, what with all the psychological twists and mind-games. The anime, being a different medium than paper, brought the introduction to life in a different way.

Originally Posted by humbug23

As for the voices, Miyano Mamoru did a great job as Raito, we can clearly hear his start to the path to madness here, while not losing his Tamaki charm.

I agree! Miyano Mamoru did an amazing job in portraying Light (or Raito, if you prefer). There were traces of Tamaki (well, probably because Ouran has recently ended), but I think that his charm has a dangerous edge to it now - somewhat frightening.

The descent to madness, I thought, was a bit too quick, but towards the end of the episode, we are shown in flashbacks, his initial hesitation and shock at what he possessed in his hands, and later, realization at the power he has now. His character transformation is almost shocking. (What kind of life has he led that he should descend into this darkness and madness?! Lol.)

The Gregorian chant-like music at the beginning and at the end really set the mood - the episode was dark and menacing the whole way through - so, so dark and sinister.

A very promising first episode which did not disappoint.

[myopius]

Originally Posted by Li Jianliang

However, I wonder if there's a limitation to names in the Death Note, say, whether Light has to write the name in the language it was given. Like if he wants to kill someone named "John Doe", would he have to write it in English or the name in katakana would suffice?

I'd say so. Edit: That is, I'd say he does have to write in the original language. Because

Spoiler for Manga, minor:

I can think of at least one occasion where it would have been much more convenient to write a katakana surname--only the surname is needed at least when it's written in traditional Japanese lettering--rather than writing one the full name of the person.

Spoiler for Manga, major:

At that time, I can't think that Light was too off-balance to think well, and at the other time his father didn't want to commit murder so there's a possibility he purposefully held off... Though I don't think he would do so deliberately in my personal opinion.

Although realistically the news wouldn't probably put names in katakana, wouldn't they? I mean, here in the States, we don't see Japanese names reported on the news in their original language. Probably just Ohba's oversight, since

Spoiler for Manga, very minor:

It's later noted that Light seems to be killing many criminals from the United States.

In response to the comment that someone without a name or without a language to their name couldn't be killed... This is just my theory, but maybe the lettering is only important as it relates to the phonetics of the name, so if there's a language out there with a phoneme in your name, it should do. Also, it's been stated in other places that even people who aren't specifically named may have a concept, unworded by heard to themselves in their own mind, that they associate with themselves. Edit: Oh yes, I recall now, it's a rule of the note:

Spoiler for Manga, major:

"The names you will see with the eye power of a god of death are the names needed to kill that person. You will be able to see the names even if that person isn't registered in the family registration." via deathgod.org, of course. This makes me think there is always a name that will kill a person, though it's not clear.

On the subject of people who can be killed,

Spoiler for Manga, major:

If you don't want to ever be killed by the death note, cover relevant parts of your face 24/7 in such a way that it can't be removed even by, say, a tentacled shinigami, and destroy all evidence of your name, or stay in an enclosed area off the beaten path where it's unlikely you'll get spied upon from the shinigami world. Once you're been seen by one, a shinigami can always track you down, unfortunately.

Originally Posted by Archer

One of the unwritten rules to the Death Note: The Death Note will never run out of pages.

As Archer says, there is a rule saying the Death Note will never run out of pages. However,

Spoiler for Manga, minor:

In the first few chapters of the manga--I believe the beginning of the second third chapter--there's a full-page spread in which one of the shinigami is saying how if Ryuk gave Light his note then he'd have to wait for Light to die or for the note to "fill up".* One way to reconcile this would be that the note fills up, then goes blank magically and the person loses ownership (that possible theory conceived by Flamika), but more likely it was Ohba's oversight. If it isn't included in the anime in the next few episodes, we'll know if that's the case.

*Note: Don't be confused, the shinigami is mistaken--Ryuk had an extra death note, so he can kill Light any time and take it back.

On a side note, people may want to utilize the Q&A topic when they can.

Spoiler for Message to people who've read the entire manga.:

If I were watching this anime for the first time, I wouldn't want to be repeatedly hearing that Light "descends into madness". Also, Archer, your hint about the eyes of the shinigami isn't vague at all, you're clearly saying there's some way to get the power to see people's names, although yeah it's not such a big deal since we'll see this mentioned in one or two episodes.

The episode's downloading right now for me, but I have to go out, so I'll just watch it all when I get back... Looking forward to that!

[aohige]

Originally Posted by Nightengale

Besides, there's no need to really look that deeply. It's not like we can genuinely make out the names written, and all it proves is that Light is comfortable with roman alphabets and Japanese/Chinese characters all around.

Edit : - Err..My mistake. We can make out some of the names written, though from what I skimmed through, mostly are really Chinese/Japanese and English/Names with romanized alphabets. Doesn't seem to have other particular languages though.

Just confirmed. I saw some written in Hangul (Korean).

I could only find Roman alphabet, Chinese characters/Japanese kanji, and Hangul.
Perhaps, over the course, we'll see Arabic, Thai, and others.

Originally Posted by myopius

Although realistically the news wouldn't probably put names in katakana, wouldn't they? I mean, here in the States, we don't see Japanese names reported on the news in their original language.

True, but Light is sitting in front of a PC... and it's very easy for Japanese to look up actual spelling of people.
Besides, I'm sure he didn't use "the Television news" to get all those names.
You think Japanese TV broadcasts hundreds of american criminal names (even ones in jail) every day? hehe.
I'm sure he looked up known criminal names on the internet.

[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

[Dagger]

Does anyone know how Japanese fans have reacted to Miyano Mamoru's performance as Light in episode 1? I'm curious because English-speaking fans have expressed a wide range of opinions with no real consensus as of yet. (For the record, I thought he did a fine job, although there were one or two weak lines.)