Psycho-Pass explores many social and psychological themes. The concept of punishing someone because they have the potential to do wrong is explored regularly. Should someone be punished because someone has the thoughts but never act upon them? How does having a different state of mind effect one's Psycho-Pass? Emotions are repressed to not be able to feel negative emotions, as the majority of the criminals are emotionally unstable. The job of the police force becomes restricted; if they attempt to think like the criminals , it only increases their chances of becoming a criminal. Because of these limitations in life, living becomes restricted.
The primary male protagonist, Shinya Kougami is an enforcer who is obsessed with Makishima, and cannot move on without setting things right. An Enforcer is a rank in the police force, whose job is to be the 'dog' and sniff out the criminal. Kougami's character development is practically non-existent. This is because Kougami has his sight set to the end of the road, shown by his justified and unwavering personality. Thus he is already established into someone who knows what he is doing from the get go. He is intelligent, rational, logical and is a capable fighter, which doesn't leave much room for development. Instead Psycho-Pass relies on the development of Akane, and to some extent, the secondary cast.
The female lead, Tsunemori Akane goes through moments that change her perspectives on society as she tries to find her purpose of life. Her main influence is from Kougami as she shows admiration for his resolve and detective skills. Akane's own ideals are not as clear nor well developed enough to understand the choices made by some characters. Her lack of understanding the situation clouded her judgement. Shown her conflict for the Sibyl system, it brings harmony but restricts freedom, and becomes confused. However, once she does find her resolve, she has an interesting and drastic change in character; making her as capable as Kougami and Makishima.
The antagonist, Shougo Makishima is political criminal who takes advantage of the faults that lie in civilization, structured by the Sibyl System. Similarly to Kougami, his character is already developed and takes on his own ethics of freedom. But to obtain his view of 'freedom' he must go against the law and order of the Sibyl system. His actions are purely brutal, but he sees no wrong in his own actions as they are 'normal' to him. Kougami's and Makishima's thought patterns are constantly compared since 'great minds think alike’. They become natural oppositions, but have different viewpoints of justice.
The growth of a single individual is not enough for almost any 26 episode series and thus Psycho-Pass turn its attention towards the secondary characters. Majority of the secondary cast have a back story, which differs in length. But these characters serve as a backdrop to more smaller and personal issues, and have a minimal role in the bigger picture. It does a good job of creating affinity to specific figures who excel from the rest of the secondary cast, but they still don't compare with the main cast.
There are some negatives with Psycho-Pass, such as the slow start. It takes time for it to build up and create development and the latter half of the series is better. The first half is broken into detective cases which some feeling dragged out and have uninteresting antagonists. The cases really exist to demonstrate how formidable Makishima is, and thus the lesser antagonists are squandered. The message is the same throughout the 22 episodes and some episodes are made specifically to enhance the idea of freedom versus the Sibyl system. Psycho-Pass never leaves this concept, but instead expands it into fine detail. While it is an interesting idea, it could have explored other areas of human nature for at least some of the 22 episodes.
The art style goes well with the dark tone of Psycho-Pass. Close up shots have a bigger effect on tension, while long range shots influence the atmosphere. The medium shots aren't anything special and the character models, at times, are lacking in quality. The soundtrack is good, and offers a lot. There are pieces which contrast to the moment and others which captivate and enhance the situation. The 'openings' and 'endings' look and sound brilliant.
Psycho-Pass is definitely worth watching and purposely didn't reveal all its cards for the chance of a second season. It does have its flaws but it is still a unique anime which explores the mental state of human beings.
"The law doesn't protect people, people protect the law." -Akane
