I'll skip over giving 'Death Note' a summary, because the one provided by MAL is pretty much self-explanatory. The premise of the show is great, but the way the plot unravels and branches off is even better (+1). Although there are many subplots, they all relate to the main overarching plot which means that nothing every seems like a filler (+1). Although, the show never really stagnates, the second act is pretty boring (-1). This is mostly due to circumstances that I can't explore (because of spoilers); however, the act is needed for everything to fall into place and once it is over the show picks up the pacing it possessed in the first act (possibly with even more impetus) (+1).
With story progression, comes character progression- which this show definitely has. Light starts off as an intelligent boy that gradually unravels to become raging, egomaniac-al psychopath. They way he develops is completely different to how one usually sees a villain develop (+1) - he is not evil from the start, but rather becomes evil through opportunity. The 'Death Note' has blackened his soul and becomes obsessed with the idea of becoming God. It's so refreshing to see the world through the eyes of such an horrific human being (+1). Although I absolutely detest Light, and would probably shoot him in the head before he ever got the chance to write my name is notebook of death, there's no denying that the fucked up kid is a fantastic character.
Whilst L doesn't receive the main amount of character progression, his presence as a character is phenomenal. The way he challenges Light in every aspect - he is completely different from him, yet he is able to think like him in order to set Light off. I disagree with the interpretation that he would also take advantage of the 'Death Note' if given the opportunity - c'mon guys, this guy isn't the fucked up little shit that is N. L's main purpose in life is to solve crimes through his intellect, apprehend criminals and have them be served proper justice. He doesn't attempt to play the role of God, but instead accepts his mortality (something that Light could never do). (+2)
Before I move onto the crap characters of the series, I'd also like to give special mentions to Ryuk, Mello and *drum roll* Matsuda! Ryuk's attitude towards Light was A+: he didn't give a flying fuck about that psychopath. Indifferent to everything, he only wanted to see if his theories about the human psyche were correct, before finally serving that creep his just deserts. (+2) Mello was the complete opposite of L: rash, but effective. He got the job done, and was integral to the plot (+2); however, is rashness led to his demise due to his sloppiness (so -1 - sorry Mello! I still love you!). Finally, Matsuda: probably the only HUMAN of the series (+1); his optimism and integrity was endearing, which made the end of the series even more crushing as you just knew he would never be the same after finding out his idol was serial killer (+2 for character development, no matter how tragic).
Now, to the bad eggs: Misa, Ren and Near. I don't even want to waste time going into detail about these characters except to label the first two as completely spineless, and the last one as completely arrogant (and pretty similar to Light - no thanks). (-4 for being absolutely shitty).
Moving onto the art and sound: the animation was perfectly gritty and reflected the message of the story perfectly (+1). The seiyuus did the jobs amazingly, and gave each character a perfect sound (+2). Whilst the OSTs for the first half of the series were amazing (+1), the screamo at the second half absolutely sucked (and probably caused me to develop tinnitus) (-2). I wanted to rip out my ear drums.
Despite its pitfalls (which are mainly due to the boring middle segment of the anime, which couldn't be omitted, and some utterly awful characters), 'Death Note' is highly enjoyable and I found it refreshing to see the story develop from the eyes of an utter maniac. Its not everyday we get to see the thought-processes of a villain. (+1 for entertainment factor).
