As Psycho Pass continues to show the Sibyl System juxtaposed against the criminals who are being sought after, you find that the show isn't as black and white as you may initially have thought. In fact, the entire series becomes a large thought experiment as you question the morality of such technology and the detriments this could bring to an otherwise traditional society. These thoughts become even more apparent when they introduce the series' main antagonist, Shogo Makishima, who is dead-set on ending the Sibyl System and returning Japan to a society far before the enhancement of technology. You may find yourself questioning whether or not he is the antagonist anyway, as his dialogue showcases his devotion to the human race.
This is where I believe the story is genius. After watching the twenty-two episodes given, I have found myself repeatedly wondering who I was rooting for. It seems as though every character has their own morality that you're keeping track of, constantly questioning whether it resembles your own. As if this wasn't enough to keep my interest, the battles between all of these characters are highly engaging. Most scenes are gritty and involved; ones that are very methodical, going against the very energetic (and sometimes overwhelming) fights that usually take place in shonen anime like Naruto or Fairy Tale.
These fights would be nothing without the music, however. The spirit of the music pairs very well with this anime. I was actually really surprised with how much I enjoyed the soundtrack, as I usually remember most of them as uninspired background noise. Psycho Pass has a very unique soundtrack. The highs of the soundtrack are fast-paced and intensity can be felt almost immediately after the track plays. The lows of the soundtrack are distressing and haunting, which seem to flow well with scenes that are meant to be emotional. I think Psycho Pass would have suffered greatly if the current music was not implemented.
Unfortunately, this anime comes with a few gripes. In particular, the main character Inspector Tsunemori, who is increasingly frustrating as episodes go on. As she is brought on to be an inspector, she is given gruesome experiences with the Sibyl System and her job as an inspector, yet she continues to uphold the utmost respect for it all. The story would hint that her definition of justice was being changed as time went on, but I was waiting for her to express it. To compromise with her thoughts and show her true feelings towards what she had been through, what she had done, and what the Sibyl System was becoming would have made her character much more enjoyable.
Another gripe may come from the ending. This wasn't entirely awful, but I was expecting something much more impressive. Without giving anything away, I would describe the ending as anti-climactic. This isn't to say that the ending of the series didn't have meaning; it had plenty of it, including many of the characters transforming into what you might hope them to be as the series moves forward, but the last episode just didn't compare to the adrenaline rush of the episodes before it. Again, not to say that it was disappointing, but rather leaving something to be desired - which may or may not be answered in the next season.
All-in-all, Psycho Pass has cemented itself as a staple of science fiction anime. The themes are thought-provoking, engaging, and provocative; which makes for characters that can thrive in an environment that never ceases to amaze. The music pairs smoothly with the animation and seamlessly captivates its audience with an enticing story. This has quickly become one among my favorites list and I believe you'll feel the same way coming out of it. Definitely set some time aside to watch this anime through, I guarantee you'll thank me for it!
