However, the show is inaccessible to a general audience due to its weirdness. The show starts talking about UFO conspiracy theories as if the viewer has knowledge of the subject. Then, it also questions the viewer with several confusing topics without answering them, such as "What is real and what is perceived?"
Additionally, much of the symbolism in Serial Experiments Lain is difficult to understand in real time. You have to think awhile to even understand what is happening. For instance, the opening's "Present Day, heh... Present Time! Hahahahahahaha!" seems random. Then, when you realize the laughter is part of the show's aesthetic to confuse the viewer, does it make sense. The narrator is laughing because you'll be confused by the show and that he's alive forever through the internet, a major theme of the show.
Overall, I give Serial Experiments Lain a solid 8/10. I felt the part where it introduces the conspiracy theories with real-life images felt lazy and cheap like the last two episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion. I'm also not giving it a higher score because it's difficult for anyone to understand in real time what much of the symbolism means. Like, "Why are there men in black?" "Why is there an alien?" "Why are there shadows and blood pools everywhere?" are some questions you'll have when watching the show. You'll be confused since I didn't understand it initially.
