I want to start out saying that this is an amazing show and if you are on edge if you should watch Death Note, I would say 100 procent go for it, even if you haven't watched a Japanese anime before, just like I hadn't. You might think that this isn't a show for you, and maybe it ain't, but it sure was for me even if I had my doubts.

I like animations and such, but I just never seem to be able to take the anime style serious and really connect with the characters, so I always end up falling off very quickly if I eventually do watch an anime. While the anime style is apparent it isn't the front and center and the over stylized and overly exaggerated expressions that are custom to this style of writing, didn't really seem to be apparent as an apparent as the plot and characters. What I got was an interesting world and characters and in many ways it feels like a great combination between Japanese style and western writing.

The show is basically compiled of two parts, with the first being a masterpiece with a great narrative and the urge to keep watching after finishing every episode, every episode evolves your interest. You wont be able to chose a single episode which feels like fille, every single one develops in some way.

While the second half is not bad, but actually pretty great, it makes a few changes which hurts the show in its entirety. You will quickly realize when this change in tone will accur as it is very apparent, and while the second half takes a step back from the more serious and tight narrative that it established in the first many episodes. It still feels important, maybe not in the beginning, but in the end as everything coalides you feel the impact and I personally think it was a perfect ending, even if it felt like "extra" in the beginning.

I did watch it in English and the voice actors do an astounding piece of work and they truly managed to achieve the same energy and characteristics that the characters express, it makes you feel love, hate, understanding and every other feeling towards the people of the world, and to me every voice felt right for the person, both main and side characters. The themes and perspectives are well explained on and beneath the surface, and you understand their opinion even if you know deep down that it's wrong.

Most people reviewing on IMDB say that the second half ruins a masterpiece, and while I didn't like the second half nearly as much as the first. The great writing and characters remain the same, even if the overall plot is not as tight and precise as in the first half, which made that part a masterpiece. While the second half isn't as amazing its still great and stick with it as I personally think the last few episodes are amazing! The entire show was a great experience with great characters, mysteries, twists and the more absorbed you become of the world and people, the better series becomes. The all around package you get is startling.

9/10.