This is like the Prison Break or 24 amongst anime. Every episode is building up a certain tension, leading to the most nerve wrecking cliffhangers you can imagine. It fuels the drive for its viewers to watch the next episode as soon as possible. And I think that's the best thing about this show; the addictiveness of it.

It is also a nice intellectuel ''chess'' game between great minds, the evil Kira and the noble L., both making their moves one at a time, trying to defeat the other one with cunning plans. At a certain point the story takes a slightly different approach by introducing some new characters that join this game. Most of my friends hate this, but I think it refreshens the battle between Kira and L. and gives it a new dimension. I can't be more specific without spoiling the plot.

On a deeper layer it asks a philosophical question: is it alright to kill rapists and murderers without any trial? Will it make our world a better place? Answering that question may well spoil the show for you, so I'd suggest you better go watch it! This is anime in optima forma!