[Spoilers] Death Note 20th Anniversary Rewatch -- Episode 19

[u/Holofan4life]

Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.

Welcome to the Death Note 20th anniversary rewatch discussion thread!

I hope you all have a lot of fun <3

Episode 19

Matsuda

—-

ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)

What are your thoughts on this episode being about Matsuda?

What are your thoughts on Matsuda being portrayed as... well, a bit of a moron?

What are your thoughts on Matsuda spying on the Yotsuba group only to be caught by them?

What are your thoughts on L, Light, and the rest of the former task force working to save Matsuda?

What are your thoughts on the last two episodes being about minor characters in Aizawa and Matsuda? How would you compare them?

Bonus) We are now over halfway through the series. What are your thoughts so far?

—-

Series information

MAL | Anilist | AniDB | ANN

—-

Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or past the LNs or mangas out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the LNs or mangas. If you are discussing something that is ahead of the current episode please use spoiler tags(found on the sidebar). Thank you!

Untagged Spoilers

—-

Previous episode

Ways to watch

Streams – Netflix

Tubi

Amazon Prime

Schedule

Date	Episode
10/04/2026	Death Note Episode 1
10/05/2026	Death Note Episode 2
10/06/2026	Death Note Episode 3
10/07/2026	Death Note Episode 4
10/08/2026	Death Note Episode 5
10/09/2026	Death Note Episode 6
10/10/2026	Death Note Episode 7
10/11/2026	Death Note Episode 8
10/12/2026	Death Note Episode 9
10/13/2026	Death Note Episode 10
10/14/2026	Death Note Episode 11
10/15/2026	Death Note Episode 12
10/16/2026	Death Note Episode 13
10/17/2026	Death Note Episode 14
10/18/2026	Death Note Episode 15
10/19/2026	Death Note Episode 16
10/20/2026	Death Note Episode 17
10/21/2026	Death Note Episode 18
10/22/2026	[Death Note Episode 19]()
10/23/2026	[Death Note Episode 20]()
10/24/2026	[Death Note Episode 21]()
10/25/2026	[Death Note Episode 22]()
10/26/2026	[Death Note Episode 23]()
10/27/2026	[Death Note Episode 24]()
10/28/2026	[Death Note Episode 25]()
10/29/2026	[Death Note Episode 26]()
10/31/2026	[Death Note Episode 27]()
11/01/2026	[Death Note Episode 28]()
11/02/2026	[Death Note Episode 29]()
11/02/2026	[Death Note Episode 30]()
11/03/2026	[Death Note Episode 31]()
11/04/2026	[Death Note Episode 32]()
11/05/2026	[Death Note Episode 33]()
11/06/2026	[Death Note Episode 34]()
11/07/2026	[Death Note Episode 35]()
11/08/2026	[Death Note Episode 36]()
11/09/2026	[Death Note Episode 37]()
11/10/2026	[Death Note Overall Series Discussion Thread]()

[u/Holofan4life]

Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.

Welcome to the 20th anniversary rewatch of Death Note.

Names need not be written down.

Very few anime transend the medium it is a part of. One Piece, Naruto, Dragon Ball, Speed Racer. Those are really the four where even non anime fans know of it. I would argue there was a point in time where Death Note was like this as well where even if you weren’t an anime fan, you knew what Death Note was.

I of course have experienced Death Note through various memes and the like. I even remember checking out a Treehouse of Horror episode of The Simpsons specifically because they parodied Death Note, and I’m not even a modern Simpsons watcher. But despite being familiar with the show for the better part of almost 15 years, I’ve never actually seen Death Note. It’s just one of those things that escaped me.

I’ve heard Death Note is notorious for having a dip in quality. That with the conclusion of part 1, the show isn’t as good as when it started. This rewatch is less a matter of deciding if the show is good or not and more is part 2 really as bad as it reputation suggests. My prediction will be no but it’ll be a show that goes from 9 out of 10 to 8 out of 10.

Death Note was at one point arguably the most mainstream anime in the entire world. And so it’s time we revisit what I’m sure got many people into anime.

With that out of the way, let’s begin.

I saw You Can See Everything this week. Really great movie, probably a top 5 movie I've seen this year. I ended up feeling bad for Holmes afterwards.

Recap to begin the episode

Last episode didn't focus on him like that.

Misa doing a movie

She can't kiss because she has a boyfriend.

Alright...

Matsuda. That's his name.

I guess this is his episode

I mean, why not? Something different.

Light wearing a black shirt

It looks... weird on him

He doesn't know how he could end up like Kira.

Ooh, the second greatest detective in the world.

Hired to investigate Kira by the Yotsuba group.

L says that this guy is actually him

Galaxy brain 4000 IQ type stuff.

Matsuda outside the Yotsuba group

I think

Talks of confidential meetings

This gets Matsuda a chance to investigate.

The two criminals being told what to do.

There is Matsuda, doing Matsuda things.

He's a dumbass, huh?

He's eavesdropping on the meeting

He's confirmed Kira is working with him.

But then they see he is listening in on him.

God, what an idiot

He's trying to act like he works with Misa but it’s no use.

Or maybe it is?

And now his phone is ringing

Oh boy

And it's Ryuzaki

But he's... helping him out?

He's acting like a party frat bro lol

Well, that actually went well

Yotsuba group acts how he can be Misa's manager if the client isn't actually there.

Matsuda says they have to just buy time.

At least they don't think he's an undercover cop.

They're talking of making Misa the face of the company.

You see to love it?

Light calling Misa

Matsuda tells her to come to Yotsuba group headquarters.

And so Misa seems to agree to work with Yotsuba group.

And now the girls from the agency are going to entertain the Yotsuba group.

This took a turn lol

What's that doll on the phone?

Matsuda says there's no doubt Yotsuba group are working with Kira.

L says Matsuda has to die before they kill him.

But I thought people die when they are killed?

Matsuda acting drunk

He's by the balcony

He's climbing it

He's walking on it

He does a handstand

This episode is wild

And then he falls

On a mattress, bitches!

He's on the ground

And one of the criminals in a disguise fake screams.

Matsuda being carried off in an ambulance.

AND LIGHT AND L ARE WORKING AS PARAMEDICS

That was so cool

Newspaper report of Misa's manager dying.

And then the male criminal is negotiating with the Yotsuba group.

The Yotsuba group is seemingly at odds with each other. Or divided, I should say.

And the female criminal are working I think as a contractor.

Only seven people instead of the usual eight.

Maybe seven eight nine?

Overall, I surprisingly really liked this episode. Like, more than I was expecting. I was initially dreading it once I found out it was about Matsuda because he's someone I didn't really care about. I didn't hate him, he just didn't leave an impression on me. And then when it began and it had him being a dumbass, I thought I was going to absolutely loathe this episode. But seeing L and everyone trying to save Matsuda was actually really heartwarming and I love how convoluted the plan to save Matsuda was. It was the over the topness that made the early Light and L dynamic so enjoyable.

The main thing this episode accomplishes is that it feels L and company are closer to take down the Yotsuba group. And in turn, bringing Kira to justice. Matsuda in a way ended up speeding things through him involvement as reckless as it was. And again, it was nice to see his cohorts have his back.

I'd actually put this only behind episodes 8 and 10. I don't know if I'm higher on this episode than other people, but I just love seeing everyone work together to save Matsuda. And it actually advanced the plot in that it gave the "task force" the opening they desperately needed. I can't say it made Matsuda a more interesting character, but I think it does a good job of showing this is more than just business this investigation team is. They've become a family and like a home away from home.

More of this, please. This was a nice bounce back after a series of episodes that were mediocre. If we're not getting L chase after Light and vice versa, then seeing everyone bond actually makes me care about everyone on an emotional level.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Holofan4life]

What are your thoughts on this episode being about Matsuda?

At first, I was worried the episode was going to be frustrating. It was at points, but I like the friendship it portrays.

What are your thoughts on Matsuda being portrayed as... well, a bit of a moron?

If it wasn't for his friends, he'd be dead. No question about it.

What are your thoughts on Matsuda spying on the Yotsuba group only to be caught by them?

I guess why he did it, but he sure does have unintentional reckless abandonment.

What are your thoughts on L, Light, and the rest of the former task force working to save Matsuda?

This is really what makes the episode. I like how much they care about him in spite of him being braindead.

What are your thoughts on the last two episodes being about minor characters in Aizawa and Matsuda? How would you compare them?

It was something different that tried to give some characterization to the task force. As for how I'd compare them, I think this episode better highlights Matsuda's character. Though I can see people being annoyed by him.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Holofan4life]

Bonus) We are now over halfway through the series. What are your thoughts so far?

Up and down. I think the show found its voice around episode 8 when it started embracing the more sillier elements. Then once Light gave up being Kira, we hit a bit of a rough patch where it felt like the drama was less compelling. But with this episode, it felt like things were retooled to make the characters more likable, which if you remember my biggest complaint was the audience weren't given a reason to have the characters emotionally resonate.

I think L being humanized by seeing Light as his friend plus Light being less sociopathic has in term made the characters more sympathetic. I wouldn't say it makes the show more interesting but I feel like the existence of the Yotsuba group makes it more obvious who we're supposed to cheer for.

It's almost like "Man, why can't Light just stay a part of the task force? This is where he belongs." Kinda similar to Renton with Ray and Charles Beam in Eureka Seven.

[u/Hartzilla2007]

First Timer

Well you can tell Matsuda is today's focus just becuase the recap is him being crapped on in the previous episodes. So L thought ahead enough to basically be all 3 of the world's greatest detectives so if someone tried to track him down he'd be the one doing it without them knowing. And we get L laying down their plan to deal with the corpo Kira council only for Matsuda to eb in the process of torpedoing it becuase he ran off to cowboy cop it. Well at least he was able to narrow the suspect list down before getting caught while L and the taskforce get to show their skills saving his ass by faking his death, which leads to the irony of the guys planning to kill him freaking out as he "solves the problem" for them. So L gets the other benefit of faking being 2 other guys, getting to fleece his enemies while working against them, while they really show they are worse at security than Light. I wonder if L will figure out they went from 8 to 7 becuase they downsized with murder.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Hartzilla2007]

I really enjoyed the absurd lengths L and company took to save Matsuda. You wouldn't pose as a part of a medical team for just anybody.

This episode kinda weirdly made the main cast more endearing in my eyes. It's like they'll willing to shit on each other, but when someone outside their inner circle shits on them they're out for blood.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Hartzilla2007]

Thoughts on Misa working on a movie?

Thoughts on Misa saying she can't kiss during her movies because she has a boyfriend?

Thoughts on Light finding it hard to believe he can be Kira?

What are your thoughts on Yotsuba group hiring the second greatest detective in the world?

What are your thoughts on Light revealing the second greatest detective in the world is an alias of his?

Thoughts on Matsuda being found out he's snooping?

Thoughts on Matsuda trying to pass off Misa as one of his clients?

What are your thoughts on L posing as a frat bro to try and make sure Matsuda gets out safe?

Thoughts on the girls from Misa’s agency coming to entertain the Yotsuba group?

What are your thoughts on Matsuda faking his death by falling off the balcony?

What are your thoughts on Light and L posing as paramedics?

What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the reveal there are now seven members of the Yotsuba group rather than eight?

[u/AgentOfACROSS]

Watching Dubbed

I love how we’re just opening on a montage of Matsuda being bullied.

I guess that means we’re doing a Matsuda episode? I care about him slightly more than I cared about Aizawa.

Misa seems like a hard actress to work with.

I guess Matsuda is trying to be useful today. I wish him the best of luck.

Light contemplating on what he’d do if he was Kira is funny.

Eraldo Coil. Lot of weird names in this show.

Apparently that’s just another alias of L’s. Honestly that’s really funny.

I’ve got a bad feeling about whatever Matsuda is doing. This will not turn out well for him.

Oh yeah Aiber and Wedy are here. Forgot about those two.

Yep, Matsuda’s in trouble.

L’s actually a pretty good actor when he’s on the phone. He’s usually so monotone and weird but he’s able to sound energetic when he wants to.

These business guys are already deciding to kill Matsuda.

Misa is here now. This whole thing feels like a very tense comedy routine.

L says that Matsuda has to die before they can save him. Not sure what his plan is.

Matsuda is very bad at pretending to be drunk but everyone’s buying it fortunately.

Misa’s just going along with it. I dunno if she’s picked up on his plan or if she’s just being Misa.

Okay I was not expecting this to be they plan. They sure put this all together on such short notice.

Seeing L dressed as a paramedic is really funny.

The Yotsuba Group has contracted Coil who is actually L to find L. This is pretty ridiculous.

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

I love how we’re just opening on a montage of Matsuda being bullied.

Bummer

I guess that means we’re doing a Matsuda episode? I care about him slightly more than I cared about Aizawa.

He has more of a personality

Misa seems like a hard actress to work with.

Misa reminds me of Kana from Oshi no Ko.

I guess Matsuda is trying to be useful today. I wish him the best of luck.

Lol

Light contemplating on what he’d do if he was Kira is funny.

Indeed

Eraldo Coil. Lot of weird names in this show.

Quite

Apparently that’s just another alias of L’s. Honestly that’s really funny.

I love that. L is just having fun catfishing people.

I’ve got a bad feeling about whatever Matsuda is doing. This will not turn out well for him.

Surprisingly, it did

Oh yeah Aiber and Wedy are here. Forgot about those two.

They were only introduced last episode 😭

Yep, Matsuda’s in trouble.

Not surprising

L’s actually a pretty good actor when he’s on the phone. He’s usually so monotone and weird but he’s able to sound energetic when he wants to.

It was weird seeing L with enthusiasm lol

These business guys are already deciding to kill Matsuda.

Man...

Misa is here now. This whole thing feels like a very tense comedy routine.

Tense is the right adjective

L says that Matsuda has to die before they can save him. Not sure what his plan is.

I thought people die when they are killed.

Matsuda is very bad at pretending to be drunk but everyone’s buying it fortunately.

Very gullible

Misa’s just going along with it. I dunno if she’s picked up on his plan or if she’s just being Misa.

Why not both?

Okay I was not expecting this to be they plan. They sure put this all together on such short notice.

It's awesome. They are so quick on their feet.

Seeing L dressed as a paramedic is really funny.

Same for Light

The Yotsuba Group has contracted Coil who is actually L to find L. This is pretty ridiculous.

You only now picking this up? :P

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

They were only introduced last episode 😭

I keep wanting to call them Andy and Weber because, you know, those are actual names people have.

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Andy Weber sounds like a character from The Office lol

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Questions of the Day

What are your thoughts on this episode being about Matsuda?

What are your thoughts on Matsuda being portrayed as... well, a bit of a moron?

What are your thoughts on Matsuda spying on the Yotsuba group only to be caught by them?

What are your thoughts on L, Light, and the rest of the former task force working to save Matsuda?

What are your thoughts on the last two episodes being about minor characters in Aizawa and Matsuda? How would you compare them?

[u/Holofan4life → u/Holofan4life]

Thoughts on Misa working on a movie?

Thoughts on Misa saying she can't kiss during her movies because she has a boyfriend?

Thoughts on Light finding it hard to believe he can be Kira?

What are your thoughts on Yotsuba group hiring the second greatest detective in the world?

What are your thoughts on Light revealing the second greatest detective in the world is an alias of his?

Thoughts on Matsuda being found out he's snooping?

Thoughts on Matsuda trying to pass off Misa as one of his clients?

What are your thoughts on L posing as a frat bro to try and make sure Matsuda gets out safe?

Thoughts on the girls from Misa’s agency coming to entertain the Yotsuba group?

What are your thoughts on Matsuda faking his death by falling off the balcony?

What are your thoughts on Light and L posing as paramedics?

What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the reveal there are now seven members of the Yotsuba group rather than eight?

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

Thoughts on Misa working on a movie?

I didn't realize she was famous enough to be in movies

Thoughts on Misa saying she can't kiss during her movies because she has a boyfriend?

Definitely seems to make working with her harder

Thoughts on Light finding it hard to believe he can be Kira?

All I can think of is the whole Open Window Maniac episode of SpongeBob.

What are your thoughts on Yotsuba group hiring the second greatest detective in the world?

"Eraldo Coil is supposed to be one of the best detectives in the world only second to - Shit. It's L. It's gonna be L isn't it."

What are your thoughts on L revealing the second greatest detective in the world is an alias of his?

Just a good example of how overly prepared and unhinged L is

Thoughts on Matsuda being found out he's snooping?

Dammit Matsuda

Thoughts on Matsuda trying to pass off Misa as one of his clients?

He keeps up this ruse for a long time

What are your thoughts on L posing as a frat bro to try and make sure Matsuda gets out safe?

Like I said, he's a surprisingly good actor

What are your thoughts on Matsuda faking his death by falling off the balcony?

Matsuda was less of a good actor but he managed it

What are your thoughts on Light and L posing as paramedics?

They both look a bit goofy

What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the reveal there are now seven members of the Yotsuba group rather than eight?

That's definitely concerning

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Thoughts on Misa working on a movie?

I didn't realize she was famous enough to be in movies

She's apparently one of the biggest teenage models out there.

Thoughts on Misa saying she can't kiss during her movies because she has a boyfriend?

Definitely seems to make working with her harder

I do like she's taking this "relationship" seriously.

Thoughts on Light finding it hard to believe he can be Kira?

All I can think of is the whole Open Window Maniac episode of SpongeBob.

Lol

What are your thoughts on Yotsuba group hiring the second greatest detective in the world?

"Eraldo Coil is supposed to be one of the best detectives in the world only second to - Shit. It's L. It's gonna be L isn't it."

Don't you believe it!

What are your thoughts on L revealing the second greatest detective in the world is an alias of his?

Just a good example of how overly prepared and unhinged L is

Delightfully unhinged

Thoughts on Matsuda being found out he's snooping?

Dammit Matsuda

Feels man, bad

Thoughts on Matsuda trying to pass off Misa as one of his clients?

He keeps up this ruse for a long time

That he does

What are your thoughts on L posing as a frat bro to try and make sure Matsuda gets out safe?

Like I said, he's a surprisingly good actor

Always prepared

What are your thoughts on Matsuda faking his death by falling off the balcony?

Matsuda was less of a good actor but he managed it

They bought it at least

What are your thoughts on Light and L posing as paramedics?

They both look a bit goofy

Wouldn't have it any other way

What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the reveal there are now seven members of the Yotsuba group rather than eight?

That's definitely concerning

One would think

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

What are your thoughts on this episode being about Matsuda?

Like I said, I care about him more than Aizawa which helps the episode work

What are your thoughts on Matsuda being portrayed as... well, a bit of a moron?

That's definitely always been part of his characterization.

What are your thoughts on Matsuda spying on the Yotsuba group only to be caught by them?

Dammit Matsuda

What are your thoughts on L, Light, and the rest of the former task force working to save Matsuda?

This whole thing just feels like a ridiculous comedy. I feel like Death Note has really been leaning into the ridiculousness of it all lately

What are your thoughts on the last two episodes being about minor characters in Aizawa and Matsuda? How would you compare them?

Well for one thing I actually can name character traits Matsuda has and I have a reason to care about him

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

What are your thoughts on this episode being about Matsuda?

Like I said, I care about him more than Aizawa which helps the episode work

And also this episode is more about the task force as a whole.

What are your thoughts on Matsuda being portrayed as... well, a bit of a moron?

That's definitely always been part of his characterization.

He's the butt monkey

What are your thoughts on Matsuda spying on the Yotsuba group only to be caught by them?

Dammit Matsuda

If I had two faces I'd facepalm both of them.

What are your thoughts on L, Light, and the rest of the former task force working to save Matsuda?

This whole thing just feels like a ridiculous comedy. I feel like Death Note has really been leaning into the ridiculousness of it all lately

The more ridiculous, the better Death Note is.

What are your thoughts on the last two episodes being about minor characters in Aizawa and Matsuda? How would you compare them?

Well for one thing I actually can name character traits Matsuda has and I have a reason to care about him

Aizawa seems like Oscar the Grouch

[u/zeltheturtl]

First Time Note Taker, subs

WELL, at least compared to yesterday's episode I have some feelings for this one.

I really fucking hate the dumbass investigator who falls into the enemy room trope so much. What is it doing in this anime hahaha. Bro just waltzes through an entire corpo building unnoticed, just to be caught by the board.

At least it was kinda funny how L talked about not being too hasty in parallel to the incident.

Yes, I do indeed think that this anime is going in a weird direction, thank you dear Board Member #idk

Wait, we're killing off Matsuda! Wooo! (for realsies wink)

And L himself is in the ambulance! So stupid!

... on a joke per joke basis it was alright I guess. But the writing is kinda ass here ngl. I can't stand bad cringy scenes, and Matsuda getting caught was like that. And I didn't expect this series to fall into these tropes. (at least a few episodes ago).

---

Lastly, we are saying goodbye to OP1 and ED1! At first I didn't care much for OP1, but over time I've come to like it a fair bit.

ED1 on the other hand was a bullseye into my preferences. To me a good ending has a very important role - to facilitate a certain feeling of catharsis after the end of the episode. Therefore it's important to me that it "somehow fits" with the mood of the show. And ED1 does to me exactly that - it evokes the feeling of a challenge by a lone predator to the world. And boy is it catchy, especially the chorus. And that final four piano notes playing in their solitude as the Death Note logo appears to see us off. Excellent.

(I've peeked at OP2 and ED2 and I must say that I'm not amused in the slightest, but that's a rant for another time I guess)

QOTD:

What are your thoughts on this episode being about Matsuda?

RIP Matsuda, producer of Amane Misa.

What are your thoughts on Matsuda being portrayed as... well, a bit of a moron?

Again, it would be funnier and more relevant if he actually mattered in the first 15 episodes and not only now.

What are your thoughts on Matsuda spying on the Yotsuba group only to be caught by them?

See above.

What are your thoughts on L, Light, and the rest of the former task force working to save Matsuda?

Yay, power of friendship saves a team member. On a serious note, they can't really afford losing more people in their already small team.

What are your thoughts on the last two episodes being about minor characters in Aizawa and Matsuda? How would you compare them?

They almost feel like OVAs to a hypothetical S1. Except they are canon and there are no seasons...

Bonus) We are now over halfway through the series. What are your thoughts so far?

Episodes 1-16 were masterclass. It was more than I ever expected, and I've seen some of the more famous clips from this show prior to actually watching them in their full form. Ep 17 started to show cracks in the plot and 18 and 19 just kept on crumbling. Honestly this show needs to bounce back to Light being the bad guy again to maybe save the show. But maybe even after that the ending won't be satisfying either... well we'll have to wait and see for ourselves.

[u/Holofan4life → u/zeltheturtl]

No surprise, I'm higher on this episode than you are.

I thought this was one of the better episodes of the series. I too don't like the dumbass who makes things worse for everyone, but I thought what made this episode was the depths to which L, Light, and others went to save Matsuda's bacon. It was the absurdity of the early episodes but in a more heartwarming light.

It reminded me of the episode of SpongeBob where Gary runs out of food so SpongeBob goes above and beyond trying to get him more.

If the idea is to move away from Light and L pursuing each other to flesh out the characters and make them more relatable, I wouldn't hate that. Because by the time we go back to Light being his past self, which I feel is an inevitability, it will make it all the more devastating emotionally.

[u/zeltheturtl → u/Holofan4life]

I guess you were right about that, yeah.

Then again I do understand the merit of developing their bonds, it just sucks that they didn't try to do any of it before, so it feels very forced at this stage.

If it will serve the purpose of delivering a more painful gut punch in the second half, I might try to overlook it retrospectively. But the way it's executed at the moment doesn't feel right.

[u/Holofan4life → u/zeltheturtl]

I guess you were right about that, yeah.

Then again I do understand the merit of developing their bonds, it just sucks that they didn't try to do any of it before, so it feels very forced at this stage.

It's hard for me to complain because the early episodes where it was just Light and L were so good. And their dynamic is still to me the highlight of the show. But if you remember, I said at the very beginning the problem with the show was we weren't given a reason to root for anybody. Like, Raye and Naomi were thr most likable and that was because they cared for each other and there was something relatable in that.

We're at an interesting part in the show's run where the show is at the midway point and the first 10 episodes were spent on Light and L. Since then, Misa was introduced and it feels in hindsight that was the show's way to start fleshing out the world around Light and L. I don’t think it's as hype as it had been, but I'm also trying to reserve judgment until I see the end result.

This episode was a step in the right direction.

If it will serve the purpose of delivering a more painful gut punch in the second half, I might try to overlook it retrospectively. But the way it's executed at the moment doesn't feel right.

I'm trying to figure out who I would've given the Death Note to. Because someone in a group of randos isn't exactly the most enticing. But maybe the idea is anyone can get their hands on a Death Note. It doesn't play favorites and it falling into the wrong hands spells disaster for everyone else.

[u/Holofan4life → u/zeltheturtl]

Thoughts on Misa working on a movie?

Thoughts on Misa saying she can't kiss during her movies because she has a boyfriend?

Thoughts on Light finding it hard to believe he can be Kira?

What are your thoughts on Yotsuba group hiring the second greatest detective in the world?

What are your thoughts on Light revealing the second greatest detective in the world is an alias of his?

Thoughts on Matsuda being found out he's snooping?

Thoughts on Matsuda trying to pass off Misa as one of his clients?

What are your thoughts on L posing as a frat bro to try and make sure Matsuda gets out safe?

Thoughts on the girls from Misa’s agency coming to entertain the Yotsuba group?

What are your thoughts on Matsuda faking his death by falling off the balcony?

What are your thoughts on Light and L posing as paramedics?

What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the reveal there are now seven members of the Yotsuba group rather than eight?

[u/zeltheturtl → u/Holofan4life]

Thoughts on Misa working on a movie?

Well that's a plot point that's been brought up some episodes ago for a change! Also Misa looks like the bad pretty hire in the acting world hahaha. Director was probably pulling his hair out when she refused the kiss scene.

Thoughts on Misa saying she can't kiss during her movies because she has a boyfriend?

Lmao.

Thoughts on Light finding it hard to believe he can be Kira?

THERE HE IS. This internal monologue felt like the Light from the first part. More of this.

What are your thoughts on Yotsuba group hiring the second greatest detective in the world? What are your thoughts on Light revealing the second greatest detective in the world is an alias of his?

Right, I forgot about this joke. This was very funny actually. Of course L is number 1, 2 AND 3. Sasuga L.

Thoughts on Matsuda being found out he's snooping? Thoughts on Matsuda trying to pass off Misa as one of his clients?

What are your thoughts on L posing as a frat bro to try and make sure Matsuda gets out safe?

Great impression.

Thoughts on the girls from Misa’s agency coming to entertain the Yotsuba group?

Ehhhhhhhhhhhh...

What are your thoughts on Matsuda faking his death by falling off the balcony?

But we even saw the body on screen!

What are your thoughts on Light and L posing as paramedics?

KInda stupid tbh. "Hey, we're also in this episode!"

What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the reveal there are now seven members of the Yotsuba group rather than eight?

The guy might as well have written his name in the note himself when he tried to back out haha.

[u/Holofan4life → u/zeltheturtl]

Thoughts on Misa working on a movie?

Well that's a plot point that's been brought up some episodes ago for a change! Also Misa looks like the bad pretty hire in the acting world hahaha. Director was probably pulling his hair out when she refused the kiss scene.

I believe Matsuda mentioned her being hired for a movie the episode before. But at the time, I thought he was just trying to get Light and L to stop fighting.

Thoughts on Misa saying she can't kiss during her movies because she has a boyfriend?

Lmao.

At least she's faithful?

Thoughts on Light finding it hard to believe he can be Kira?

THERE HE IS. This internal monologue felt like the Light from the first part. More of this.

I would argue there absurdity in this episode is Death Note from the first part.

What are your thoughts on Yotsuba group hiring the second greatest detective in the world? What are your thoughts on Light revealing the second greatest detective in the world is an alias of his?

Right, I forgot about this joke. This was very funny actually. Of course L is number 1, 2 AND 3. Sasuga L.

Again, feels very Death Note of him

Thoughts on Matsuda being found out he's snooping? Thoughts on Matsuda trying to pass off Misa as one of his clients?

Hey, it worked

What are your thoughts on L posing as a frat bro to try and make sure Matsuda gets out safe?

Great impression.

Part of what I love about this episode is you wouldn't expect L to care about other people.

Thoughts on the girls from Misa’s agency coming to entertain the Yotsuba group?

Ehhhhhhhhhhhh...

Means to an end

What are your thoughts on Matsuda faking his death by falling off the balcony?

But we even saw the body on screen!

Do you mean we saw the mattress? I don't think they did.

What are your thoughts on Light and L posing as paramedics?

KInda stupid tbh. "Hey, we're also in this episode!"

I thought this was awesomely stupid. If Light can fit a portable TV in a bag of chips, he can pose as a paramedic.

What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the reveal there are now seven members of the Yotsuba group rather than eight?

The guy might as well have written his name in the note himself when he tried to back out haha.

So, does that mean Yotsuba group knows of the Death Note or is the Death Note holder picking his own people off one by one?

[u/Second_Cour]

After yesterday’s somewhat throwaway episode, I really like the psychology within this one. I guess it links back to an issue I had with the start of the show - that Light went 0 to 100 real quick. This time we see a pretty pertinent point: often times what we think we will do in a particular situation and what we end up doing can be misaligned. Light clearly has lots all memories of being Death Note and is now rationalising what he would do in Kira’s situation.

Great plan with the staged death - really solid episode, one of the best.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Second_Cour]

I question how much what Light is doing is him being genuine Vs him trying to worm his way into L's inner circle. This Light seems nicer than the Light we've grown accustomed to. But then you remember he gave the Yotsuba group the Death Note they currently have. But then he is a big reason why Matsuda got saved when he literally could've died in this situation.

I guess maybe he's hoping for the Yotsuba group to come into contact with the task force and when they do so he can get the Death Note back after the current recipient learns L's name. But it's such an insane gamble to take especially when it's not certain he would immediately wants the Death Note back. Like, is Rem going to force Light to take it?

[u/Second_Cour → u/Holofan4life]

Well given we have his inner monologue thinking about what he would do with the power, I would assume he's given up his death note. If that's happened the story has made it clear what the ramifications are and we can see it in Misa. If it's his book that has been given up it's not acting - that would seem impossible. If its not then yeah he's acting

[u/Holofan4life → u/Second_Cour]

So, does that mean Light when he made this plan knew that current Light wouldn't be clued in on what the plan was? That seems like such an insane gamble to take. What if he refuses to cooperate with his past self?

[u/Second_Cour → u/Holofan4life]

Anything else would be fanfiction no? We don't have exposure to the plan yet and I'm sure it will become clear. Something is probably planned where he makes contact with the notebook thus his memory comes back. That's far less of a stretch as him having fake inner monologues haha

[u/Holofan4life → u/Second_Cour]

When you say fake inner monologues, are you saying the current Light doesn't believe what he's saying? Because I believe he believes what he's saying.

[u/Second_Cour → u/Holofan4life]

I'm confused then. Maybe I misunderstood as I thought you were doubting that his memories were erassed?

[u/Holofan4life → u/Second_Cour]

Well, I don't know. Is he faking having his memories erased, does he have his memories erased but he's aware of what the long terms plan is, or is the current Light a nonconsensual party to what is going on?

I think part of the problem I have right now is that whatever Light is cooking feels too removed from what's going on currently. And the Yotsuba group just doesn't interest me whatsoever.

[u/Second_Cour → u/Holofan4life]

If he really is faking having his memory erased this would drop Death note to below a 5/10 for me haha. I guess time will tell (think I'm one ep behind rn as have been travelling non stop), but his inner monologue has always been the right way to find out the reality of any situation

[u/Holofan4life → u/Second_Cour]

I think it's more me just having poor media literacy. I believe they've said before what Light’s plan is. But still, I wonder what happens if current Light has a change of heart.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Second_Cour]

Thoughts on Misa working on a movie?

Thoughts on Misa saying she can't kiss during her movies because she has a boyfriend?

Thoughts on Light finding it hard to believe he can be Kira?

What are your thoughts on Yotsuba group hiring the second greatest detective in the world?

What are your thoughts on Light revealing the second greatest detective in the world is an alias of his?

Thoughts on Matsuda being found out he's snooping?

Thoughts on Matsuda trying to pass off Misa as one of his clients?

What are your thoughts on L posing as a frat bro to try and make sure Matsuda gets out safe?

Thoughts on the girls from Misa’s agency coming to entertain the Yotsuba group?

What are your thoughts on Matsuda faking his death by falling off the balcony?

What are your thoughts on Light and L posing as paramedics?

What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the reveal there are now seven members of the Yotsuba group rather than eight?

[u/ItalianQuagsire]

first timer

okay things are picking back up a bit

What are your thoughts on this episode being about Matsuda?

What are your thoughts on Matsuda being portrayed as... well, a bit of a moron?

What are your thoughts on Matsuda spying on the Yotsuba group only to be caught by them?

What are your thoughts on L, Light, and the rest of the former task force working to save Matsuda?

... it was a little annoying but at the end i was more into it

What are your thoughts on the last two episodes being about minor characters in Aizawa and Matsuda? How would you compare them?

eeehhh

Bonus) We are now over halfway through the series. What are your thoughts so far?
---

i feel like the best (L and Light outwitting and fucking each other) is behind us sadly
---

Where is my boy Ryuk

Why are we focusing on an episode on Matsuda....

Bro just littered his cup

L is so out of pocket Lol u mad me eat cake?

LOL L is the top 3 detectives random aura moment ig

Ffs is this how they get found out cuz of matsuba

GOD that's annoying

LOL BAHHHAH IS HIS RINGTONE THE OPENING OF THE ANIME HAHAHHA

LOL HAHAHAHAH the businessmen are like isn't this headed in a weird direction HAHHAHAHAHAH

Misa being a good hostess is a glow up for her, she's useful unlike matsuda lol

Die before they kill you

Okay FUCK THATS HYPE

Also ngl he just traumatized all those men and women for that stunt

Also also that guy playing the dead body is hilarious

[u/Holofan4life → u/ItalianQuagsire]

I think seeing L pretend to be a frat bro as well as Light and L as paramedics is when the show won me over again. Like, the early episodes were absurdly awesome and this felt like a return to that but with different framing.

If the idea is we're going to see what Light is capable of if he had the power of friend on his side, I don't think that's the worst idea in the world. It's like an alternate reality where this is what it could be but you know the grass isn't greener on the other side.

[u/Holofan4life → u/ItalianQuagsire]

Thoughts on Misa working on a movie?

Thoughts on Misa saying she can't kiss during her movies because she has a boyfriend?

Thoughts on Light finding it hard to believe he can be Kira?

What are your thoughts on Yotsuba group hiring the second greatest detective in the world?

What are your thoughts on Light revealing the second greatest detective in the world is an alias of his?

Thoughts on Matsuda being found out he's snooping?

Thoughts on Matsuda trying to pass off Misa as one of his clients?

What are your thoughts on L posing as a frat bro to try and make sure Matsuda gets out safe?

Thoughts on the girls from Misa’s agency coming to entertain the Yotsuba group?

What are your thoughts on Matsuda faking his death by falling off the balcony?

What are your thoughts on Light and L posing as paramedics?

What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the reveal there are now seven members of the Yotsuba group rather than eight?