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Overanalyzing Anime
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The episode begins by switching back and forth between Ryuk and Light as they both engage in an inner monologue regarding the stagnancy of their lives; how “DAY IN AND DAY OUT” everything remains the same, seemingly forever unchanging. So, in his infinite boredom, Ryuk, the Shinigami, decides to drop his Death Note in the Human World for shits and giggles. Light just so happens to be the one who notices the notebook falling from the sky and, after a moment of hesitation, decides to pick it up and take it home with him. Once alone in his room, Light examines the notebook further and says, “screw it” and tests it out by writing the name of a criminal who was being broadcasted on the news. Much to his surprise, after writing the name in the notebook, the individual in question dies. Filled with a mixture of abject disbelief and (un)healthy curiosity, he decides that he’s gotta test it out again to see if it was just coincidence, or, in fact, his own doing. He tests it again on a man attempting to abduct/rape a woman, and lo and behold, after writing the individuals name and including a very specific cause of death, the man in question dies, just the way Light had written it in the notebook.
We fast forward five days and Ryuk finally heads to the Human World to find out who picked up his Death Note. We then switch back to Light and find that he’s been BIZ-EEE, having written dozens, if not hundreds of criminals’ names in the five days he’s been in possession of the notebook. As Light is sitting admiring his work, Ryuk shows up and introduces himself. The two have a conversation about the Death Note; with Ryuk explaining some of the rules and consequences that come from using the Death Note. Light assumes that Ryuk has come to claim his soul, and Ryuk being like, “LOL, no dude, I’m just here for a good time.” The two bond over their mutual boredom of their respective worlds/realms, and Light explains that, while he was initially pretty freaked out about what he was doing, he has gotten over it and intends on using the power of the note book to become “THE GOD OF THE NEW WORLD.” The episode ends with Ryuk claiming that Humans are “SO INTERESTING,” as Light stares out his window at the rising sun, his eyes firmly transfixed on his goal of changing the world.
And, roll credits.
So, yeah, “REBIRTH” succeeds in practically every way that I can think of. Taking a look at it from the perspective of the “Five W’s” of writing; this first episode not only tells us where the story takes place – both in regards to Japan, in the Human World, and the Shinigami Realm – but also when the story takes place – which would be modern day. It also provides us with a clear understanding of who are two lead characters, Light and Ryuk, are – as well as what their goals are, the reasons for why they have these specific goals, and how they’ll go about achieving those goals.
Both of their actions stem from being bored; from the fact that their lives have been stagnant for so long, with nothing even remotely interesting happening. It explains why Ryuk would drop his Notebook in the Human World – something the other Shinigami’s mock and berate him for having done. It also explains Light’s actions for taking the Notebook and using it to the extent that he has; he’s finally found something that’s given his life purpose – a challenge that he feels that only he can rise to take on. “REBIRTH” does a really great job of setting the stage.
While one could knock the episode for not having established an enemy for Light, the next episode, “CONFRONTATION,” makes sure to show us that Light’s goals of becoming the “THE GOD OF THE NEW WORLD,” aren’t going to be nearly as simple as he might’ve hoped. That being said, the fact that an enemy hasn’t been introduced actually serves a rather important purpose. In not presenting us with an adversary for Light, it gives the audience the opportunity to understand Light as a character; we see his outlook on things. We see how cruel people can be to one another; with the news reporting a new vicious crime every day; with people displaying all manner of abhorrent behavior. We see how Light is looking to eradicate the darkness of the world; we see him saving teachers and students from a hostage situation, we seem him preventing a woman from being abducted and likely assaulted. We see him wanting to bring about legitimate change. We even see him initially struggling with his actions; but ultimately realizing that he’s the only one capable of doing what needs to be done.
If an adversary were to have been introduced, it would ultimately have changed our perception of Light; as it does when he goes head to head with ‘L’ in the very next episode. In “CONFRONTATION” our understanding of who Light is evolves, and we’re forced to decide who’s side we’re actually on. Who is morally in the right, and who is in the wrong? It forces the audience to spark a dialogue within themselves on which side is truly Justice. But, more on that in the next episode.
I like the personality of these characters; how Ryuk initially comes across as rather creepy, but ultimately is found to be rather laid back and indifferent, for the most part – aside from his excitement for finally having something to entertain him; well, that and the chance to eat Apples. It’s also clear that he put some thought into his actions – especially given the fact that he made sure to write the instructions for the Death Note in English, the most popular language on Earth. His personality juxtaposes Light’s in the best possible way; because, aside from their both being bored with their lives – these two could not be any more different from each other. While Ryuk is laidback and indifferent to practically everything, Light is serious about his goal of becoming a God and changing the world. His serious demeanor, along with his steadfast resolve and ambition, serves to make him all the more interesting. Honestly, in that final scene, it’s almost as though Ryuk was acting as our in-story surrogate when he claimed that humans – but specifically Light – were soooo interesting.
All in all, this episode is a great introduction to the world of Death Note.
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