10 Heartbreaking Deaths In Anime
7. The Death Of L - Death Note
The dangerous game of cat-and-mouse between supernatural serial killer, Light Yagami, and brilliant detective, L is a mesmerizing display. With so many twists and turns, it’s no surprise that Death Note is revered to be one of the best anime series.
A huge reason for this is the interplay between the rivals. Light and L are both idealistic - if not psychopathic - anti-heroes. Their equal and opposing forces of will push the series to intense heights and polarize viewers on which of these intellectual juggernauts they support.
However, after an, admittedly, absurdly complicated plan unfolds, Light was finally able to eliminate L and take out his main competition for good.
The entire episode is wrought with foreshadowing, religious overtones, and notes on the ideas of good and evil. When L finally goes limp on the floor, Light puts on a dramatic display to perpetuate the façade of friendship developed between the two through the story.
Though the response was hammed up, there is a sliver of regret in Light’s reaction as he watches L go dark, as if he wanted their game to continue. It was a telling response since, after the death of L, the series never truly seemed to find its legs again, or the same level of brilliance it showcased in the first twenty-five episodes.