So, you’ve just witnessed one of the most shocking moments in anime history: L’s death. That twist hits like a freight train, right? Now you’re sitting there, possibly feeling like someone just pulled the soul out of the series, and you’re asking the million-dollar question: “should i keep watching death note after l dies?”
Let’s unpack that. Because the answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it really depends on who you are as a viewer, what you loved about the show, and what you’re willing to explore in the aftermath of a giant narrative shift.
A Quick Recap of L’s Role
L wasn’t just a side character. He was the soul, the shadow, the tension that made Death Note feel like a mental chess game between two geniuses. His quirks, his posture, his obsessive sweet tooth, and his eerie calm made him unforgettable.
He was more than a detective—he was the perfect foil to Light Yagami. L represented justice and logic. Light represented ambition and ego. Their dynamic? Pure electricity.
The Turning Point – Episode 25
L dies in Episode 25, and it’s arguably the turning point of the entire series. Viewers either bow out emotionally or hang on with cautious curiosity. His death marks a shift from a psychological duel to something… different.
This is where a lot of people ask, “Should I even bother watching the rest?” But let’s keep going—because the series doesn’t exactly fall off a cliff.
The Void Left by L
Without L, the narrative rhythm changes. The once razor-sharp cat-and-mouse becomes slightly more chaotic. For many fans, the emotional weight L brought to the show is sorely missed.
But that void isn’t left empty.
Introduction of Near and Mello
Enter Near and Mello—two characters raised as potential successors to L.
Near is calculated, analytical, and emotionally detached. Mello is impulsive, aggressive, and burns with competitive fire. Together, they form a fractured version of L’s brilliance. Some fans embraced them. Others? Not so much.
Near vs. Mello – A Dual Successor Setup
Rather than one perfect replacement, the creators split L’s essence in two. Near represents L’s logic. Mello represents his unpredictability. It’s an interesting narrative choice—one that sparks fresh energy.
They don’t feel like L, but they do move the plot forward.
Do Near and Mello Measure Up?
Here’s where opinion divides the fandom. Near lacks charisma. Mello lacks subtlety. L had both. But as characters in their own right, they bring new tension and challenge Light in unique ways.
They’re not better than L—but that doesn’t mean they’re bad.
Light Yagami’s Evolution Post-L
Without L keeping him in check, Light becomes a darker version of himself. He’s more confident, less careful, and far more godlike in demeanor. It’s both fascinating and terrifying to watch.
The God Complex Intensifies
Should i keep watching death note after l dies death unleashes the full scope of Light’s ego. With no one to match his intellect for a time, he spirals further into the abyss of power.
This arc isn’t just about crime and justice anymore—it’s a psychological descent.
The Story’s Pacing and Tone
There’s a noticeable shift after Episode 25. The first half feels like a tight thriller. The second half leans into psychological warfare and emotional complexity.
Some episodes might feel slower or more scattered, but tension still simmers beneath the surface.
Is the Writing Still Good?
Yes, it’s still intelligent. No, it’s not as intense. But the writing remains clever and layered. It’s just not L-level gripping anymore.
That said, the stakes are still high, and the twists are still punchy.
The Ending – Was It Worth the Wait?
Yes—absolutely. The final episodes bring everything full circle. Light finally faces the consequences of his god complex. It’s poetic. It’s should i keep watching death note after l dies. And it feels earned.
The finale might not please everyone, but it ties up the themes in a bold way.
Artistic & Production Value
Let’s give credit where it’s due: The animation, sound design, and direction remain top-tier all the way through. The music? Still iconic. The visuals? Still striking. Studio Madhouse didn’t drop the ball.
What Critics and Hardcore Fans Say
Critics often acknowledge that the first half of Death Note is near-perfect. But many also argue that the post-L arc, while different, is still solid storytelling. Hardcore fans are split—but there’s no consensus that it becomes “bad.”
Should YOU Keep Watching?
Ask yourself:
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Were you only watching for L?
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Do you enjoy psychological tension and character descent?
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Are you curious to see how Light’s story really ends?
If yes, keep going. The ride is still worth it—even without your favorite detective.
Conclusion
Should i keep watching death note after l dies, and it’s understandable if it makes you want to stop watching. But here’s the thing—Death Note still has more to say. Light’s fall, the rise of Near and Mello, and the poetic justice of the finale all make the second half valuable in its own right.
Is it the same without L? No.
Is it still worth your time? Absolutely.
FAQs
Q1: Does Near ever surpass L?
Not quite. Near solves the case, but lacks L’s charm and complexity.
Q2: Is Mello just a plot device?
No, Mello adds chaos and tension. He’s impulsive but crucial to the finale.
Q3: Is Light still interesting after L dies?
Yes, arguably more so—he becomes dangerously unhinged, which is gripping in a different way.
Q4: Was L’s death necessary?
Narratively, yes. It shook the plot and allowed for new themes to emerge.
Q5: Is the ending predictable?
Not really. The final twist is intense and wraps the story with poetic justice.
