[Rjina]

This episode was full to the brim with gray-area questions and biblical references. It's rather alarming. I'm here to discuss the scene on the steps, when L comes out of the rain after hearing imaginary church bells. He stoops down, and dries Light's feet, which is stunning and controversial imagery.

My first thought was that this was a clear indication of L's acceptance of Light, reluctant though it may be. In the scene where Light approaches L, he asks what L is doing in the cold rain. It was one of the first times (other than "Justice will prevail") we see him smile--not in a serious way, but with a contented air of one who's joking around with a close companion.

With this said, the foot-drying scene seemed pretty simple. So L has finally accepted Light as a trusted companion (does Light's name make a play on L as well? Did L, who is first seen in the series as a figure in the dark, finally come out to the light? Or is this a reference to the "light at the end of the tunnel [death]?).

But I considered twice. The foot-drying scene strongly reminded me of the biblical scene where the prostitute Mary Magdalene washes Jesus Christ's feet with her oils.

No, I'm not saying that L is a prostitute.

I'm asking, "Does this mean anything?"

Mary Magdalene washes Jesus Christ's feet in an expression of humility and gratitude for his acceptance of her presence. Mary, a figure of the worldly sense, resembles L in the way that they both are people of the world, and are trapped in a worldly cycle and way of life. Just as Mary appreciates Jesus's company, L appreciates Light's company (at last).

Whereas Yagami Light, a stand-alone figure, seems to represent Jesus Christ, because Light believes himself to be a savior of the people, and seems capable of doing great feats without any difficulty.

Yagami Light and L's character matches this biblical scene with such accuracy and depth that I can't help but think that I'm not overthinking this.

I'd like to think that my speculations are true, because I see Death Note as not only a compelling and marvelously crafted story, but also as a portrait of the weaknesses of humanity. It paints the areas of gray. What is justice? What is crime? Do some deserve to die? And if I help the judging hand of God, does that make me a murderer? Or does that make me a God as well? And if I am God, doesn't that mean that God doesn't exist, and that all humans are capable of reaching divinity? When is revenge murder? When does concern and love become control and spite?

Damn. I love Death Note. It's so thought-provoking.

Everything gray. That's how I like it.

[ZERO PHOENIX]

My goodness that was deep!

[MikamiTeru]

That was.... AMAZING
I'm glad somebody agrees with me on how absolutely fantastic Death note is.

I am officially your biggest fan XD
o.o

[Rjina]

What else is there to say? *blush

Anyway, that was only ONE SCENE. Imagine the things hidden in all of the other ones!!
Death Note is HOLY.

[MikamiTeru]

Right after I saw this, I watched episode 25 and the episode became much clearer for me...

thank you!

[Rjina]

Lolz your gratitude is much appreciated, I can assure you ^.^;; It's always good to know that people agree with my far-fetched ideas... however you must know that these are only my opinions, so everyone is entitled to their own ideas... I'm pretty sure you had some intelligent theories of your own

But my, death note is beautiful, isn't it?

[MikamiTeru]

ohh absolutely

but your right, I have had my own opinions and theories.

[Rjina]

You ought to post a nice, lengthy thread about some of your theories. I bet they're fascinating. Besides, I'm getting kind of guilty cause I feel like I'm screaming on the forum... so much for the calm, composed, intelligent demeanor I attempt xD

[MikamiTeru]

attempt and succeed... ish

its true you post long threads.
but I love reading long things like that..... it annoys some people, but not me.

you do appear very intelligent. Infact, you could fit in with the people in Death note if you had to. You could be a member of L's task force, fit in with the SPK... if you were psychotic you could work with Kira
and if you were an orphan you could have lived in Wammy's House.

[Rjina]

Awwww

Hahaha, that flatters me very much. You're quite intelligent yourself

But honestly I don't think I'm anything in comparison to the SPK/L/Light... they're a bit too deviously dastardly for me. I think I might find myself in ranks with Matsuda xD