Just finished Psycho-Pass, and wow, what a show. Probably by far the most intriguing anime I've ever watched apart from Bebop. The societal themes that runs this show makes it a pretty mature series, and made the plot very profound. I have to admit that the former half of the show does not match the real conflict of the latter half but it's still a good way to know a bit about the characters. There's a lot of talking going around too, plus a bit of literature references so not a lot of people will comprehend everything they quote but the discussions are a must to understand. I personally don't think that you can watch it casually. To be honest the first half of the show disturbed me which actually made me put the show off for a week but after ep. 12 or so it gets hugely interesting.
The ending [spoilers] I had mixed feelings about. I have to admit that it's the best ending in terms of what comes out of it: The Sibyl system is retained, Makishima is gone for, and it seems like society will most likely be better off according to discussions from Akane and the system. The only reason I'm mixed is long-term: Obviously no system is perfect, but a society that is controlled by logic-bound brains based on measurements of Psycho-Pass & Crime Coefficient is one I hope doesn't arise in reality. I'm no philosopher nor a sort of scholar but the governments we see today are the closest we can get to order and freedom (well, some of them are... undesirable). There'll always be opinions on what's best but the Sibyl system establishes a notion already with their quantitative labels on citizens. The asymptomatic like Makishima I found to be the most interesting in this series b/c the Sibyl system is made up of them. I agree that individuals like Makishima will most likely not delve into the abstract and undebatable like good or evil but will have enough sense to establish a justifiable conclusion to societal affairs. Though their crimes are truly horrifying ones, their way of thinking is something that is unmatched, even Akane's, which I thought was the most level-headed character in the show. I figured Akane will not be a candidate in spite of accepting the Sibyl system b/c she still relies on human fallacies, as you can see with her mental breakdown of seeing her best friend die. That event actually turned Akane around, and spiked her true capabilities as an Inspector/Enforcer.
Makishima dying is one I agree on. Besides, he dies at the best place (he's obviously in euphoria at the top of that hill...) and dies in the hands of the best guy he can think of - Kogami. If Makishima was captured and given to the Sibyl system, I would theorize that the system would be no better nor worse. The system itself admits that there will always be asymptomatic people who can best the system, so losing Makishima and weighing Akane's incompetence in their cause decided their reasoning in the ending.
Pops dying was too terrible! I have lots of kudos in his judgment and contributions so seeing him die was very heart-wrenching. But I reluctantly have to see to it on saving his son. Any parents would save their kids from any kind of life-or-death situation. I still can't get over it...
Kagari's death was another terrible one, but not as much as Pop's. His death was indeed bloodier than needed to be but Sibyl's reasoning of taking him down was that he'll definitely reveal the system's true form. His outgoing personality reflects this well.
Kogami I have to say... is invincible! I mean, he got shot a dozen times yet he still lives! I mean, you gotta have genes of Superman to survive so many wounds! Anyway, I felt that in some ways he was like Makishima. Of course he didn't commit as many horrendous crimes as him but why would he take interest in Kogami? Their likeness is really a complex one, and why Kogami agrees to that I can't muster. He still kills Makishima b/c really his logic on everything cannot work in society. Plus his persistent rebellion will endanger society whether or not he incorporates himself into Sibyl.[spoiler ends]
Honestly, I can talk a bit more about the show but I'm actually a bit exhausted of how much this show throws at you. I think Psycho-Pass is definitely one of my top anime and hopefully I can buy the disc set.
