Episode 37, “New World,” of Death Note serves as a chilling epilogue, focusing on the aftermath of Light Yagami’s death and the societal ripples created by the Kira phenomenon. It explores the lingering effects of Kira’s influence, offering a glimpse into a world forever altered, and ultimately, a somewhat ambiguous resolution.
The Dawn of a New Era (or is it?)
The episode opens with a world irrevocably changed. Light Yagami, the self-proclaimed god Kira, is dead. The Special Investigation Team (SPK), led by Near, has successfully exposed him. However, the world is not immediately restored to its pre-Kira normalcy. A subtle, unsettling undercurrent persists, suggesting that the seeds of Kira’s ideology have taken root in the collective consciousness.
Examining the Societal Scars
“New World” delves into the psychological and societal consequences of Kira’s reign. While the world initially celebrates his demise, the episode highlights the lingering anxieties and moral ambiguities that Kira’s actions have left behind.
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The Question of Justice: Is Near’s victory truly a victory for justice? The episode subtly questions whether Near’s methods, while ultimately successful, were morally superior to Kira’s. The gray areas of justice are deliberately explored, leaving viewers pondering the true nature of righteousness.
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The Enduring Allure of Kira: A small but persistent faction of Kira supporters remains, demonstrating that the desire for a swift and absolute form of justice, even through extrajudicial means, hasn’t vanished. These remnants highlight the seductive power of Kira’s philosophy, particularly amongst those who felt powerless before.
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The Search for a “Better” System: The episode subtly suggests that the world is grappling with the need for a better system, one that addresses the root causes of the social ills that fueled Kira’s rise. Light Yagami’s ideology, while twisted, resonated with people who felt the existing justice system was flawed and inadequate.
A Glimpse into the Characters’ Fates
The episode offers brief glimpses into the fates of surviving characters:
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Near: Continues his work as L’s successor, relentlessly pursuing justice. He embodies a sense of cold detachment, reinforcing his position as a pragmatic and analytical, albeit emotionally distant, figure.
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Matsuda: Still struggles with the moral implications of killing Light. His internal conflict reflects the broader societal unease, showcasing the difficulty in reconciling the necessity of Light’s death with the act of taking a life.
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The Rest of the SPK: Continue their duties, likely more cautious and aware of the potential for abuse of power. They are forever marked by their experiences.
The episode concludes on a somber note, leaving the audience to contemplate the true cost of Kira’s actions and the uncertain future of the world. The “new world” isn’t necessarily a better world, but rather a world grappling with the complex legacy of Kira.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Death Note Episode 37
FAQ 1: What is the overall tone of Episode 37?
The tone is predominantly melancholic and reflective. It’s less about celebrating victory and more about acknowledging the lasting impact of Kira’s actions and the challenges the world faces in moving forward. The sense of closure is deliberately ambiguous, leaving the audience to ponder the true meaning of “justice” and the consequences of unchecked power.
FAQ 2: Does anyone try to pick up Kira’s mantle in Episode 37?
While there’s no immediate successor who emerges, the existence of Kira supporters suggests a potential for future attempts to replicate his actions. The ideology is still alive, even without a physical Kira. The worshipers are depicted in a disturbingly zealous light, showing their unwavering belief in Kira’s ideals.
FAQ 3: What happened to Misa Amane after Light’s death?
Misa’s fate is left ambiguous, but it is strongly implied that she commits suicide. The final shot shows her standing on a building, gazing out at the city, and the accompanying narrative suggests she was unable to cope with Light’s death. The symbolism is potent, further cementing the tragedy of her character.
FAQ 4: Does the Shinigami Ryuk appear in Episode 37?
Ryuk makes a brief, silent appearance, hovering above the city. His presence serves as a reminder of the supernatural forces at play and the intrinsic indifference of the Shinigami world to human affairs. He is simply observing the consequences of his initial act of dropping the Death Note.
FAQ 5: What does the episode reveal about Near’s personality?
Episode 37 reinforces Near’s detached and pragmatic personality. He is shown solving complex puzzles and maintaining a calm demeanor, even after achieving his goal. He embodies pure intellect and strategic thinking, arguably lacking the emotional depth and empathy that defined L.
FAQ 6: How is L remembered in Episode 37?
While not explicitly mentioned, L’s legacy looms large over the entire episode. Near’s actions are a direct continuation of L’s pursuit of justice, and the memory of L serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight against Kira.
FAQ 7: Does Episode 37 provide a satisfying conclusion to the Death Note story?
Whether the conclusion is “satisfying” is subjective. While it provides closure to the main plotline, it deliberately leaves many questions unanswered and presents a bleak outlook on the future. This ambiguity is intentional, prompting viewers to consider the ethical and moral complexities of the series.
FAQ 8: What is the significance of the episode’s title, “New World”?
The title is ironic. While Light aimed to create a “new world” free of crime, the episode reveals that his methods ultimately created a world grappling with fear, moral ambiguity, and a lingering admiration for his warped ideology. The “new world” is not necessarily a better one, but a world burdened by the legacy of Kira.
FAQ 9: How does Matsuda react to Light’s death in Episode 37?
Matsuda is visibly shaken by Light’s death. He shows remorse and struggles to reconcile his feelings of loyalty towards Light with the knowledge of his crimes. He provides a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Kira investigation and the difficult choices made by those involved.
FAQ 10: Does the episode offer any hope for the future?
The episode offers a glimmer of hope, albeit a subtle one. The continued efforts of the SPK to maintain justice and the growing awareness of the dangers of unchecked power suggest that the world might eventually learn from its mistakes. However, the lingering presence of Kira supporters indicates that the fight for justice is far from over.
FAQ 11: How does this episode differ in tone from the rest of the series?
Episode 37 is noticeably more subdued and reflective than previous episodes. The action-packed confrontations and intense psychological battles are replaced by a quiet contemplation of the aftermath of the Kira case. This shift in tone underscores the serious consequences of Light’s actions and the lasting impact on the world.
FAQ 12: What is the biggest takeaway from Episode 37 of Death Note?
The biggest takeaway is that the pursuit of justice is a complex and ongoing process. There are no easy answers or simple solutions, and even the most well-intentioned actions can have unintended consequences. The episode compels viewers to question their own notions of morality and justice and to consider the potential dangers of absolute power. It leaves the viewer to ponder whether the cost of Light’s actions outweighed the benefits.