Death Note Episode 3: Dealings

Manga chapter 5-7

Canon/MED

OSHIMETER

9.3

24 Fans

5

4

3

2

1

PacingVisualWritingEmo ImpactSoundtrack

← Prev: EP 2 Next: EP 4 →

Death Note Episode 3: Dealings

Manga chapter 5-7

Canon/MED

← Prev: EP 2 Next: EP 4 →

OSHIMETER

9.3

24 Fans

5

4

3

2

1

PacingVisualWritingEmo ImpactSoundtrack

QUICK TAKES

the investigative structure deepens considerably here as the protagonist's domestic situation becomes directly entangled with the case. the layers of surveillance and counter-surveillance being established create a remarkably tight dramatic framework.

ryuk genuinely sounds like a totally reasonable person who just happens to be 200 years too old and that is so funny to me. everything about his personality is completely not what you expect from something that looks like that its hilarious

what they revealed at the end of this episode genuinely sent chills down my spine. this show has an incredible ability to make you feel cornered even when nothing overtly terrifying has happened on screen yet. L is an absolute force.

This episode ramps up tension with sharp storytelling. The story is still building, keeping the suspense high, both L and Kira started playing psychological mind games. The animation style is clean and atmospheric, could be better but I think it was good for it's time.

Watching Light realize he's being hunted and then immediately pivoting to test the Note's limits is genius. The way he manipulates the "rules" to mess with L is so satisfying

This episode got me off guard! The sudden arrival of police really got me. I like how L decodes the case like an 'analyst'- analyzes amd then makes accurate decisions. Also we got know some interesting "fact" about the "human lifespan"!!

Introducing new character connection really helped pull the family together. Light really is the best and worst person to get the notebook because of his connections but I'm loving the battle of wits. It's incredible how L is able to put pieces that are barely present together

The story narration leaves minds on constant wonder. The characters’ voice feels weighty due to their situation. Watch if you want to see more of them on a stressful edge.

nicholas9547481273

L started his investigation along with the Police force. As time passes, L’s deductions are challenged directly by Light. Meanwhile, several police officers resign out of fear, and Light is now being followed by someone. It will be interesting to see how he deals with this.

A battle of brains, like in chess, has started as Yagami and L made their actions. One thinks, he is better than the other but I think this is just the beginning of an intense conflict.

Light’s getting cocky. Thinking he can just toy with the police because he’s "God" is such a massive ego trip. Ryuk just hanging out eating apples while Light loses his mind over the investigation is the best part.

Episode 3 starts building the real psychological battle between Light and L. The pacing slows slightly, but it strengthens the tension as Light begins thinking more strategically to avoid suspicion. Ryuk’s calm and humorous presence adds a fun contrast to the growing paranoia.

A lot of important revelations! The music used and sound effects are perfect, making this episode intense and gives off a thrilling feeling. This is getting more interesting as Ryuk explained that he is neither a friend of L nor Light.

As soon as the police walked in, there was an air of silence suffocating me. Like a net being pulled tighter on someone & that person doesn’t realize what is happening to them. Then you can literally feel the pace of slow enough for you to sit inside of Light’s head.

Light tightens his plan and it’s clear he’s thinking several moves ahead. The real tension comes from the task force’s growing distrust, and L staying hidden makes every scene feel brittle and electric.

more of a lore building ep but the shinigami rules drop here. L is slowly closing in and Light's already three steps ahead. ends on a wild offer that'll have you jumping to the next ep

krishmanegi1510

The FBI investigation adds suspance, and light's straight thinking becomes more calculated .

Light Yagami officially upgrades from “guy with a spooky notebook” to “chess grandmaster who thinks he’s playing 4D chess while inventing the game

While less explosive than the previous episode, this episode exhibited the essential foundation for the series. It builds the "inner circle" of the conflict, making Light, decide how much of his humanity and his life he is willing to trade for his new world.

Light begins adjusting his actions to avoid suspicion, showing how calculated he is. The pacing slows slightly but helps establish the cat-and-mouse dynamic. Small decisions here have bigger consequences later.

EPISODE CONTEXT

Coming off the initial establishment of the Light-versus-L conflict in episode 2, 'Dealings' escalates the stakes by introducing direct surveillance and FBI involvement, transforming a philosophical clash into a tangible cat-and-mouse pursuit. This is still early-season setup—episode 3 of 37—but every strategic thread woven here pays off as the battle of wits compounds. It leads directly into 'Pursuit,' where the pressure Light faces here boils over into even more dangerous territory.

©大場つぐみ・小畑健/集英社・VAP・マッドハウス・NTV・D.N.ドリームパートナーズ

AnimeOshi.com refers to anime titles, character names, logos, and other trademarked or copyrighted materials to identify and describe the works being reviewed, discussed, ranked or otherwise referenced on this site. This usage is believed to be nominative fair use or non-infringing and is not intended to imply any affiliation with the respective rights holders.

All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their owners. If you are a rights holder and have concerns about any content on this site, please contact us at legal@animeoshi.com

EPISODE CONTEXT

Coming off the initial establishment of the Light-versus-L conflict in episode 2, 'Dealings' escalates the stakes by introducing direct surveillance and FBI involvement, transforming a philosophical clash into a tangible cat-and-mouse pursuit. This is still early-season setup—episode 3 of 37—but every strategic thread woven here pays off as the battle of wits compounds. It leads directly into 'Pursuit,' where the pressure Light faces here boils over into even more dangerous territory.

QUICK TAKES

the investigative structure deepens considerably here as the protagonist's domestic situation becomes directly entangled with the case. the layers of surveillance and counter-surveillance being established create a remarkably tight dramatic framework.

ryuk genuinely sounds like a totally reasonable person who just happens to be 200 years too old and that is so funny to me. everything about his personality is completely not what you expect from something that looks like that its hilarious

what they revealed at the end of this episode genuinely sent chills down my spine. this show has an incredible ability to make you feel cornered even when nothing overtly terrifying has happened on screen yet. L is an absolute force.

This episode ramps up tension with sharp storytelling. The story is still building, keeping the suspense high, both L and Kira started playing psychological mind games. The animation style is clean and atmospheric, could be better but I think it was good for it's time.

Watching Light realize he's being hunted and then immediately pivoting to test the Note's limits is genius. The way he manipulates the "rules" to mess with L is so satisfying

This episode got me off guard! The sudden arrival of police really got me. I like how L decodes the case like an 'analyst'- analyzes amd then makes accurate decisions. Also we got know some interesting "fact" about the "human lifespan"!!

Introducing new character connection really helped pull the family together. Light really is the best and worst person to get the notebook because of his connections but I'm loving the battle of wits. It's incredible how L is able to put pieces that are barely present together

The story narration leaves minds on constant wonder. The characters’ voice feels weighty due to their situation. Watch if you want to see more of them on a stressful edge.

nicholas9547481273

L started his investigation along with the Police force. As time passes, L’s deductions are challenged directly by Light. Meanwhile, several police officers resign out of fear, and Light is now being followed by someone. It will be interesting to see how he deals with this.

A battle of brains, like in chess, has started as Yagami and L made their actions. One thinks, he is better than the other but I think this is just the beginning of an intense conflict.

Light’s getting cocky. Thinking he can just toy with the police because he’s "God" is such a massive ego trip. Ryuk just hanging out eating apples while Light loses his mind over the investigation is the best part.

Episode 3 starts building the real psychological battle between Light and L. The pacing slows slightly, but it strengthens the tension as Light begins thinking more strategically to avoid suspicion. Ryuk’s calm and humorous presence adds a fun contrast to the growing paranoia.

A lot of important revelations! The music used and sound effects are perfect, making this episode intense and gives off a thrilling feeling. This is getting more interesting as Ryuk explained that he is neither a friend of L nor Light.

As soon as the police walked in, there was an air of silence suffocating me. Like a net being pulled tighter on someone & that person doesn’t realize what is happening to them. Then you can literally feel the pace of slow enough for you to sit inside of Light’s head.

Light tightens his plan and it’s clear he’s thinking several moves ahead. The real tension comes from the task force’s growing distrust, and L staying hidden makes every scene feel brittle and electric.

more of a lore building ep but the shinigami rules drop here. L is slowly closing in and Light's already three steps ahead. ends on a wild offer that'll have you jumping to the next ep

krishmanegi1510

The FBI investigation adds suspance, and light's straight thinking becomes more calculated .

Light Yagami officially upgrades from “guy with a spooky notebook” to “chess grandmaster who thinks he’s playing 4D chess while inventing the game

While less explosive than the previous episode, this episode exhibited the essential foundation for the series. It builds the "inner circle" of the conflict, making Light, decide how much of his humanity and his life he is willing to trade for his new world.

Light begins adjusting his actions to avoid suspicion, showing how calculated he is. The pacing slows slightly but helps establish the cat-and-mouse dynamic. Small decisions here have bigger consequences later.

©大場つぐみ・小畑健/集英社・VAP・マッドハウス・NTV・D.N.ドリームパートナーズ

AnimeOshi.com refers to anime titles, character names, logos, and other trademarked or copyrighted materials to identify and describe the works being reviewed, discussed, ranked or otherwise referenced on this site. This usage is believed to be nominative fair use or non-infringing and is not intended to imply any affiliation with the respective rights holders.

All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their owners. If you are a rights holder and have concerns about any content on this site, please contact us at legal@animeoshi.com

©大場つぐみ・小畑健/集英社・VAP・マッドハウス・NTV・D.N.ドリームパートナーズ

AnimeOshi.com refers to anime titles, character names, logos, and other trademarked or copyrighted materials to identify and describe the works being reviewed, discussed, ranked or otherwise referenced on this site. This usage is believed to be nominative fair use or non-infringing and is not intended to imply any affiliation with the respective rights holders.

All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their owners. If you are a rights holder and have concerns about any content on this site, please contact us at legal@animeoshi.com