Death Note

[SpikesMrsSpooky]

When Shoichiro hands over the death note to the mafia, you see a helicopter leaving the scene.  Then a missile.  Not just ANY missile, but one that can't be tracked by radar or satellite.

What?  The mafia has a freakin' missile?  I groan every time I see that, and I try to pretend it didn't happen.

Unless Mello managed to make a deal, or has an ally in the defense department, that would still be a painful stretch, but I really can't believe that.  

Heh, no problems with the premise of shinigami or death notes, but the mafia has a missile?  Can't.

[Meilag32]

Yeah, it's not like there aren't any Soviet missiles floating around on the Black Market.  And it's not like someone smart like Mello couldn't have made contact (through illegal channels) with the right buyer and worked out a deal.  No chance of that happening.  Because every missile in existence is owned and protected by America, right? 

[SpikesMrsSpooky]

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Meilag32 wrote:

Yeah, it's not like there aren't any Soviet missiles floating around on the Black Market.  And it's not like someone smart like Mello couldn't have made contact (through illegal channels) with the right buyer and worked out a deal.  No chance of that happening.  Because every missile in existence is owned and protected by America, right? 

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Ah. Thanks!  Hadn't thought of the whole black market thing.  I have a friend I talked into watching it - he hasn't gotten that far in the series yet, when he **beast** about the missile I'll have to throw out that possibility.

[robertje]

yeah but this isnt the middle east were talking about. its kinda hard to conceal a missle no matter where you are located

[SpikesMrsSpooky]

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robertje wrote:

yeah but this isnt the middle east were talking about. its kinda hard to conceal a missle no matter where you are located

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I know!

I REALLY don't want this to bug me, so I'm going to do some hand-waving here (watch your head)...

Ok, keeping in mind what Meilag said about the black market...

It all boils down to Mello and his relationship with the Mafia.  When we first met them, they said he had been with them for a year and a half (and he had never been wrong).

The Mafia (or a different organization) had that underground lair, so to speak, where Soichiro made the trade.  THESE guys didn't build it, they were just using it.  That thing was constructed without being seen.  There IS satellite imaging of I have to think the entire country, the question is, WHO IS WATCHING?  Just because the imaging is there, doesn't mean anyone is looking at it for anything suspicious.  That may be a stretch, but it's plausible.  Heck, I was reading about air conditioned tunnels between Mexico and the US running under the Rio Grande that were constructed wtihout being seen, why not this?  Right?

Mello at some point must have planned to use that lair for the trade of the notebook, and convinced the Mafia to spend the bucks to buy that missile (which COULD have been smaller than it appeared) and bury it with the launching mechanism near the entrance to that lair.

It's not THAT implausible that the missile could have been purchased on the black market and installed near the entrance to that lair.  I think.  If Mello thought that far ahead and was able to convince the Mafia to pay for it - even IF they had that kind of money.  Maybe Mello's a good schmoozer. I don't know.

But the biggest problem in my mind would be transporting it there.    That was in Nevada, wasn't it?  It could have come in through Baja California and transported via truck to location then installed underground.  Maybe it was shipped in pieces and assembled on site.

I don't know.  It still stretches things farther than I'm happy with.  Of course, it's a show about a notebook that kills and shinigami, why should THIS be a problem, right?  I'm still not happy with that, 'cause it takes me right out of the show every time I see it.

Why THIS should be a problem and the seemingly unsupported computer system (with multiple monitors) used by Near and Light isn't is another question (that has me curious).

[Meilag32]

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robertje wrote:

yeah but this isnt the middle east were talking about. its kinda hard to conceal a missle no matter where you are located

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HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Oh, that's rich. 

Even if missiles couldn't be dismantled, there are still plenty of ways to hide and transport them across the country.  Hiding a large launcher is another matter.  Dismantling it and rebuilding it are much less feasible as they are often the size of vehicles.  Mello hid it in the desert, one of the few places you could hide that.  While you could hide a missile in the city by simply storing it somewhere, you'd have to be more creative of where to place the launcher.  Warehouses are always a favorite, though the only ones that let you hide such illegal materials often come with the risk of an eventual search. 

[robertje]

hahaha that would turn into an episode where some kids pissing around the warehouse just "happens" upon it doesnt know what it is messes around with it a bit then sets the launch code miraculously haha its too predictable lol

[SpikesMrsSpooky]

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robertje wrote:

hahaha that would turn into an episode where some kids pissing around the warehouse just "happens" upon it doesnt know what it is messes around with it a bit then sets the launch code miraculously haha its too predictable lol

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Sounds like a job for Jack Bauer.

[robertje]

hahaha or bruse willis in DieHard haha

[SpikesMrsSpooky]

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robertje wrote:

hahaha or bruse willis in DieHard haha

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LOL!!  Yippie kye aye, mofo. 

HA HA HA HA.!  Good one.

[Meilag32]

Kira vs. Jack Bauer?  Kira wins.

Kira vs. Bruce Willis?  Kira wins. 

[SpikesMrsSpooky]

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Meilag32 wrote:

Kira vs. Jack Bauer?  Kira wins.

Kira vs. Bruce Willis?  Kira wins. 

---

That's true, but when it comes to finding that missile (that so screwed with his plans), I'm betting he'd be cheering them on.

[Meilag32]

Probably.  But even their usefulness would have to end. 

[SpikesMrsSpooky]

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Meilag32 wrote:

Probably.  But even their usefulness would have to end. 

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EVERYBODY'S usefulness ends with that psycho.  At the rate he was going he'd depopulate the world, because nobody would measure up.

[Meilag32]

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SpikesMrsSpooky wrote:

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Meilag32 wrote:

Probably.  But even their usefulness would have to end. 

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EVERYBODY'S usefulness ends with that psycho.  At the rate he was going he'd depopulate the world, because nobody would measure up.

---

HE"S NOT A PSYCHO!!!!!!!!!!  If he's one then you have to call me one too.  I also deny that I and/or Light are sociopaths, as some here, have claimed.  Though there is some evidence to back that up.  Not much, but some...

And of course he wouldn't depopulate the world.  Almost all people wouldn't have a use to begin (being so weak and useless) with so why would they eventually need to be disposed of?  It's only those with unique skill sets and a certain intelligence/demeanor/personality or whatever you want to call it.  Those are the ones that should choose their allegiances more wisely. 

[SpikesMrsSpooky]

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Meilag32 wrote:

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SpikesMrsSpooky wrote:

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Meilag32 wrote:

Probably.  But even their usefulness would have to end. 

---

EVERYBODY'S usefulness ends with that psycho.  At the rate he was going he'd depopulate the world, because nobody would measure up.

---

HE"S NOT A PSYCHO!!!!!!!!!!  If he's one then you have to call me one too.  I also deny that I and/or Light are sociopaths, as some here, have claimed.  Though there is some evidence to back that up.  Not much, but some...

And of course he wouldn't depopulate the world.  Almost all people wouldn't have a use to begin (being so weak and useless) with so why would they eventually need to be disposed of?  It's only those with unique skill sets and a certain intelligence/demeanor/personality or whatever you want to call it.  Those are the ones that should choose their allegiances more wisely. 

---

Well, judging by Takada's announcement that those who didn't use their abilities for the good of society would be a target (and Light's "it's too soon") one has to wonder where his pogrom would end.

His standards were way higher than a vast number of people could possibly measure up.  I mean, at some point he'd target people who were rude to others on message boards.  He wanted a world populated by only 'kind, earnest people' - rude message board posters don't fit in with that standard.

Not casting any aspersions here, but I've seen a LOT of rudeness in message boards and comments to news articles and youtube videos.  They would be targeted eventually.  

There is no advantage to having any allegience to Kira if one doesn't measure up to HIS standards.  That "it's too soon" comment he made was very telling.  

I agree with what Light wanted, I really do.  I want the same thing, but death is far too harsh a punishment for most of the crimes, major or minor, that he was dealing out death to.  

Light was a character consumed with hate and contempt for others.  I do everything I can to help people, I take in strays and provide a place to live for friends in need.  That said, I don't think even I would measure up, because sometimes I DO lose my temper. Sometimes I AM rude.  Even though I sympathize with what he wants, I know I would be a target depending on what kind of wild hair he gets.

[Meilag32]

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SpikesMrsSpooky wrote:

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Meilag32 wrote:

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SpikesMrsSpooky wrote:

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Meilag32 wrote:

Probably.  But even their usefulness would have to end. 

---

EVERYBODY'S usefulness ends with that psycho.  At the rate he was going he'd depopulate the world, because nobody would measure up.

---

HE"S NOT A PSYCHO!!!!!!!!!!  If he's one then you have to call me one too.  I also deny that I and/or Light are sociopaths, as some here, have claimed.  Though there is some evidence to back that up.  Not much, but some...

And of course he wouldn't depopulate the world.  Almost all people wouldn't have a use to begin (being so weak and useless) with so why would they eventually need to be disposed of?  It's only those with unique skill sets and a certain intelligence/demeanor/personality or whatever you want to call it.  Those are the ones that should choose their allegiances more wisely. 

---

Well, judging by Takada's announcement that those who didn't use their abilities for the good of society would be a target (and Light's "it's too soon") one has to wonder where his pogrom would end.

His standards were way higher than a vast number of people could possibly measure up.  I mean, at some point he'd target people who were rude to others on message boards.  He wanted a world populated by only 'kind, earnest people' - rude message board posters don't fit in with that standard.

Not casting any aspersions here, but I've seen a LOT of rudeness in message boards and comments to news articles and youtube videos.  They would be targeted eventually.  

There is no advantage to having any allegience to Kira if one doesn't measure up to HIS standards.  That "it's too soon" comment he made was very telling.  

I agree with what Light wanted, I really do.  I want the same thing, but death is far too harsh a punishment for most of the crimes, major or minor, that he was dealing out death to.  

Light was a character consumed with hate and contempt for others.  I do everything I can to help people, I take in strays and provide a place to live for friends in need.  That said, I don't think even I would measure up, because sometimes I DO lose my temper. Sometimes I AM rude.  Even though I sympathize with what he wants, I know I would be a target depending on what kind of wild hair he gets.

---

You seem to bring that up almost once a day.  But you have absolutely no idea what it meant.  You simply have a guess as to what it means.  And how that revolves around Light discarding people he's used is beyond me.  Do you really think he'd kill everyone?  If so, then you still don't understand Light Yagami.

His standards weren't that high.  He just wanted bad people to go away and have good people continue to do good deeds.  How is that high standards?  He wouldn't eventually go around punishing people for message board posts.  You have no basis for this.  You have no idea if they would be targeted.  They probably wouldn't since Light left the media alone.  Misa and Mikami killed those types, but not Light. 

Not any advantage that YOU would see anyway.  And again, your argument is based off this one thing was mentioned very quickly then discarded and never expounded upon.  You have no clue what it could have meant.  I think it meant that people who were going to sit back and let evil happen were going to be punished.  People who would let bad people have their way or people wouldn't care to help those in need from bad guys trying to hurt them.  That type of lazy. 

Yes, people living in a cushy society often find extreme methods displeasing to them.  Moral standing aside, perhaps one day you'll be pushed to the point where you feel there is no longer a choice.  I'd love to be there to watch your ideals come crumbling around you.  The looks on people's faces when they find how far they've fallen...exquisite.  I'll never tire of seeing it or of being the one to make that happen.

He neither hates nor finds contempt in all others.  He most likely pities them (I'm talking about the faceless masses, not the people who came after him).  Seeing them trapped in a rotten world, suffering at the hands of wickedness.  Pity coupled with a certain arrogance would be what drives a person to decide to fix the problem in a way that they think is best regardless of what others think of it. 

Ha ha ha!  You'd be quite safe.  If what you say is true, then probably safer than some others.  Do you really think a temper tantrum would qualify?  No.  I'd actually be on the chopping block if Kira suddenly showed up.  I'd have to move quickly to vanish off the Earth and leave no evidence behind that I existed.  Then I'd have to hunt Kira down. 

[SpikesMrsSpooky]

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Meilag32 wrote:

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SpikesMrsSpooky wrote:

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Meilag32 wrote:

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SpikesMrsSpooky wrote:

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Meilag32 wrote:

Probably.  But even their usefulness would have to end. 

---

EVERYBODY'S usefulness ends with that psycho.  At the rate he was going he'd depopulate the world, because nobody would measure up.

---

HE"S NOT A PSYCHO!!!!!!!!!!  If he's one then you have to call me one too.  I also deny that I and/or Light are sociopaths, as some here, have claimed.  Though there is some evidence to back that up.  Not much, but some...

And of course he wouldn't depopulate the world.  Almost all people wouldn't have a use to begin (being so weak and useless) with so why would they eventually need to be disposed of?  It's only those with unique skill sets and a certain intelligence/demeanor/personality or whatever you want to call it.  Those are the ones that should choose their allegiances more wisely. 

---

Well, judging by Takada's announcement that those who didn't use their abilities for the good of society would be a target (and Light's "it's too soon") one has to wonder where his pogrom would end.

His standards were way higher than a vast number of people could possibly measure up.  I mean, at some point he'd target people who were rude to others on message boards.  He wanted a world populated by only 'kind, earnest people' - rude message board posters don't fit in with that standard.

Not casting any aspersions here, but I've seen a LOT of rudeness in message boards and comments to news articles and youtube videos.  They would be targeted eventually.  

There is no advantage to having any allegience to Kira if one doesn't measure up to HIS standards.  That "it's too soon" comment he made was very telling.  

I agree with what Light wanted, I really do.  I want the same thing, but death is far too harsh a punishment for most of the crimes, major or minor, that he was dealing out death to.  

Light was a character consumed with hate and contempt for others.  I do everything I can to help people, I take in strays and provide a place to live for friends in need.  That said, I don't think even I would measure up, because sometimes I DO lose my temper. Sometimes I AM rude.  Even though I sympathize with what he wants, I know I would be a target depending on what kind of wild hair he gets.

---

You seem to bring that up almost once a day.  But you have absolutely no idea what it meant.  You simply have a guess as to what it means.  And how that revolves around Light discarding people he's used is beyond me.  Do you really think he'd kill everyone?  If so, then you still don't understand Light Yagami.

His standards weren't that high.  He just wanted bad people to go away and have good people continue to do good deeds.  How is that high standards?  He wouldn't eventually go around punishing people for message board posts.  You have no basis for this.  You have no idea if they would be targeted.  They probably wouldn't since Light left the media alone.  Misa and Mikami killed those types, but not Light. 

Not any advantage that YOU would see anyway.  And again, your argument is based off this one thing was mentioned very quickly then discarded and never expounded upon.  You have no clue what it could have meant.  I think it meant that people who were going to sit back and let evil happen were going to be punished.  People who would let bad people have their way or people wouldn't care to help those in need from bad guys trying to hurt them.  That type of lazy. 

Yes, people living in a cushy society often find extreme methods displeasing to them.  Moral standing aside, perhaps one day you'll be pushed to the point where you feel there is no longer a choice.  I'd love to be there to watch your ideals come crumbling around you.  The looks on people's faces when they find how far they've fallen...exquisite.  I'll never tire of seeing it or of being the one to make that happen.

He neither hates nor finds contempt in all others.  He most likely pities them (I'm talking about the faceless masses, not the people who came after him).  Seeing them trapped in a rotten world, suffering at the hands of wickedness.  Pity coupled with a certain arrogance would be what drives a person to decide to fix the problem in a way that they think is best regardless of what others think of it. 

Ha ha ha!  You'd be quite safe.  If what you say is true, then probably safer than some others.  Do you really think a temper tantrum would qualify?  No.  I'd actually be on the chopping block if Kira suddenly showed up.  I'd have to move quickly to vanish off the Earth and leave no evidence behind that I existed.  Then I'd have to hunt Kira down. 

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That's all true what I said.  

I should also mention (I've said it before, but it bears repeating), that I'm perfectly fine with using lethal force in self defence when all else fails.  If I was in a situation where someone was aiming to inflict severe bodily harm on myself or someone around me, yeah, if all else fails, lethal force is permissible.   I'm a pacifist, but I do believe in being able to defend myself.  Lethal force is strictly last resort - if words, running and pepper spray don't do it, then yeah, whip out the firearm and do what needs to be done.   Please don't think that I'm a knee-jerk "no killing ever" type of person, 'cause I'm not.

I do value human life very much - mine, yours, the innocents', criminals'.  If someone is not actively engaged in committing violent crime, then I say it's wrong to kill them.  Yeah, that's my personal morality showing.

It doesn't matter to me what initially motivated Light to do what he did, praiseworthy as his motivations were. His carrying it out, combined with his total disregard for the lives around him and even those of his supporters who were of no further use to him told me that he was a soulless monster.  A psychopath.  He lost his humanity.  Near was right when he said he was nothing more than a crazy serial killer.   That's not how he started out, but that's what he turned into.

[Achi]

Light's initial motivations were clear. He had spent large amounts of time reading and dwelling on the evils of society, knowing full well that he could not change it. Only until after the Death Note scared him no longer (after the test kills) did he realize he could fulfill his goal and purge the world of evil. This you must commend his intentions for. But things become a bit hazy later on. While Light did say to begin with that he wanted to reign as the god of the new world, I personally felt he lost track of the purging evil goal and focused more on that goal when he regained his memories in episode 23 or 24. After that, and this may have been deliberate, I noticed how his deception, narcissism, and sociopathic personality really became emphasized.

The "it's too soon" point, though it is speculation, is a valid one. This clearly showed some intention to begin working on those whom Light deemed society had little value for when crime rate dropped to below 10% or something. I don't think this necessarily means that Light wanted to just kill everyone, but what it does show is this: Light was a serious control freak. Rather than focusing on purging the world of evil, he later focused more on becoming the god of the world and dictating things as he believed were just. His arrogance let him believe that only he understood what the world needed, not anyone else. This kind of trait would not be fit for a just god, and so, during the Near-Mello season, he seriously needed to be put down.

As I said, I seriously began detesting him after he regained his memories, because after that, killing anyone who got in his way just seemed natural to him. This is opposed to a similar type of antihero like Dexter, who, whether or not someone was chasing him, would never willfully kill someone who didn't murder innocent people. Light didn't care that people like L, Watari, Mello, Matt, or Near were people who really contributed to society or had serious potential to. Whoever stood in his way, deserved death once he had the means to cause it. Anyone who stood against him, or seriously threatened his reign, must be executed because Kira wishes it. Only Kira knows what's right for the people and only Kira's rule can save humanity from being... uh "rotten" or something.

AKA a control freak. So, as Near said, Light yielded to the power of the notebook and confused himself with a god... In the end... BY the end... he was nothing more than a crazy serial killer =).

[SpikesMrsSpooky]

Very well put!

I have a friend who got 2 or 3 DVDs into the series and gave up on it because he couldn't stand Light.  He hated that the main character was so detestable (his word).

I told him, "if you thought he was bad THEN....!"  He WAS noticeably worse after he got his memories back.  Friend, foe, nobody was safe.  "Control freak" is a good word for Kira.

[SpikesMrsSpooky]

Boy, this certainly got off track.

Thanks to Meilag32 for reminding me about the black market.  I still can't say I like the whole missile thing, but it does bother me a lot less now.

[MafiaFlood]

lolz