Review (Sort Of): Paranoia Agent

I started Paranoia Agent with the intent of watching the whole thing in one sitting and writing a review about it, but I’m not sure if this is going to really be a review. Not in the common sense of the word. I guess that’s befitting of a title as unconventional as this one. Bare with me, as this is going to be a bumpy ride.

Paranoia Agent starts off in an episodic case to find a street attacker referred to as “Shonen Bat,” roughly translating to “bat boy.” They call him this because of his preferred method of attack: a twisted golden baseball bat. The detectives question the victims and look for clues, just like any police investigation. However, as the show goes on, the victims become more connected and any semblance of an episodic series quickly melts away. Trying to keep up with the story certainly keeps you on your toes. At least it never becomes repetitive, as some mystery series tend to be.

About halfway through, Paranoia Agent completely abandons the mystery investigation format to provide completely episodic tellings of people just living their lives, with the sole connection being that Shonen Bat appears in all of them. I said episodic, but every episode has a format that is completely it’s own. if they didn’t share certain characteristics, each could be easily mistaken for an entirely different series. Everything from housewives swapping stories to the goings-on behind the production of an anime are given that special Paranoia Agent twist. Especially worth noting is the eighth episode, of which I believe the premise could function as a completely enjoyable OVA or it’s even it’s own anime. It's worth seeing this whole series for nothing more than to experience this tale in context.

The characters are all believable, if not somewhat idiosyncratic at times. Each character is a little exaggerated, but this is anime, so I’m not going to put it past them. No individual character stands out right away, but eventually minor characters become the most important in the entire series. Just like the story, the characters of Paranoia Agent cannot be done justice with a simple explanation.

Paranoia Agent’s art style is simple and basic, but it leaves the animation team room for some great surreal sections once the series starts losing it’s focus, which is very early on. The character’s expressions are great as well and the way their faces are animated conveys their emotions very well. The animation team deserves a pat on the back for this one, as their treatment of the more abstract areas of this show are superb. I suppose I’m not spoiling too much by saying that the animation of cute mascot character Maromi is especially adorable and great.

The lack of detail I’m putting into this review isn’t because I didn’t enjoy the show, because I did enjoy it. Very much so. My reasoning is half because I’m not sure I could do the series justice, and half because I think everyone should see this show for themselves. Paranoia Agent almost defies description. Ultimately, it is a show that provides a great social commentary on the attitudes and behavior of society in the modern age, specifically focusing on the juxtaposition between old and new schools of thought. Paranoia Agent explores the escapism that many of us, including myself, seek in fiction. whether this be through lying to get out of something stressful, or through media like anime and comics. Even though i disagreed with some of it's views, Paranoia Agent really made me think. This is the only piece of fiction thats has actually made me question my fundamental beliefs. 

The bottom line is: watch this series. Whether you end up liking it or not, I believe it is something that should be experienced. Especially if you believe as strongly in the value of escapism as I do. I'm sure Paranoia Agent will stay with me for a very long time.

Rest in peace, Satoshi Kon. Your vision did not go without impact.

Best Episode: Episode 8

Overall Score: 4/5