Paranoia Agent - TV-14
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: Cartoon Network Cast: Michelle Ruff, Carrie Savage, Jamie Gallardo
Genre: Science Fiction
Available on: 
DVD
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that the main character in this dark anime series is a serial killer who appears as a young, school-aged boy on inline skates; his weapon is a bent baseball bat. He strikes and kills, leaving victims dead in puddles of blood. But perhaps even more chilling, the show is a psychological study of inner human drama, observing how people suffer from despair and fear -- some real, some not. With its dark humor and plotlines and its mix of realty and fantasy, this anime is better suited for adults (and even those well-versed in this genre might have some trouble getting it).
Families can talk about the history of anime. How does it differ visually from traditional Western animation? What else distinguishes it as a genre? Also, what social commentary is the series making about people's reactions to everyday stress? Though it's very exaggerated on the show, how does this commentary relate to our everyday lives?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
Each episode of PARANOIA AGENT features colorful characters who are facing both internal and external challenges. Since the storylines frequently move in and out of reality, viewers may have a hard time distinguishing what's real and what's a dream, leaving the uninitiated with lots of unanswered questions. Violent, disturbing, and frightening, it's not meant for kids or young teens.
A common thread throughout the many tales is a serial killer named Lil' Slugger (known as "Shonen Bat" in Japanese and voiced by Jamie Gallardo in the English dub); episodes frequently end with the murder of the main character featured in that particular story. Overall, the series is a very dark look at how humans suffer physically, emotionally, and psychologically from the reactions of others, as well as from their own thoughts.
Series creator Satoshi Kon has a huge following among adult anime fans, many of whom put Paranoia Agent high on their list of favorites. His adept use of visuals, dialogue, and plot to convey social commentary about people's everyday reactions to things like jobs, relationships, and internal battles often hits a nerve with grown-up viewers.
But if your kid, tween, or young teen is an anime fan, this violent psychological drama isn't for them (it runs as part of Cartoon Network's late-night Adult Swim lineup for a reason). More age-appropriate choices include Eureka Seven and Naruto.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentDepends on the episode. At least one features a woman with dissociative identity disorder who has a prostitute alter ego. |
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ViolenceFrequent, severe animated violence. Many are bludgeoned and killed. One episode centered on Internet suicide pacts. Also, characters physically and verbally attack each other. |
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LanguageNot much swearing, but definite name-calling -- "scum," "fool," and "monkey-brain" are typical. |
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Social BehaviorThe show exaggerates people's weaknesses, particularly those demonstrating power. |
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