What makes a monster? Is such a fate determined at conception, is it shaped by experience, or is it a combination of the two? While not so eloquently articulated, at the heart of the Elfen Lied series are questions about what determines the nature of a person's soul.

A genetic aberration of humanity termed "diclonius" has appeared in Japan. Individuals affected by this condition are characterized by a pair of hornlike protrusions extending from their skull. Additionally, female specimens exhibit the ability to utilize "vectors," spectral appendages that can be dexterously manipulated for a variety of tasks, including the deflection of bullets or the rending of flesh. Unsurprisingly, this capability makes them very dangerous, and while some are preserved for the sake of experimental study, most are terminated before their powers fully mature.

The origin of the vector-wielding diclonius maidens can be traced to Lucy. Regarded as a cold-blooded killer operating on a mandate to exterminate humanity by her captors, Lucy wastes no time earning such distinction, as she systematically slaughters dozens of heavily armed men and breaks out of her prison in the opening episode.

Is the human race doomed now that Lucy is free of her subjugation? Thankfully, the trauma of her escape resulted in a psychotic break, and Lucy is no longer herself, instead adopting the persona of Nyuu. Initially incapable of uttering anything other than her name, Nyuu is the personification of innocence, manifesting neither Lucy’s homicidal tendencies nor her use of vectors.

Having washed up on the beach, Nyuu is discovered by Kohta and Yuka, recently reunited cousins who had not seen each other since childhood. Fearing the involvement of the police might make things worse for Nyuu, the pair decides to take her home with them before deciding on a further course of action. Along the way, Kohta and Yuka also take in Mayu and Nana, who, like Nyuu, are innocents with no place left to go.

Unfortunately, it is not long before complications arise, as those hunting the fugitive Lucy, Lucy herself, and Yuka's jealousy intervene. As more is exposed, the audience learns of the tragic history behind each of the characters and some surprising connections are revealed. But is a tortured past enough to justify murder, and can even the kindest heart find forgiveness for a life ruined?

Constant, unnecessary nudity, in addition to graphic depictions of violence and abuse against children and animals, make this a series to be wary of. Regrettably, one-dimensional characters and incoherent storytelling, including a weak attempt at a struggle for Kohta's love, do not redeem it enough to warrant a recommendation.