Satoshi Kon is on a roll lately. He enters the TV animation market with Paranoia Agent, after directing three successful feature films, and it seems as though he can do no wrong. At its start, the series has part of the psychological intrigue of Perfect Blue, a paradoxical notion of good fortune like Millennium Actress, and an actual character from Tokyo Godfathers, but it may be as different from the three movies as it is alike. This is going to be an interesting show.

The series begins with an exposition phase that is styled similarly to a Stephen King novel - introducing the main characters separately and tying them together with a common element. In this case, the common element is "Shonen Bat," a boy on golden in-line skates that rides around hitting people with his crooked metal bat, which is also gold-colored.

He doesn't attack just anybody, though. Each of the characters that encounter him have some type of mental issue. One is a talented designer that is constantly pressured by her boss to perform. Another has a superiority complex, and yet another has a bonafide disassociative identities problem. How and why these characters encounter Shonen Bat evades the police, but is revealed to the viewer somewhat.

Tsukiko gets advice from a plushie.	Harumi is well-acquainted with hospitals.

In addition to these almost supernatural events, there may be a social commentary brewing. One scene in particular is suspect - a crowded metro-rail car with ringing cell phones; people trying desparately to please their bosses, clients, or families. It seems to be saying, "Japan is too busy for its own good." Scenes such as this actually make the main characters' lives more interesting, as if they are only slightly-accelerated instances of a larger problem.

In addition to the return of Kiyoko the nurse (from Tokyo Godfathers), new-age musician Susumu Hirasawa returns (after Millennium Actress) to compose the score for this series. The opening single has that familiar energizing quality of Hirasawa's other music, and the background music is as pleasant if not as energetic. The series also looks good. Madhouse is producing some great looking animations these days - especially the character animations. I see the studio being a leader in digital animation for some time, due to their excellent blending of characters with background layers (something that's not trivial even in digital animation), and their intelligent use of effects.

I am interested to see to what degree Paranoia Agent is able to individuate from Mr. Kon's movies. From what it has offered thus far, the series has the potential for uniqueness, especially if it relates the bits of social commentary to the main characters more strongly. Even if it takes a different direction, I am certain that whatever the director comes up with will be worth viewing.

Distributor: Geneon Entertainment
Creator: Satoshi Kon / MADHOUSE
Released: 2004

Video Quality: A
Audio Quality: A
Presentation: A
Content: A+
Overall: A