This (basically essay) was too long to fit in my notes section so I had to make it a review.

Monster is a gripping tale of murder and mystery that delves into the complexities of being human. The show highlights the flawed and imperfect nature of all of us through its characters as they grapple with their own personal demons, trying to overcome them but often falling short. This is the essence of being human, our imperfections make us who we are and it is through our struggles and failures that we grow and learn.

In terms of storytelling, Monster is a masterclass in character development and pacing. The show takes its time to reveal the flaws and secrets of its characters, making them feel more and more real as the story progresses. The pacing of the show is deliberate, each episode is a calculated step forward in both the narrative and the mythos development. The show's ability to keep the audience on the edge of their seat while also making them care deeply about the characters is a testament to its skillful storytelling.

Monster paints a picture of a world that is all too familiar, a reflection of our own society. The show delves into the complexities of the human experience through a tangle of issues such as nepotism, eugenics, workplace ethics, extremism, bigotry, societal oppression, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Rather than using these issues solely for entertainment, Monster approaches them with sensitivity and care, offering a sobering commentary on the consequences of the "Monster" that exists within us all and the impact it has on the world we live in.

One of the most striking aspects of the show is the way it explores the theme of identity. The characters in Monster are constantly struggling to understand who they are, and the show raises important questions about the nature of identity. Is it something that is innate and unchanging, or is it something that is shaped by our experiences and the world around us? The show suggests that identity is a fluid and ever-changing thing, and that our understanding of ourselves is constantly evolving.

Another important theme in the show is the concept of power and control. The characters in Monster are constantly fighting for power and control over their own lives, and the show explores the ways in which power can be both a positive and a negative force. The show suggests that power can be used to create positive change, but it can also be used to exploit and oppress others. The show also examines the ways in which power can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals.

Additionally, the show also explores the theme of addiction and vices as an integral part of the human experience. The characters in the show struggle with various forms of addiction, from smoking and drinking to gambling, sex, and spending. These vices serve as a reminder of the flawed and imperfect nature of all of us. The show delves into the complexities of addiction, highlighting the ways in which it can both harm and define individuals. Through the characters' struggles with addiction, the show highlights the difficulty of overcoming one's vices, and how it can take a toll on one's personal and professional life.

The main 3 characters in this show are a display of many of these themes:

The show's protagonist, Tenma, is a shining light whose presence transforms even the darkest of souls for the better. He radiates a sympathetic energy that brings about change without the need for violence. He is a beacon of hope, who helps others to overcome their struggles, but beneath his aura of perfection lies a complex and flawed human being, with personal demons that often threaten to lead him down a path of self-destruction. His character is a moving and emotional one that showcases the human experience in all its complexity.

On the other hand, the show's antagonist, Johan, is the physical manifestation of the inner demons we all battle, the "Monster" within us all. His character is a complex and multi-faceted one, as he struggles to come to terms with his past and his own monstrous nature. He is a tragic figure whose actions are driven by deep-seated pain and trauma, making him both terrifying and pitiable. With Johan on screen, every moment is a ticking time bomb of tension and uncertainty. He is a master manipulator, who uses his charm and intellect to bend others to his will. He effortlessly earns a spot among some of the best anime antagonists that I have seen, alongside the likes of Askeladd from Vinland Saga and the sinister force from Shoujo Kakumei Utena.

Nina is an often underlooked character from what I have seen in other explorations of the show. Her complexity and emotional character weaves a crucial thread through the narrative. Her and Johan's memories are intertwined, their actions sending shockwaves throughout the story. Though she may initially appear as a lighthearted character, her dark side is also on full display, particularly when she threatens The Baby at gunpoint. Her pivotal role in Johan's character development, as he seeks forgiveness and changes his goals, adds depth to the series' exploration of themes such as identity and life. Through Nina's character, we see that even amidst dark memories, one can still hold onto hope for a positive self-perception.

The conclusion of Monster was nothing short of brilliance. The final episode masterfully brings the story full circle, with Johan lying in a hospital bed, a haunting reminder of the tragic event that set the series in motion. The final scene, an empty hospital bed, serves as a poignant reminder of the show's underlying message: the human psyche is inherently flawed, and the "Monster" within us is ever-present, but it is up to us to keep it in check, even in the most dire of circumstances.

Despite being thoroughly captivated by the gripping and emotional narrative of this tale, one small issue does linger in my mind - the final arc was quite the whirlwind of drama. While I don't take issue with a little theatrics, I couldn't help but feel that it leaned heavily on one particular trope - the offscreen gunshot. This tactic was deployed multiple times in the last few episodes, often as a misdirection to provoke shock, only for the outcome to deviate from expectations. Utilizing this device once or twice is acceptable, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that it was overused and perhaps could have been employed more sparingly. But that's just my own tiny little nitpick.

Overall, Monster is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. It delves into the complexities and imperfections of being human, highlighting the struggles and personal demons that we all face. The show is a masterclass in storytelling, with skillful pacing, well-developed characters, and a narrative that keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. The show paints a picture of a world that is all too familiar, a reflection of our own society, and serves as a powerful reminder of the need for change. Through its exploration of themes such as identity, power and control, and the human experience, Monster challenges viewers to think about the world around them and their place in it. It is a show that will leave a lasting impression and will be remembered as an exemplary anime.