Psycho-Pass Review

The first season is the argument. A Tokyo where a system scans a mind and issues a number that decides whether a person is dangerous, enforcers who are themselves classified as latent criminals, and a graduate who joins believing in all of it and spends twenty two episodes learning what she has joined. Urobuchi's writing gives the premise a real antagonist in Makishima, a man the system cannot read, and the show is honest that his critique is correct even while his methods are monstrous.

Akane's arc, from a rookie who follows procedure to the only person willing to keep the machine running with her eyes open, is superb, and the noir texture of the city sells the world. The animation is moody rather than beautiful and slips badly in the middle stretch. What pulls the whole down is everything after: a second season made without its writer that repeats the shape with none of the thought, a third that scatters, and films of varying use. The first season is essential, and it is strong enough to carry the grade on its own.