Uploaded December 2022 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Man vs society is one of the most common conflicts for a story; but what about for our lives, our world? Is being the villain better? Today, let’s see when good goes too far…
Psycho-Pass is one the greatest anime of all time, a clear top 10, if not top 5. From its deep rivalry between Shinya Kogami and Shogo Makishima, to the societal discourse developed with Akane Tsunemori and the Sibyl System, Urobuchi’s 2012 anime is near perfect thematically, a clear topic of analysis, spawning many video essays like this. But in the sea of great characters like Akane, Kogami, and Makishima, the minor antagonists can get lost, despite their subtle impact. Shogo Makishima tests society before he goes against it, and they, Masatake, Rikako, and Senguji, form the test. Not just if free will exists under the Sibyl System, but when it’s okay to act with that free will against society. As they disappoint our amazing anime villain, Psycho-Pass begins to develop a test we can follow; when is it moral to act against society? How much of ourselves do we give up for the greater good before we must become the villain? And, is it social systems which make us die a hero or live long enough to become the villain? As always, Psycho-Pass’ conclusion is a satisfying one, perfect for some discussion in today’s video essay. Let’s see when the villain is good…
0:00 Introduction
1:23 Series Recap
2:58 Case 1
8:07 Masatake
11:25 Rikako
16:04 Senguji
19:46 "Common Men"
30:30 The Rant
#anime #psychopass #animeanalysis #professorviral
Man vs society is one of the most common conflicts for a story; but what about for our lives, our world? Is being the villain better? Today, let’s see when good goes too far…
Psycho-Pass is one the greatest anime of all time, a clear top 10, if not top 5. From its deep rivalry between Shinya Kogami and Shogo Makishima, to the societal discourse developed with Akane Tsunemori and the Sibyl System, Urobuchi’s 2012 anime is near perfect thematically, a clear topic of analysis, spawning many video essays like this. But in the sea of great characters like Akane, Kogami, and Makishima, the minor antagonists can get lost, despite their subtle impact. Shogo Makishima tests society before he goes against it, and they, Masatake, Rikako, and Senguji, form the test. Not just if free will exists under the Sibyl System, but when it’s okay to act with that free will against society. As they disappoint our amazing anime villain, Psycho-Pass begins to develop a test we can follow; when is it moral to act against society? How much of ourselves do we give up for the greater good before we must become the villain? And, is it social systems which make us die a hero or live long enough to become the villain? As always, Psycho-Pass’ conclusion is a satisfying one, perfect for some discussion in today’s video essay. Let’s see when the villain is good…
0:00 Introduction
1:23 Series Recap
2:58 Case 1
8:07 Masatake
11:25 Rikako
16:04 Senguji
19:46 "Common Men"
30:30 The Rant
#anime #psychopass #animeanalysis #professorviral
