Review of Monster

You forget Monster was set in the 90s. Like Johan could've been bumping Radiohead for all we know. If you're watching a show and it doesn't make you go back and re-read Nietzche, is it even worth watching? The main characters' (and even side characters') struggles with their own morality are brilliantly set up, tested, and manipulated until it all comes crashing down in the climax. Johan is one of the most menacingly and complexly written antagonists in fiction and makes a great contrast to Doctor Tenma. The plot is also insanely well put together, and every new piece of information revealed about the past, oreven the present, completely changes your understanding of what's going on. Some characters appear in an episode or two and are never relevant again, but for the most part, no character is left behind. Every single one is essential to the plot in one way or another. Beautifully put together. It's a shame that the Guillermo Del Toro live-action adaptation never got anywhere. If done right, an American production of Monster could have the potential to be the next Breaking Bad or The Sopranos.