In psychology, the ego is responsible for one’s sense of identity. In our everyday speech, we use it to describe self-worth or self-importance. As Serial Experiments Lain comes to a close, layer 13, entitled, “Ego,” centers on those ideas. Lain must decide both what her identity is and where it is she places her importance—her… Read More Serial Experiments Lain Revisited: Episode 13 (Conclusion)
A program is neutral. It is neither good nor bad, though it has the potential to do the work of either. As Serial Experiments Lain moves toward its conclusion, part of the excitement is in wondering if the titular program will do good or bad, or if Lain proves herself to be more than a… Read More Serial Experiments Lain Revisited: Episode 12
As I mentioned last week, one can view Serial Experiments Lain as the story of a machine learning to become human, though unlike most series, Lain puts the audience in a position where we don’t know that the “machine” isn’t a human at first. Episode 11 goes a step further as Eiri explains to Lain… Read More Serial Experiments Lain Revisited: Episode 11
At the series beginning, Lain exhibits few personality traits. She’s even keel, slow to speak, and doesn’t drift to any extreme. Through the course of the show, her personality has become more pronounced, like a robot learning what it means to be human. Unfortunately, that means with highs there will be lows, and Lain, learning… Read More Serial Experiments Lain Revisited: Episode 10
When I was younger, Serial Experiments Lain made me very uncomfortable. I was neck deep in my religion, and as a passionate but young believer that was part of a conservative congregation, I was quick to judge those around me and even the pieces of art I watched. Lain troubled me so much that I… Read More Serial Experiments Lain Revisited: Episode 09
It’s hardly a surprise that in a country where Shinto temples and belief in kami run alongside Buddhist precepts and practical atheism that the concept of god as presented in Lain is very different from that of a Christocentric view. Lain’s “God of the Wired” is omniscient, but not omnipotent; he is all-knowing, but unable… Read More Serial Experiments Lain Revisited: Episode 08
The creators of Serial Experiments Lain aren’t satisfied with conveying an image of what lay ahead in the near future—instead, they take themes that are deep, though not entirely unique, presenting them in a way that’s hypnotic and subtle. They’re weaving together a tale of blending realities. In this “present day, present time,” there’s no… Read More Serial Experiments Lain Revisited: Episode 07