Being the object of a teen celebrity's affections, it's a dream come true for Light! Or is it?

The psychological games continue and the passive aggression climbs steadily as Misa (otherwise known as the notorious “Second Kira”) comes into Light's life. Practically resorting to stalker tactics, Misa proves that there is a bit more to her character than a pretty face and some exposed suspender stockings. Not to mention she managed to find Light before he and the police could find her. But the sudden appearance of a celebrity in a seemingly normal person's life is enough to make anyone suspicious, most of all- L. It is here that Misa shows her true colours as a double-edged sword.

Our handsome genius of a serial killer has never had a problem with women, until now. She's physically beautiful, and will do anything at his behest. However nothing comes without a price. Misa Amane is revealed to be a little diva with some serious issues and a very whiny voice. That said, in Light's eyes it is a small price to pay for the help of someone who possesses the Shinigami Eyes. With the clingy little thing by his side, eliminating Light's nemesis should be an easy feat. Or so he thought.

After an encounter involving L, Light and Misa. L moves swiftly and shows that he lives up to and beyond his reputation. The greatest detective in the world ups the ante when he manages to have Misa arrested and detained for interrogation. Using methods that only places like Guantanamo Bay or a fetish dungeon would be familiar with, Misa is restrained and wishing for death. Even his allies agree that L may have gone too far this time. Depending on how individual minds work, the scene could be translated as something that pushes the PG-rating a little. However, not much more can be said without spoiling the impact.

As this series rolls on, the rules of the Death Note appear to grow in number. So much so that it almost begins to feel as if they are manufacturing the pushes and pulls between the two big adversaries. Think of the many “filler” episodes which grace far too many potentially excellent anime series. Luckily the writers managed to save themselves a flaming through some clever plot twists and a good-looking female addition to the screen. If the pace were to be related to a horse's gait (slow being a walk, medium being a trot, and fast at a canter) then it currently feels as if it is at a lazy trot in the mangroves.

A slower paced story is not necessarily a negative though. Some viewers prefer a comfortable, cathartic pace. However things that were first acknowledged as comfortable have all too often turned into boring. We only need to look at modern examples of teenage rebellion in the middle-to-upper social classes to see how this comfort-to-boredom manifests. At least once during the course of this volume I found myself shifting uncomfortably in my seat, praying for a break in the pace.

Unfortunately, the prayers were left unanswered this time around. But Death Note Volume Five, who waits patiently behind Four looks a bit more hectic and therefore promising. That said, pay attention in Volume Four. In this series, no- this game, you cannot afford not to.