I thought Misa brought some much needed levity to the proceedings. Granted, her oh-so-japanese style can cross the line from amusing to annoying.
I didn't really like Near at all.
^ Agreed about Misa. She shifted between amusing and annoying past her introduction...up until after Rem dies, and she becomes totally useless. Really, I think more of her would have been welcome if they only knew how to write her better.
Also don't like Near. Nor Mello for that matter, but he's at least kind of entertaining.
I also agree with the review that as of the last stretch of the plot, it got way too convoluted for it's own good eventually, to the point where sheer luck and contrivances started to outweigh any actual intelligent thinking. This is why I think the live action movies ending where they did is preferable.
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If Christopher Nolan made an anime, this would be it
At first glance, Death Note seems like an anime that is meant to delve into issues of morality and philosophy, much like the Nolan Batman trilogy seems to delve into contemporary social issues. But like those Batman films, the issues are incidental, not intentional. As a result, we see these issues without having them preached to us, a trait which adds to the genius of both Death Note and Nolan's work by letting the audience draw their own conculsions much of the time. Another important similarity Death Note shares with the recent Batman movies is how it sets itself apart from the rest of its genre by being in a realstic world with certain fantastic elements. The character models and animation is set apart from the rest of the anime medium as a result. The plot, a visceral battle of wits between two geniuses, does seem like something Nolan could have come up with, minus the supernatural element.
The only other work I can think of that does a better job of creating and maintaining tension is the tv series 24 when it was at its best. Death Note is that good. The story, the lead characters, much of the supporting cast, the animation (which in the most dramatic moments surpasses the vast majority of the best action animes), and the sheer thrill of watching L and Light concoct and execute plans to outwit each other is top notch.
The show is not perfect, of course. The character of Misa, after an incredible introduction, becomes very annoying very quickly and while she serves the plot well, less of her would have been welcome.
In addition, while I have no problem with the death of a major character two thirds of the way through the series, as he had already lost and knew it, the remaining 10 or so episodes are not quite up to the same level. I like Near, even as a follow-up to one of the best characters in anime history, and he has some amazing moments of deduction, but it seems like the only reason the plot gets resolved is because of luck, not because the 'good guys' were smart enough, and that is disapointing. I never felt like things were going too well for any one character until those episodes. There are also plot holes that pop up from time to time in the final third, though they don't subtract too much.
All in all, Death Note is one the most engaging and well thought out animes ever. A true gem of the medium.