When Psycho-Pass first aired in 2012, it quickly became one of the most revered sci-fi adventures of the decade. Set in a dystopian future where the complex Sibyl System controls law and order through a 'psycho-pass,' which determines an individual's criminal intent, those with a high Crime Coefficient are apprehended by Inspectors to prevent any illegal activity taking place.
Of course, the Sibyl System is by no means perfect, and as Inspector Akane Tsunemori comes to learn, justice is tainted with murky shades of grey.
With the show's third season finale approaching, we thought we'd take a look at Psycho-Pass' best episodes, according to IMDb ratings. Beware, mild spoilers ahead!
10 Season 2, Episode 11: "What Color?" (8.2)
Season two failed to hit the highs of season one, with many fans disgruntled at the show's dip in quality. However, the season finale's strong rating highlights the series' strengths. Despite disappointing fans, it still earned an impressive 8.2 on IMDb.
This is no doubt thanks to Psycho-Pass' excellent capability of building tension. A fast-paced episode, it packed in plenty of action and revealed new secrets, with the series antagonist explaining his ability to reach maximum Crime Coefficient levels and Sibyl revealing new, world-altering powers. While season two may have felt rushed, this closer had fans clamoring for Psycho-Pass: The Movie to see how Sibyl's developments would unfold.
9 Season 1, Episode 17: "Iron Guts" (8.3)
Seventeen episodes into season one, we finally learn more about how Sibyl the supercomputer works. And, it is as twisted as you would expect, made up of criminally asymptomatic human brains.
Amongst the jaw-dropping revelations, this episode really stood out for providing a deeper insight into Shogo Makishima. The series' big bad (or warped antihero, depending on your outlook), Makishima is an intriguing character with believable motivations as he opposes the Sibyl System, combined with questionable acts of heartless cruelty. Taken in by the Public Safety Bureau (MWPSB), Makishima is given the offer to become part of the Sibyl System, but instead escapes in true bad-guy fashion, with a trail of blood behind him.
8 Season 1, Episode 14: "Sweet Poison" (8.4)
This episode does a chilling job of revealing just how trusting the general public is of the Sibyl System. A man wearing a helmet robs a pharmacy without triggering an alarm and is later found brutally beating a woman to death in a busy street, surrounded by onlookers and even a psycho-pass scanner.
While it's disturbing that the helmets disguise the Crime Coefficient, it's even worse to think that people believe so firmly in the Sibyl System detecting and deterring crime that they can't recognize dangerous acts of violence as it happens before their eyes. Instead, they stand and film the attack. And, even more twisted, anyone who might have tried to help would have been considered an aggressor by the system and consequently detained.
7 Season 1, Episode 15: "The Town Where Sulfur Falls" (8.4)
Following directly on from "Sweet Poison," video footage of the murder appearing online and an increase in helmet-wearing criminals leads to bloodthirsty rioting from the public. Whether acting in self-defense or opposing an apparently faulty system, an uprising seems almost inevitable. With the MWPSB distracted, Makishima and his henchmen break into NONA Tower to find and destroy the Sibyl System.
It's an action-packed episode filled with brutal violence, calling this society's structure into question. As innocent bystanders fight back, the line between good and bad is muddled further. This episode also shows off Psycho-Pass' affinity for classic sci-fi, with cleverly placed references to George Orwell, Philip K Dick, and William Ford Gibson scattered throughout.
6 Season 1, Episode 10: "Methuselah's Game" (8.5)
Psycho-Pass once again demonstrates its talent for building tension in this cat-and-mouse episode. Makishima and deadly cyborg Toyohisa Senguji capture Inspector Akane's friend, Yuki, luring Akane's partner, Shinya Kougami, into their trap. Losing connection with Akane, Kougami must rely on his wits alone to evade Senguji and rescue Yuki.
The role of the hunter and the hunted flips back and forth as the episode progresses, with Kougami demonstrating expert quick-thinking to remain one step ahead of the enemy. The episode is jammed full of action and suspense as Akane must trust Kougami to save her friend, while cracks begin to appear in the larger MWPSB team.
5 Season 1, Episode 22: "A Perfect World" (8.6)
Once again proving they know how to pull off a season finale, "A Perfect World" expertly wraps things up. But it by no means ends on a high. Entirely fitting for the series, it instead reflects the dark realities of this future, skipping explosions and action in favor of pragmatism and drama.
Most notable of all is Akane's character development. No longer a naïve Inspector who blindly follows the Sibyl System, she ends the season as a strong, noble figure willing to acknowledge the system's flaws, even going so far as to stand up to it. Whether or not Sibyl is malevolent remains to be seen, but what is certain is that doing good sometimes requires some evil deeds.
4 Season 3, Episode 2: "Teumessian Sacrifices" (8.8)
Following season two's dip in popularity, season three has (so far) won fans over, introducing a new team of Inspectors to call the Sibyl System into question. As Kei Mikhail Ignatov and Arata Shindo investigate suspicious suicides, they run into Kougami and Ginoza, who are now working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This episode not only resonated with fans thanks to the writers' ability to create a solid mystery but for its brilliant callbacks to season one, even going so far as to weave the season one soundtrack into the score as Kougami and Ginoza make their appearance. It even provides some redemption for the previously hated Mika, who perfectly embodies the role of stern boss. It's a strong start to new adventures in this bizarre society.
3 Season 1, Episode 21: "Blood-Stained Reward" (8.8)
Season one's penultimate episode effectively sets up the finale without skimping on action and emotion. Hot on Makishima's tail, the MWPSB is determined to foil his plan of implanting a virus in Sibyl.
Unfortunately, Makishima is one step ahead and has set up traps for the team. Caught under a container, Ginoza is forced to watch as his father sacrifices himself to keep his son safe from exploding dynamite. It's a heart-breaking end, capable of evoking viewer sympathy for one of the show's most unlikeable characters. Filled with exciting fight sequences and a perfectly matched soundtrack, it's impossible not to watch this one from the edge of your seat.
2 Season 1, Episode 16: "The Gates of Judgement" (9.0)
Pursuing Makishima in NONA Tower, this episode is full of stunning action sequences and effective character development with plenty of twists stuffed into the runtime. Kougami battles Makishima but is ultimately defeated. Fortunately, Akane's on hand to knock the villain out. Despite Kougami's goading and her frustration, she doesn't kill Makishima.
Not only does this episode demonstrate Kougami's persistent determination for revenge, but it shows Akane's growing strength and willingness to stick by her beliefs regardless of the ever-apparent complexities of the Sibyl System and the devastation Makishima has caused. Above all, the shocking twist at the end is sure to send chills down your spine.
1 Season 1, Episode 11: "The Saint's Supper" (9.1)
"The Saint's Supper" is undoubtedly the most tragic episode of Psycho-Pass. Pitting Makishima and Akane directly against one another with incredibly high stakes, this episode firmly centers Makishima as a cruel villain and shakes Akane's beliefs to the core.
Akane is an excellent opponent for Makishima. She is ever composed and noble in her quest for justice, rather than cold-hearted, reveling in violence and chaos. As Akane gets the opportunity to take control of events, she leaves broken and ultimately questions the nature of good and evil, right and wrong, and the Sibyl System itself. A real turning point in season one, this disturbing episode sticks with you long after watching it.