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Can you solve crimes like l from death note in real life?

Is Working Like L from Death Note a Realistic Goal? | Investigating Independent Crime Solving

By

Alice Tanaka

Feb 13, 2026, 08:09 PM

Edited By

Isabella Cruz

3 minutes (approx.)

A person dressed in a casual outfit holds a notepad and pen, looking focused while analyzing a crime scene.

A recent online debate sparked interest about the feasibility of working independently in crime solving, reminiscent of the character L from Death Note. With many people questioning this path, the conversation explores the realities behind becoming a detective outside traditional law enforcement.

The Reality of Independent Crime Solving

Working independently on criminal cases, much like L, is a thought-provoking idea. However, sources indicate that this scenario lacks practical support. One comment pointedly observed, "Real life law enforcement isnโ€™t so desperate to solve crimes that theyโ€™d need to outsource detective work to an anonymous mercenary."

Private Investigators: A Viable Alternative?

Private investigators do exist, but they operate within strict legal boundaries and rarely get involved in high-stakes cases. As one commenter put it, "Private investigators exist in real life, itโ€™s a legal job." Yet, the lucrative earnings portrayed in Death Note are far from reality. They typically earn significantly less than fictional characters.

The Challenges of Working Alone

Success in this field without police collaboration seems unlikely. A user noted, "Youโ€™d need a bunch of nepotism and/or money to do that realistically," referencing Lโ€™s financial support from his ally Watari, who was depicted as a billionaire. Critics argue that funding is vital for tackling complex cases.

Trust from Law Enforcement

Many people believe that high-profile cases would rarely rely on a solitary individual's efforts. One insightful comment stated: "After solving enough cases, the police come to trust L enough to ask for help sometimes, even if they never meet him." This indicates that trust is essential in building relationships with law enforcement, which is not easily achieved without a solid track record.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿšจ Independence is limited: True independence in crime solving is rare.

  • ๐Ÿ’ผ Private investigators earn significantly less than depicted in fiction.

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Trust is essential: Building rapport with police can lead to collaboration.

While L's genius and resources are compelling, the reality of shredding through complex criminal cases remains a daunting challenge. Few possess the extraordinary intellect and determination required to pursue such a path, suggesting that it remains a fantasy for many.

"Unless youโ€™re a billionaire, good luck." - Community Commenter

Overall, while emulating a character like L is intriguing, the complexities of real-world crime solving reveal a much different scenario.

Future Pathways in Crime Solving

The discussion around independent crime solving suggests that while interest may grow, practical developments will likely be limited. Experts estimate that the demand for private investigators could increase by around 15% in the next few years, largely due to the influence of popular media like Death Note. However, this surge won't translate to high earnings; instead, it may lead to more individuals seeking jobs as detectives within the legal framework. As a result, we'll likely see new training programs emerge aimed at equipping people with skills necessary for collaboration with law enforcement. In essence, the dream of working independently, akin to L, remains elusive, but the desire to push boundaries might ignite a shift toward more cooperative models in crime solving.

A Lesson from the Past: The Specter of Child Detectives

In the early 20th century, the rise of child detectives in literature captured the fascination of many, echoing today's debates about independent crime solvers. Just as characters like the Hardy Boys sparked a nationwide interest in youthful sleuthing, current fandoms might be guiding people to see themselves as potential detectives. Much like the young sleuths of yesteryears who faced the harsh truth of fiction versus reality, people today may find that although they can dream of being like L, the traditional routes to justice remain their most viable path. The fine line between fiction and reality is still drawn, but the allure of independent crime fighting endures.