* Just added to Cloud Lain: observations on making my portable Navi artwork.

Serial Experiments Lain is a sci-fi mystery. Before describing the actual plot, let me discuss the type of plot it has. This series is a "thinking person's" kind of anime. You're presented with a story in which parts of a puzzle are slowly given out--not only does the main character try to make sense of what's going on, but so do you. Be aware that many of the events in Lain are strange. Very strange! There are so many explanations what *could* really be going on, that it's pointless to claim to know for sure.

Even halfway into the story, you may be lulled into thinking "oh, so that's where the story is going." The truth is that the series will give out various plot points which will appear unrelated, but will bring them all together at the end--and some elements don't come into view until the very end. But there is a "method to the madness." Very few plot elements in Lain turn out to be "dead ends."

Part of Lain's charm and attraction is that it requires the viewer to draw on their own knowledge, belief, and imagination to make sense of what's *really* going on--the viewer takes an active part of interpreting what the story is actually about. Lain, at its heart, is about self discovery. By going through the series, you begin to think about life and the world around you. This is a series for people who like to think and interpret.

The following events happen during the first two episodes and could be considered mild spoilers. Be aware this only introduces the series and does not reveal the main plot. If you would like to avoid it anyway, please skip down to the "Series Themes" section below.

The main character, Lain, is a shy and reserved 13 year-old girl. She's not good with people. She's not good with computers. Lain, it also appears, is experiencing reality "breaking down." Some of these experiences are just plain weird.

Then one day a classmate of Lain, an acquaintance actually, commits suicide. When other classmates begin to receive e-mail from the deceased girl, they think it's all just a prank. Alice, Lain's friend, tells her this sort of thing just can't happen. But Lain is curious and doesn't fully understand.

Arriving home, she takes out her "child's computer" which hasn't been used for some time. Lain discovers she has e-mail from the deceased girl, who tells her she's still alive inside "the Wired" (an Internet-like network) and has merely "given up her body."

She wants to talk more with her "online" friend--but Lain's Wired-specialized computer, called a "Navi", is just too old. She cautiously asks her dad for a new one, who agrees and tells her it's OK to make friends in the online world and that she shouldn't be shy or afraid.

Alice, in an attempt to make Lain part of the group, invites her to join two other classmates latter at "Cyberia", a bar and dance club. Lain, still shy and unsure, doesn't really agree to go yet.

Lain's new Navi arrives and she asks her dad to set it up--she's still not comfortable with computers. With her Navi set up that night, she checks her e-mail but is soon drawn away by a message from Alice asking her to join everyone at Cyberia. Lain then takes a chance... and goes to Cyberia.

But as Lain becomes more comfortable with the real and wired worlds, she discovers reality may not actually be what it appears--that the real and wired worlds may not be as separate as people may believe. Lain's confidence and abilities grow along the way--as do her discoveries about the world, reality, religion, and technology.

If I were to compare Serial Experiments Lain to other movies, I would say it combines specific elements from Twin Peaks, the X-Files, Tron, and the Matrix.

The themes in Lain are: the real world, the online world, upgrades and modifications, society, removing barriers, being connected, computer newbies, secret societies, friends, leaders and followers, reality, religion, and "the other side."

Besides its appeal to "thinkers",the series also has a draw from its depiction of technology. The series is heavy on "gadget-lust." Many types of computers and devices are shown--some of these are "modified" to bring out their full potential. There are also various historic technological events which the series draws on to further its plot. But with all its technolust, there are several messages presented about the relationship between society and its technology. These are very deep messages.

The show, while not overly violent, is definitely not for younger viewers. It doesn't have gory, horror-movie type violence. It does have "suggestive" violence. It's the type where you see something about to happen, then see its aftermath. Two people do commit suicide--you see a pool of blood or blood splattering. The most graphic event has a kid in a 'net game, without a physical gun in his hand, firing away in fear (though be it under accidental circumstances) and striking a little kid--this is not presented as an "acceptable thing." As for nudity, one character is seen several times dressed in underwear, but it's nothing really. There is no strong language.

Here are the characters you'll meet early on.

Lain is very shy with other people, but she's now interested in learning more about her "friend in the Wired"...if only she was good with computers. Maybe she can better connect using a new Navi.

Alice is Lain's best friend in the whole world. She encourages Lain to join in activities with her and other friends.

Lain's Father is a seriously into computers. He wants to help his daughter reach her potential, so he buys a new computer for her to interact with people in the real and Wired worlds.

Mika is Lain's older sister. She finds Lain a curious person, but it seems she has better things to do than to stick around at home.

Lain's Mother seems barely aware of the world around her. For some reason, she hardly takes an interest in her youngest daughter.

Here are additional facts about Serial Experiments Lain you might find interesting:

• The creators of Lain are Apple Computer fans, and have incorporated various tidbits of Apple history throughout the show--even basing its computers and software on those created by Apple. Be sure to see the links page for a Website further exploring the relationship between Apple and Lain!

• The opening theme song is called "Duvet" and is performed a British group called Boa.

• A lot of attention is given the the global computer network in the series, which is called "The Wired." Although the word "Internet" is never spoken, it can be seen written out from time to time.

• You'll never look at a "common telephone pole" quite the same way again after watching this series!