What episode is "Tactics" in Death Note?
"Tactics" is episode 5 of Death Note.
Spoiler-Safe Summary
safe readIn Death Note episode 5, Light manipulates events to weaken the FBI's investigation into Kira, while L contemplates Kira's next moves following cryptic messages. Suspense builds as the cat-and-mouse game intensifies.
Full Plot Summary
spoilersLight waits one week before killing Raye Penber. He follows Raye onto a train forces him to write down the names of his fellow agents on a piece of the Death Note by threatening Raye's family. Because of the simultaneous death of these twelve FBI agents in Japan, the police are scared to continue investigating, and the American President pulls the FBI off the Kira case; however, Penber's fiancée, a former FBI agent, seeks to find Kira for revenge. Light has another criminal leave a third coded note for L which finishes the phrase "L, do you know? Gods of Death love apples." Although there is truth to this, L determines that Kira is only mocking him as he considers his next move.
Episode FAQ
4 quick answersIs "Tactics" canon or filler?
"Tactics" is listed as canon in the current AnimeAnchor guide.
What story arc is "Tactics" part of?
"Tactics" is part of the First Half: Kira's Reign Arc.
Can I read this without spoilers?
Yes. Start with the spoiler-safe summary, then reveal the full plot only when you want the complete episode breakdown.
Series Cast
15Browse the main cast connected to this episode guide.
L main 
Light Yagami main 
Halle Lidner supporting 
Misa Amane supporting 
Near supporting 
Rem supporting 
Ryuk supporting 
Sayu Yagami supporting 
Soichiro Yagami supporting 
Touta Matsuda supporting 
Watari supporting 
Higuchi antagonist 
Mello antagonist