Yes. Yesyesyes.
Deathnote is certainly not the best anime ever, but it's absolutely better than all those perpetually running Shonen anime (ie Bleach, One Piece, Naruto). The first half is certainly better, and I would almost say to stop watching after a certain event, but the ending makes it all worthwhile. L is a great character, and Light is pretty awesome too. I don't know if you've seen Code Geass, but imagine Code Geass without mechs. It's all about mind games and long complicated Xanatos Gambits, etc. It's pretty damn awesome.