Episode Review: NieR:Automata Ver1.1A Episode 6
A past not forgotten
In episode 6, we explored Lily’s backstory. Previously her background was explored in the Pearl Harbor Descent Mission in one of the Nier Stageplays. Even for some game players, Lily’s story isn’t exactly well-known, so a brief introduction here is pretty appreciated. Furthermore, her story about the past mission with YoRHa gives us a new perspective on the cooperation between the Resistance and the YoRHa team, as well as the origin of the other Type 2 Android – A2.
We started the episode with some light-hearted banter with 9S. 2B is also playing cute in this episode so that’s nice. But it was quickly switched to a depressing memories that dwells within Lily. A story about a previous cooperation between YoRHa’s android and the Resistance. Both teams actually have various characterization that actually made us like them even though they’re only in this episode.
The interaction between the Resistance and the “previous” type 2B’s team were very interesting. Instead of like the machine lifeforms where they just “adopt” a cooperative and societal lifestyle, the girls we saw in Lily’s memories are anything but. 2B is cheerful and over-eager for cooperation. Type 21 is the tech android that’s a bit reluctant with the cooperation but eventually warm up to them. Number 16 has a competitive and rough personality, which clashes right away with the android of the same type in the Resistance team. Number 4 is pretty reserved and didn’t display any clear emotional pattern, but she’s shown to be the sacrificial player. The Resistance team also has their own eccentricity, especially Lily. And her dark past was revealed through very fast flashback that will most likely elude your average viewer, but we dug around and found out.
The interaction between the Resistance and the “previous” type 2B’s team were very interesting. Instead of like the machine lifeforms where they just “adopt” a cooperative and societal lifestyle, the girls we saw in Lily’s memories are anything but. 2B is cheerful and over-eager for cooperation. Type 21 is the tech android that’s a bit reluctant with the cooperation but eventually warm up to them. Number 16 has a competitive and rough personality, which clashes right away with the android of the same type in the Resistance team. Number 4 is pretty reserved and didn’t display any clear emotional pattern, but she’s shown to be the sacrificial player. The Resistance team also has their own eccentricity, especially Lily. And her dark past was revealed through very fast flashback that will most likely elude your average viewer, but we dug around and found out.
Lily was revealed to be a comfort android (for physical purpose) of an Android Officer in the Army of Humanity. That’s when Captain Rose of the Resistance rescued her. As Lily isn’t an android built for combat, the team usually protected her and put her in the rear. That created an inferiority complex in Lily and made her despite her inability to fight alongside others. And when she was infected by the machine’s logic virus, it exposed her to everyone in the Resistance as well as the YoRHa soldiers. The Lily we saw in the past is a 180 from the current one, and we actually saw how she developed into a true leader of the Resistance, and it’s a really emotional and heroic story – on the surface.
A handful of androids going up against 300,000 machines – that’s not an easy fight in any routes. And of course the whole team got eliminated. The way they fell is pretty brutal and bloody, actually reminding me of Ideon when a blast blew a Resistance’s head off. The team was cornered multiple times, and each time a Resistance and YoRHa pair stayed behind to hold the line and buy the team more time. The previous rivalries and doubtful relationships have turned into camaraderie and teamwork. They got each other’s backs, even knowing that they are heading to a dead end. And that YoRHa sent them on this mission as sacrificial pawns and expected them to all die. This was a plan to test the combat androids performance, which is why they didn’t send any reinforcements from the Moon. Also Commander White definitely didn’t seem “okay” with the Council of Humanity decision to send her own kind to their destruction.
A handful of androids going up against 300,000 machines – that’s not an easy fight in any routes. And of course the whole team got eliminated. The way they fell is pretty brutal and bloody, actually reminding me of Ideon when a blast blew a Resistance’s head off. The team was cornered multiple times, and each time a Resistance and YoRHa pair stayed behind to hold the line and buy the team more time. The previous rivalries and doubtful relationships have turned into camaraderie and teamwork. They got each other’s backs, even knowing that they are heading to a dead end. And that YoRHa sent them on this mission as sacrificial pawns and expected them to all die. This was a plan to test the combat androids performance, which is why they didn’t send any reinforcements from the Moon. Also Commander White definitely didn’t seem “okay” with the Council of Humanity decision to send her own kind to their destruction.
After Number 4 self-overloaded her reactor, the whole mountain and the server was destroyed. Everyone but Lily perished…or so she thought. Lily regarded that day as the day she changed forever, and the memories from that time will keep haunting her as “nightmares”. 2B did raised a question if one of her comrades was still alive, what would she think? And we – as the viewers – know that one person did indeed survived. We saw a glimpse of a long-and-white-haired YoRHa soldier with a mole near her mouth. And it’s definitely our A2.
This episode once again packed a lot of information and development. That it would certainly benefit from a second and slower viewing to grasp all of the details. One thing Nier did quite well is it doesn’t drop fragments across too many episodes, but rather sprinkle them close together. You only need the previous episode and this one to piece together crucial information that explained Lily’s initial reaction towards 2B and 9S. The linear development has been very nicely done in this series and there’s never a boring moment even though 2B’s not jumping around flashing her thighs and slashing robots. Furthermore, that special ending was amazing – they give life to the Resistance characters and showed that their memories will forever live on inside Lily.
This episode once again packed a lot of information and development. That it would certainly benefit from a second and slower viewing to grasp all of the details. One thing Nier did quite well is it doesn’t drop fragments across too many episodes, but rather sprinkle them close together. You only need the previous episode and this one to piece together crucial information that explained Lily’s initial reaction towards 2B and 9S. The linear development has been very nicely done in this series and there’s never a boring moment even though 2B’s not jumping around flashing her thighs and slashing robots. Furthermore, that special ending was amazing – they give life to the Resistance characters and showed that their memories will forever live on inside Lily.
Other Episode Review:
Shinkalion Change the World Ep.2 Review: The 1st Departure
Taisei proceeded with his first sortie. But what comes after victory? Can Taisei overcome the next challenge as the decision of his life lies ahead?
Shinkalion Change the World Ep.1 Review: Surprise Begins
A new saga begins. Shinkalion returns with a more grown-up cast and settings, as we depart on a journey of a young brother looking for his missing sister.
High Speed Etoile Ep 1 Review: Gas! Gas! Gas!
Enter the world of NEX racing – AI-assisted races at breakneck speed. Strap in as we are introduced to the general settings as well as watching the top drivers duke it out on the track.
Bang Brave Bang Bravern Ep.12 Review – Beyond Bang Bravern
Bang Brave Bang Bravern has come to an end. Although the final episode isn’t very impressive, it serves its purpose as a neat ending to the series.
Metallic Rouge Ep.13 Review: Curtain Calls
The conclusion that actually created more problems than the series started with. But we got to see a very well done battle with a pretty badass upgrade.
Metallic Rouge Ep.12 Review: Climax Of The Piece
Fists against fists! Neans against Neans! The battles we’ve been waiting for is here. At this point, action is all we need – as Metallic Rouge head towards the end.
Synduality: Noir Ep 23 & 24: Together With You
A satisfying conclusion following an awesome battle. Kanata and team set out to save the world and reach a new frontier for humanity.
Metallic Rouge Ep.11 Review: Last Minute Twist
With only 2 episodes left, Metallic Rouge still spend its time leisurely talking and setting up plot points. This episode contains no action and likewise no impact to the viewer.
Bang Brave Bang Braven ep.11 Review: Side quests completion before the final boss
“Me and the gang doing side quests before fighting the boss” the episode – Bang Brave Bang Bravern sacrifices its precious pacing for important character development. Also BravernIsami is real.
Bang Brave Bang Bravern ep.10 review: Days of Future Past
Even though thought to have revealed its biggest secret, Bang Brave Bang Bravern still got some surprises in stock. The abrupt plot twist gives an already beloved character a lot of depth, through beautiful visual.
Metallic Rouge Ep.10 Review: Space Road Trip
A silly road trip in space with Rouge with some emotional flashback. The gang has a new and rather unexpected addition. The final battle is looming over the calm before the storm.
Synduality: Noir Ep 22 Review: Macht’s true wish
Our Char-clone had a change of heart – or rather, a reclamation of his lost desire. But when one find something, another also lost something…or someone.
Bang Brave Bang Bravern ep.9 Review: Explosive Double Climaxes
“Isami, Yuuki Bakuhatsu!!!” Episode 9 makes viewers explode of hype and emotion with the characters, by revealing the big secret and introducing Bravern’s first gattai form.
Metallic Rouge Ep.9 Review: Revelations & Reconciliation
A balance episode with both action and exposition. Some beautiful visuals to accompany a ridiculous storyline. Nevertheless Rouge is heading towards the final battle.
Synduality: Noir Ep 21 Review: New diva’s wish
The birth of a new determination…and a new songstress. And we get some levity this episode with a “peaceful” resolution between Kanata and “shirokamen”.
Bang Brave Bang Braven ep.8 review: Musashi Last Lovemaking by Lewis
The stakes are raised much higher as Lewis and the Brave Knights have to face Cunus, the nigh omnipotent Deathdrive of Debauchery. Episode 8 puts Bang in the Bang Brave Bang Bravern in two different senses.
Synduality: Noir Ep 20 Review: The Unveiled Past
The aftermath of an intense battle is always a perfect chance to look back…and we peeked much further into the past…the days of Pascale.
Metallic Rouge Ep.8 Review: Going Rogue
From exposition to all out war, Metallic Rouge once again flip us on the tone and the pacing of the story. And it seems like everyone is going down in the next one.
Metallic Rouge Ep.7 Review: Saving Private Rouge
Metallic Rouge is reaching its end – the events are being dished out really fast, maybe even too fast.
Bang Brave Bang Braven ep.7 Review: Burn Axe and Dark Truth
Bravern and gang finally confront the big bad that destroyed Tokyo. On top of the battles, episode 7 reveal new secrets about both the hero and the villains.
Synduality: Noir Ep 18 & 19 Review: The Swan Song
A tragic tale of a false songstress. Ciel gave her life to her master, but gave her soul to Kanata. The last melody of love and trust to give new life to another.
Metallic Rouge Ep.6 Review: Murder on the Orient Express and Kamen Rouge-der
Hell Jaron decided to play a game with Rouge and Naomi. On top of it, a new plot twist, or is it just Naomi trolling?
Bang Brave Bang Bravern Ep 6 Review: Saviour at Dawn
Obari literally said “That’s how you do an Uprising”. New characters, new mechas and new attacks, oh and also a new but old revelation about Bravern’s rival.
Metallic Rouge Ep 5 Review: Fractured History
A lucid dream while Rouge was in the hands of a jester as Naomi raced to save her. A confusing history of the Proto-Neans open the doors to…more confusing stuff?
Bang Brave Bang Bravern Ep 5 Review: Bromance Is A Man’s Romance
Lewis and Isami getting up-close, personal and steamy with each other. And Obari is really hitting us with fetishes after fetishes.
Synduality: Noir Ep 17 Review: Breaking Point
Besieged from all sides – old allies turned enemies, and new threats appear from the lost city. Kanata had to go through all that and more – the betrayal of one of his most trusted person.
Synduality: Noir Ep 16 Review: Noir’s existence
When the light is too bright, the shadow will disappear. Two spirit cannot live in one body – now that Mystere is recovering, what will happen to Noir?
Bang Brave Bang Bravern Ep.4 Review: The Calm Before The Storm
After three episodes of combat, it’s time for rest and reflection. Episode 4 nailed the character moment for Isami and set up what’s coming next.
Metallic Rouge Ep.4 Review: Versus Green Scarecrow
The police force launched an assault on Wellstown’s Nean settlement, and Rouge faced off with Phantom Verde. An unfitting end for a mini arc.
Synduality: Noir Ep 15 Review: Dueling Fates
Once allies, now enemies. Kurokamen and Kanata engaged in spectacular fashion – and the door to Tokio’s dark past is slowly opening up. What could be hidden in there?
Bang Brave Bang Bravern ep.3 Review: Beauty from the Beast
Brave Shu-ba-ba-ba-bang! Ep.3 slows the story down and focuses on Lewis and the strange girl he stumbled on, Lulu.
Ultraman Blazar ep 24 & 25: Blazing and Encompassing Blazar
The not-so-explosive but undoubtedly epic climax of Blazar. A unique approach to tying up the story. And an amazing payback for the journey.
Metallic Rouge Ep.3 Review: Freedom for tools and equipments
Out of the desert, our heroines try to infiltrate a Nean settlement, but has a disagreement and Rouge decides to infiltrate the settlement herself. What will come of this situation?
Bang Brave Bang Bravern Ep.2 Review: the Lewis Slap is real
The time for a duel has come – Bravern faces off against Superbia. Episode two keeps the hype train going with the fight scenes and fun surprises.
Metallic Rouge Ep.2 Review – A slight flex in animation
The mission of the heroines continues…on public transport. There, they are met with a handful of new faces, as well as mercenaries.
Synduality: Noir Ep 14 Review: The Power To Reach “That Place”
After steeling their resolve, Kanata and Mystere began preparing to go to Histoire. But it isn’t a simple trip, since they’d have to go up…wayyyy up.
Bang Brave Bang Bravern Ep.1 Review: The glorious (unofficial) return of the Brave
When the Bravern is Bang, Masami Obari surprises us in the most unexpected way. The spirit of the Yuusha is strong with this one.
Metallic Rouge Ep.1 Review: A not very impressive first episode
Beginning of Rouge Redstar and Naomi Orthmann’s mission to eliminate the rogue androids. Does it live up to the hype?
Synduality: Noir Ep 13 Review: Burning Desire
A new saga begins! The mysterious Magus with extraordinary power has taken over Noir. And Kanata wanted to show her the world that he lives in.
Ultraman Blazar ep 23: The Threat Approaches
A terrible revelation about a threat that’s coming from beyond. A “visitor” with hostile intention is coming to Earth. And it’s up to Earth’s Kaiju to put a stop to it.
Bullbuster Ep 12 Review: Final Extermination
Let’s pull out all the stops! The final extermination operation Ryugan Island commences, and bring us to a conclusion of the series.
Ultraman Blazar ep 22: The Price Of Kindness
A lesson about humanity’s kindness and sincerity. A heartwarming scene in a destroyed city. Oh, and don’t forget to buy your insurance!
Bullbuster Ep 11 Review: Fight Fire With Fire
Shiota barring its full fangs against Namidome, using vast resources and connections. However, our main cast also got some big help!
Ultraman Blazar ep 21: Feel The Need…For Speed
Take to the sky with Earth Garon as Anri and Yasu engage in a mach speed battle. This mission pushes them to the limit physically with the new upgrade to A-kun.
Bullbuster Ep 10 Review: It’s Time To Fight Back
The tipping point has been reached. President Tajima made a choice once and for all just as Namidome’s employee rise up against Shiota.
Ultraman Blazar ep 20: Assault Of The Insect
Family relationship is always awkward for military man, and after Gento, it’s Teruaki’s turn to worry about his relatives. A swarm of emotion floods this episode.
Bullbuster Ep 9 Review: It’s Time For The Truth
The truth revealed at last. Namidome is stuck between a rock and a hard place. The big shall crush the small, or will there be a spark of hope for them?
Bullbuster Ep 8 Review: It’s Restructuring Time
Namidome finally catches a break, or do they? A sudden inspection that comes with a promising financial backing, or is there something deeper behind the scene?
Ultraman Blazar ep 19: The Song Of Fire And Lightning
The alien Kaiju threat intensifies as Emi and Gento dig deeper into the GGF’s hidden secret. And a fiery ally arrive for a blazing showdown.
Ultraman Blazar ep 18: Keep Digging Deeper
A monster from space threatens the city with poisonous gas, and Capt Gento has to juggle between his family, his power as Blazar and his duty as SKaRD commander to watch over Emi.