Episode Review: NieR:Automata Ver1.1A Episode 16: 2B or not 2B

I’ll only call him Nines when…

A gut-wrenching episode for Nier fans in general and 2B fans in particular. This episode continues right after 2B and 9S escape from Bunker. But what awaits them isn’t an escape, but a ruthless battlefield. And they were separated once more, but this time, a reunion isn’t meant 2B…

Well, there’s nothing to hide or pull back anymore. 2B and 9S are the only “sentient” YoHRa soldiers left (not counting A2), so they’re prioritizing each other’s survival above all else. 2B drew the entire infected android force with her, but 9S vehemently disagreed with that and tried to go back. 2B wanted 9S to be safe, but 9S also wanted it while being with 2B as well. A very common “tragic” scenario. But this time, 9S actually managed to make his way back to 2B, but in true Nier fashion, the pair was shot down and once again, separated.

When they came to, the only thing in their mind is find each other again. The terrain didn’t really gave us an indication of how far they are from each other, but from the “distance” they travel, probably not that ridiculous, but the challenges on the way really make it hard. 9S faced off against a giant fusion of machine lifeforms – which is pretty insane that he was able to defeat them. Guess when love’s in play, a man can do anything.

And then we get to 2B side – and all of her memories with 9S came rushing back. And we get to see that maybe 2B isn’t that indifferent to 9S after all. She treasures him as a partner, and over time, she developed something more. An affection that she didn’t know, or didn’t dare, to call it “love”. But then the secrets of Bunker began to leak to 9S, and she had to “eliminate” him every time he “rebooted”. This scarred her soul and made her reluctant to reciprocate 9S feeling by calling him “Nines”. Because when she does, she will have to kill him. But this time, she doesn’t anymore…

Despite seemingly unaffected while at Bunker, 2B was still infected by the machine lifeforms’ virus after fighting against the infected soldiers. Her eyes shine a red flare and that’s pretty much curtains for any YoHRa android. With the damage she suffered from the recent battle, she cannot hold the virus back anymore. In the end, she asked for mercy – from A2 of all people. Because she knows A2 is also a type-2 like her in the past, so she will understand her plea. She doesn’t want to sully her memories of 9S, and wanted to pass it on. And A2 granted her wish with a swift death…but not before 9S managed to reached the scene. And 2B finally let out her final “Nines”.

And Hatsuki Hanae’s scream (9S) will forever be in my mind. It was a hauntingly desperate scream, yet also filled with rage and vengeance. I can’t imagine what sort of expression and body language he had to do in the recording studio. But he delivered a stunning performance. This is around ending E of the game. And now we will switch to A2’s perspective as a protagonist, as 9S hunt her down to avenge his love. But little does he know 2B’s memories now live on inside A2. We’ve hit the halfway mark of the series, and let’s see how it will develop.

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