Episode Review: NieR:Automata Ver1.1A Episode 18: Fifty Shades of A2

Did you know that A2 is a tsundere…?

Well, after all the depressing and intense episode, we deserve a little breathing room. And with the changing of focus to A2, it is a perfect opportunity to establish more on her current character. And boi what an episode this was. We get to see so many facets of A2 especially her facial expressions. Who knew our cold-hearted machine-lifeform killer could be such a tsundere onee-san?

We learned that A2 is very committed to destroying all machine lifeforms, but we also see her not wrecking Pascal’s village because she “owed them”. It shows that she still retains some “humanity” from her YoHRa days with the Resistance. But she’s also very prideful and will not accept help from anyone else – a true lonewolf. But we all know anyone who act like that has a soft spot inside – especially how A2 used to act. She showed us a dozen facial expressions from angry to frustrated to surprise and all kinds of stuff. It’s a very nice treat for the eyes.

The reunion between Lily and A2 is great as well. A2 is immensely surprised that Lily is still alive and is now the leader of the Resistance. What kinda surprised me as well is for so long, A2 didn’t know even though they operate in roughly the same areas. The reunion is a cathartic release for A2 as well as a perspective changing experience since Lily was very friendly with Pascal and his people, which changed A2’s viewpoint toward the village’s resident at least. Still, it took A2 being immobilized for her to listen, which is typical pride.

And then we have the cutest scene in this episode – baby A2 in a stroller being pushed around by the machine lifeform “kids”. It look hilarious as well as when A2 tried to scold the kids. A-1 studio really went all out on her frustrated and surprised face this ep. She showed more emotions than 2B have shown in the entire series. On the opposite side, we have 9S. He’s entirely consumed in vengeance now and will stop at nothing to kill A2. It’d be interesting to see how he go about it.

This episode is quite light-hearted…aside from the brief 9S part. We also see a brief mention of Popola and Devola’s “atonement”, which for game players will hit much harder. Aside from that, A2 and Lily brought us many smiles this episode, and clear out the dark clouds from the previous ones. However, this “levity” won’t last long, as their are still more fights ahead with the hostile machine lifeforms erecting a giant structure.

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