Summary
The following contains spoilers for episode 22 of NieR Automata Ver1.1a, now streaming onCrunchyroll.
In 2003, a mysterious object fell from the sky in Tokyo. It was at that time, a pandemic overcame the human race. Using what of the mysterious object they could find, scientists came together to createa project which would ensure humanity’s survival, dubbed, “Project Gestalt”. Humans would then have their souls separated from their bodies, while replacements, dubbed, “Replicants” would temporarily take their place. The humans would then assume the form of “Gestalts”, shadow-like ghostly beings.
As the virus dissipated, two androids, Devola and Popola were put in place to oversee the project come to fruition. However, as a result of their negligence, the project failed and humanity went extinct. From then on, allDevola and Popola modelswould be programmed with an unending sense of guilt, to ensure that they never stray from orders. Meanwhile, 9S receives a visit from one of his former selves, and learns of his past fate at the hands of 2B.
Sins of the Past
Those who have playedNieR: Replicantwill be familiar with Devola and Popola, as the player fights them in a boss battle towards the end of the game, when it’s revealed the main character was not a human, but a Replicant. The initial plan was to combine Gestalts with Replicants to ensure that humanityfully survived and was restored. However, the way they went about it was by pretending to be the player’s ally and eventually forcing a reunion, as the two androids didn’t see the Replicants as humans, let alone equals. This course of action failed, and along with the original Devola and Popola models, humanity ceased to exist.
But dwelling on the past does not make for a brighter future. Conversely, while the most recent twin models lament their predicament, believing themselves to have failed for a second time, they elect to assist 9S while he enters the tower for the final battle. Ironically, it was because they were thanked by Lily and the Resistance that gave them the resolve to keep going forward. Perhapsthere is some hope for them. The biggest cause of conflict is polarized thinking and predetermined bias, and it’s easy to fall into that mindset. Something as simple as gratitude can go a long way. Hate is contagious, but so is kindness.
Accepting The Present
It goes without saying that 9S is in love with 2B, and given the events of the previous episode, it’s confirmed that2B returns his feelings. Upon entry, when he’s faced with his past self and realizes that 2B’s sole purpose was to kill him, 9S goes into an existential crisis. It’s also around this time that Zinnia, an android identical to 9S is shown. For a quick backstory, Zinnia was the mind behind the YoRHa project, but ultimately scrapped the plan.
No. 9, 9S’s original model learned of humanity’s extinction, and unable to accept it, killed Zinnia and finished the YoRHa project, installing a backdoor in the Bunker to ensure the truth would never come out. No. 2 disposed of No. 9 shortly thereafter, and the facility they were in was destroyed. From then on, all 9S models would be at risk ofgoing down the same path, needing 2B (or 2E) by their side to ensure they never discover the truth or go berserk in the process.
This realization puts the current 9S in a dilemma: Why is he alive then? It’s simple, 2B wants to break the cycle, and 9S is being shown this for a reason. It doesn’t always have to be this way, and so, without the strings of fate pulling at him, it’s hisown actions that will dictate what comes next.
NieR: Automata Ver1.1a
Cast
Based on the video game developed by PlatinumGames and Square Enix, NieR: Automata 1.1a is an adaptation that centers around members of a special android force created by Humanity in the distant future. In the year 5012, with Humanity at the brink of extinction and Earth all but claimed by Alien invaders with Machine Lifeforms, Humanity launches a counterattack to reclaim the planet. 9S, an elite attack unit, is sent to convene with an analysis unit known as 9S to eradicate the threat. But as the two learn about the world and themselves, they ponder the meaning of existence and whether they’re more than just weapons of destruction.
