Nier: Darkest Twist Yet for Season 2 of Automaton Anime
Presenting two of Nier's darkest narratives in one episode, the second season of the Nier: Automaton anime adaptation throws viewers into the depths of the bleak universe of the work. With its first episode, "reckless bra[V]ery," the YoRHa units' terrible reality—their ceaseless fight against an enemy they might never be able to defeat—showcases. The episode explores the terrible reality behind the Type E Androids and the sad end of protagonist 9s.
Type E Androids: The Perfectkillers
The episode opens with 9S and 2b running across a woman looking for her friend's killer. A startling fact comes to light as the research is underway. Not a victim, the woman in the red cloak is Type E Android, designed as an executioner/assassin to sneak into Resistance outposts and wipe off their personnel. The episode marks the first time the show clearly shows the actual character of Type E models, their terrible role as silent killers inside the Resistance.
Driven by her programming, the lady in the red cloak finds it difficult to handle her lethal task. Unable to break out from the cycle of violence that defines her life, she is continuously compelled to turn on people she gets near. Driven into hopelessness, she decides to take her own life instead of carrying on her terrible existence.
The Truth Unravelled 2B's Hidden Identity
Another startling reality surfaces while 9S works on the disclosure of the woman in the red cloak's actual nature: his partner, 2b, is not who she seems to be. When 2B tries to kill 9S, her real identity as a Type E model—designated 2E—is revealed, so validating his suspicions.
Type E models are meant to eradicate compromised behavior-exhibiting rogue units. This disclosure emphasizes the sneaky character of the Council of Humanity and their readiness to employ their own powers against those they consider as a threat.
The infinite cycle of violence
The episode ends in a vicious struggle between 9S and 2E, one destined for tragic outcome. Despite his best efforts, 9S cannot beat his former mate. Driven by her programming, 2E runs him relentlessly—a cycle they have repeated many times over their history. The episode shows that 2E already killed 9S over 40 times; their relationship is a sad paradox of loyalty and betrayal, love and death.
The way the episode ends reminds me sharply of the pointlessness of their conflict. The Yorha units find themselves caught in a cycle of violence, their actions under Council of Humanity's control and manipulation notwithstanding the constant threat of the Machines.
Understanding Existence: Examining Humanity's Legacy
Nier: Automaton is a profoundly philosophical inquiry of the meaning of life rather than only an action and combat narrative. Like the game, the anime pushes viewers to consider the nature of humanity, their motivations, and the results of their acts.
The narrative questions whether humans are really deserving of atonement or if their behavior is only a mirror of their own defective nature. Driven by both the Council of Humanity and the Machines, the never-ending cycle of violence highlights the tragedy of their conflict and forces viewers to consider the actual cost of war and the definition of life in a society on almost certain ruin.
