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NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Episode 9 – Quick Summary
In NieR:Automata Ver 1.1a Episode 9, “hun[G]ry for knowledge,” 9S found himself in an abstract geometric environment. He assumed it was cyberspace, but he could not be sure. Faced with an ever-expanding number of doors, he soon despaired of finding his way out. And then a figure came to visit him – a figure he had met before. Who was this strange individual? What did it want from 9S? And can 2B find a way to extract 9S from that strange place?
Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.
Favorite Quote from NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Episode 9
I give the pod points for trying to help. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
This could actually be classified as “Most Obvious Statement of the Week” as part of my Caw Out Awards. 2B was trying to get to 9S. She had asked operator 6O for help. Commander White had to decline the request because the rescue squads were in other theaters of operation.
That’s not suspicious or anything.
Anyway, 6O, with regret, had to inform 2B of the decision. She, along with Pod 042 and 9S’ Pod 153, followed 9S’ signal to the bottom of a deep well. 2B felt confused. There was nothing there. No indication of where 9S could be, and no indication of what sent the signal.
Suddenly, the rock wall behind her shimmered and disappeared to reveal a thick steel door. 2B realized the rock had been a holographic projection. The huge doors slid open.
“Alert,” one of the pod’s said (it’s hard for me to tell them apart) (07:27). “A possible trap.”
2B didn’t say it, but I bet she was thinking the same thing I was.
“Oh, really?”
Well, at least the pod was trying to help!
Favorite Moment from NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Episode 9
Man, that had to sting! Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Setup: The Union of Story Elements
I love this show’s atmosphere. The soundtrack really helps. It’s on Youtube, but I decided to splurge and buy it. That way, I don’t have to be online to listen to it. But it’s not just the soundtrack. It’s the artwork, the voice acting, the world-building, and, most of all, the philosophy. My favorite works have a defining philosophy, and it elevates the other elements – when it’s done right. In this case, it’s done right.
Androids like 2B and 9S are forbidden from having emotions, right? That’s what they say, anyway. It’s been clear since the first episode that the rule is far from absolute. It’s far from implemented. Heck, it’s a complete disaster as far as rules go. But some of the androids pretend they don’t have emotions.
6O clearly felt regret that she couldn’t help 2B. 9S clearly felt shame at how Adam tried to showcase his feelings for 2B. And despite all of her protestations to the contrary, despite her trying to keep her relationship with 9S professional, in my favorite moment, 2B showed a clear indication that she cares for the guy.
Operator 6O was really bummed she couldn’t help 2B and 9S. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Adam tried the same tactics on her that had worked on 9S (at least, I guess they worked – we only saw the beginning of Adam’s efforts earlier in this episode). With 2B, he was only partially successful. 2B has strong self discipline. She also didn’t want him to get the best of her. So, she stayed in control.
Until Adam played his trump card. The effect was pretty cool – on the wall above him, blocks tumbled away to reveal a crucified 9S (13:33). Even the sound of the blocks falling away added a chill to the scene. Adam saw her control falter, so he piled on how he had tortured 9S to wrench emotions from him – and now he planned even worse.
Delivery: 2B Engages Badass Mode
Drawing her sword, she said (13:59), “You son of a… I’ll kill you!”
She wasn’t kidding. Not even a little bit.
Apparently, that’s the kind of thing’s Adam is into, because he became animated. She attacked him; he surprised her by parrying (I think with 9S’ broken sword). But she recovered quickly. Very, very quickly.
I should mention that the soundtrack here was End of the Unknown. It fit perfectly.
To show just how she felt about him torturing 9S, she leapt over his head, planted one foot and kicked him – hard – in the middle of the back (14:35). You could hear his vertebra crack under the force of her high-heeled kick (seriously, how does she fight in those things?). He flew through one stone wall. He crashed through dozens of grave markers.
She’s fast. Not only that, but Musubi would be impressed how 2B protects her modesty! Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Of course, being Adam, he healed rapidly. But the sight of 2B letting loose was glorious. It’s not like emotion overwhelmed her. She remained in control – enough to kick Adam’s ass. But she made clear how much she cared about 9S.
I said before I love how the show plays with philosophy. And I do! But it’s when philosophy is united with the other aspects, like a solid fight scene, that it really shines. It’s all about showing and not telling – though they work together very well at times!
What did you think of Eve’s sacrifice? What were your favorite moments? Feel free to let me know in the comments!
NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Episode 9: Other Posts
Other Anime Sites
- Reddit: NieR:Automata Ver1.1a – Episode 9 discussion
- RABUJOI: NieR: Automata Ver 1.1a – 09 – Into the Lion’s Den
This Site (Crow’s World of Anime!)
- NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Episode 1: or not to [B]e
- NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Episode 2: city e[S]cape
- NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Episode 3: break ti[M]e
- NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Episode 4: a mountain too [H]igh
- NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Episode 5: mave[R]ick
- NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Episode 6: [L]one wolf
- NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Episode 7: [Q]uestionable actions
- NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Episode 8: aji wo [K]utta ?
- NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Episode 9: hun[G]ry for knowledge
- NieR:Automata Ver1.1.a Episode 10: over[Z]ealous
- NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Episode 11: head[Y] battle
- NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Episode 12: flowers for m[A]chines
