Close Menu
  • Login
  • Support Us
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Video Games
      • Previews
      • PC
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X/S
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Xbox One
      • PS4
      • Tabletop
    • Film
    • TV
    • Anime
    • Comics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse Comics
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Indie Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • Oni-Lion Forge
      • Valiant Comics
      • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Event Coverage
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Trending:
  • Features
    Marvel's Spider-Man Secret Lair promotional image

    Get a Look At the Secret Lair x Marvel’s Spider-Man Superdrop

    09/08/2025
    Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions gameplay still

    Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions Is All About Adventure (with Friends)

    09/08/2025
    Chord in Persona 5 The Phantom X

    Now Is The Perfect Time To Jump Back In ‘Persona 5: The Phantom X’

    09/05/2025
    Cosmic Spider-Man card details

    [EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW] The Spider-Man Set Gets A 5-Color Legendary Spider

    09/02/2025
    Lee Corso from College Football GameDay in EA Sports games

    EA Sports Always Understood Lee Corso’s Legacy

    09/01/2025
  • Indie Games
  • K-Dramas
  • Netflix
  • Apple TV+
But Why Tho?
Home » Anime » REVIEW: ‘NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a,’ Episode 13 – “reckless bra[V]ery”

REVIEW: ‘NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a,’ Episode 13 – “reckless bra[V]ery”

Charles HartfordBy Charles Hartford07/06/20246 Mins ReadUpdated:07/07/2024
NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 13
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

Spoiler Alert: This review contains major plot spoilers for NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a.

With the defeat of Adam and Eve, YoRHa has a window to launch a large-scale operation against the machine lifeforms. As some of its forces stand assembled in the Bunker, 2B (Yui Ishikawa, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury) and 9S (Natsuki Hanae) share a meaningful glance as they prepare to do their part for the glory of mankind. But exactly what that meaning is changes depending on which of them you asked. NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 13 “reckless bra[V]ery” from A-1 Pictures takes a moment before the assault begins to explore the true nature of 2B’s partnership with 9S.

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

After a brief recap of humanity’s history, NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 13 follows 2B and 9S to the City Ruins as they begin a scouting mission. This moment will likely confuse viewers, as the dialogue that plays out indicates this is the duo’s first visit to the familiar location. When 9S registers a large grouping of machine lifeforms, the viewer naturally assumes it is the attack against the resistance 9S and 2B stopped back in episode two. Instead, we watch as the pair dispatch a random group of enemies before running into an unknown resistance member.

Sharp-eyed viewers will note that rather than wielding the one-handed sword 2B usually has, she is wielding a larger, two-handed sword. This detail serves as a hint to viewers that this moment isn’t just an unrevealed part of their original arrival. Something more is going on.

This brief fight sequence is the only full battle we get in NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 13 and it delivers. The acrobatic nature of 2B’s fighting style comes through with all the grace viewers are accustomed to from the series. The dominance the android shows in battle is a timely reminder of her skills and power.

NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 13

The resistance member encountered after the machines have been dispatched explains that she needs 2B and 9S’ help recovering the pod of a friend of hers. While the android claims her friend was a resistance fighter, only YoRHa units are issued pods — the story doesn’t add up. The resistance member is unable to explain more, as a recent battle has caused her memory storage to malfunction. Concerned about the discrepancies and wanting to help the concerned android, 9S agrees to look into the matter. Overjoyed, the android gives 9S a big hug, much to the scout unit’s delight. However, when he sees 2B’s disapproval, he quickly regrets the moment.

As the pair begin their search for the missing android, 9S attempts to smooth things over with 2B. He believes 2B is jealous of his previous interaction. So he offers to get her a gift and reassures her that she is prettier than the other android. This flailing attempt to placate his partner holds an awkward cuteness to it. While it is clear that 2B is upset, it’s not for the reasons 9S assumes.

When the duo finds the missing android and pod, they discover the slain android is indeed a YoRHa member. A scan of the pod’s remaining memory banks shows that the android who asked for their help is the one who did the killing.

Appearing behind the pair, the android reveals herself as an E-type model. E, standing for execution. She explains that she is tasked with getting close to and exterminating YoRHa units that are no longer loyal to the cause. Her explanation is riddled with grief, as it’s clear her work has taken an emotional toll on her.  As she explains her purpose, she slowly walks backward towards a ledge, preparing to let herself fall. Despite 9S’ best efforts to stop her, the android falls from the ledge, plunging to her death. 9S is distraught at what he has witnessed. He also notes that 2B seemed strangely indifferent to the event that just unfolded.

NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 13

From here, NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 13 follows the pair as they explore a desert temple and an abandoned shopping mall. At the desert temple, viewers learn the truth about 2B. As the duo’s exploration of the temple comes to a brief pause, we see 2B raise her sword to slay the unsuspecting 9S. When the sunlight reflects off of a coin in 9S’ hand, shining in her eyes, her attack is stopped, sparing 9S’ life. As the two depart, the coin is idlly discarded. As it bounces into the sand, the camera follows it till it comes to rest next to a fallen YoRHa unit. The body is clearly that of 9S.

After a brief run-in with a bizarre talking head in the abandoned shopping mall, 2B and 9S have the confrontation NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 13 has been building too. When 2B attempts to execute 9S, he manages to dodge the blow. With the driving beat of “Bipolar Nightmare” playing, the two briefly cross swords. 9S can briefly hold his assailant off thanks to his hacking skills and foresight. But 2B is quickly freed from his trap thanks to the assistance of the pods and the pair drive their swords through each other, though only 2B’s is a killing blow.

As the view pans out on the mournful 2B cradling 9S’ body, the camera changes into a view screen. We learn the YoRHa commander is watching them. The live feed is surrounded by numerous still shots of other times 2B was ordered to kill 9S. She also seems regretful for commanding 2B to slay her comrade once again, expressing hope that this will be the last time.

How NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 13 alters the tone of the moment from exciting to tragic and is skillfully done. Shifting music, great voice work, and excellent camera angles and lighting pull the viewer through the whirlwind of emotions present in the sequence without ever losing the emotional potency. As the episode ends, we return to the gathering we saw at the beginning of the episode, as YooRHa prepares for the next major assault on the machine lifeforms.

NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 13

While this reveal occurs much earlier here than it did in the source material, its execution is excellent. It captures the pain and struggle of 2B’s purpose well, allowing the android to retain some measure of empathy, despite the horrible acts she is engaging in. Her monologue in the first episode about how everything is trapped in a vicious cycle of life and death takes on new meaning, as do several other small moments that may not have made complete sense to new viewers.  Its presence here also allows for the moment to surprise viewers familiar with the source materials, making the moment special for all, while not altering the core narrative.

With YoRHa’s assault about to begin, NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 13 leaves the stage set for the story to move forward. However, what exactly will come next feels like a greater mystery than it did before, thanks to this episode’s excellently crafted departure from the established plot.

NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 13 is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 13
  • 10/10
    Rating - 10/10
10/10

TL;DR

NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 13 leaves the stage set for the story to move forward. However, what exactly will come next feels like a greater mystery than it did before, thanks to this episode’s excellently crafted departure from the established plot.

 

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleREVIEW: ‘Zenless Zone Zero’ Chooses Style Over Substance (PC)
Next Article REVIEW: ‘Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian’ Episode 1 – “Alya Hides Her Feelings in Russian”
Charles Hartford
  • X (Twitter)

Lifelong geek who enjoys comics, video games, movies, reading and board games . Over the past year I’ve taken a more active interest in artistic pursuits including digital painting, and now writing. I look forward to growing as a writer and bettering my craft in my time here!

Related Posts

DanDaDan Season 2 Episode 11
8.5

REVIEW: ‘DanDaDan’ Season 2 Episode 11 – “Hey, It’s a Kaiju”

09/11/2025
Sakamoto Days Episode 20
6.5

REVIEW: ‘Sakamoto Days’ Episode 20 — “Mutual Fans”

09/08/2025
Tougen Anki Episode 9 still from Netflix
4.0

REVIEW: ‘Tougen Anki’ Episode 9 — “Momotaro Spirit”

09/06/2025
My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 10 promotional image from Crunchyroll
10.0

REVIEW: ‘My Dress-Up Darling’ Season 2 Episode 10 — “So We’re Gonna Do It All Right Now?”

09/06/2025
Arknights Rise From Ember Rosmontis

REVIEW: ‘Arknights: Rise From Ember’ Is Phenomenal But Drags On Too Long

09/06/2025
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity Episode 1
7.5

REVIEW: ‘The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity’ Episode 1 – “Rintaro and Kaoruko”

09/05/2025

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here
TRENDING POSTS
The Long Walk (2025) film review promotional image
9.5
Film

REVIEW: ‘The Long Walk’ Is The Most Heartfelt And Heartbreaking Stephen King Adaptation

By Kate Sánchez09/11/2025Updated:09/11/2025

The Long Walk is a brutal watch. Equally heartfelt and heartbreaking, it’s one of the best adaptations of Stephen King’s work.

Black Women Anime — But Why Tho (9) BWT Recommends

10 Black Women in Anime That Made Me Feel Seen

By LaNeysha Campbell11/11/2023Updated:12/03/2024

Black women are some of anime’s most iconic characters, and that has a big impact on Black anime fans. Here are some of our favorites.

EA Sports FC Icons Match promotional image from Nexon News

2025 Icons Match Returns With Football Legends Bridging The Pitch And Video Games

By Kate Sánchez09/03/2025Updated:09/03/2025

NEXON has announced the return of the ‘2025 Icons Match,’ a live event that brings a full roster of legendary players to the pitch.

Gojo Jujutsu Kaisen - But Why Tho (2) Features

Everything To Know About Satoru Gojo

By Kate Sánchez09/07/2023Updated:02/16/2025

Satoru Gojo is the heart of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 — now, heading into Cour 2, here is everything you need to know about the character.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube Twitch
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Review Score Guide
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2025 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

But Why Tho Logo

Support Us!

We're able to keep making content thanks to readers like YOU!
Support independent media today with
Click Here