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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.