REVIEW: ‘NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a’ Episode 19 — “corru[P]tion”

As A2 (Ayaka Suwa) slowly accepts that her view of machine lifeforms may not be accurate, 9S (Natsuki Hanae) continues his quest to wipe all such lifeforms out. But first, he must confront former comrades to fulfill his goals in NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 19 “corru[P]tion.” Also, an extended puppet show at the end of this episode delivers another surprise call back to NieR Automata‘s predecessor.

As this episode opens, we join 9S as he approaches the mysterious tower that recently emerged from the earth. Unable to access the structure by force or hacking, he may be unable to investigate the interior on his own. As he prepares to depart, YoRHa unit 21O (Mary Hatsumi), his former operator, appears. Dressed in assault gear, she volunteered to participate in the large-scale attack that recently ended in YoRHa’s collapse. Her glowing red eyes instantly indicate that she also bears the infection that has run rampant through the androids.

The return of this familiar face brings a return to the old 9S as we see his concern for his old comrade emerge. However, the virus causes 21O to awaken several previously defeated YoRHa units in the area, leaving 9S besieged with his back to the tower. As 9S struggles to fend off this sudden assault, NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 19 focuses on 21O as it takes a moment to recontextualize a moment earlier in the season.

The last time 21O spoke with 9S before the major assault began, she told him to keep far from the front lines. She reasoned that, due to his being a scanner unit, he would only get in the way of the assault models. However, we learn that she said these things to keep her former charge safe. She didn’t want him to die on the battlefield. Now, seeing her presence endanger him due to inadvertently waking the other infected YoRHa units, she decides to stop the battle before 9S is overwhelmed.

Moments before 9S is slain, 21O takes her own life, cutting the attackers off from their control source. This has the desired effect of saving 9S. As 21O slips away, she passes along information concerning the tower to 9S’s pod, so he might be able to stop whatever the machines are planning.

The final element associated with this side character’s demise further ratchets up the emotional impact of the scene. As she dies, 21O asks 9S to do his best going forward. When 9S acknowledges with a single “Okay,” she calls him a good boy for answering with only one affirmative. This small callback to previous interactions between the two adds a layer of personal attachment to what was formerly a simple recurring exchange.

From here, NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 19 catches up with A2 as she struggles with supervising the children of Pascal’s village. As she waits for supplies that she was guilted into picking up by Lily (Atsumi Tanezaki), A2 attempts to entertain the children while also struggling to maintain her sanity. It seems that the children have learned what a bathroom is and have become obsessed with the concept.

They repeatedly demand to be taken to one despite having no functional use for it. This feels like the most “kid” thing a machine child could do. As they giggle and squeal to A2, Pascal (Aoi Yûki, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners) eventually arrives to save the android. The moment of calm doesn’t last long. A2’s pod soon registers the approach of hostile machine lifeforms, prompting Pascal to prepare the village to fend off the coming attack.

This setup seems to indicate another change in how events will play out between this series and the original story. As Pascal is seen brandishing a pair of machine axes, it looks like his pivotal moment will arrive at the village instead of its original location.

The final element of this scene that bears mentioning is how well-balanced visually it is. The largely comedic moment is delivered in a way that emphasizes these elements while not taking them overboard. The absurdity never feels world-breaking. A2’s frustration is fully delivered without going to the extremes many anime would.

The rest of this week’s narrative follows 9S. With the new intel gifted to him from 21O, he learns that three support towers must be destroyed before the main tower can be accessed. Arriving at the first tower, 9S is greeted by a large room filled with machine lifeforms in sleep mode. Despite repeated declarations from his pod that no hostile units are present, 9S begins slashing at the machines.

Once the machines become active in response to his violence, they do nothing but flee and beg for their lives. Their pleas fall on deaf ears. Once all of them and the structure’s core are destroyed, 9S receives a passkey. If he acquires two more, he can access the main tower.

This sequence returns 9S to the murderous space he was in at the end of the last episode. Rather than reiterate his psychological state, NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 19 deepens his darkness further. As we see 9S butcher the machines, his pod informs him that his mobility systems are being strained and recommends he discontinue combat. His refusal to do so, despite no active threats, takes 9S to the point of self-harm. He is now willing to actively hurt himself to torture those he has deemed deserving of such mistreatment.

A special mention also must be made for this episode’s closing puppet show. While these closing moments are usually simply cute notes to end each episode on, this one goes a little further. It depicts a meeting between 9S and Devola and Popla (both voiced by Ryôko Shiraishi). This moment stands out because they are not in their usual garb. I won’t spoil the full significance of their wardrobe change, but the look will be familiar to franchise fans. They also sing a bit of the fan favorite “Song of the Ancients,” which will surely pull at some heartstrings.

NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 19 continues skillfully balancing the two sides of its narrative. It shifts between warmth and despair with grace and ease, allowing both to coexist harmoniously. Finally, it sets up the continuing story in such a way as to leave both new fans and old wondering what exactly will happen next.

NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 19 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.