REVIEW: ‘NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a’ Episode 22 — “just y[O]u and me”

With the remains of the local resistance and Pascal’s village wiped out, there is little left to fight for. But with the Central Tower now open, what few characters remain have a target to move towards. But before 9S can confront what awaits in the mysterious ivory tower, NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 22 “just y[O]u and me” will reveal 2B’s dark secret to him, as well as take viewers into the past to explore the tragic history of Devola and Popala (both voiced by Ryôko Shiraishi).

Shaking things up, this episode begins with a live-action sequence as the story jumps back thousands of years. Through the pages of a storybook, NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 22 briefly overviews the events that brought the world to where the series finds it. From the alternate ending of the original Drakengard that saw a dragon and a god have their final battle in the skies over modern-day Tokyo, to the events of Nier Replicant new fans are caught up on the most important moments of the timeline.

While this would be interesting in and of itself, its placement here is deliberate because we also learn of the sin that weighs on Devola and Popala. While the failure that saw the death of humanity would be a heavy burden to carry, it isn’t the worst aspect of the reveal for our identical androids.

In a second sequence focused on Devola and Popala’s time leading up to the present events, we learn that a different set of the same android model committed the mistake, meaning they suffer because of someone else’s failings. Worse still, the guilt the pair carry with them is hardwired into their personalities. No matter what they do or how much suffering they endure, they will never be free of it.

These facts make the already sympathetic duo even more tragic. Their mistreatment is a vicious cruelty that speaks of the bitterness of whoever programmed the androids still fighting today. Remember, Devola and Popala get mistreated by practically every android they meet, yet no one knows that humanity is dead. So that means the androids don’t even know why they treat the duo how they do. This blind abuse due to what others who look like them did is an excellent look at how deep-seated discrimination can take root through the lens of science fiction. This abstract example allows the story to present its look with an uncomplicated viewpoint, unattached to any real-world groups or complexities.

Once the opening moments with Devola and Popala are done, NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 22 catches up with 9S as he attempts to enter the Central Tower. Now armed with the three passwords, he seems to be able to enter the system. However, there is a snag. When he first enters, he is confronted by a past version of himself. This version takes 9S on a journey through many of his previous deaths, forcing him to face the truth viewers have known for some time about 2B (Yui Ishikawa, Visons of Mana) and her secret mission.

Amidst the excellent delivery of 9S’ struggles as his mind takes another hit he can ill-afford is a more critical element to this reveal that the narrative obfuscates wonderfully. How did these past versions make their way to the tower? If this is a machine tower, how did the machines get access to these past versions of 9S? We know that the machines hacked into YoRHa to deliver the virus that brought the group down, but was their infiltration even deeper than it appeared?

With this new information, 9S finds himself booted from the system, landing back in the real world. With the doors now open, he prepares to enter the tower. Before he can though, his Pod support unit informs him that numerous hostile machines are closing in on the position. As the viewer would expect, 9S refuses the pod’s recommendation to leave them and enter the tower, reaffirming his intention to kill them all.

Before becoming overwhelmed, he is momentarily rescued by the timely arrival of Devola and Popala. Once the trio manages to create some space, the new arrivals can convince 9S to head into the tower. But when they discover that the twins are not able to access the structure, 9S refuses to leave them behind to die. Only through force are the twins able to throw 9S through the closing doors, sealing their fates.

Much like the previous encounter with 21O, this moment is important for 9S’ character. We are reminded that, despite his often unhinged ravings, he is not completely lost. He still cares about those who he has connections to. During their brief reprieve between fights, he is visually distraught to learn about the fate of the rest of the local resistance fighters. 9S has slipped into a dark place, but there is still some light in him.

Outside the tower, NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 22 gives the viewer one last moment with the tragic twins. It is here that the second flashback sequence lands. Seeing a glimpse of what the two have had to endure leads perfectly into the duo’s final scene. As Popala lays on the ground before a kneeling Devola, both of them missing limbs and bearing other marks of severe damage, Popala apologizes to Devola one more time. Seeing the pain born on Devola’s face as she knows those will likely be the last words her sister ever utters, she tells her not to apologize and that she will never need to apologize again.

This moment brings all that the viewer has learned about Devola and Popala to a sorrowful climax, though there is more to the moment than simply that. While Devola is pained to know they are both about to die, it feels like an air of relief surrounds her. After all, in death, they will never need to bear a burden they don’t understand, or apologize for actions that were not even their own.

NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 22 delivers a slower episode than previous ones, but the emotional payoff is well worth stalling the main plot for. Taking the time for viewers to fully understand Devola and Popala allows their dramatic exit to hit home. The hints and whispers about them from earlier episodes allow this reveal to feel unrushed and natural since we’ve known something was going on with the twins since they first graced the series.

Side note: For new fans who haven’t played the games, I would encourage you to go back and watch episode 5 again. The moment when 9S hacks the giant head beneath Pascal’s village will show more than it did for you the first time.

NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a Episode 22 is streaming on Crunchyroll.