REVIEW: ‘The Ghost In The Shell’ Episode 2 — “Super Spartan ii + Junk Jungle i”

The Ghost In The Shell Episode 2, “Super Spartan ii + Junk Jungle i,” sees Section 9 officially approved, and their first mission begins as they are brought in on a case involving an elusive super hacker known as The Puppet Master.

This episode’s opening leans into the humorous side of the series, as the assembled members of Section 9 get the good news from Aramaki (Kazuhiro Yamaji, Scarlet). The playful banter establishes a light mood as the narrative prepares to engage with the group’s upcoming case fully. Though whether Batou (Hiroki Yasumoto, NieR Automata ver1.1a) thinking rigging Aramak’s car with fireworks is a good idea lands as funny or just bizarre feels up for debate. 

From here, The Ghost In The Shell Episode 2 jumps to its main focus as the group begins its newest investigation. But what begins as a simple surveillance job quickly escalates when the foreign minister’s interpreter is infected with a computer virus. Forcing Section 9 to call in Kusanagi (Maaya Sakamoto, Trigun Stargaze), interrupting some intimate activities. 

Too much fan service undercuts the characters’ competencies.

This fan service scene involving The Major and two female companions tries to be equal parts humor and horny. While it does establish and maintain its playful tone fine, the scene once again serves to create a jarring image of Kusanagi, as her personality here feels at odds with who we see in the following scenes. Especially with her inability to protect her own privacy.

The final punchline of the scene comes when Batou accidentally “walks” in on Kusanagi’s threesome in progress to inform her of their new orders. That she had no barrier, filter, or any other means of screening the call/preventing the full nature of her situation from being so haphazardly interrupted undercuts the competency of the character for the sake of a cheap joke. Given that, in just a few minutes, she will be lecturing Togusa (Yûichi Nakamura, Jujutsu Kaisen 0) about his flawed approach to certain elements of their work, she starts to look pretty hypocritical. 

The final element of this scene that makes it jarring is the show’s inability to decide just how horny it wants it to be. The Major cries out in delight and writhes in the embrace of her lovers, leaving no doubt as to what is happening to parts of her just off camera. Moments later, she collapses backward, legs spread open and panting in a full-body shot that is just wide enough to make sure the viewer can see anything that may be of interest.

The fan service in this episode feels completely unnecessary.

But the character’s attire, a fairly conservative two-piece “track suit” style outfit, feels oddly out of place for such an intimate moment. Given what was just clearly being done to her, why does she have anything on at all? It seems like the proceedings have already passed the point of shyness or clothing. 

The desire to be provocative feels at war with an unwillingness to commit. They want to present Kusanagi’s sexuality in a way that is sure to entice fans, but they don’t want to make a stir about what they just showed either. By trying to have it both ways, the scene feels insecure in its delivery.

It feels completely unnecessary and undermines its lead, so there is little question whether the moment is worth the damage it does. This leaves it as nothing more than pure fan service that feels exploitative of the character’s sexuality and isn’t even confident in what it’s doing. 

The Ghost In The Shell Episode 2 offers the first chance to see Kusanagi in her role as an off-field leader.

Once The Major receives a full briefing from Aramaki, The Ghost In The Shell Episode 2 launches fully into the investigation. The bulk of Section 9 deploys to find the hacker responsible for the downed interpreter. With the suspect on the move, Togusa and Kusanagi head out to try to track them down.

While on patrol, the duo shares a quiet personal moment to discuss their job and how they approach it. While Kusanagi’s part does feel a little hurt by my previous reasoning, this scene is fantastically done. The dialogue is wonderfully written, allowing for an organic back-and-forth between the two comrades. Both Nakamura and Sakamoto lean into the atmosphere, further allowing their characters a moment of relaxed openness. 

This scene also serves as our first chance to see Kusanagi in her role as an off-field leader. Her criticisms of Togusa’s choices are measured and calm, and backed up by reason. Her willingness to listen to his objections reinforces her personal confidence, showing that she isn’t worried about him punching holes in her argument. This sequence is the first glimpse the series has given us of the calmer and more confident protagonist that many fans may have been missing. 

The Ghost In The Shell Episode 2 delivers some great interpersonal moments and gorgeous animation.

The exchange is cut short as the source of the hacking is tracked to a dump truck. A chase ensues, with Kusanagi and Togusa deploying in optically camouflaged Tachikomas. The sequence is brief but fun, building up tension as the episode comes to a screeching halt, with the primary suspect armed and on the run. 

The animation does a gorgeous job of capturing the Tachikomas in action. Everything from the implementation of the optic camouflage to how the think tanks swing through the city is captured with precision and skill. There is a great sense of speed and force imparted through the visuals, as the Section 9 members chase after their target. 

The Ghost In The Shell Episode 2 delivers some great interpersonal moments and gorgeous animation as its story revs up. However, one poorly thought-out moment of fan service tarnishes the experience. While it’s nice to see the show not shy away from Kusanagi’s sexuality, there are far better ways to show it. Intimacy can be far more than just for the viewer’s enjoyment or as a punchline that undermines the lead character. 

The Ghost in the Shell Episode 2 is streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.

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