REVIEW: ‘The Ghost In The Shell’ Episode 8 — “Intermission + Brain Drain i”

The Ghost In The Shell Episode 8,  “Intermission + Brain Drain i,” sees its time split between a look back at how the Puppet Master (Kikuko Inoue, My Happy Marriage) came into existence and Section 9 taking on its next mission. But some things are different with the Public Security Division, not least of which is its field leader. Kusanagi (Maaya Sakamoto, Trigun Stargaze) hasn’t quite been the same since her dive in the last episode, and it’s going to impact more than just her mood. 

The exploration of the Puppet Master’s origins in the opening portion of the episode is well delivered. Done largely from its point of view via camera and other viewing apparatuses, The Ghost In The Shell Episode 8 does a good job of driving home that, whatever it might’ve been, the Puppet Master wasn’t just a computer program. 

While the exploration of its origins is well implemented, it’s nothing unique. The standard spread of reactions, ranging from curiosity to concern, is shown, as well as the inevitable attempt to overwrite the programming after it’s too late, leading to its flight to Section 9.

Kusanagi is sapped of much of her energy and focus in The Ghost In The Shell Episode 8.

The Ghost In The Shell Episode 8 then returns to its core cast, picking up with Batou (Hiroki Yasumoto, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War) preparing to dive after The Major to pull her out of The Puppet Master. We see Kusanagi about to make “physical” contact with the unique being, only to be abruptly pulled away by Batou. Despite the exact ramifications of what was about to happen remaining unclear, it’s obvious that The Major’s exposure to, and being pulled away from, the Puppet Master has had a profound effect on her. 

Kusanagi is sapped of much of her energy and focus for the remainder of the episode. There is a listlessness to her mood that stands in stark contrast to the energy she generally exhibits in previous episodes. While her intermittent goofiness has at times undercut her character, its general presence enhances the impact of her recent experience.

The obtuse nature of Kusanagi’s experience makes it intriguing in a way that would be lost if the series tried to explain it clearly. In some ways, she seems to have had a deeply spiritual experience; in others, it almost seems as if her heart has been broken. Given the unprecedented nature of the event, it makes sense that Kusanagi herself probably wouldn’t clearly know what is going on in her ghost right now. Leaving fans to hypothesize what is happening, even if only for the moment, is a great lure to engage the audience.

Section 9 executes an operation to apprehend a target hiding out on a yacht.

The final stretch of the episode sees Section 9 execute an operation to apprehend a target hiding out on a yacht. Aside from an eye-rollingly long freeze frame on Kusanagi’s butt as she dons her scuba suit for a stealth approach to the target area, the episode does a great job of presenting the infiltration operation. 

The highlight of the sequence is a few shots that take place underwater. After diving deep into the inky depths, the agents board a miniature submersible to make their approach. Hauntingly designed sea life and the oppressive darkness surrounding the vessel create a sense of danger and crushing gloom in the moment. 

The skill and experience of both Kusanagi and Batou shine through as they quickly and silently dispatch obstacles in their way. The operation goes awry, though, when the Major is spotted by their target. Seeing the enemy going for their gun, Kusanagi kills them quickly. Which is bad, since detention and questioning were the mission’s objective. 

The Ghost In The Shell Episode 8 skillfully sets up its lead’s current state of mind and the next plotline.

Rather than being played off as an oops, it is clear that the mistake stems from the field leader’s current malaise. She saw a threat and, with little interest in anything, removed it through sheer instinct, rather than actively assessing the situation and adapting her shots to inflict lethal wounds, as one would expect. This leads to growing concerns from those around her, though none seem prepared to question her directly.

As The Ghost In The Shell Episode 8 ends, we discover that Kusanagi may not have the time she needs to figure out her feelings. Aramaki (Kazuhiro Yamaji, Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls) learns that a recording was made by someone of the Major’s shooting, claiming Section 9 to be an assassination squad. Someone is out to get them, and they are already making their move. 

The Ghost In The Shell Episode 8 skillfully sets up its lead’s current state of mind and the next plotline, while weaving in lore and tension. Now to see how Section 9 addresses the unfolding crisis. 

The Ghost in the Shell Episode 8 is streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.

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