Summary
- A2 sacrifices herself to save 9S, but Pods rebel to revive them both in a new life.
- Ending E involves players fighting credits; Pods 042 and 153 play key roles in the anime.
- Accord may be A2, connecting the series to Drakengard's concept of alternate timelines.
The following contains spoilers for episode 24 of NieR Automata Ver1.1a, now streaming on Crunchyroll.
9S and A2 have an intense battle while simultaneously hacking each other. 9S attempts to use A2's guilt against her, but she resolves to sacrifice herself to give him a chance at redemption and freedom. In the process, she's brought face to face with one of the Red Girls, who stands beside the souls of the deceased machine lifeforms. She explains that there's an ark that will be set to take off in outer space, in hopes of discovering new land, and makes the offer to A2.
A2 decides against it and uses her own body to transfer 9S's infection to hers, killing her in the process. With the YoRHa project technically "completed", the Pods are then tasked with disposing of the remaining android corpses. But as this is a sad resolution, Pods 042 and 153 rebel against this and restore 9S and 2B, granting them a chance at a new life. Meanwhile, a familiar android makes her appearance.
NieR Automata Ver1.1a Episode 23: The Cycle of Love and Hatred
As the final battle looms, the origin of YoRHa comes to light. What does this mean for 2B and 9S?
Defying Fate
Though the situation plays out similarly to the game and A2 sacrifices herself, the anime takes further liberties to expand on what happens afterward. In Ending D, during the credits, Pod 042 suggests that there must be another way for the story to end, prompting a question that asks the player if they want a different outcome. If the player accepts, this leads into Ending E, where the player has to fight the credits in order to win. This is purposely made to be extremely difficult, so with each hit that's taken, the game taunts the player while asking them if they want to continue.
Ultimately, other players' save files can help and serve as protection while you beat the game. Shortly before the final scene, you are made the offer to sacrifice your own save data to help another player - and this will have no impact on the outcome of the game. The anime reveals that it was Pod 042 that rebelled, and the "credits" were other Pods, while Pod 153 served as the other players. Though they win, the two are damaged beyond repair and fulfill their last "mission" on their own terms: revive 2B and 9S. Similar to how the player can sacrifice their own saved data.
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Bystander Intervention(?)
It's a happy ending for sure, but curiously, A2 is nowhere to be seen. However, in the final shot, we see Accord, a dimension traveler, walking away from a comatose A2, who sits next to a Lunar Tear, before she winks at the audience. This leaves room for speculation: is there more? In the official Blu-ray box sets for NieR Automata Ver1.1a, there is text that resembles notes taken by different characters. One of them, from Accord, is of note:
Scheduled Report on YoRHa Unit 2B.
2B, the subject of observation for this assignment, is relatively silent for typical YoRHa units. Due to the nature of this mission, she is often paired with 9S. Yet, 2B rarely speaks, responding to 9S's chatter only with “Sure,” “Um,” or,”yes.” However, her somber demeanor has captured 9S's heart. Throughout all ages and all cultures, it is said that when a man sees the mirage of a woman like this, he desires to pursue her. Let's remember that, if 2B is purposefully behaving as such, it is bad. And if she is doing it unconsciously, it is even worse.
This will be added to the Association's agenda for next time.
But if her behavior is out of guilt for her role, there is nothing we can do.
I feel very, very sorry for her.
In Drakengard 3, Accord intervenes in Branch D, helping Zero defeat One, to ensure that humanity will be safe, despite being instructed not to meddle. In the end, after the Intoners are sealed away, Accord suggests that Zero may still be alive in another timeline or branch. Given A2's similarities to Zero, and Accord being in the final shot, it may be safe to assume that A2 is Zero. As Drakengard 3 explores the concept of different endings all being canon to different timelines, it could be argued that NieR Automata Ver1.1a is in fact that different branch.
The episode is also named Alternative [E]den, instead of, [E]nd of YoRHa, insinuating that there is a chance to start anew. Applying this to the references to NieR Re[in]carnation, we can debate that this is part of the latter's ending when it's implied the possibility of humans' reincarnation on Earth.
Suffice to say, most players would be pleased with NieR Automata Ver1.1a, but it will surely be an unforgettable experience. Going by the legacy of the very first game in the entire franchise, Drakengard, this adaptation could be remembered for 10 years at least.
- Release Date
- January 8, 2023
- Directors
- Ryouji Masuyama
- Writers
- Ryouji Masuyama, Yoko Taro
Cast
-
Yui Ishikawa -
Natsuki Hanae
WHERE TO WATCH
Based on the video game developed by PlatinumGames and Square Enix, NieR: Automata 1.1a is an adaptation that centers around members of a special android force created by Humanity in the distant future. In the year 5012, with Humanity at the brink of extinction and Earth all but claimed by Alien invaders with Machine Lifeforms, Humanity launches a counterattack to reclaim the planet. 9S, an elite attack unit, is sent to convene with an analysis unit known as 9S to eradicate the threat. But as the two learn about the world and themselves, they ponder the meaning of existence and whether they're more than just weapons of destruction.
