English Dub Review: Nier: Automata Ver1.1a: “[L]one Wolf”

Overview: Lily (Erica Mendez) discusses her rough past with 2B (Kira Buckland), one that made her the leader of the resistance she is today. 

Our Take: The story behind Lily’s connection to YoRHa isn’t hard to predict based on the flashes of it we’ve gotten. She lost No.2, an android who bears a striking resemblance to 2B and who saved her life. No.2 is a stark contrast to our usual quiet android. She’s an upbeat, caring person and charms, because of how adamantly so she is. It makes her will to save Lily all the more heartfelt, especially in her originally being the only one. 

The approach to Lily’s backstory is formulaic, but the interactions between her resistance group and YoRHa is personal enough to carry it through. Her flashbacks are sweet in the mini moments they share on their mission to destroy a machine server. The hurdle of the trust is also circumvented well in both units being abandoned by their groups, creating a bond.

Unfortunately, the lack of screen time does hurt the group dynamic in how little their relationship is able to develop. That goes especially so for Lily and No.2 as more time spent together would’ve only helped solidify their friendship. 

With that said, the strength of their chemistry and 2’s actions makes their sacrifices, and Lily’s sole survival, impactful enough. It validates Lily’s hatred for YoRHa in the commander’s orders to not send reinforcements. With No.2 alive, a happy reunion seems all too good to be true. However, one can hope, especially with how tragic both No.2 and Lily’s history is.