English Dub Review: Nier: Automata Ver.1.1a: “aji wo [K]utta ?”

Overview: 9S (Kyle McCarley) and 2B (Kira Buckland) are ordered to search for rogue YoRHa agent, 2A (Cherami Leigh) as they take a brief reprieve to spend time with each other. 

Our Take: The investigation into 2A further fan the flames of 9S’s skepticism and unsettling worry about YoRHa. Lily’s own reservations about YoRHa’s mission to kill her sets up her own complex position. 

2B subservience to her superiors’ decisions highlights her lack of independence, spotlighting her own flaws. 9S curiosity about humanity, especially with fun activities, like sea bathing, demonstrates how he’s just as human as 2B. If anything, his ignorant prejudice of machine lifeforms is an even stronger sign of that fact.

Nier’s beautiful theme in Kainé complements the serene beauty, not of the gloomy skies and destroyed city surrounding the sea, but the feelings it evokes in 9S and 2B. Their character designs highlighting their eyes are magnificent in how expressive their entrancement is. He opens her up in a more natural and relaxing way, understanding the compassion she tries to hide. That’s apparent in the Lunar Tear flower she gets for 6O in a sweet gesture, going out of her way to be friendly.  

The mission to rendezvous with Jackass has the number one aspect going for it: Jackass. She’s a charming homicidal weirdo in the greatest way possible and her interactions with 2B always delight, because of that. Her bathing suit fan service just further exemplifies her best qualities in both senses of the word.

9S’s investigation of YoRHa continues to build upon the free will he has that differs from 2B. There is a level of understanding in realizing the commander’s concern for her soldiers as he unravels more about YoRHa’s shadiness. Moreover, 9S’s relationship with 21O demonstrates how emotionally intelligent she is. 21O’s personal hobby while lamenting androids’ cold upbringing and lack of family is a strong reiteration of how deeply personal YoRHa operatives can be, beyond merely 2B and 9S. 

Adam’s impending trap for 9S is effective in the quick glimpses of his ominous looming. Believing it to be 2A, it sets up an intense confrontation between them. On a final note, the alternate ending puppet shows are always a comedic charm. This one continues that trend with it fleshing out the lore of YoRHa’s humanitarian contributions in their building construction and 2B’s adorable fishing hobby.