English Dub Review: NieR:Automata Ver1.1a “deb[U]nked”

Overview

While accompanying unit A2 in visiting at the request of Lily to procure materials, a large number of hostile machine lifeforms is observed advancing toward the area. Unable to detect command units from this enemy group. The reason for the enemy’s advance is currently unknown. Until the Robot villager Pascal returns to the front lines to help A2 and the harmless machine lifeforms. Meanwhile, 9S visits the “Soul Box”…


Our Take

This episode deepens the emotional journeys of two key characters as they each confront difficult truths. One character learns more about the connections between their world and those they previously viewed as enemies, building unexpected bonds through shared struggles. The other faces a crisis of identity, dealing with painful revelations that challenge everything they thought they knew. As they continue their separate paths, both characters experience growth, but also isolation and confusion.

The action sequences remain strong, with one character showing incredible strength and determination in a critical battle. Meanwhile, the other continues down a darker road, grappling with intense emotions and the weight of their newfound knowledge. Despite the action, the episode carries a sense of tragedy, with losses that hit hard and make the characters’ journeys feel even more significant.

Overall, this episode blended emotional depth with intense action with a touch of drama, setting the stage for an impactful conclusion. The themes continue to explore stuff I’d never expect in the episode such as the best and worst of humanity, identity, sacrifice, and trust while raising the stakes for what’s to come in the last four episodes…