¡Ghost in the Shell is back.! After two long years, Netflix has released the 12 episodes that comprise the second season of SAC_2045, which brings this new installment of the franchise to a close. After a mixed reception to the first season, many may wonder: Was it worth the wait? Let's discover it.
As is usually the case, this article is spoiler-free, so you can read it without fear of it spoiling the plot twists. That being said, let's begin. Let's go!
What is the second season of Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045 about?
Major Motoko Kusanagi and Section 9 continue the search for the 'post-human' Takashi Shimamura, now the leader of a group of refugees known as 'N'. Meanwhile, in the ruins of Tokyo, the plan of the 'post-humans' threatens the entire world. Will Section 9 be able to stop them? Or will it be too late?
During this season, little by little the loose ends that were left from the first season are being resolved. Specifically, the ultimate objective of the 'post-humans' and Togusa's whereabouts, while at the same time raising new questions, the main one being the mystery behind the mission of the group 'N'. The above rests on good pacing, which grabs and maintains the viewer's interest from the first minute to the last.
Also, true to its roots, this new Ghost in the Shell installment once again raises a social commentary about war, power, and the evolution of humanity—issues that are very close to everyone, and even more so given the current state of the world. But the reflection is not carried out in a depressing tone; on the contrary, it is about hope for the future and the ability of human beings to move forward.
Analysis
Before starting, it is advisable to have seen. the first season of the series or, alternatively, the compilation film Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045-Sustainable War, since the story is resumed immediately without providing a summary of the events up to this moment.
One good thing about this new installment of Ghost in the Shell is that it goes straight to the point. In the first season there were six introductory episodes before introducing the 'post-humans', so the last six were a bit chaotic in showing a lot of information in so little time, without giving the audience the opportunity to fully absorb it.
On the other hand, the second season starts straight into the action, introducing characters and situations that will be developing throughout the story. Also, this season has a factor that is always present: the tension. The stakes are very high this time, and the members of Section 9 know it better than anyone, especially Motoko, who was the first to connect with a 'post-human' and knows how dangerous they can become.
One of the central characters of this season is Purin Esaki, who has undergone significant development throughout history, becoming a fundamental part of the fight against the post-humans, and proving their worth on the Major's team. Thus, it goes from being just a comic relief to an important member of the Ghost in the Shell cast.
But the development Purin has does not compensate for the complete lack of development that the new 'post-human' has, against whom Section 9 faces: Suzuka Mizukane.
Mentioned in the first season, she makes her appearance during the first episode of the second season, being a formidable enemy for the Major and her companions. However, it does not have its own personality or motivation, being only a companion to Takashi Shimamura, who bears the burden of being the villain in this installment of Ghost in the Shell.
In the technical section, the animation made a big leap. Learning from the mistakes of the first season, Production I.G. and Sola Digital Arts They improved several aspects of the series, doing justice to the Ghost in the Shell name.
For example, the characters look more detailed, and their movements make them look less stiff. This change is more noticeable with respect to the fights, where the blows and acrobatics performed by the characters as they face off stand out, giving the series a greater sense of excitement.
Another area where there was also an improvement was with regard to the camera, since in the chase scenes and in the gunfight scenes we follow the action closely, which makes these moments more immersive and gripping. Although I should mention that the gunfire effects look somewhat odd up close, they are not something that detracts from the rest of the animation work.
Last but not least, the series' soundtrack plays an essential role, both in action scenes and in quiet scenes, allowing a greater connection to what is shown on screen. This is more noticeable during tense moments, which we feel as our own through the background music.
Also, even though Netflix offers the option to skip the intro, that is, the opening, is something that should not be done. In homage to one of the most iconic scenes in the entire Ghost in the Shell franchise, passing through several animated landscapes that suggest a connection between the virtual world and the physical world, while the song plays in the background.Secret Ceremony» (performed by Millennium Parade), they make it a unique piece within the entire series.
As a fun fact, the opening version Netflix uses is different from the one available on YouTube: while the final version uses the lyrics of the second part of the song, the YouTube version uses the lyrics of the first part.
Conclusion
The second season of Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045 gives a satisfying ending to the plot that began two years ago, without being a definitive closure for the franchise, allowing new stories to be told in this universe. Although the series has a strong focus on action, the story and development do not lag behind, managing to keep you hooked from the first chapter to the last. Considering all of the above, this release is a good addition to the long-running franchise.
Now we want to hear from you: Have you seen the new season yet? Are you all in agreement? What is your favorite moment from Ghost in the Shell? Raizel bids farewell, and we are reading each other.
© Masamune Shirow · Production I.G / Kodansha · Ghost in the Shell 2045 Production Committee
