Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG Episode 26 Discussion

MarkMont said:
I like the 2nd gig more than the 1st gig because in the 1st gig there are quite a number of fillers that I found boring unlike in the 2nd gig there is almost no fillers. 10/10

TopgunUK said:

If Japan and the American Empire became a coalition that would put pressure on China and/ or the Ameri-Soviet Union, triggering an arms race between the superpowers and a new Cold War.

It was Gouda's intention to have such a Cold War in the first place because Article 9 of Japan's constitution limits the size of its army meaning that while The American Empire and its rivals are building up their arms Japan can prosper and benefit economically in the same way it did during the first Cold War.

Full_anime_Fan said:
That was quite a gory ending to Gouda’s play. 
As for Kuze, his dialogue on abandoning the refugees without cyberbrain was quite disturbing for the revolutionary “hero” status he gained from the refugees themselves despite being a japanese. I want to believe that he managed to upload his memories/ghost or whatever he wanted to, before the micromachines attack on him so that the public can understand his stand as well. That was still quite the crazy plan though.

That’s an interesting take on gouda’s motives. I always thought that he was acting out like that because of his selfish motives fuelled by his inferiority complex and created a civil war like situation to prove his capabilities so that he can defect to american empire where his talents are more recognised.

Also as a rewatcher the series still managed to fool me onto thinking that Chief Secretary-Gouda-other ministries like Defence was conspiring together to isolate the refugees and escalate the situation but it seems they were standalone too each with their own interests. I feel like contradicting myself here.

Overall I spent a nice time in my rewatch of 1st SAC and 2nd GIG and it cemented the series as my all time favourite anime despite some flaws here and there, mostly being on the animation side.

TachikomaShiki said:
Thanks for the reply TopgunUK. I went back and watched this scene once again and damn, you're absolutely right about the way in which Motoko is sitting, you can see it just before that scene when the view is zoomed out but the next view shots look as though she's suddenly facing out the side of the helicopter and looking out to the sea. Man, that was confusing but makes more sense now!

I did read about her being surprised that Kuze took a bite out of the apple but I just didn't feel that's what it was. I can't imagine Motoko reacting like that at that moment, just seems a bit weird to me if that was the reason but who knows, I guess it's possible. I've seen it dubbed many times but the English subtitles to the Japanese version seem to read 'You' whereas in the dub, it is 'You are'.

Kuze's expression here just seems odd too like he's no longer himself or something, seems like a statue in a way. Yeah I know it's all over for him now so how'll you expect him to look but, something doesn't look right at all. I remember him moving his mouth in one of the earlier episodes (EP12 I believe) when he grew impatient asking for a copy of the Individual Eleven from the men he was with in the van so that's probably why I didn't ever consider him taking a bite out the apple being strange. As difficult as it may be for him, it would be very possible if he wanted, I've always thought.

Pretty crazy how much this tiny little thing has me thinking haha At least the scene isn't as confusing now. But then, what was Batou randomly looking a- never mind.