Ghost in the Shell Arise – Border 2: Ghost Whisper

Watched “Ghost in the Shell Arise – Border: 2 Ghost Whisper” last weekend, the second episode of the new “Ghost in the Shell” series, which proved to be quite entertaining. In fact, enjoyed it more than the first episode.

The overall plot and several key elements of the “Border: 2 Ghost Whisper” episode were reminiscent of the “Ghost in the Shell” movie, especially the artificial intelligence entity that was both a partner to and counterpart of Motoko, it felt similar to the puppet master character plot from the first film.

The subplot with the Logikoma, who stole the show and provided a delightful comedic note, did not feel as if it mimicked the Tachikoma plot from “Ghost in the Shell: Stand-Alone Complex” but more like a precursor of the events that transpire later on in the franchise’s timeline. Which is as it should be, considering “Ghost in the Shell Arise” tells the story of how Section 9 is formed.

Am unsure how to feel about the battle between Motoko and Batou, where each had one or more of their limbs shot off. No doubt included because of its visual impact as well as the fact that they can afford action scenes where the characters’ cyberbodies take such damage, it clashes somewhat with “Ghost in the Shell: Stand-Alone Complex” where such injuries seemed to have more severe consequences.

While I did tremendously enjoy this episode, still do lament the animation style that studio Production IG uses for “Ghost in the Shell Arise” as well as the quality level achieved, which in my personal opinion does not do this stellar franchise justice.