The essential episodes of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Watch these 15 in order and you've got Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex — each pick states its reason.
- 01
The Foreign Minister and his delegation are kidnapped by android geishas. Motoko Kusanagi and the members of Section 9 rush to the scene and rescue the diplomats. After a continuous investigation, section chief Aramaki discovers that there was a conspiracy surrounding an important military secret file called the Ichinose Report. Could they keep the file from leaving the country?
- 02
Aramaki suspects the Laughing Man Case to be a police hoax. In order to get evidence to back his theory, Section 9 carefully examines Nanao, who is the prime suspect of the Special Investigative Division. At the same time, Kusanagi independently reviews another Laughing Man Case that occurred 6 years earlier. She seems to be onto something, and asks Aramaki if she could guard the Police Commissioner.
- 03
Back on the Net, the reappearance of the Laughing Man was the talk of the day. A dedicated chat room offers a wide range of ideas to help solve the case, and Kusanagi joins in to get to the bottom of it. She then notices someone monitoring the chat room. What caused Kusanagi's uneasiness for such a long time?
- 04
A cruel and strange series of murders has been taking place; its extreme nature and peculiar modus operandi reminding Batou of a mission carried out long ago. Batou tracks down the murderer in order to settle something from the past. What does Batou intend to do?
- 05
An extensive cyber attack on the Ministry of Health and Labor by a hacker leads to the leak of top secret information. The hacker is traced to a vocational training institute for cyber deficient children. Togusa conducts a covert investigation on his own and comes across an astonishing truth.
- 06
Two short stories comprise this omnibus episode. The Tachikoma, who restore memories from bits that remain in the body, goes into town and meet a girl who is looking for a missing dog. The Tachikoma brings back something incredible from a junkyard, which stirs up something within Section 9. How do the Tachikoma define life? And what did the Tachikoma pick up?
- 07
Kidnapped Eka was lost for more than ten years when she was found unchanged on an offshore plant. The coast guard requests Section 9 to investigate the site. Although the plant was located within the boundaries of Japan, outlaws controlled it. Non-cyber and non-cyborg guerrillas give them a hard time. Who is Eka anyway?
- 08
A Chinese assassin named Fem comes to Japan. She has a grudge against Yokose, a well-known billionaire. To achieve her mission, the fascinating killer acquires a deadly weapon, and heads for Yokose's mansion. Section 9 is dispatched to prevent the murder. Kusanagi and Fem run into each other. What did Kusanagi see after the skirmish? "There is a ghost in this country that wanders about. It's a ghost called capitalism."
- 09
The Tachikomas, noticing a slight change in Kusanagi's manners, conclude that they will be disposed of by Section 9. They have a deep discussion over topics such as life, ghosts, AIs and their own raison d'etre. After long arguing, they come up with one decisive strategy, and eventually decide to step into action...
- 10
Batou was sent to the military as an undercover agent to find a spy who was leaking top secret information. He encounters a hitherto undefeated wrestler who was famous for his unique timing and skill of "catching cyborgs off guard". This was until he finally lost a match. Seeing his hero silver medalist in disgrace, Batou explodes with his fists.
- 11
Aramaki and Kusanagi were visiting the UK to attend an international conference on terrorism. Afterwards, Aramaki heads to a bank where an old acquaintance works, and gets involved in a startling incident. Kusanagi tries to rescue Aramaki from outside. Could they predict each other's plans and actions to free Aramaki?
- 12
Cash Eye is a super theft ring that targets corporations. Chairman Tadokoro of Tadokoro Trading receives a warning letter, and asks Section 9 for assistance. Aramaki, for some reason, agrees to help. The warning is related to a party being held by Tadokoro. Kusanagi, clad in an attractive dress, arrives at the party and catches Tadokoro's eager gaze. What is the intention of Kusanagi and Section 9?
- 13
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter Jigabachi AV Digger Wasp goes astray. The pilot is unconscious and an independent AI rejects outside control. Unmanned helicopters gather as though they were induced, and Section 9 is dispatched. Goda, Chief of Staff of the Strategic Influence Research Council, arrives to lead the Section. What are these helicopters trying to do?
- 14
Kusanagi, following Kuze, smuggles into Taiwan and by coincidence saves a boy who was running away from the Mafia. They had no choice but to stay together. Eventually, the hostility gradually diminished, but the boy suddenly disappears. He went alone to deal with the Mafia. Kusanagi mocked his foolishness at first, but as she could not suppress the uneasy feeling welling up in her, she gets ready for action with a bitter smile on her face.
- 15
Kuze eagerly talks about his theory of revolution. Kusanagi seems to get the message. Now that they understand each other, they decide to collaborate. Batou runs around Dejima looking for Kusanagi. Aramaki, on the other hand, desperately tries his hand at some political maneuvering, but the tactical nuclear warhead is launched in the meantime. Is everything going to be burned to the ground? Or would Aramaki's strategy make it on time? How about Goda's ambition? While thoughts conflict each other, the final stage uncovers.
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