GITS: SAC Solid State Society

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is going into the third season; Solid State Society


Holy shit. My life has meaning. :3

Ghost in the Shell was a revolutionary movie at the time, and when intentions were announced to create a series out of the movie, I (like many) was skeptical. Usually when a series is spawned from a movie (especially an AWESOME movie) it doesn't end well (see: Blood+ then vomit). But the Stand Alone Complex series fires on all cylinders, and may even bypass the movie. (blasphemy!)

Stand Alone Complex follows a secretive government agency in future Japan called Section 9, which engages in black OPs, and information warfare. The series usually begins with unrelated cases that hint at a larger scheme, and the late season finishes the larger plot.

The greatest strength of this series is that it doesn't insult your intelligence like most anime does. While it is possible to simply tune out and enjoy the action, direction, and artwork of the series, following the story is far more rewarding (though admittedly more difficult). Since Section 9 is a black government agency, there are constant power struggles from different factions within and without the government. Misdirection, misdeeds, and misuses are constantly keeping the different parties on their toes. When the larger plot is revealed it's not a series of splashes of paint that (when you blur your eyes a little) reveal the larger picture. Instead, each brush stroke is carefully planned out to develop the picture while confusing or misleading onlookers. When the larger plot is revealed, you'll be amazed at how well they developed the progression that lead to its discovery.

Along the way, bits of the characters' history, motivation, and challenges are revealed seamlessly, instead of as a wedged-in soliloquy voice-over that takes up half the episode as in most (bad and mediocre) anime. Single episodes that have little or no effect on the overall plot fit in seamlessly, and usually challenge the viewer in a different way. Some episodes consist entirely of characters talking, trying to figure out how incidents are related, while others explore the intentions and motivations of characters who will never appear in the series again. An episode followed an unknown man's thoughts through his job as a helicopter pilot for a government official. He dreamed of being more than the small man he had become, and thought of how he had come to this point in his life while recounting some history of the refugees. These stories do not disappoint.

The episodic plots deal with very serious subject matter, and are certainly not intended for children. Heady episodes covering adult topics, and brutal animation and artwork will surprise you. Episodes cover child slave trade, plight of war, death, torture, and personal loss. Good direction keeps you enthralled with twists in the plot, while delivering unexpected kicks in the stomach. Just when you think you know what's going on, another carefully crafted layer of depth is revealed, and you are left wondering again. These layers are developed smoothly, and revealed in a manner confluent with previous events that leave you wondering why you didn't see the connection earlier.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex will challenge, and reward you.

Catch it on Netflix or rent is so you can make your decision before buying the series.