The opening episode of Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG finds a disbanded Section 9 quietly back together and off the books, until a hostage crisis at the Chinese Embassy hands the team a chance to earn back its official standing.
Summary
Two years on from the forced breakup that the Umibozu imposed, the members of Section 9 have quietly reassembled, rebuilt their base, and slipped back into their old work as a cyber-warfare strike unit. They do so without state approval, since the Special Forces Restriction Bill had split them apart. That gray-zone status is upended when a tower housing the Chinese Embassy falls to a militant cell that calls itself the Individual Eleven.
Key Events
The attackers grab hostages and demand that the prime minister announce an end to the Refugee Special Action Policy. When the Special Assault Team moves in, the operation collapses and one of its officers is taken prisoner inside the building. With a deadline set and executions threatened, the recently elected Yoko Kayabuki turns to Aramaki, ordering Section 9 to retake the tower and pledging to restore the unit's legal standing if it can finish the job without losing any of the carefully positioned captives.
Section 9 clears the situation cleanly, saving every hostage, and is reinstated as a sanctioned law enforcement body.
Notes
Carrying the subtitle REEMBODY, the installment was directed by Masaki Tachibana and written by Yoshiki Sakurai. It first aired in Japan on January 1, 2004, and reached English audiences on November 19, 2005, launching the 2nd GIG season ahead of Well-Fed Me.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in "Reactivation," the first episode of Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG?
"Reactivation" opens with Section 9 quietly reassembled two years after being forcibly disbanded, operating without state approval until a hostage crisis at the Chinese Embassy gives the team a chance to earn back its official standing.
Who takes the Chinese Embassy hostage in "Reactivation"?
In "Reactivation," a militant group calling itself the Individual Eleven seizes a tower housing the Chinese Embassy and demands that the prime minister end the Refugee Special Action Policy.
How does Section 9 get reinstated in "Reactivation"?
Newly elected Prime Minister Yoko Kayabuki orders Section 9 to retake the embassy tower and promises to restore its legal standing if the team can succeed without losing any hostages, which Section 9 does, clearing the situation and saving everyone.
Who directed "Reactivation"?
"Reactivation" was directed by Masaki Tachibana and written by Yoshiki Sakurai. It carries the subtitle REEMBODY and opens the S.A.C. 2nd GIG season.
When did "Reactivation" air?
"Reactivation" first aired in Japan on January 1, 2004, and reached English-speaking audiences on November 19, 2005, ahead of the following episode, "Well-Fed Me."
Sources & Information
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View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the Ghost in the Shell anime series, manga, and official materials. Ghost in the Shell was created by Masamune Shirow, published by Kodansha, and animated by Production I.G. All rights to Ghost in the Shell and its characters belong to their respective owners. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
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- Created byMasamune Shirow
- Published byKodansha
- Animated byProduction I.G
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