Togusa being in jail? That was the plan too, as he's a natural human with implants, so he was kept out of everything and kept alive because of that and having a family. #GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex

Yep, Section 9's back, the government official at the root of all this is yapping about everything, and our heroes are back to being under cover at being KINDA public. Yep, that "Under the bus" thing? Pure bullshit. #GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex

The focus on Togusa is actually a good narrative device for the final episode of this season. Togusa always kinda acted as the audience surrogate so it makes sense to piece together stuff from his perspective.
#GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex #Episode26 #AnimeRetroRewatch @digiranma.bsky.social

Just as he's about to go up and add move to the Laughing Man mythos...

"Put your hands up nice and slow!"

...Batou shows up and says "Hey, we got some friends that wanna see ya." #GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex

Oh, and to top it all off? He's dressed in a blue hoodie and cargo shorts.

Yep. Togusa has gone full Laughing Man. And I don't mean the original. #GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex

Well, the good news is that the government guy at the center of this? Busted. The bad news...well, I made that Taxi Driver gag for a reason...because while the guy's caught...Togusa would prefer the gun. #GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex

Togusa doesn't buy everything that the public was told...considering how long he's been in Section 9 and how good of a detective he is, that's a given...and it's been 3 months since everything.

Hey, remember that Taxi Driver comparison? #GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex

So, how does the government spin this thing? Well, like I said, this whole plan is revolved around the election & gotta make the voters YOU want think THEY won.

Section 9 was killed because they were ready to overthrow the government!

...wait, how's that bad? #GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex

"MOTOKOOOOOO!!!!"
Holy FUCK!!!!
#GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex #Episode25 #AnimeRetroRewatch @digiranma.bsky.social

We then jump to Togusa who's been out of jail for a while...and sulking...kinda like how that lead guy in Taxi Driver did. #GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex

We open with shortly after the Major's "Death," her mind is now in the net and talking with The Laughing Man about everything.

Again, I'm smiling at this because of what happened IRL. #GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex

HOLY CRAP! The UST between Batou and the Major at the end of this episode!
#GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex #Episode25 #AnimeRetroRewatch @digiranma.bsky.social

Up next, the grand finale. The plan went belly up due to "election year," Aramaki will only accept his team back if he agrees to the plan...annnnnnnnnnnd they're either dead or captured. What's next? "Public Security Section 9, Once Again – STAND ALONE COMPLEX" #GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex

"This body has always suited me...no other will do."
The fandom DEMANDS it!
#GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex #Episode25 #AnimeRetroRewatch @digiranma.bsky.social

We, somehow, get Tachikoma Days as we turn the 3 heroes into a parody of an action show intro. #GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex

I'm gonna save it for my final thoughts as the finale is more linked to this part than the previous one. #GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex

The Major and Batou look like they're about to fly outta the country...but the group got wind and are ready to---

*BANG*

---and have blown the Major's head off, complete with Batou calling her her real name, Motoko an---hey, where's her watch? #GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex

Batou gives the Major her watch from the OG safe house and the two talk about what's next...while 500 ships go off in the distance. #GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex

"Wait right here until we get back okay?"
I'm having burning Going Merry flashbacks!
#GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex #Episode25 #AnimeRetroRewatch @digiranma.bsky.social

Turns out the Major has a new body...the little boy's body that followed the one Tachikoma that started all of this a few eps back. This whole thing made her realize one thing: They acquired ghosts...aka souls. #GhostInTheShell #StandAloneComplex