Batou is always around. For Major Motoko Kusanagi he is a kind of angel guardian, even though this perfect Amazon does not seem to need any angels or guardians. Still, whenever Motoko is naked, Batou covers her shoulders with his jacket. Masamune Shirow admitted that Batou is visually based on Steven Seagal. He is so plain, so straightforward. However, as for the feelings and views, Batou is a representation of Mamoru Oshii’s own inner universe. So Batou’s affection towards Motoko is a continuation of Oshii’s feelings towards her.
There is a mysterious object, which is somehow connected to the invisible ties that unite Motoko with Batou. It is Major Kusanagi’s watch. Why on earth a cyborg would need a watch? Chronometer is certainly present within Motoko’s cyberbrain. However, she is constantly shown to be attached to her watch, especially in scenes that tie her together with Batou. In episode 11 of the Stand Alone Complex we see Motoko Kusanagi look at her watch several times. At the end of the episode, when Motoko challenges Batou to single combat, she takes her watch off, and we realize that it is her treasured possession that she would never jeopardize in a combat. As you certainly remember, Batou preferred to punch himself into the face rather than hurt Motoko in any way. In episode 25 Batou finds Motoko’s secret apartment and recovers her watch. It is only in this scene that we have a chance to see all Major’s treasures on her bedside table. I interpret them to be her watch, contact lenses, deodorant and comb (feel free to express your own interpretations in the comments). The end of this episode is the only instance of Motoko’s intimacy with Batou. We clearly see their affection towards each other; but we also feel they will never be together. Batou will always remain Motoko Kusanagi’s angel guardian whom she values but whom she does not really need.
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I always interpreted the Batou punch at the end of the episode to represent the Major's ability to hack and she made him punch himself. Her comment at the end (of the America version) was something about always using your head over brawn... and as long as that wins she'll stay in a female chassis. *shrug*
ReplyDeleteI agree it is implied she has affection for him, and he would follow her anywhere she would allow him to go on the romantic side. If she were to fall for someone, I don't know that it would be Batou though, however sad that train of thought maybe.
Yeah... I agree with the above comment: Batou didn't willingly punch himself in the face. Motoko hacked him lol.
ReplyDeleteRegarding a romantic relationship, however, I don't really think it's sad. I quite like them remaining platonic - it has an endearing, somewhat sibling quality about it.
In direct regards to the blog post: I think this short analysis is missing some important consideration for scenes and dialogue from 2nd Gig which deal heavily with the relationship between Batou and Motoko. Perhaps a Motoko Kusanagi and Batou Part 2 is in order? :)
I also agree with the comments above. It is Motoko hacking into him.
ReplyDeleteYeah, she does hack him. It's her way of explaining that physical strength isn't as important as control.
ReplyDeleteyup, figured the comments would cover what I was thinking.......her hacking him was the point of that whole scene
ReplyDelete@ Anon
ReplyDeleteAs far as romance goes, 2nd GIG focused a lot heavily on Motoko and Kuze. The relationship between Motoko and Batou wasn't all that fleshed out; it was more so showing Batou's unrequited love, and Motoko's affection towards Kuze.