C&C - Ghost in the Shell - "Meme" [12/11]

[The Landstander]

More like Youyou.

[livingfruitvirus]

he got shotted

[Demonic Raven]

Very interesting. The Laughing Man dies, but his cause(i.e virus) lives on.

[Juu-kuchi]

Wow, talk about one hell of an assassination attempt...

...and I <3 the Tachikomas.

[Arcturus]

Super rad. Interesting and action packed, just the way I like them. What was up with that dude on the motorcycle though? Was the Tachikoma just being cute when it said it caught the Laughing Man?

[PaQ]

I didn't see enough to get a real feel for the episode, but looks like they've kept it pretty realistic, with the aspect of copycat crimes and that sort. I'll have to watch it again for full effect. :anime:

[Fresh V]

Man, this episode was tight!!:D It's the best yet. The beginning started off with a bang, and it actually never went downhill from there. It kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. Definately my favorite episode so far.

My favorite part was at the beginning when the chaos first started. I was just like "Wow, am I seeing clearly?". Lol. Oh, and I totally digged the ending with the Yoko Kanno music in the background. One of my favorite songs on the GitS OST.

So when does this "laughing man" thing end? Is next week the last one? Anyway, the first two laughing man episodes were interesting, but I have to say this episode was the best out of those and out of all the other episodes so far. And *gasp!!* Motoko had that jacket on the whole episode!!:eek:

I give "Meme" an A+............ And what the hell does "Meme" mean?!:p

[Mog]

I know what it means, but here's the official definition from Dictionary.com:
Meme- A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another.

The epsidode was awesome, the best so far. I'm liking GitS more than FMA, but that will probably change in a few weeks.

A+

edit: This is an even better definition. Dictionary.com is really working overtime.
"meme

/meem/ n. [coined by analogy with `gene', by Richard
Dawkins] An idea considered as a replicator, esp. with the
connotation that memes parasitize people into propagating them much
as viruses do. Used esp. in the phrase `meme complex' denoting a
group of mutually supporting memes that form an organized belief
system, such as a religion. This lexicon is an (epidemiological)
vector of the `hacker subculture' meme complex; each entry might be
considered a meme. However, `meme' is often misused to mean `meme
complex'. Use of the term connotes acceptance of the idea that in
humans (and presumably other tool- and language-using sophonts)
cultural evolution by selection of adaptive ideas has superseded
biological evolution by selection of hereditary traits. Hackers
find this idea congenial for tolerably obvious reasons."

[PickHut]

That was pretty intense at the beginning, with all those people trying to kill the guy. You didn't know when the next person was gonna pop out and what they were gonna do. And it was still pretty watchable after all the action died down (not trying to say action is what makes an episode good), but it seemed to die out right towards the end.

Anyway, I give Meme a B+.

[Nik Jam]

I.. don't know.. I want to see this again.

PROJECTED B+

[thedigitalsin]

This isn't the end. It's just the beginning of the Laughing Man arc (which continues throughout the first season).

As for the Tachikoma saying it caught the Laughing Man, it really believed it had caught the real Laughing Man.

[Karl Olson]

Nice episode, good pace, nice and strange little concepts are being put forth, but I know it gets way more interesting and intense from here. Later episodes are worth me writing expository essays. Therefore, this is a B episode for me.

[lostrune]

1. As I keep saying, Laughing Man = Cigarette Smoking Man. This arc really feels like an X-File. :D

2. The Major sports a skirt with a high slit there. :sweat:

3. The old man laughing with a hat looks a like the Laughing Man logo. ;)

4. "Standalone Complex" = "copies without an original." :ack:

5. If you noticed, it seems all the cars in the parking lot are packed "end first." I think it's that way in Japan. :)

[True Noir]

Wow, talk about one hell of an assassination attemp....
Oh... yeh. One right after another. Kind of like a neverending nightmare. When that guy killed the laughing man, I was really stoked. I mean, the laughing man is dead but his horrific man-made virus lives on. That scene in which the old guy and the major was talking to the guy that kept nearly getting assasinated was pretty interesting. I think that guy that kept nearly getting assassinated probably set up the entire thing. Eh... maybe I'm wrong, but I get the feeling that he knew that something behind the whole scam.


"Standalone Complex" = "copies without an original." +


Meme- A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another. Ding! Ding! Ding!I see a connection.

[Majin_Megabyte]

Man this episode was really good. I agree when the chaos begins kick so much ass, that I thought it pretty cool. The Major was pretty hot in her skirt outfit. I'm liking this show more and more each week. I will say that near the end of the episode was kinda creepy me off with all the laughing man mechendise, and with Motoko look pretty freak out.

[Master Moron]

This was the first episode of this show that didn't nearly put me to sleep. Which is strange...since I didn't get any sleep the night before...I should have been dead tired...could this show actually be growing on me?

[Youko Recca]

This week's episode beat out Fullmetal Alchemist pretty good. The characters just...won't stop...for anyone.....and I love it. No standing around and discussing crap. Thank god these people are impatient.

[The Landstander]

I liked it again. =( The "twist" on the Laughing Man story was neat; changed the whole story around. I think I'm one of the few who like this more than FMA so far.

[Deadly Messiah]

But the Nanano (was that his name?) is not the Laughing Man. Remember, he even admitted that he would probably get blamed as being the LM.

Anyway, I'm in the mood to watch my DVDs over again, especially the LM eps (all 5 thus far).

[Stewie]

This was the first episode of this show that didn't nearly put me to sleep [...] could this show actually be growing on me?I was thinking the same thing.


I think I'm one of the few who like this more than FMA so far.I was thinking the same thing.

[True Noir]

I liked it again. =( The "twist" on the Laughing Man story was neat; changed the whole story around. I think I'm one of the few who like this more than FMA so far.I'm with you. FMA is a great show. One of the best I've seen, but I like Standalone a lot more than FMA. I just think the complex and unique story just pulls me towards GITS more than FMA. And you can't forget about the characters. They're so....different and unpredictable.

[Fresh V]

I'm not sure which show I like more. They're both great, but I think I'm liking GitS a little more. This episode was a great boost up from the last 2.

[Deadly Messiah]

While FMA is a good show, it is no where near as good as this. FMA just really isn't my type of anime.

[Schism]

Nanao Ei is NOT the Laughing Man.

[Jaguar]

Count me in as another one of those people who likes this more than FMA. I swear, this show has just surprised me. I think I have a crush on Motoko, too.

You didn't read that.
A+

[Kesh]

This show rocks. :D

Man, what a complex plot! We have a guy who's only in it because he can claim to be the Laughing Man, even though he's not. And, of course, he's a patsy that gets killed.

A virus on one guy close to the Minister, with an attack barrier designed to hit anyone who tries to copy it. Ow. And then the other 'assassins' who apparently were not brainwashed nor compelled by the program... yeah, right.

There's some kind of conspiracy going on here... someone using this Laughing Man persona as a front for their real agenda. I don't think killing the Minister is it, though... he's just a target of opportunity for this agenda.

Mmph. Must... see... more! :anime:

[Solitude1]

Someone please tell me that song that played at the end! That was awesome.

The whole ep was pretty intense minus the end. GITS: SAC has yet to disappoint me.:cool:

Plus I'm really digging the whole conspiracy arc.

A+

[nothing]

Someone please tell me that song that played at the end! That was awesome.

the open theme is "inner universe" and ending theme is "lithium flower."

[MeggieMay]

Someone please tell me that song that played at the end! That was awesome.

The whole ep was pretty intense minus the end. GITS: SAC has yet to disappoint me.:cool:

Plus I'm really digging the whole conspiracy arc.

A+nothing is correct on the OP/ED names and both are on the First OST Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex OST 1 and it is available in a US release (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00020VZVQ/qid=1102987659/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/103-4552387-9878215/toonzone03) at $14.98 SRP(there is also a import release that cost $47.49, so keep that in mind). "inner universe" is Track 11 and "lithium flower" is Track 9. However, if you are asking about the song that was playing over the last scene (where the Major and her boss are walking out to his car and the Major is noticing the Laughing Man logos that were all around her), then the song is "velveteen" (Track 8, OST 1).

Hope that helps you out :).

[Vallen Valiant]

Good day from Down Under!

Just thought I might list a few clues/red herrings concerning the laughing man that has already been aired on American tv.

(Yes, I know the true of the laughing man, and no, I am not telling.)
These are merely the collection of the facts & speculations given so far:

Fact:

Laughing man (LM) first appeared 6 years ago on national TV

LM is very skilled

A micromachine-medical company was the first target

No more physical appearance since, 7 companies blackmailed via viruses. Stock prices were influenced.
LM disappeared after that.

The LM logo became a symbol, an icon of some kind. Merchandise became widely available. LM become a legend.

A fake LM was set up using someone wanting to be famous.

The plan was to cause a (intentially failed) minor assasination attempt. Super-intendant General (SG) was in on it (you hear him talking about the plot 'going out of hand' in the hospitial.)

The fake LM message to kill the SG triggered 'something', as those who believe in the LM cause, all decided to 'help' the LM. (Note: most copycats were armed, and had therefore intended to kill the SG way before the fake LM sent his virus.)

What is that 'something'?

You will know what that is some day... when they actually explain it in several episodes' time.

Speculations:

LM is someone who was greedy.

LM is someone who was anti-establishment, and was unhappy with society.

LM is a group of Cyber-terrorists (official stance took by the government reports after this episode.)

LM is a group of people who performs acts under LM's name, without any organisation between each other. (stance took by a man on TV in the previous episode, when Motoko was in her friend's house)

LM never existed, and is born out of the Stand-alone complex. (More explanations in the future for this view)

[beren]

I like sac better then fma, after watching it I have to walk around because my mind is so full of wierd ****, I have to work through it before I can do anything else.

[Sampo]

http://home.hawaii.rr.com/wizardgrey/images/GitS-SAC/sm1.jpghttp://home.hawaii.rr.com/wizardgrey/images/GitS-SAC/sm2.jpg


Batou and Togusa track finally track down Nanao, but they find him dead with a grin on his face. Back at the conference, chaos errupts as the laughing man virus attacks on of the guards protecting Daido... The major quickly subdues the threat, but finds someone is copying the laughing man virus. Suddenly various individuals try to kill the superintendent but with the help of Section 9, Daido survives. When everything finally calms down, the effects of the laughing man could be seen widespread. Are people thinking that the laughing man is the "In" thing or is something sinister slowly working its way through the masses of people. Also Daido... was it all staged to make it look like he was in danger?

Not much else to comment on. When I watched this episode, I was blown away. Seeing random people attacking the superintendent really made it appear that the virus had spread and affected the people there. What would be a worse fate, living out your life in fear wondering who would walk up to you and put a bullet through your head. It could be your wife, mail man, heck even a kid. But when you think about it, the clues don't add up. If that was a spontaneous response, how did these people have guns? That security guard that pulled out that gun had a clear shot, why did his aim waver? Also that little scene of Daido with the Major and Aramaki makes it look like Daido is up to something.

Oh well. Screen caps be here. (http://home.hawaii.rr.com/wizardgrey/GitS-SAC.htm) No pans this time around though.



...
2. The Major sports a skirt with a high slit there. :sweat:
...
Actually she ripped up her skirt while running towards Daido when she spoted on of the guards going crazy.



...
3. The old man laughing with a hat looks a like the Laughing Man logo. ;)
...
Especially with his teeth missing :D



...
5. If you noticed, it seems all the cars in the parking lot are packed "end first." I think it's that way in Japan. :) You know, I didn't notice that before till you brought it up. LOL, I guess the animators liked them parked "end first".

[SSJPabs]

Hmm well let me join the chorus of saying this is way better than FMA. I find FMA a very generic well done anime in other words B is the best it'll ever get for me. It just has a lower ceiling. I find myself praying AS plays GITS a second time so I can record each episode since I missed a few at the beginning.

A couple of problems with this episode

1)Section 9 - What kind of oversight do they have? It seems like they're calling the shots with officials higher than they are. I find myself hoping they get slapped down. If oversight is this lacking in the future everywhere I'm not sure I want to get there :sad:

2)Why doesn't Laughing Man just hack the people in Section 9? This dovetails a bit with my question 1. How perfect would it be if he took control of the major and made her start killing people or something. That would be great and I'd laugh quite a bit in delight. I find myself siding against the establishment mostly here. Which I guess is the point.

Episode wise, I really enjoyed it! From pacing, to just the right bits of action the only down side is the tachikoma's (or whatever they are) being so childish and being able to cloak so well. Kind of um... yeah it breaks the mood of the show for me.

Anyhow, if GITS makes me concerned about government oversight and such then its obviously doing its job. Best episode yet.

GITS: A-

[Nik Jam]

I really should pay attention to this show more often. As in, not getting up to see what people online are saying about the episodes until commercials. I did that on Saturday and after watching today I realized I didn't really even watch it on Saturday cause I saw so much new things. But that's what kind of show GITS is I guess.

B+

[Paul_Cousins]

This was a very solid episode.

Good plot with solid drama and action. A 5 out 5.

I like in this series how much they had taken from the original GitS manga, characters, mechas, etc.

And I loved Motoko in her military uniform from the original GitS manga.

By the way, I think the (LM brainwashed) guy in the helmet on the motorcycle in the garage was an injoke to a villain from another cyberpunk manga; the AD Police 25:00 Manga (NOT THE ONE Viz translated, but the one with both Japanese and English text in it), the exact villian I am talking about it from the AD Police 25:00 storyline "Suicide Bound". If this is the case, the animations of GitS:Stand Alone Complex have good taste in science fiction.

Finally, something is bothering me about this episdoe, Motoko comment at then end of the episode about the sunset and everything being in the same tint (color), something is telling me in the back of my head that is important, I just cannot seem to figure out why. Maybe it will come to me...

[SirLemming]

This is definitely better than FMA. Not to take anything away from FMA, but... whatever.

This episode rocked even further than the last few. Crazy action, crazy plot, and all kinds of cool little double-take moments like the old guy who looked like the Laughing Man logo.