86 EIGHTY-SIX: Season 1 (2021)

In the Republic of San Magnolia, a war rages against the Giad Empire, which employs autonomous drones known as "Legion" to attack. The Republic, however, has a secret: it uses a group of people known as the "Eighty-Six," who are marginalized and treated as expendable soldiers. The story begins with the introduction of the protagonist, Shinei Nouzen, a skilled commander of the Eighty-Six, who leads a squadron of young soldiers in the battlefield. They are constantly under threat from the Legion, and their lives are marked by the harsh realities of war.

The narrative shifts to the perspective of Lena, a young handler in the Republic's military. She is responsible for overseeing the Eighty-Six in combat from a distance. Lena is determined to treat the Eighty-Six with respect and humanity, contrasting with the general disdain shown by others in her society. She feels a strong sense of duty to protect them, especially after learning about their plight. Lena's internal conflict grows as she grapples with the reality of her position and the systemic discrimination against the Eighty-Six.

As the story progresses, the Eighty-Six face a devastating battle against the Legion. Shinei and his squad, including his close comrades Raiden and Anju, engage in a fierce confrontation. They utilize their skills and teamwork to fend off the relentless attacks from the Legion. During this battle, they experience significant losses, and the emotional toll of war becomes evident. Shinei's leadership is tested as he struggles to keep his squad alive while dealing with the trauma of losing friends.

Lena, meanwhile, becomes increasingly frustrated with the military's disregard for the Eighty-Six. She begins to communicate with Shinei directly, forming a bond that transcends their societal roles. Their conversations reveal their shared humanity and the deepening connection between them. Lena's determination to change the perception of the Eighty-Six grows stronger, and she starts to take risks to advocate for them within the military hierarchy.

In a pivotal moment, Lena learns about a planned operation that could lead to the annihilation of the Eighty-Six. She takes a stand against her superiors, arguing for the lives of the soldiers she has come to care for. Despite facing backlash, Lena's resolve leads her to devise a plan to warn Shinei and his squad about the impending danger. This act of defiance marks a turning point in her character, as she fully embraces her role as an ally to the Eighty-Six.

As the conflict escalates, the Eighty-Six are sent on a mission that leads them deep into enemy territory. They encounter a formidable Legion unit, and the battle becomes increasingly desperate. Shinei's tactical acumen is put to the test as he devises strategies to outmaneuver the enemy. The squad faces overwhelming odds, and the emotional weight of their situation becomes palpable as they confront their mortality.

During the climax of the battle, the squad suffers heavy casualties. Anju and Raiden are killed, leaving Shinei devastated and filled with guilt. The loss of his friends pushes him to the brink, and he questions the purpose of their fight. This moment of despair is juxtaposed with Lena's growing determination to save the Eighty-Six, as she continues to advocate for their rights and humanity.

In the aftermath of the battle, Shinei is left to grapple with the loss and the futility of their struggle. He becomes more withdrawn, haunted by the memories of his fallen comrades. Lena, on the other hand, is more resolute than ever to change the system that oppresses the Eighty-Six. She begins to gather support from other military personnel who share her views, slowly building a coalition to challenge the status quo.

The season concludes with a sense of uncertainty and tension. Shinei and Lena's paths are set on a collision course as they navigate the complexities of war, identity, and the fight for recognition. The emotional stakes are high, and the audience is left anticipating the next chapter in their intertwined fates, as both characters prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in their respective battles against the oppressive forces of their world.

In the ending of "86 EIGHTY-SIX," the story culminates in a tragic confrontation between the 86 and the Republic's forces. The main characters, including Shin and his squad, face overwhelming odds in a final battle. Despite their efforts, they are ultimately betrayed and face a devastating fate. The series concludes with a poignant moment of reflection on the cost of war and the sacrifices made by the 86.

As the final episodes unfold, the tension escalates. The 86, led by Shin, prepare for a significant operation against the Legion, the autonomous enemy forces that have been terrorizing their homeland. The squad, composed of skilled fighters, is determined to prove their worth and fight for their freedom, even as they grapple with the harsh realities of their existence as marginalized soldiers.

In the first scene of the finale, the 86 are seen strategizing in their makeshift base. The atmosphere is heavy with anticipation and anxiety. Shin, burdened by the weight of his past and the loss of his comrades, is resolute but haunted. He reflects on the lives lost and the sacrifices made, feeling the pressure of leadership as he addresses his squad. Each member, including the spirited Raiden and the steadfast Anju, shares their hopes and fears, revealing their deep bonds forged through shared trauma.

As the operation commences, the squad is deployed into the battlefield. The visuals are stark and intense, with the desolate landscape littered with remnants of war. The sound of gunfire and explosions fills the air, creating a chaotic backdrop to their mission. The 86 engage in fierce combat against the Legion, showcasing their skills and determination. However, the overwhelming numbers of the enemy forces quickly become apparent, and the tide of battle turns against them.

In a pivotal moment, Shin encounters a powerful Legion unit, and the confrontation is both physical and emotional. He fights valiantly, but the weight of his past decisions and the loss of his friends weigh heavily on him. The scene is charged with tension as he recalls the faces of those he has lost, driving him to fight harder. Yet, despite his efforts, the squad begins to suffer casualties. The emotional toll is palpable as each loss is felt deeply by the remaining members.

As the battle rages on, betrayal looms. The Republic, which had promised support, reveals its true intentions. The 86 are left to fend for themselves, abandoned by those they believed would protect them. This moment of betrayal is a turning point, highlighting the systemic issues that have plagued the 86 throughout the series. The characters' hopes for recognition and respect are shattered, leaving them to confront the harsh reality of their situation.

In the final scenes, the remaining members of the squad face their inevitable fate. Shin, in a moment of desperation, fights to protect his comrades, but the overwhelming enemy forces close in. The visuals are heart-wrenching as the squad is picked off one by one, their bravery juxtaposed against the cruelty of war. The emotional weight of their sacrifices is felt deeply, as each character's story comes to a tragic end.

The series concludes with a haunting silence, leaving viewers with a sense of loss and reflection on the cost of conflict. Shin's fate remains ambiguous, but the impact of his journey and the sacrifices of his squad resonate powerfully. The final moments serve as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by the 86 and the enduring impact of war on individuals and society. The story ends, not with triumph, but with a somber acknowledgment of the realities of their existence, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

In "86 EIGHTY-SIX," Season 1, there is no post-credit scene. The series concludes its episodes without any additional scenes after the credits roll. The focus remains on the narrative and character development throughout the episodes, emphasizing the struggles and emotional journeys of the characters, particularly the conflict between the 86 and the Republic of San Magnolia. The absence of a post-credit scene allows the story to maintain its serious tone and thematic depth, leaving viewers to reflect on the events that have unfolded.

The Juggernauts used by the 86 are primarily painted in a dull gray color, symbolizing their status as expendable soldiers in the war. This color contrasts sharply with the vibrant colors of the Legion's machines, highlighting the disparity between the 86 and the rest of society. The gray also represents the bleakness of their situation and the dehumanization they face.

Shin's relationship with his squad members deepens as they face numerous battles together. Initially, he is emotionally distant, burdened by the loss of his previous squad. However, as they share experiences and confront their fears, he begins to open up, forming bonds of trust and camaraderie. This evolution is marked by moments of vulnerability, such as when he shares his past and the weight of his responsibilities as a leader.

Vladilena Milizé, also known as Lena, is a handler for the 86 and plays a crucial role in connecting the 86 with the Republic's command. Initially, she is naive about the realities of the war and the treatment of the 86. However, as she learns more about their struggles and the truth behind the war, her perspective shifts dramatically. She becomes more empathetic and determined to advocate for the 86, showcasing her growth from a sheltered officer to a passionate ally.

The battles have profound emotional impacts on Shin and his squad, leading to feelings of despair, anger, and loss. Each battle brings the threat of death closer, and the constant struggle for survival weighs heavily on their mental states. Shin, in particular, grapples with survivor's guilt and the burden of leadership, while his squad members experience a mix of camaraderie and the pain of losing friends. These emotional struggles are depicted through their interactions, moments of silence, and the haunting memories of those they've lost.

Shin's identity is deeply intertwined with his role as a soldier and the stigma of being part of the 86. He often struggles with feelings of worthlessness and the societal label placed upon him. Throughout the season, he grapples with his identity as a leader and a protector, often questioning what it means to be human in a world that dehumanizes him and his comrades. His journey reflects a quest for self-acceptance and the desire to be seen beyond the label of '86'.

"86 EIGHTY-SIX" is a series that delves into heavy themes and contains several elements that may not be suitable for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects:

1. War and Violence: The show features intense battle scenes with mechs and soldiers, showcasing the brutality of war. There are depictions of combat, destruction, and the consequences of violence.

2. Death and Loss: Characters face significant loss, including the deaths of comrades and loved ones. The emotional weight of these losses is explored, which can be distressing.

3. Discrimination and Prejudice: The narrative addresses themes of discrimination, particularly against the "Eighty-Six," a group marginalized and treated as expendable. This can evoke strong emotional responses regarding social justice and inequality.

4. Mental Health Struggles: Characters experience trauma, PTSD, and emotional turmoil due to their experiences in war. These themes are explored in depth, which may be triggering for some viewers.

5. Mature Themes: The series touches on the harsh realities of survival, the ethics of war, and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers, which may be complex and difficult for younger audiences to fully grasp.

Overall, while "86 EIGHTY-SIX" is a compelling narrative, its mature themes and emotional depth may not be appropriate for all viewers, particularly children.