Ghost In The Shell (2026) Episode 1 Review

Prefacing this review with the fact that I’ve only seen half of the original movie (which was dubbed), and that was after watching this episode. I’ve also never read the manga.

Ghost In The Shell (2026) Opening

This opening is performed by King Gnu and is called “Go Ghost.” I think it’s alright—a solid 5/10. I won’t be adding it to my Spotify playlist, but I also won’t be rushing to hit the “skip intro” button as soon as an episode starts. The opening visuals are pretty.

Ghost In The Shell (2026) Episode 1

I have no idea what’s going on. It felt like the episode was on fast forward. Watching half the movie provided some context for a couple of things, but honestly, it didn’t help much.

The Setting Narration

It moved way too fast. I know they’re in Japan and that it’s farther out than 2026. There was a description of how the cybernetic world developed, but I couldn’t tell you any details.

The Political Assassination Scene

This was animated awesomely. The action was fluid, even when paused and pixelated for dramatic effect. I just wish it were a couple of minutes slower so I could have an idea of the importance of the character who died. Maybe the character wasn’t important and was just used to introduce Motoko. I want to know more about the slaves, the round table of leaders, and the socialist country.

The Group Hangout Scene

I couldn’t tell you much of what happened here or what they talked about. The flowers were pretty.

The Child Prison Raid

I’m still confused about whether this facility is a government prison or a private prison. Children were being brainwashed and mistreated. The Major and her team didn’t seem to care that much, so I’m confused about how normal this is. During the fight, they started hacking, diving, frying, and putting up barriers. I have no idea what any of that means.

Then, after the battle, they just left the kids at the prison. The government leader seemed dissatisfied with the job they did.

Ghost In The Shell (2026) Ending

The ending animation was cool. The song is called “Blue” and is performed by Millennium Parade featuring Saya Gray and Daniel Caesar. I actually like this song a lot, and I will be adding it to my Spotify playlist. Fire.

Ghost In The Shell (2026) Episode 1 Final Verdict

The animation is great. My Weekend Weebs podcast cohost thinks it looks like Rick and Morty. Personally, I think it looks more like Mega Man. Regardless of what it looks like, Science SARU is doing great.

Unfortunately, the plot is so chaotic that I’m giving this episode a 6/10. I have no idea what’s going on beyond the most basic information, and part of that knowledge is being aided by half of the movie I watched. I know the Major is the leader of a crime-fighting group. I know people are cyborgs. I know they were rogue but are now officially part of the government. I don’t know any other details, and I feel like there had to be more in a 23-minute episode.

Based on the first episode, I could not recommend this show to anyone in good conscience. That being said, I will continue to watch it because it is a beloved story and people are saying that it’s staying true to the manga.

Honorable mention to the quick gooner moment at the end of the episode.