As Section 9 is dismantled, we get the respect of Togusa who essentially has been on vacation since he was arrested. Essentially he sees the work that his team put together in their line of work being done with Yakushima on the path to being indicated. Still, Togusa’s anger is justified because it feels like they were sacrificed. Still, part of the problem is that Section 9 is supposed to be working behind the scenes and not known to the public, which makes the Prime Minister’s action justifiable, but Togusa’s anger is not. It is clear that Aramaki ensured that he would do everything in his power to protect his team, so at least he can’t be too mad, and their trust in Aramaki shouldn’t be wavered.
Thanks to The Laughing Man, Makoto is back in her previous shell. Makoto and The Laughing Man’s conversation is interesting because The Laughing Man holds the preservation of knowledge. As he puts out that knowledge on the net. Once that is shared, his argument is you lose your individuality. However, on the other coin, what about the one receiving that knowledge, as shown with the Tachikoma as their curiosity is what got them to seek out more knowledge. Gaining knowledge doesn’t destroy your individuality, but it is rather what you do with that knowledge.
For a conclusion to the storyline of S1, it does feel lukewarm. Still, the themes throughout this season are strong.