Ep 13. And So Pinocchio Becomes Human

And So Pinocchio Becomes Human is the thirteenth and final episode of season 1 of the anime series Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino. The episode picks up where the previous one left off, with the clash between the Social Welfare Agency and the Five Republics Faction coming to a head. With the help of Triela and Pinocchio, the SWA is able to capture the FRF's leader, Franco.

The aftermath of the battle is shown, with the agency's handlers meeting to discuss the future of their cyborgs. Claes, still recovering from her injuries, refuses to undergo any further conditioning and asks to be retired, but her handler persuades her to stay for the time being. Meanwhile, Henrietta is dealing with the knowledge that her handler, Jose, is leaving the agency and may never see her again. The other cyborgs try to comfort her, but it's clear that she's deeply affected by the news.

Pinocchio, having helped the SWA, is in their custody with his memory temporarily wiped. As the agency and the government argue over what to do with him, Pinocchio is left to contemplate his past and the things that led him down the path he's on. He remembers his childhood, the loss of his family, and his time with the FRF. Through his memories, we see the events that turned him into the ruthless killer he is now.

As Pinocchio contemplates his past, he also begins to interact more with the other cyborgs in the agency. He develops a friendship of sorts with Triela, who tries to help him come to terms with his situation. The two of them spend time together, exploring the city and talking about their lives. It's clear that Pinocchio is struggling to understand his place in the world and his feelings towards the SWA and the cyborgs.

The episode also shows the aftermath of the battle for the FRF, with the loss of Franco leaving a power vacuum that threatens to tear the group apart. Another member of the group, Cristiano, steps up to fill the void, but it's clear that he has different ideas for what the group should be doing. It's unclear what the future holds for the FRF, but it's clear that they're not going away anytime soon.

As the episode winds down, Pinocchio's memory is restored and he's given a choice as to what he wants to do next. It's a difficult decision, but one that he ultimately makes with the help of Triela and the other cyborgs. The future may be uncertain for both Pinocchio and the Social Welfare Agency, but for now, they can at least find some measure of peace.

Overall, And So Pinocchio Becomes Human is a well-crafted and emotional finale to the first season of Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino. It wraps up many of the storylines that have been building throughout the season while also leaving enough unanswered questions to keep viewers interested in what's to come next. Whether you've been following the series from the beginning or are just checking it out for the first time, this is an episode that's not to be missed.