Called “Juggernaut,” these are the unmanned combat drones developed by the Republic of San Magnolia in answer to the attacks by the autonomous unmanned drones of the neighboring Empire of Giad, the “Legion”. But they’re only unmanned in name. In reality, they are piloted by the Eighty-sixers—those considered to be less than human and treated as mere tools. Determined to achieve his own mysterious ends, Shin, the captain of Spearhead Squadron, which is comprised of Eighty-sixers, continues to fight a hopeless war on a battlefield where only death awaits him.
The best episode of "86 EIGHTY-SIX" season 1 is "Undertaker", rated 7.7/10 from 905 user votes. It was directed by Toshimasa Ishii and written by Toshiya Ohno. "Undertaker" aired on 4/11/2021 and is rated 0.2 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "Spearhead".
The Republic of San Magnolia fights a safe humane war using drones. In reality, however, the drones are piloted by humans called 86s, who are called “pigs” and considered less than human.
Director: Toshimasa Ishii
Writer: Toshiya Ohno
As Lena lives a life of safety and comfort inside the walls of her city, the 86ers fight a terrible battle against an unstoppable and inhuman enemy.
Director: Kuniyasu Nishina
Writer: Toshiya Ohno
Lena finds herself growing closer to the Spearhead squadron, or so she thinks. But a deadly battle drastically changes her perspective.
Director: Ryoh Ando
Writer: Toshiya Ohno
After a brutal death, Lena comes to terms with her real status as an Alba, and what it means to force another to fight for your sake.
Director: Ryoh Ando
Writer: Toshiya Ohno
Lena learns the truth about the upcoming end of the war, and how the Legion is a much more deadly threat than she though.
Director: Satsuki Takahashi
Writer: Kurasumi Sunayama
Spearhead enjoys a brief respite near the cherry blossoms outside the wall, but a deadly attack brings the dangers of war even closer to home.
Director: Kuniyasu Nishina
Writer: Toshiya Ohno
As the day of the festival arrives, Lena and Shin watch the fireworks and enjoy a brief respite from their battles.
Director: Tomohiko Ito
Writer: Chiaki Nagai
Spearhead is given orders to undertake a pointless march into enemy territory, and not to stop until they're dead. Lena tries her best to stop this suicide mission from happening.
Director: Takashi Yasui
Writer: Kurasumi Sunayama
Shin confronts his brother deep within Legion held territory. But even if he wins, there's no going back.
Director: Ryuta Kawahara
Writer: Chiaki Nagai
The crew of Spearhead has left on their final mission, never to return home. What awaits them outside the borders of their home?
Director: Satsuki Takahashi
Writer: Toshiya Ohno
Spearhead Squadron comes to the end of their long road, and a new journey begins for Lena...
Director: Ryoh Ando
Writer: Kurasumi Sunayama
Spearhead awakens to find themselves in a strange new land, while Lena continues her battles as a Handler.
Director: Ryoh Ando
Writer: Chiaki Nagai
The members of Spearhead are given a brief respite from the war. But is it alright for them to enjoy themselves when so many have fallen?
Director: Takaaki Ishiyama
Writer: Toshiya Ohno
The crew of Spearhead find themselves back on the battlefield, as the tide of the war turns against the Federacy.
Director: Satsuki Takahashi
Writer: Kurasumi Sunayama
The members of Spearhead are reunited as a massive Legion offensive looms. With the next deadly phase of the war almost here, how will they spend their remaining hours?
Director: Ryuta Kawahara
Writer: Toshiya Ohno
The Legion's large-scale offensive begins, and the Spearhead crew are sent into the thick of the fighting. But even back at base, there's no safety to be found...
Director: Ryoh Ando
Writer: Chiaki Nagai
As the war with the Legion rages on, the enemy makes a final march towards the Republic of San Magnolia. Lena waits to stop them, but...
Director: Toshihiro Maeya
Writer: Toshiya Ohno
The team prepares for a final suicide mission against "Morpho," a massive railgun Legion capable of single-handedly turning the tide of the battle.
Director: Yoshinobu Tokumoto
Writer: Kurasumi Sunayama
Nordlicht finds themselves up against a massive foe in the middle of enemy territory, with no hope of escape and no reinforcements coming to help.
Director: Ryuta Kawahara
Writer: Chiaki Nagai
Deep in enemy territory, with supplies running low and damage piling up, Nordlicht makes a final desperate march towards Morpho.
Director: Jun Shinohara
Writer: Toshiya Ohno
The members of Nordlicht drop out one by one in the face of the Legion's onslaught, and Shin is left to face the Morpho alone.
Director: Ryoh Ando
Writer: Kurasumi Sunayama
At the end of it all and left behind once more, Shin is at the brink. Just then, someone appears, in a sea of red flowers...
Director: Toshimasa Ishii
Writer: Toshiya Ohno
The operation to destroy the Morpho was a success, and Shin and his team fulfilled their promise to return to the Federacy alive. After enjoying a brief respite, they once again wished to serve in frontline units, but they received a certain notice from Ernst. After crossing the deadly battlefields of the Republic, they arrived at a new meeting in the Federacy. They fight, suffer, and see a ray of hope. This is a story of boys and girls who have begun to move little by little. At the end of their journey, what is reflected in their eyes?
Director: Toshimasa Ishii, Ryuta Kawahara
Writer: Toshiya Ohno