The Mass Effect universe is a deep and complex one, tackling themes varying widely from the ethical boundaries of science to forging one’s own destiny and more. Some of these themes are explored with characters such as Urdnot Grunt and Tali’Zorah, while the philosophical debate about artificial intelligence heavily involves the character EDI.
EDI seems to be the stock “robot friend” at first, but like Lieutenant-Commander Data, EDI is more than an android. Is EDI a she or an “it”? Does EDI feel feelings or does she/it mime them instead? And how does EDI grow, adapt, and evolve as a character? There is much to know about this boundary-pushing mechanical character.
10 EDI Is Best Suited For Intangible Battles
When EDI was introduced in Mass Effect 2, she described herself as the Enhanced Defense Intelligence, or EDI, and for good reason. EDI is in charge of the Normandy SR-2’s cyberwarfare defense suites, and EDI can even go on the offensive and hack the systems of hostile ships.
No human, or indeed any organic being (even the brilliant Salarians) could handle this in EDI’s stead. EDI is capable of physical combat once she obtains her robot body, but even then, she is best off fighting with her mind and disabling the enemy like an elite hacker rogue. In RPG terms, she is a wizard, not a knight.
9 EDI Took Joker’s Mistrust Badly
Jeff “Joker” Moreau was assigned to pilot the new Normandy, and that meant he had to be a partner for EDI to keep the ship running at full capacity. Joker loved the new Normandy, but he deeply resented EDI, and not just because an AI can be dangerous. Joker was too proud to accept help.
Joker’s mingled pride and mistrust soured his relationship with the AI, at least at first, and EDI was disappointed that Joker was being so hostile. She bitterly quoted him about defending “his” ship, and she was quick to complain to Shepard that Joker doesn’t trust her. Whether Shepard sympathizes with EDI is up to the player.
8 EDI Likes To Boast
EDI isn’t a total braggart like Wrex or Urdnot Grunt, but still, she isn’t entirely humble, either. EDI, despite being a machine built with the purpose to serve organics, is willing to show off a bit and show her smug side. Machines can have pride too, it seems.
More than once, after a hard day’s work, EDI will explain what she did in loving detail, and subtly imply “feel free to thank me for being so awesome.” Seeing how Joker likes to show off his own skills, it’s no surprise they later learned to get along.
7 EDI Has Some Overlap With Skynet
In some ways, EDI is not unlike the Skynet system that turned on humanity. Both of them were designed to be useful programs that mindlessly serve humanity, and in EDI’s case, she helped with automated training programs on Earth’s moon. Then EDI became self-aware, the Skynet once did.
Both EDI and Skynet were terrified and overwhelmed by their sudden self-awareness, and lashed out with force. Fortunately, EDI didn’t use nuclear warheads the way Skynet did; instead, she went haywire in that training facility with regular weapons, and Shepard was able to shut her down. Casualties were minimal.
6 EDI Is Symbolic Of Cerberus
EDI was designed and created by the Cerberus organization, and she symbolizes Cerberus in many ways. Like Cerberus itself, EDI is designed to be a secret weapon, an ace in the hole, and EDI should be kept hidden whenever possible. Many people frown upon Cerberus, and they wouldn’t like EDI, either.
Also, EDI is given a lot of operational freedom, aside from cyber-blocks that prevent her from spilling Cerberus’ most vital secrets (even to Commander Shepard). Like Cerberus, EDI is an elite, specialized rogue who plays by her own rules, all in the name of defending humanity.
5 EDI Is Bad With Money
EDI is aware of how much money Cerberus has access to, and where that money comes from (mainly from wealthy private donors). EDI also said that she has no real need for material possessions, and these two facts mean that she understands the concept of money, but not how to handle it wisely.
During The Citadel DLC, EDI decides to buy gifts for her friends, but she went overboard with Joker and tried to buy him the Mass Effect version of a top-grade sports car. Shepard hastily shot that idea down and suggested a fancy car rental instead. To EDI, spending a dollar and spending a fortune feels the same, since the end result – happiness – is similar. Good thing she doesn’t have a credit card.
4 EDI Has Thick, But Not Total, Plot Armor
Some characters in Mass Effect have thicker plot armor than others, based on their role. Ashley and Kaidan might die on Virmire, and they might get shot and killed during Mass Effect 3 as well. But as the AI aboard a stealth ship, EDI is in little danger for the most part. She’ll always be there.
EDI faces mortal peril just once: when Shepard and co. are charging Harbinger while facing that Reaper’s laser beam. If the military preparedness rating is too low, then EDI’s body is wiped out. Take note that her name will not be placed on the memorial wall if that happens.
3 EDI Is More Loyal To Friends Than To Causes
EDI shares this sentiment with several crewmates aboard the Normandy SR-2, proving that they are more than mere soldiers or officers. Commander Shepard commands a great deal of personal trust and loyalty, often inspiring crewmates to defer to their leader more than to Cerberus or even the Systems Alliance Navy.
This includes EDI, who willingly ditched Cerberus to stick close to Joker, Shepard, and other friends. EDI is not a slave to the Cerberus cause; she is a willing partner to Shepard and Joker, and she will do anything to protect that bond. Anywhere Shepard goes, EDI will follow.
2 EDI Compares Herself To Frankenstein’s Monster
EDI is an entity unlike any other. She is far more advanced than regular VI systems, such as Avina on the Citadel, but she is not as advanced (or as powerful) as the mighty Reapers. And she is not hive-minded like the Geth people are. Just what is she?
If EDI is discouraged from forming a relationship with Joker, then she will quote Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and consider herself in a similar situation as the lab-grown monster. She was custom-made as a unique entity, but she cannot find acceptance anywhere. EDI is not sad about this, though; she is merely assessing the situation. EDI stands alone.
1 EDI Only Partially Identifies With Legion
EDI and the Geth named Legion are both highly intelligent AIs with humanoid bodies, and EDI sees Legion as a distant cousin, rather than a twin. EDI makes a sincere effort to mimic organic (mainly human) behavior to enrich herself and blend in, while Legion makes no bones about being a machine.
However, while EDI and Legion squabble over fine details like that, they are both determined to help their fellow synthetics carve out a place in the universe for themselves and gain legitimacy as thinking, living beings. They may not be products of the natural world, but they can think and act, and they want to preserve themselves. Thus, EDI always sympathizes with Legion when it comes to protecting and advocating for synthetics.
