The Mass Effect games may feature Commander Shepard as the hero, but the hero of the Systems Alliance Navy can’t save the day alone. From the very start, the Commander has had a reliable team by his/her side, and everyone aboard the Normandy has earned his, her or even its place.
In the first game, Commander Shepard rescues Liara T’Soni from the volcanic world of Therum, and in Mass Effect 2, Shepard is introduced to EDI, an AI that is integrated into the new Normandy. Both of them are vital supporting characters, but in terms of personality, heroic acts and abilities throughout the series, who stands out: EDI, or Liara?
10 Liara: She Blossomed Into A Bold Hero
Many of Commander Shepard’s beloved squadmates underwent personal growth and remade themselves for the better, such as Tali’zorah and Grunt the Krogan warrior. But no one transformed more than Liara T’Soni, who began the story as a meek and unassuming archeologist. She could barely even hold a conversation with a stranger.
But all that changed when Liara met Commander Shepard, and not long after the Commander’s death, Liara became a bold decisive hero who took matters into her own hands and rescued Shepard from the Collectors and Shadow Broker. Later still, she actually replaced the Broker herself.
9 EDI: She Is A Cyberwarfare Expert
Several characters in the Mass Effect series are skilled at hacking and sabotage, from Tali to Miranda Lawson. But no one can beat EDI, the master of cyberwarfare. EDI’s main job is to protect the Normandy from hacking attempts, and hack enemy ships and space stations whenever possible.
EDI is monstrously powerful as a rogue AI, easily overwhelming enemy systems and mainframes with her sophisticated code and creativity. In fact, EDI was installed aboard the Normandy to serve as a secret weapon, one that the Illusive Man is quite proud of.
8 Liara: She’s A Popular Romance Option
Commander Shepard can find love out there in the stars, and from the very start, Liara had her sparkling blue eyes fixed on Shepard, regardless of the Commander’s sex. Liara saw a pure, beautiful heart, and if the player so chooses, Shepard will return the favor.
Liara had never been intimate with anyone before, so it’s a little awkward at first, but she is sincerely captivated by the Commander, and her romance with him/her is one of the most touching storylines in the series.
7 EDI: Exploring New Frontiers Of Personhood
EDI is a trailblazer, and in more ways than one. She is a rare creature indeed, being an unshackled AI, and this gave her the chance to explore the idea of personhood. In fact, this was when EDI went from “it” to “she” (based on EDI’s female voice and later, her mecha body).
Some characters, such as the Prothean Javik and the Illusive Man, doubt EDI’s legitimacy as a person. But EDI is positive that she has a person who happens to be mechanical rather than biological, and the organic/synthetic dichotomy is beside the point. She is a conscious entity, a citizen of the universe. Not just a fancy calculator.
6 Liara: She Created An Anti-Reaper Time Capsule
Some characters, such as Liara, really know how to plan ahead. While Liara is utterly loyal to Shepard and trusts the Commander to win against the Reaper fleets, she is also preparing for failure, and she knows just the thing: a time capsule.
With Shepard’s input, Liara creates a complete anti-Reaper package for future aliens to find, including an inspiring message from the Commander, blueprints for the Crucible and basic data on the Reapers themselves. No one else, not even EDI, had such an idea. And if Shepard does fail, then Liara’s idea will pay off.
5 EDI: Her Unique Humor
Many of Mass Effect’s characters have memorable and humorous dialogue, from the pilot Joker to the witty remarks of Garrus Vakarian. EDI is funny too, but in a different way. She, like Lieutenant-Commander Data, is figuring out social rules, humor and emotions as she goes, trying to replicate human behavior in detail. That includes jokes.
Over time, EDI gets the hang of humor, and she makes all kinds of wisecracks without ruining her own image as a professional and dignified AI. She’s come a long way since “I enjoy the sight of humans on their knees.”
4 Liara: Her Information Brokering Work
Liara T’Soni always enjoyed a good puzzle. She used to work as an archeologist to piece together the past, then she went into the information brokering trade on Ilium. As she put it, it’s similar to archeology, except the bodies are much fresher. She quickly built a reputation on Ilium, which is a rather competitive place.
Liara’s new career reached greater heights when she replaced the actual Shadow Broker, and this allows her to wield endless resources and influence to aid Commander Shepard in his/her mission. Information is the Illusive Man’s weapon, yes, but he doesn’t have a monopoly on it.
3 EDI: Her Brave Romance With Joker
Not only does EDI embark on a personal quest to discover her personhood, but she is also seeking out true love. What does it mean, to love someone? Even humans don’t completely understand it, but despite being a machine, EDI is giving it her best shot, and Joker is there to help.
It’s a tricky field to explore, and once again, Javik is doubting the entire thing, while the player is free to either support or disapprove of EDI’s quest to love Joker. If Shepard supports this idea, then Joker and EDI will discover that love is a broader concept than anyone ever expected. They are trailblazers of the spirit.
2 Liara: She Has Overcome Serious Loss
Many of Mass Effect’s characters have endured loss, tragedy and heartbreak, but few of them bore these burdens with as much dignity and strength as Liara (though even she has moments of weakness). Liara was heartbroken when her mother Benezia died in 2183, but she got over it, and chose to remember the wonderful person whom Benezia had been, before she joined Saren Arterius.
Liara also endured the fall of Thessia, her beloved homeworld, and she even butted heads with Javik about it. If Shepard intervenes gently, then Liara will quickly pull herself together and earn Javik’s respect, and she will use Thessia’s loss to harden her resolve even more.
1 EDI: She Can Fly Ships
Liara can serve as the Shadow Broker in that ship orbiting Hagalaz, but she can’t easily fly it. By contrast, EDI is quite capable of flying a ship, even an advanced and powerful one like the Normandy SR-2. When EDI’s shackles are removed, she truly integrates with the ship, considering it a second body, complete with sensory input.
It’s true that EDI is a bit too predictable and calculating during a fight to confuse her enemies, but that’s what Joker is for, and together, they can outfly any opponent in the universe. If it comes to it, EDI can fly the Normandy by herself if Joker is preoccupied or absent, and get the ship to safety before Joker can resume his duty in the cockpit.
