Historia lands the killing blow
© Wit Studio.
Following Erwin’s successful coup d’état, Historia is ordered to be the queen, releasing her from duties within the survey corps. However, in order to solidify her claim, she makes a singular, resolute demand: she must be the one to kill her father. In just half a season, Historia gets the biggest character development.
This pivotal moment is masterfully animated that culminates a century-long hate from the Reiss family. It also cements Historia’s as the rightful ruler within the walls.
Colossal Titan appears out-of-nowhere
© Wit Studio.
Five years ago, everything changed when Shiganshina fell. Now, Eren, equipped with proper training and a newfound sense of optimism, stands atop the walls, ready and prepared to hunt down and kill titans.
On how its going so far, it’s easy to think the episode is over. With a sudden strike of lightning, the Colossal Titan looms large behind him. This sudden shift of tone shatters a seemingly hopeful conclusion to Eren’s training, thrusting the narrative into a sudden bleakness and elevating the danger back to the highest.
Ymir’s secrets, revealed
© Wit Studio.
With a century-spanning tragic backstory, Ymir emerges as a character marked by her cunning and enigmatic nature, making her a somewhat polarizing figure within the ranks of the 104th recruits. Yet, beneath her rough exterior, she shares a poignant connection and a heartfelt affection for a now-known Christa.
In order to protect Christa and her fellow recruits during the Utgard Castle incident, Ymir took Connie’s knife and leaps towards her supposed demise. Unbeknownst to everyone, including the viewers, Ymir shockingly transforms into a titan, casting a momentous spotlight on the lingering question: Who else is a titan-shifter?
Female titan decapitates Eren
© Wit Studio.
After witnessing the harrowing sequence where the Female Titan crushed and pummeled the compassionate Petra and the entirety of Levi’s squad. Eren, remorseful of his initial decision finally decides to take the matter to his own hands, transforming into the Attack Titan.
Blinded by rage and undoubtedly inferior, Eren is utterly outmatched against the Female Titan’s superior dexterity and surprisingly familiar mastery of form. The fight ended with the Attack Titan decapitated, which ultimately results to his capture.
Declaration of war
© Studio Mappa.
Today was supposed to be a great day. Today was supposed be a celebration of peace and the joint action to put an end on the threat that is Paradis. Today was Marley’s declaration of war. However, today isn’t that day. Marley’s declaration turned out to be Paradis’ own — or rather, Eren’s.
The irony of the situation unfolds during Eren and Reiner’s interrogation in the basement, as the tables have dramatically turned. Reiner now finds himself imprisoned within the confines of his own home.
Back at the stage, as the Tybur spokesperson exclaims their declaration of war, Eren transform into the Attack Titan, erupting from beneath the stage. This traumatic act is then followed by a full-scale invasion launched by the Survey Corps.
Armin convinces the garrison regiment
© Wit Studio.
Humanity has just made a startling revelation: someone can transform into a Titan, and even more unsettling, that someone is among their own ranks. The Garrison Corps are not convinced that Eren can be entrusted with his newfound power and they will be killed unless they prove it otherwise.
Eren knows and firmly believes that only with Armin’s exceptional intellect can they get out of that situation. After a series of circular arguments, Armin, with death in sight, wholeheartedly exclaims:
“As a soldier, I swore to devote my heart to the resurrection of mankind! There is no greater glory than dying for that belief! If we add his Titan power to the might of our armies, it might be even possible to recapture the town!
For the glory of human race, I beg you! In my final moments before I die, permit me to explain his strategic importance!”
Eren seals wall rose
© Wit Studio.
Under the command of Commander Pixies, the unified forces of the Garrison and Scout Regiment devised a plan to retake the district of Trost. Only through a moving reminder from Armin, the sacrifice of valuable lives, and the concerted efforts of everyone clearing the path to the gate did they finally manage to successfully execute the plan.
With a backdrop of powerful rock music and resounding screams, the Battle of Trost is capped by the Attack Titan lifting a big boulder to seal the hole, marking not only Eren’s triumph but humanity’s first major victory.
Eren kills the colossal titan
© Wit Studio.
Armin boldly commands his fellow 104th recruit that he and Eren will take down the Colossal Titan. After talking to Eren, the Attack Titan fell from atop the wall and Bertholdt wastes no time launching an assault on Armin.
Armin is completely toasted and Eren is immobile, what seemed to be a mistake turned out to be a perfectly executed plan. As the dust finally settles, Eren with his ODM gear emerges from behind, swiftly slicing and pulling a mutilated Berthold from the nape. It’s Eren’s “gotcha” makes this pivotal moment such an icon.
Levi slaughters the beast titan
© Wit Studio.
The plan is simple, Erwin and the remaining troops of the Scout Regiment charges to their death while Levi sneaks to assassinate the Beast Titan. Oblivious to what’s happening on his side of the battlefield, Zeke is quickly reminded of the biggest threat he should be careful of: Humanity’s strongest soldier, Levi Ackerman.
Levi’s ferocity is animated elegantly as he spins his way to the titan’s nape, cutting limbs after limbs. The sheer satisfaction of this scene is a rare example of an anime transcending its source material, creating an experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.
The nonchalant betreyal of Reiner and Bertholdt
© Wit Studio.
Following their narrow escape from the Utgard Castle, one might naturally anticipate a moment to breath for the 104th recruits. However, Hajime Isayama had different plans. As soon as the danger is over, another one comes in right away.
I’ll say this, Reiner and Berthold’s nonchalant revelation might be the biggest reveal in anime. Animated masterfully with a backdrop of Hiroyuki Sawano’s heavenly voice, its profound impact reverberates through the narrative, changing the trajectory of the show significantly. This masterful storytelling twist is what made Attack on Titan one of, if not the best anime.
