This episode is just 10/10 story, 10/10 ost and 10/10 character moments all round. The rumbling perfectly encapsulates the irony of Eren's character, for someone who chases freedom to no end, to project that childish desire onto the dream Armin had, to explore the outside world, and pretending that they shared the same vision of that dream, so much so that he regresses into his childlike state as he savours the scenery from above the cloud-like titan smoke, oblivious to the carnage caused by his unchecked and misguided ambition. It's a masterpiece of both storytelling and score with Hayashi and Isayama at their best.
And we end off the first chapter with Armin's hopeful monologue in a meta narrative sense, hoping that us viewers could fight back against the unending cycle of conflict that is in our nature, that our world could be so much different from the one they inhabit, juxtaposed with Eren's aversion of his gaze from the conflict on the ground as he lies dormant in his titan, communicating ignorance which in his words, is the furthest removed from freedom.
The second part encapsulates the spirit of the Survey Corps best-the Wings of Freedom as they call it, with Pieck continuing to wear the SC uniform as she emboldens her warrior ideals to Hange's selfless sacrifice going in swords blazing against the waves of colossal titans with BAUKLOTZE in the background, much like her predecessors before, while Armin takes up the mantle of commander, as someone who champions understanding the other party so well, which sets him apart from other traditional leader candidates like Jean. The alliance departs for their final battle on the plane as a result, soaring into the air with their own wings of freedom, as it symbolises the main casts' struggle for freedom and autonomy, a metaphor for the main casts' desire to break free from the constraints and oppression the world has bestowed upon them and soar to new heights.
Finally, the last part emphasizes the theme of guilt and responsibility that is heavily present as the characters struggle with their past actions and the weight they carry as a result. Eren, in particular, embodies this theme as he refuses to back down from his decision to initiate the Rumbling and sees it as the only way to atone for the sins of his ancestors and the mistakes he has made himself. His determination to follow through with the Rumbling, despite the pleas and attempts at understanding from his friends, showcases the burden of guilt he carries and his inability to let go of it.
This theme is further highlighted through the conversation between the characters, as they reflect on their own guilt and try to take responsibility for their past actions. Jean, Connie, and Reiner all express remorse for their roles in the war and the lives they have taken, while Armin and the others try to reassure them and shoulder the blame themselves. However, despite their efforts, the characters are unable to fully move past their guilt and find resolution, much like Eren's inability to let go of his own. It suggests that the characters see themselves as being unworthy of forgiveness and incapable of moving forward, trapped in a cycle of guilt and responsibility.
The first ten minutes of the episode is a grand spectacle of the destruction of all life under the rumbling feet of the colossals while the final ten emphasises the hope in the depths of despair with the alliance's descent on Eren while Armin questions Eren's notion of freedom. The following part will be a spectacle to behold for sure.
There is no doubt about it, this is the best episode of Attack on Titan by a long stretch, and will be remembered by generations to come for the masterpiece that it is. A wonderful penultimate TV special.
67 out of 74 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink