Shingeki no Kyojin: The Final Season – 27

「懐古」 (Kaiko)
“Retrospective”

Alright, now that was pretty damn fun. Yeah yeah, MAPPA ain’t Wit and animation wasn’t top notch (insert your other complaints here), but hard denying SnK still knows how to put on a show when given the opportunity. Considering this is the penultimate episode, the finale is delayed a week, and we are most certainly in store for some form of continuation after, I’m going to enjoy everything here for all it’s worth.

Given how comparatively long it’s taken to build up to the literal explosions, one probably shouldn’t be surprised everyone had their moment in the sun this week. From Annie and Reiner redeeming themselves to Mikasa doing what Mikasa does best, and even the antagonistic Floch going out in style, you had your veritable pick of the litter in terms of action. The top of pile though was undeniably Falco, because you can never go wrong with a bit of surprise transformation and even wilder rampaging which exemplifies some of the best parts SnK has to offer. Middling animation or not, the action stayed true to form.

Beyond action, however, lies the nagging issue of Eren himself and the pieces for that showdown are now all on the board. Much as before you can pretty much guess the strategy: Armin and Mikasa will attempt talking, probably stumble when the screamy boy rebuffs those fruitless efforts, and wind up dazed and confused with no plan B ready to go. Or at least that’s what it was until now, but matters have certainly changed. Besides the timer on confronting Eren rapidly counting down, the actions (or reactions) of Connie and Annie have opened a door previously untouched by the main cast. Some may have previously balked at actually killing former allies and friends, but those individuals have now shown the capability of doing so if required. Painful or not, heartbreaking or not, the trigger will be pulled by someone should the peaceful option fail. Much as Hange alluded to with Theo’s (and Keith’s) sacrifice, some things simply must be done to ensure those opportunities provided do not go to waste.

It’s just a matter of who does what – and when – once everyone inevitably comes face-to-face with Eren and his overwhelming power.

Preview