Shingeki no Kyojin: The Final Season – 03

「希望の扉」 (Kibou no Tobira)
“The Door of Hope”

You hear that? ‘Tis the sound of chaos coming right on down the tracks. Or at least running down the field since Titans aren’t known for wheel-bound motion. That’s right, we’ve effectively reached the end of SnK’s final season preparatory phase, and what comes next is certain to get a little crazy. After all, everyone’s favourite screamer has finally reappeared.

Following in last week’s footsteps (heh), this episode was largely devoted to filling in the blanks regarding Reiner’s past – and oh boy what a past it was. Ignoring the impact attempted suicide provides, what Reiner (and Annie and Berthold) went through should help answer a lot of the funny occurrences which transpired before. Eldian heritage; Titan selection; succeed or die: the original three were effectively disposable tools at best whose purpose was nothing more than getting Marley what they wanted. Honourary Marleyan status? Just the carrot used to keep otherwise dangerous individuals in line, because nothing would say problematic like those kids using their Titan powers for the sake of someone other than Marley. Reiner was very much correct returning home without a win would see them all die (no matter what Annie may have thought), but as his current anguish indicates, he also understands total victory won’t change a damn thing for himself. In this world all you can do for yourself and your family is what’s needed to keep on living, no matter who must be sacrificed in the process.

Continuing into the present though, the real fun is in what comes next, and the hints are already in abundance. Besides Reiner being likely to try and help Falco inherit his Titan power over that of Gabi (given he naturally favours family over friends), there’s also that surprise appearance of Eren in a location you’d never expect the kid to be. Why he’s in the middle of an Eldian ghetto (and lacking a leg) will be answered soon enough, but I imagine the shrewder can probably start piecing things together given the earlier mention of the Tybur family, their upcoming pronouncement, and the fact they’re the holder of the hitherto unshown War Hammer Titan. After all, no matter the technological changes afoot, Titans currently remain SnK’s predominant weapon, and arguably the only thing which can truly threaten Paradis for the noticeable future. Want to keep the last bastion of Eldia safe? No better way than taking care of Marley’s main strike capacity.

Not that the above really answers what’s coming of course (because where’s the fun in that?), but something tells me next week is going to start peeling back the mystery of SnK’s last – and greatest – hurrah.

Preview