Shingeki no Kyojin – 10
In case you couldn’t tell, this means he isn’t happy.
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Oops, Animal Crossing consumed my life and I forgot about blogging. If it makes you feel any better about my dedication to Attack on Titan, the opening song is set as my town tune. Going from bloody to cute and then back to bloody again seems to be the weird cycle I’m stuck on. Let’s talk about Titans so I can go catch butterflies, okay? |
There’s not a whole lot to talk about in this episode since most of it is spent hiding in a cloud of smoke and dust. Eren’s Titan form was only useful for shielding them from the cannonball and creating an unintentional smokescreen upon destruction. As Eren gets the hang of controlling his powers, the door will be open for all kinds of different Titan forms. Could he potentially make a giant, 100m high Titan? Or a Titan with 5 arms? A flying Titan? If the Titan simply matches his desires, he might have even more of an advantage than I originally imagined. He might not be able to do anything crazy like make a flaming Titan with a giant tail, but at least we know he has options.
Of course, this will all depend on how well he can master this ability. I can’t imagine it’s an easy task. Furthermore, the transformation takes a toll on his body. Just how much damage is hard to tell since Eren isn’t one to complain no matter how hurt he is. The explanation awaits in the fabled basement. Ah yes, how this convenient infodump dangles in front of our faces in the most tempting manner. I need to know! Thankfully, Eren mentions the basement a lot, so I doubt they’ll just forget about that plot point and dig it up later when it seems relevant. We need to know more about his ability so he can control it and use it responsibly to help all of mankind. It would also be nice to know the consequences. There are probably a lot more tricks and catches to this ability than Eren realizes. It’s also weird that Eren’s Titan form doesn’t dissolve flowers, meaning his body temperature probably isn’t as high as a normal Titan’s.
So, what do you think of my new place? Pretty cozy, huh?
Even though Eren will use his powers for good, I doubt everyone will suddenly smile and pleasantly apologize for trying to blow him up just a bit earlier. The level of desperation and fear in the city has risen so much that everyone is on pins and needles for even the slightest disturbance. Eren is more like a life-threatening behemoth than a slight disturbance, so it’s no wonder everyone is rattled. From their perspective, he’s a terrifying monster who can turn into humanity’s most feared creature with a single chomp. Eren’s a tough guy, but I bet having his humanity questioned will be a difficult struggle for him. I hope Pixis guides him through any emotional problems, simply because he seems like a really chill guy to sit down and have a heart-to-heart with. His understanding and patience should be enough to shield Eren from all the abuse and paranoia directed his way from other recruits and commanders. That, and his insanely loyal friends.
We already know Mikasa’s loyalty treads into creeper territory, but Armin hasn’t done much aside from cry and dispense advice. His loyalty is shown through words and helping other characters do things, and not so much by actions. The spotlight has always eluded him – until now. I didn’t like how long it took for Mikasa and Eren to stop talking, so the episode really only picked up for me when Armin started realizing his own worth as a person. His speech was compelling and so goddamned intense that it ordered you to listen to every word. It was so earnest and wonderful seeing him risk his life for his friends, and do so with a level of passion I never thought he possessed. Unfortunately, if you’re not listening, a speech has no effect. Armin’s brilliant plea fell on deaf ears and he nearly got his friends blown up.
It’s striking how fear has completely consumed everyone. Fear is expected during a battle, but it seems even more tragic in a way during times of (relative) peace. The battle is on hold for now, but that just gives everyone more time to panic. They can’t even enjoy the small periods of rest because they know what will come immediately afterwards. More death, more fighting, and..well, more death. The Titans are no longer a distant threat, only seen in textbooks. Everyone has seen the horror of Titans now, and that has dampened their spirits. Being in the military is no longer glorious to them because it’s just not worth it. This new paranoia makes everyone stop thinking properly, which is why it was so easy to get a whole host of recruits ready to shoot their comrades. They weren’t going to kill just Eren, but Mikasa and Armin. Even if you have no heart, Mikasa is an incredible asset to the army. That much is noted out loud, but the end decision is still to kill them because they’re so afraid of Titans.
At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if they wanted to bomb the city and kill thousands just to get rid of a few Titans. I’m just glad those kinds of bombs don’t seem to be in their arsenal. If this level of fear keeps up, the next attack from the Titans could end up being even worse. With less power in numbers and more people racing to selfishly save themselves and screw others over, it’s going to be a rough battle. However, there was so much action recently that I think a small moment of respite is in order. We should be safe from Titans for an episode or two…I think.
Preview: Eren finds a place among the other humans…kinda.
Can someone please get this boy a new boot so he looks less like a hobo?
About Overcooled
A neuroscience graduate, black belt, and all-around nerd. You'll either find me in my lab or curled up in my rilakkuma kigurumi watching anime.
POWUH: Beginner (20-35) with 24 comments
very good review, and I do agree that the first part stretched out a bit. It’s amazing to me how they managed to squeeze a single chapter into the episode, from start to finish, and even cut a few places. For example, in the manga, Pixis and Eren have a brief conversation about how false the ‘humanity uniting against a single enemy’ theory is, considering how they’re people, like you said, are fighting with each other even with the Titans outside their walls. One minor detail, those soldiers preparing to kill them were members of the City Guards, not recruits.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Some anime squish 3-5 chapters into one episode to save time, and it really shows. I’m pretty happy with the pacing of this show overall. It sounds like they’re only cutting minor stuff too.
I have a habit of referring to the entire group of young people who can fight as “recruits” but I’ll try to be more specific.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
If those kinds of bombs existed, they would surely have used them earlier, with the Titans way out in the hinterlands. Maybe they wouldn’t have had the problems they have now…
There were plenty of toothmarks all over the scenery in this episode (some hidden by the copious smoke), but overall, not bad. It wasn’t as much in your face forget about anything but the action this time, although it did get a little slow. I think the team reloading that cannon needs to get on the stick. What was that, a 10 minute reload? No WONDER the cannons are ineffective against the Titans, with that pathetic rate of fire.
(and again, Rule of Cool: noone would ever mount their cannons on rails perpendicular to the direction of fire, and maybe it took so long to reload because they have to hang out over the side of the wall to do it. This is a solved problem.)
It was about time that Dot Pixis showed up to put the stop to Verman (hehe).
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10997 comments
I think the artillery crew were spell-bound by Armin’s internal monolouge…only thing I got when the so called pros can’t load that style of cannon quickly…
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Fear disorients a person. Can’t say I blame them.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Yeah, I think the only reason these scenarios don’t exist is because they just don’t have bombs. They put all their resources towards making those magical, web-slinging boxes.
I like how they said “oh, we have 10 seconds before they reload” meanwhile they bickered for half the episode. Something’s up with that!
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Heh, if that we’re really true, I’d be worried. We need a sadist on this site. I made a contract commenting here and it’s unforgivable if the one who I signed to wasn’t around. 😛
Good episode and such a great review. Armin with the save again. It bums me to see him put himself down like that all the time. He’s more valuable than he can ever know.
As I thought, Eren’s transformations puts a strain on his body. This might sound odd but if he took a whole day off to practice his changes, he could know his limits without going overboard and surely each size the form takes would drain him in different amounts. It’s necessary in his case since he’s a hothead and loses himself easily. Things are going to be rigid for him. Though some might accept this turn of events but everyone won’t look at him the same way anymore. If they managed to kill all the Titans, I have a feeling they’d cast him out like leper afterwards.
Who’s to say it hasn’t reach Yuno territory?
I’m glad Pixis came along to put that bastard in his place. Could anyone blame me if I felt like strangling him for his stupidity? The last time I’ve been so peeved at a character was at Pinion in the recent episode of Gargantia.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10997 comments
Sooner or later, that Tom Nook owns everything, even your soul….
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Aww I’m glad you miss me when I’m inactive, BB. I’ll try to keep up with blogging in between delivering small parcels for sheep and puppies!
It’s cool seeing predictions from the comments section come true. I wonder just how bad it’s hurting him. If he keeps this up he’ll really die – the kind where you don’t magically come back.
Yeah Pinion is pretty dumb…but he’s less dumb than the idiot who tried to kill Mikasa, Armin and Eren u_u
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I’m not that susceptible to flattery. LOL The sheep and puppies thing is odd but funny. I’ll just be waiting to congratulate you on reaching 4000 comments.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10997 comments
Even if you take into account the kangaroos, I would want Armin to argue for my innocence. Thinks on his feet, natural born talker, if he manages to survive the years, he could probably talk any enemy to death.
Pixis….Guys and Dolls, this guy makes me nervous. The way he looks, the way he walks. Eren is just a piece of meat to him. And look, Armin and Mikasa (not Misaka…) are tagging along as pieces in the game. Eren is one step away from being a valued, yet disposable resource. In this episode, I fear all Pixis did was raise the frying pan up a few inches.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Kangaroos…?
Hmm, Pixis completely made me drop my guard. I feel like Pixis is the only sane one, but maybe they’re doing that to lull me into a sense of false security. This show always does that and I never learn.
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
If it makes you feel any better OC, Animal Crossing is totally taking over my life as well. OTL THE CLOTHING CUSTOMIZATION. YOU CAN HANG SHIT ON YOUR WALLS. …It’s amazing.
Anyways, every time I read a spoiler and it seems lame in summary (like Eren being a magical Titan because he’s special in a world where everyone else dies within 5 minutes of screentime), Shingeki no Kyojin manages to incorporate it in the plot and it turns out amazing. The fight here was really grating to watch since their fear is making everyone act like idiots. Armin’s speech in this episode was great to see though~. He’s been extra brilliant in the last couple of chapters, so I look forward to that being animated.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
I played GameCube Animal Crossing back when it was new (heck, that was one of the reasons I got a GameCube), but boy, talk about a game that once you dropped it, you never wanted to get back into it. Show up, and your town is covered with weeds, and everyone’s left and geez, it’s ALL YOUR FAULT.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
I loved the Gamecube one! I played it every day so that was never a big issue until one day I just gave up. Out of curiosity I checked things out 5 years later and I wanted to cry…
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Pretty sure I have your friend code so WE SHOULD VISIT ECAH OTHER’S TOWNS!
I think a lot of anime sounds derp in a summary (like Mawaru Penguindrum. Try explaining that to someone without them just laughing at you). Attack on Titan is one of those anime. Are you completely caught up on the manga now?
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
I’m pretty sure I reset my DS in an attempt to get my SD card to work (it was futile though), so I don’t even know if my friend code that you have is working anymore xD
Ahaha true enough. Yep, I’m all caught up (…I was kind of forced to since I read a HUGE spoiler that ruined the plot for me) and things are getting really good~. …Though Eren is kind of getting on my nerves.
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 77 comments
Finally, Armin found his hidden strength, and that he was blinded by his own expectations. And I agree, give Eren a new set of boots. Looks like the hobo king, which isn’t what the proud forces of mankind accept. And commander dot pixis reminds me of captain okita from Space Battleship Yamato in terms of leadership style. I wonder if the plan to plug the hole will work. And the artillary crew, they wet em selves at the sight of the raging Armin, so they couldn’t load the gun quick enough. And Mikasa’s blind zeal, it never ceases to amaze me.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
We can’t have him being a monstrosity AND a fashion nightmare. That would be too much!
I hope Eren can plug the hole so he can work on getting to the basement. That’s all I care about right now…
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
Good episode even though nothing really happened and it feels as if we’re retreading old territory. Eren is beginning to put things together and he has a goal. He is still his old stalwart self. Mikasa’s the same. I like how Eren keeps telling Mikasa she doesn’t have to look out for him anymore even though he knows it won’t make a bit of difference. It’s like how my youngest brother likes to think he doesn’t need me because he’s stronger and now taller than I am, but I will always be the eldest and I will always look out for him, I don’t care how old or strong he gets. It’s part of being a sibling.
It’s Armin who supposedly gets the most development this episode, however for some reason or other, I just couldn’t get into it. Armin has been since the beginning, a smart thinker and the academic even if he isn’t that great in the physical department. Everyone knows that and there isn’t anything wrong with that. My problem is that I had thought Armin had gotten over this confidence issue a few episodes ago when he became the group tactician. However, in this episode he seemed to be drowning in a ocean of self-pity and I really just wanted to slap him. So your talents lie elsewhere? That’s a good thing. The army needs brains like yours just as much if not more than they need physical prowess. Stop acting as if you’re a burden, especially when your friends have been reminding you of how important you are again and again. Take a page from Lelouch Lamperouge or L: you don’t always need to be the physically strongest in the room, many times it’s the smartest that win the fight.
Other than that quip, good episode with great music and atmosphere. I’m glad Pixis came in (Dot Pixis? Really? His parents must have been expecting a girl…it’s the only explanation. And they way he came out of nowhere and made the tense situation go away? That’s it. I’m officially nicknaming him “Commander Pixie Dust”. ). That bearded captain really needs to take a leap off the nearest bridge, straight into the gullet of a waiting Titan. A coward who thinks he has the right to judge those who fought their hardest in battle and one who pretty much was killed in the line of duty (even if he did come back) has absolutely nothing to say.
I am concerned that the last episode is labeled “Idol” and I hope that doesn’t refer to Eren. It’s never a good sign when a show does that to the MC, it only means that later everyone will turn on him when something goes wrong and they find that he can’t live up to the pedestal on which they’ve placed him. Also, it seems that becoming a Titan maybe affecting Eren’s health? That nosebleed looked ominous. Does it have to deal with the fact that Titan biochemistry is so different from humans? Just some thoughts…..
I give this episode an 8/10. A bit of a downtime episode. Next time Eren is going to try to block the wall by using his Titan powers once more. Interested in seeing what goes on next.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
It’s funny because Eren’s outgrown the need for Mikasa to protect him so much. He’s an able fighter and now he’s a Titan capable of crushing concrete in his bare hands. It’s funny how despite seeing all this Mikasa is still like a mother hen. Ahhh, sibling love can truly be strong!
I think Armin is still self-conscious because although he has a good skill, he felt like no one praised him for it. I think it’d be hard to just immediately turn around from living in the shadow of his best friends for so long. Hopefully now he really understands though, because the time for whining ends now.
I hope the basement explains what Eren is. It’s good for him, and it might help dispel some fears amongst the military.
POWUH: Occasional (51-75) with 63 comments
Armin successfully demonstrates dat drill sergeant face.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Now all he needs to do is perfect it.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
It looked pretty perfect to me!
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Nah, he forced it here. It will be perfected when he can do it at will.