This episode centers on the trio of Mikasa, Armin, and a newly emerged Eren; as they try to figure out what to do in the wake of Eren's second transformation.
Though, "transformation" is the wrong word. It isn't so much Eren hulking out, as it were, as it is a titan growing around Eren. While the specifics aren't clear, it's implied that Eren's transformations are altered depending on either what he needs or what he's focused on. That's pretty darn versatile, I have to say.
Having the episode focus on the main trio certainly worked to the episode's favor. They're the strongest characters to whom the audience is most connected, as such it makes for a more engaging watch. It's mostly dialogue driven, but there's still quite a bit of tension to be had, as their lives are on the line and they are low on options.
Sadly, this episode does have its drawbacks. For one thing, the time scale is wonky as all hell. It's said that the characters have less than a minute to figure out what to do before the surrounding troops reload and unleash another barrage of artillery fire upon them, but that doesn't stop them from having lengthy discussions about what to do or spend several minutes introspecting on matters.
Yes, they're covered by smoke, but can't the troops outside the cloud still hear them? Eren isn't exactly quiet during several points in this episode, yet nobody on the outside seems to respond. For that matter, why aren't the three of them coughing or making any attempt to cover their mouths? Maybe it's a nitpick, but it still stuck out to me.
I'm also not sold on Armin's self doubt. I kind of get it, given where he was a couple of episodes ago, but while he froze up more than once, he also came up with the plan to steer the rogue titan to headquarters and came up with the plan to retake the fuel depot. As such, his whole "I've never helped" thing rings hollow.
The episode tries to make it into a sort of arc for him, as he is ultimately the one who goes out to plead their case. It's supposed to be a symbol of growth, as he gains some measure of confidence and reassurance, but it seems like he's already gone through that, so it seemed a bit redundant.
Armin did make a good speech, though it does suffer from him having to point out the blindingly obvious. I was under the impression that the troops didn't see Eren's handiwork, taking out other titans, but apparently they did see it. It makes their big revelation seem rather stupid as they had to be told something they already knew.
I noted in the last episode that there was more than just paranoia and panic at play when it came to people's apprehension about Eren's nature. I thought it actually worked in the episode's favor that they had a sensible stance,despite threatening the main protagonists. Sadly, this episode negates that, as the general still insists on blowing the three into oblivion, even after Armin makes his reasoned plea.
It's one of the downsides of military hierarchy. The structure, the chain of command, and the need to follow orders makes sense 99% of the time, but when the commanding officer is clearly out of his gourd and making bad decisions, you'd think that subordinates should be given some flexibility. Apparently, they don't have that, as those who lowered their weapons raise them right back up again when the order to prepare to fire was given.
Thankfully, another general (named Pyxis) appears and negates the order, telling them to stand down. It's an instance where his timing might have been a bit too perfect, but as far as last second saves go, I suppose there have been worse.
I did like the subsequent scene between the general and the trio. The frank honesty on display from Armin and Eren was oddly endearing.
When the general asks Armin if he honestly believed that Eren's titan ability could turn the tide or if he was just desperately trying to keep from getting blown up, Armin answers with "both". That's fair, it really is.
I'm a little surprised that Pyxis shrugged off Eren's "responsible" answer regarding whether or not the rogue titan could fill in the hole in the wall with a big rock. You'd think that Eren's lack of knowledge on his degree of control would be something of a deal breaker, but it turns out that Pyxis just wants to hear an answer in the affirmative, saying that Titan-Eren would rebuild the wall.
I have a feeling that's going to bite them (maybe even literally because, you know, titans.) I could be wrong, but it seems like there's some questionable judgment at play here and that never ends well. Pyxis may not be manic and raving, but he's not the voice of reason that his initial appearance may have suggested.
Technical shortcomings aside, I actually rather liked the episode. The contained, focused nature worked. There may not have been much in the way of action, but it's always fun to see characters who are backed into a corner put their heads together and think their way out. It had its flaws, to be sure, but overall, I'd say this was a pretty solid watch.
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