With the first season reaching its final stretch, one would expect things to kick into high gear and really end things with a bang.
Sadly, for the first half, it doesn't really seem like the episode is doing that. We are once again introduced to a new team of characters who are members of the military police. Annie is there, so we at least have some anchor, but it is frustrating constantly having to start from scratch.
It's made worse by the fact that nothing really comes of it, not yet anyway. The organization is corrupt, but one of the new recruits has sworn to try and fix things. The others scoff, but Annie does at least commend him for his resolve, even comparing him to Eren.
While the spirit is willing, his flesh is weak; as his attempt to stop two officers from selling government issued goods is met with him essentially getting curb stomped. Were it not for Annie, who knows how severe his injuries might have been.
There is talk about how the group is on some secret escort mission. Considering there are two episodes left, it's possible that it will be followed on there, but really that whole plot point drops off the map.
It's to the episode's benefit, however, as Armin's recruitment of Annie to sneak Eren out of prison is where the episode really starts to make good on the stake raising.
The fact that we're following the characters we know helps a good deal, but the clear objective is also a definite plus. There's purpose there. Even if the characters are just walking and talking, there's more momentum behind it.
It all culminates with a big reveal that is appropriately dramatic. It starts off rather subtle, as Annie is suddenly reluctant to use a tunnel. It becomes clear that things aren't as they seem, as Annie notices scouts hiding and watching all around them.
It is soon revealed that Annie herself is the titan. Armin deduced it when he noticed that she was using Marco's 3D maneuvering device. Armin recognized it by the scratches.
I do wish there was more in way of clues and hints. I know you don't want to go too heavy handed with stuff like that, but it still seems like their case was a flimsy one. Having more than one morsel to work with would have also made for a better build up before Annie cracked.
I'm not sure what going in a tunnel has to do with anything. The way they talk it is some make or break fact that going in will help prove her innocence, but I'm not seeing the connection. I suppose the whole thing was a trap and it didn't matter either way, but still.
In true villain fashion, Annie reveals herself by cackling madly. It doesn't quite hit the highs of Light Yagami's reveal, but it is dramatic enough to achieve the desired effect.
The episode ends on quite the cliffhanger, as Annie triggers a transformation. Unlike other instances, where scouts would just sit back and watch things happen, we see them make a valiant effort to keep this from happening. It's good to see that they're learning. It's for naught, but still, at least they tried.
The episode was a mixed bag. The first half was slow and uneventful, but once things refocused on the main cast, it really managed to elevate itself into a more memorable episode.
Up to that point, the most memorable thing about the episode was the crazy guy ranting about how the walls were gods and how it was blasphemy for humans to lay hands upon them. It's only a brief bit, but it stands out just due to how little sense it makes. I get the "wall as protector" bit, but humans were the ones who built the walls in the first place. Also, with the titans having torn through them, sealing them up is necessary if they are going to be any good in terms of keeping people safe from the titans. Thus the "humans aren't allowed to touch it" mindset really doesn't hold up.
In any event, we're down to the final two episodes of the season. It should be some interesting watching.
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