So, apparently Ymir is still alive. Sure, being a titan gives her a healing factor, but it still seems like it undercut the last episode's end; which was rather well done.
You'd think that the reveal would create a sense of paranoia, but Hange is actually quite reasonable about things. She wants to look into it more, but she listens to Historia/Christa and takes her insight into consideration. Further reinforcing her status as reasonable authority figure (ironic given her earlier characterization as slightly unhinged) is the fact that she doesn't make a big deal out of Historia's use of an alias. It was a good moment.
Reiner also has a nice character moment, as he laments his seemingly fading competence. He notes that he's almost been killed by titans twice, though I'm not sure what he expects. The titans aren't easy adversaries and countless others have died. If anything, the others should be telling him to count himself lucky. In any event, it was still some good evolution.
Sadly, it's undercut by the revelation that he and Bertholdt are titans. The execution of this twist is just downright bizarre. Unlike Annie, there was no build up and Reiner is mindbogglingly nonchalant about the whole thing. It's almost literally, "Hey Eren, by the way while you're here you should know that we're titans; so you should come with us now" What prompted him to do this? I really have no idea. You'd think he'd at least wait until they were alone with Eren. Instead, he blurts it out within earshot of the whole team. Again, it's just very weird.
Much like with Annie, the episode flashes back to show us that the cast had actually already figured it out. It's a bit of a rehash, but I thought it was better executed here. The characters go back and cite events that we saw which help prove the case. It's a much better instance of subtle foreshadowing and it helps make up for the straight up weird nature of the reveal.
I also buy Eren's shock more than I did when he was so burned by Annie's treachery. We had gotten to know Reiner a lot more, and as such, there's more weight for the viewer. It's just a shame that the writers bumbled the twist so much as to negate all the good in regards to it.
Reiner does make up for his lack of effort later, however. Just before he ultimately transforms, we see signs that he's starting to lose it. His rants make for a more appropriate build up before he confirms that, yes, he is a titan.
Mikasa does make a valiant effort to put the two down before the transformation can occur, but it isn't enough and the two attempt to take Eren and Ymir back to...wherever it is that titans go.
Ymir may be down for the count, but Eren doesn't hesitate to transform and engage his newfound foe. While seeing a 2 on 2 titan fight would have been really cool, seeing Eren and the scouts try to take them on should make for good watching.
The episode was quieter than most. That's not a bad thing. On the contrary, it was nice seeing the characters get a chance to catch their breath and reflect. Sadly, the episode's biggest draw (the twist) was so poorly done that it becomes the episode's more memorable takeaway.
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