I was a tad perplexed by the last episode's cliffhanger. This episode picks up there and gives us a better idea of why it was such a desperate situation. It seems that the collapsing colossal titan not only kept the scouts at bay, but gave Reiner a chance to turn the tables in the fight. Before anybody can react, the two make off with Eren.
There's a slight detour in the plot, as those inside the wall are brought up to speed. I guess we needed to see it, though it's probably the weakest element as it doesn't seem like much is being said, despite the significant amount of time devoted to it.
When the episode moves back to the wall, it finds its groove however. There's a palpable sense of loss as, not only is Eren gone, but many in the area were seriously injured. Even Mikasa is said to have a concussion. Oddly enough, they have no trouble just letting her sleep that one off. I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to do that, but whatever.
Once again, we have a flashback. I'm torn on it, to be honest. On the one hand, it doesn't really tell us anything new. It puts its focus on the connection between the show's "big 3" and gives us another example of Eren's desire to protect Armin and Mikasa's desire to protect Eren. These are things that are well established at this point and I can't fault people for thinking that it was wasting the viewer's time.
At the same time, I kind of enjoyed it. The ensuing street fight was entertaining. It gave the episode an action beat that was much lighter in tone when compared to the titan battle seen in the preceding episode.
Considering that Eren was up against three bullies who were bigger than him, he honestly fared pretty well. I wouldn't go so far as to say that he was winning, but he was certainly holding his own. Remember, this flashback takes place back before the first episode when Eren was something of an easy pushover.
Mikasa's arrival is certainly memorable and she, no doubt, helps even the odds, but Eren's fighting spirit is put on full display.
The flashback has the added benefit of tying into the characters' current dilemma. Hannes directly makes the comparison and uses that as a springboard to not only reminisce about more peaceful times, but to remind himself why he's fighting and to spur the others to stay in said fight. It was a nice moment. The speech could be seen as hokey, but I thought it worked.
Sadly, the subsequent shot of Armin and Mikasa determinedly scarfing down on trail rations completely ruins it by being one of the goofiest things I've ever seen (which is saying something, really.) It's not helped by the fact that the shot just doesn't end. We spend, like, 15 seconds just watching them chew food with this angry look on their face and I don't get why that had to be a thing. I'm kind of surprised the internet hasn't made a gif out of that and gotten many a laugh because I really feel like it should have.
The episode does end on a much stronger note, as the team regains their bearings and heads out to find Eren. Words don't do it justice, but I thought it was a pretty epic moment.
After the action packed predecessor, this one gave us a breather. For the most part, the emotional moments work and we do see the strength of the bond. I did like how it tied back into the early days of this trio, though mileage may certainly vary on that.
It's hard to believe we're down to the final four episodes of the season. We'll have to see how things play out from here. I expect things will be kicking into high gear to set things up for the third season.
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