Levi Ackerman’s intense and personal battle with Kenny Ackerman unfolds in Attack on Titan Season 3, Part 1, specifically during Episode 7, titled “Wish.” This episode marks a turning point, showcasing not only their exceptional fighting skills but also revealing the complex and tragic history that connects them.
Contextualizing the Conflict: The Ackerman Legacy and Power Dynamics
Understanding the fight between Levi and Kenny requires a deeper understanding of their shared Ackerman heritage and the power dynamics at play within the Attack on Titan universe. The Ackerman clan possesses enhanced strength and combat abilities, making them formidable opponents. Kenny, having abandoned Levi after teaching him basic survival skills, returns as the leader of the Military Police’s Anti-Personnel Control Squad, a group dedicated to hunting Titans and suppressing dissent, often using brutal methods. His arrival throws Levi and the Survey Corps into a desperate battle for survival against a corrupt government.
Deconstructing the Fight Scene: Tactics, Motivation, and Visual Storytelling
The confrontation in Episode 7 is not just a simple brawl; it’s a meticulously choreographed clash of styles and ideologies. Kenny’s Anti-Personnel Control Squad utilizes specialized weaponry, including vertical maneuvering equipment modified for use against humans, allowing them to navigate the urban environment with deadly efficiency. Levi, however, is renowned for his unparalleled skill with the standard vertical maneuvering equipment, honed through years of battling Titans.
The fight is characterized by:
- Rapid-fire exchanges: Kenny’s squad employs coordinated attacks, using gunfire and gas-powered weaponry.
- Levi’s agility and precision: Levi’s movements are fluid and deadly, demonstrating his mastery of his equipment and combat instincts.
- Close-quarters combat: The confined spaces of the underground city force them into close-quarters battles, where Levi’s blade skills shine.
- Psychological warfare: The dialogue between Levi and Kenny reveals their strained relationship and the underlying resentment that fuels their conflict.
Visually, the scene is a masterpiece of animation. The use of dynamic camera angles, speed lines, and impactful sound design intensifies the action, immersing the viewer in the chaos and danger of the fight. The episode skillfully balances intense action with poignant flashbacks, revealing fragments of Levi’s upbringing under Kenny’s tutelage, adding layers of complexity to their relationship.
The Aftermath and its Impact on the Story
The fight’s outcome has significant repercussions. While Levi manages to survive, the battle underscores the ruthlessness of Kenny and the Anti-Personnel Control Squad. The Survey Corps suffers casualties, and the need to overthrow the corrupt government becomes even more urgent. The fight also forces Levi to confront his past and acknowledge the complex legacy of the Ackerman clan, shaping his decisions and motivations moving forward. Kenny’s actions, though reprehensible, are driven by a twisted sense of self-preservation and a desire to understand the power that resides within the Ackerman bloodline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Levi vs. Kenny
FAQ 1: Besides episode 7, are there other significant encounters between Levi and Kenny in Season 3?
Yes, Levi and Kenny have several encounters throughout Season 3, particularly in Part 1. Their initial confrontation in Episode 4, “Trust,” sets the stage for the larger conflict. The climax of their battle, though starting in Episode 7, continues to unfold in subsequent episodes, namely Episode 8, “Outside the Walls of Orvud District,” and Episode 9, “Ruler of the Walls.” These episodes provide crucial context and development to their intertwined storyline.
FAQ 2: What specifically did Kenny teach Levi when he raised him?
Kenny taught Levi basic survival skills in the underground city, focusing on combat, self-defense, and how to navigate the criminal underworld. He emphasized the importance of strength and resourcefulness, instilling in Levi a “survival of the fittest” mentality that shaped his later actions. He essentially taught him how to kill and survive in a brutal environment.
FAQ 3: Why did Kenny abandon Levi?
Kenny’s reasons for abandoning Levi are complex. He states that he was “not fit to be a father” and that he didn’t want to become attached to anyone. Ultimately, Kenny prioritized his own ambitions and his pursuit of power, leaving Levi to fend for himself. He feared the responsibility and potential vulnerability that came with raising a child.
FAQ 4: What weapons do Kenny’s Anti-Personnel Control Squad use?
Kenny’s squad primarily uses modified vertical maneuvering equipment designed for fighting humans, equipped with firearms and blades. These modifications allow them to rapidly navigate urban environments and engage in close-quarters combat effectively. They also utilize gas-powered weaponry designed to incapacitate or kill their targets.
FAQ 5: How does the Ackerman bloodline contribute to Levi and Kenny’s fighting abilities?
The Ackerman bloodline grants Levi and Kenny enhanced strength, speed, agility, and combat instincts. This inherited power allows them to react quickly to danger, process information faster, and execute complex maneuvers with greater precision than ordinary humans. This inherent advantage makes them exceptionally formidable fighters.
FAQ 6: What is the significance of the Reiss family and their connection to Kenny?
Kenny, initially driven by a desire for power, served the Reiss family and even attempted to become the Founding Titan himself. The Reiss family, possessing the power to manipulate memories, attempted to erase the Ackermans from history due to their resistance to this power. Kenny’s actions are driven by a twisted ambition to understand and acquire this very power.
FAQ 7: How does the fight in Episode 7 impact Levi’s character development?
The fight forces Levi to confront his traumatic past and the complex relationship he had with Kenny. It challenges his understanding of right and wrong and compels him to grapple with the moral implications of his actions. He is forced to consider the legacy Kenny left him and how that legacy shapes his own choices.
FAQ 8: Does Kenny ever express regret for his actions towards Levi?
Kenny doesn’t explicitly express regret, but his dying words and flashbacks reveal a conflicted and somewhat tragic figure. He seems to acknowledge the impact he had on Levi’s life and even expresses a grudging respect for him. However, he never fully admits wrongdoing, maintaining his cynical and self-serving worldview until the end.
FAQ 9: What specific strategies does Levi employ to counter Kenny’s squad’s weaponry?
Levi relies on his superior agility, precision, and understanding of the vertical maneuvering equipment. He utilizes quick movements to dodge gunfire, strategically uses cover, and targets the weakest points of his opponents’ defenses. He also exploits the close-quarters environment to his advantage, forcing Kenny’s squad into situations where their ranged weaponry is less effective.
FAQ 10: How does the animation style contribute to the intensity of the fight scene?
The animation style uses dynamic camera angles, speed lines, and detailed character expressions to convey the speed and brutality of the fight. The animators pay close attention to the impact of each blow, the flow of movement, and the subtle changes in facial expressions to create a visceral and engaging experience for the viewer. The use of shadows and lighting further emphasizes the dark and dangerous atmosphere.
FAQ 11: What is the overall theme or message conveyed through the Levi vs. Kenny conflict?
The conflict explores themes of family, betrayal, the cycle of violence, and the corrupting influence of power. It questions the nature of justice and the sacrifices required to achieve freedom. It also highlights the lasting impact of trauma and the complex nature of human relationships.
FAQ 12: Where can I rewatch Episode 7 and other episodes featuring Levi and Kenny’s confrontations?
Attack on Titan is available on several streaming platforms, including Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu. Ensure you are subscribed to a legal streaming service to support the creators and avoid illegal downloads. Check regional availability for specific platforms in your area.