The first episode of Attack on Titan, titled “To You, in 2000 Years: The Fall of Shiganshina, Part 1,” serves as a brutal and unforgettable introduction to the series’ dark and compelling world. It establishes the core conflict, introduces key characters, and sets the stage for the escalating horrors to come.
The Genesis of Terror: A Deep Dive into Episode One
The impact of “To You, in 2000 Years” is undeniable. It throws viewers headfirst into a society living in constant fear, sheltered behind colossal walls that are believed to be impenetrable. We are introduced to Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert, children growing up in Shiganshina District, a town on the outermost wall, Wall Maria. Their relatively peaceful lives are shattered in a single, catastrophic moment when the Colossal Titan appears, towering over the wall and initiating its destruction.
The episode masterfully crafts a sense of impending doom. The initial tranquility is deceptive, highlighting the fragility of their perceived safety. The sudden and violent appearance of the Colossal Titan is a shocking visual, amplified by the immediate chaos and devastation that ensues. Families are torn apart, homes are destroyed, and the human spirit is tested beyond its limits. The first episode culminates in the Breaching of Wall Maria, forcing humanity to retreat behind the next wall, Wall Rose, and triggering a widespread food shortage and societal collapse. This cataclysmic event serves as the catalyst for Eren’s unwavering desire for revenge and his determination to eradicate the Titans.
Analyzing Key Elements of the Debut
This initial episode is not merely an introduction; it’s a masterclass in storytelling. Several elements contribute to its powerful impact and enduring appeal.
The Shock and Awe of the Titans
The design of the Titans, especially the Colossal Titan and the Armored Titan, is intentionally terrifying. Their grotesque features and immense size immediately establish them as a formidable and overwhelming threat. The episode doesn’t shy away from depicting the Titans’ brutality, creating a visceral and unsettling experience for the viewer. The unsettling grins and vacant stares of the Titans add to the psychological horror, emphasizing their alien and inhuman nature.
Eren’s Defining Moment
The first episode lays the foundation for Eren’s character arc. His initial recklessness and naiveté are starkly contrasted with the helplessness he experiences during the Titan attack. Witnessing the death of his mother at the hands of a Titan fuels his burning desire for revenge, a desire that will drive his actions throughout the series. This episode is crucial in understanding Eren’s motivations and the complex moral dilemmas he will face later on.
The Power of Music and Visuals
The soundtrack, composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, is integral to the episode’s impact. The powerful score amplifies the emotional intensity of each scene, from the initial moments of peace to the devastating Titan attack. The animation, courtesy of Wit Studio, is equally impressive, capturing the scale of the destruction and the horror of the Titan invasion. The visual depiction of the Titans and their movements is particularly striking, contributing to the overall sense of unease and dread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the First Episode
Here are some of the most common questions surrounding the debut episode of Attack on Titan:
FAQ 1: What is the significance of the title, “To You, in 2000 Years?”
The title hints at the long and complex history of the Titans and their connection to humanity. It foreshadows the revelations later in the series about the true nature of the Titans and the origins of the conflict. The seemingly distant future of “2000 years” becomes increasingly relevant as the story progresses, tying into themes of cyclical history and inherited trauma.
FAQ 2: Who is the Colossal Titan, and what is his role in the story?
The Colossal Titan is one of the most iconic and enigmatic figures in the Attack on Titan universe. His appearance marks the beginning of the series’ main conflict, and his identity remains a mystery for a significant portion of the story. He represents the overwhelming power and unpredictability of the Titan threat. He is later revealed to be Bertolt Hoover.
FAQ 3: What is the significance of Wall Maria’s destruction?
The destruction of Wall Maria is a pivotal moment in the series. It forces humanity to retreat behind Wall Rose, leading to overcrowding and food shortages. This event triggers a wave of social unrest and lays the groundwork for future conflicts and power struggles within the human population. It is the direct cause of Eren, Mikasa and Armin to join the Survey Corps.
FAQ 4: How does the episode establish the power dynamic between humans and Titans?
The episode clearly establishes the Titans as a far superior force. The humans’ weapons are ineffective against them, and their only defense is the walls. The episode highlights the humans’ vulnerability and their constant struggle for survival against an overwhelming enemy.
FAQ 5: What is the purpose of introducing Eren, Mikasa, and Armin in this episode?
These three characters are the core protagonists of the series, and their introductions in the first episode establish their personalities, motivations, and relationships. Eren’s anger and desire for revenge, Mikasa’s protectiveness and loyalty, and Armin’s intelligence and strategic thinking are all evident from the beginning.
FAQ 6: How does the first episode foreshadow future events in the series?
The episode contains subtle hints and foreshadowing about future events, such as the true nature of the Titans, the existence of other Titan shifters, and the hidden history of the world. These details become more significant as the story unfolds.
FAQ 7: What is the role of the military in this episode?
The military is portrayed as being largely unprepared for the Titan attack. Their initial response is disorganized and ineffective, highlighting their lack of experience and the overwhelming nature of the threat. They represent humanity’s desperate attempt to defend itself, even in the face of insurmountable odds.
FAQ 8: Why does the episode focus on the perspective of children?
Focusing on children experiencing the horrors of the Titan attack amplifies the emotional impact of the episode. It highlights the innocence that is lost and the trauma that they endure, making the stakes feel even higher. It also emphasizes the cycle of violence and the burden that is passed down to future generations.
FAQ 9: What are the different military branches introduced in the first episode?
The episode briefly introduces the Garrison Regiment, responsible for maintaining and defending the walls, and the Military Police Brigade, who primarily maintain order within the inner walls. The Survey Corps, dedicated to venturing outside the walls and fighting Titans, are mentioned as being ineffective and often ridiculed.
FAQ 10: What is the significance of the apple scene with Eren and Mikasa?
The apple scene subtly hints at Mikasa’s connection to the Ackerman clan and her protective instinct towards Eren. It also foreshadows her unwavering loyalty and her willingness to do anything to protect him. The apple symbolizes knowledge and temptation, hinting at the difficult choices and moral compromises that the characters will face throughout the series.
FAQ 11: How does the episode contribute to the overall themes of the series?
The first episode introduces several key themes that run throughout the series, including the struggle for survival, the importance of freedom, the nature of humanity, and the consequences of war. It sets the stage for exploring these themes in greater depth as the story progresses.
FAQ 12: Is the first episode a good representation of the series as a whole?
Yes, the first episode is a strong representation of the series’ overall tone and themes. It captures the dark and violent nature of the world, introduces the key characters and conflicts, and sets the stage for the complex and compelling story that unfolds in subsequent episodes. While later episodes delve deeper into the political intrigue and mysteries of the world, the first episode provides a crucial foundation for understanding the series as a whole.
Concluding Thoughts
“To You, in 2000 Years: The Fall of Shiganshina, Part 1” is a powerful and unforgettable introduction to the world of Attack on Titan. It’s a masterclass in building tension, establishing stakes, and creating characters that resonate with audiences. Its success lies not only in its shocking visuals and intense action sequences but also in its ability to explore deeper themes of survival, freedom, and the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. This inaugural episode remains a cornerstone of the series’ enduring popularity and its lasting impact on the anime landscape.