The latest Attack on Titan episode, titled “The Rumbling,” Part 2, concluded the epic saga with a resolute and bittersweet finale, leaving viewers grappling with the complexities of war, freedom, and the cycle of hatred. It focused on the remaining Survey Corps members’ desperate attempt to stop Eren’s genocidal Rumbling, culminating in a final, emotionally charged confrontation.
The Conclusion: A Battle Against Fate
The episode opens amidst the chaos of the Rumbling, depicting the sheer devastation wrought by Eren’s Colossal Titans. The alliance, a fragile coalition of former enemies, faces impossible odds. They navigate treacherous landscapes, constantly pursued by Eren’s Founding Titan form and the sheer momentum of the Rumbling itself.
A United Front Against Unspeakable Horror
The episode showcases the extraordinary lengths the alliance will go to stop Eren. Despite internal conflicts and personal losses, they remain steadfast in their determination to save the world from annihilation. We see Mikasa, Armin, Levi, and the others pushing themselves to their physical and emotional limits, each grappling with the weight of their decisions and the potential consequences.
The Cost of Freedom: A Final Confrontation
The climax of the episode centers around the final battle against Eren. It’s a visually stunning and emotionally draining sequence, filled with intense action and heart-wrenching moments. The alliance faces not only Eren’s immense power but also the manifestation of past Titan shifters, resurrected by the Founding Titan’s power. The confrontation forces each character to confront their deepest fears and make impossible choices. The episode masterfully portrays the profound moral ambiguities inherent in their fight.
A Sacrifice for the Future: Ending the Cycle
Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the theme of sacrifice as a necessary component for achieving peace. Several characters make critical sacrifices, both physical and emotional, to weaken Eren and create an opening for Mikasa to deliver the final blow. The ending is deliberately ambiguous, leaving viewers to ponder the true meaning of freedom and the lasting impact of Eren’s actions on the world. The narrative underscores the difficulty of breaking cycles of hatred and violence, even with the best intentions.
FAQs: Deep Diving into the Final Attack on Titan Episode
Here are some frequently asked questions about the final episode of Attack on Titan, providing greater context and addressing key plot points:
1. What exactly was Eren’s plan with the Rumbling?
Eren’s plan, driven by his distorted understanding of freedom and his exposure to future memories, was to eliminate all life outside the island of Paradis, believing it was the only way to secure the safety and freedom of his people. He aimed to wipe out the global coalition attempting to destroy Paradis, essentially creating a world where Eldians were no longer threatened. It was a radical and ultimately destructive solution born from immense trauma and despair. He sought to create a “blank slate,” albeit one achieved through horrific means.
2. Why did Eren choose such a brutal method? Couldn’t there have been another way?
Eren’s justification stemmed from his belief that all other paths would ultimately lead to the destruction of Paradis. He felt that negotiation, diplomacy, and even limited use of the Rumbling would only delay the inevitable. The future memories he glimpsed further reinforced his conviction that only complete annihilation could save his people. While alternative solutions were explored by the alliance, Eren viewed them as unrealistic and insufficient to overcome the deeply ingrained hatred towards Eldians.
3. What was the significance of Mikasa killing Eren?
Mikasa killing Eren was a pivotal moment, signifying the breaking of the Titan curse and the end of the cycle of hatred. Despite her deep love for Eren, she recognized the destructive nature of his actions and the necessity to stop him for the sake of the world. Her act of love and sacrifice simultaneously ended Eren’s reign of terror and freed him from the burden of the Founding Titan’s power. It was a deeply tragic moment, highlighting the personal cost of war and the complexities of love and duty.
4. What happens to the Titan powers after Eren’s death?
With Eren’s death, the Titan powers vanished from the world. The source of all Titans, the organic matter within the Founding Titan, ceased to exist, breaking the connection between the Subjects of Ymir and the Titan powers. This event brought an end to the centuries-long curse and allowed the remaining Eldians to live without the threat of transformation. However, it also removed the inherent protection that the Titan powers had provided to Paradis.
5. What is the state of Paradis Island after the Rumbling?
While the Rumbling eliminated much of the global threat, it also caused immense destruction and loss of life. Paradis Island, while initially protected, faced the daunting task of rebuilding its society and establishing diplomatic relations with the outside world. The ending suggests a future of uncertainty and potential conflict, as the world grapples with the aftermath of Eren’s actions and the challenges of achieving lasting peace.
6. Did Armin’s negotiation with Zeke contribute to the outcome?
Yes, Armin’s conversation with Zeke within the Paths played a crucial role. By appealing to Zeke’s desire for a meaningful existence and demonstrating the value of life, Armin convinced him to abandon his plan of euthanizing the Eldian race. Zeke’s cooperation in sabotaging Eren’s control over the Titan shifters was essential in creating the opportunity for the alliance to confront Eren and ultimately stop the Rumbling.
7. What were the key themes explored in the final episode?
The final episode delved into complex themes of freedom, sacrifice, the cycle of hatred, and the ambiguity of morality in times of war. It questioned the cost of peace, the nature of justice, and the potential for forgiveness in a world scarred by violence. It examined the motivations behind Eren’s actions, challenging viewers to understand his perspective while condemning the devastating consequences of his choices.
8. What is the significance of the tree that Mikasa sits under at the end?
The tree is a clear parallel to the tree where Ymir Fritz first encountered the source of the Titans. Mikasa’s presence there signifies the end of that era and the potential for a new beginning. The image suggests a possible rebirth or renewal, even amidst the lingering pain and scars of the past. It’s a hopeful, albeit ambiguous, symbol of a future free from the curse of the Titans.
9. How does the ending relate to the opening theme of the series?
The ending ironically mirrors the opening theme, “Guren no Yumiya,” which initially portrayed Eren as a hero fighting for freedom. The final episode reveals the tragic consequences of his distorted vision of freedom, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of empathy and understanding. The narrative arc underscores the cyclical nature of violence and the need to break free from patterns of hatred.
10. What were the biggest criticisms of the ending among fans?
Some criticisms of the ending include the perceived rushed pacing, the perceived justification of Eren’s actions, and the lack of a definitive resolution for all the characters. Some fans felt that Eren’s motivations were inconsistent with his earlier characterization, while others argued that the ending was too ambiguous and failed to provide satisfactory closure.
11. What were the biggest praises of the ending among fans?
Many fans praised the emotional impact of the ending, the complexity of the themes explored, and the bittersweet resolution that acknowledged the sacrifices made and the lingering consequences of war. They appreciated the ambiguity and the opportunity for interpretation, recognizing that the ending was not intended to provide easy answers but rather to provoke thoughtful reflection on the nature of humanity.
12. What’s next for the Attack on Titan franchise? Are there any potential sequels or spin-offs?
While the main storyline has concluded, the possibility of spin-offs or sequels remains open. The creator, Hajime Isayama, has hinted at exploring other aspects of the Attack on Titan universe, potentially focusing on different characters or time periods. Given the franchise’s immense popularity, it is likely that more content will be produced in the future, though the exact nature and direction remain uncertain. The world built within Attack on Titan is rich with possibilities for future storytelling.