It's clear from the start that this season will focus on more human conflict; for the first couple of episodes I was worried that this was going to a frustrating distraction from the 'main' conflict; fortunately this isn't the case. It actually allows us to get - FINALLY - the beginnings of some explanations.
The plot actually does a complete 180° to what the plot of season 2 was doing: while in season 2 a lot of time was spent giving us no real exposition, only leaving the viewer more confused, in many episodes of season 3 there is a whole lot of exposition given very quickly. I found myself pausing frequently during some scenes to make sure I was fully keeping up with what was being explained. And while, yes, this is preferable and more satisfying, I think it does reveal the one significant weakness of the anime which is just an issue with pacing. It's not an issue that ruins the show by any means; it just holds it back from being really perfect.
I enjoyed watching Erwin's plans in episode 5, it was smart and gratifying to see, but I do think it maybe happened a little too quickly; not that I would wish for the pace of the show to slow down, I just thought it made things look a bit too simple.
I also have to say I found it a little frustrating that Eren gets kidnapped so early in the season when it feels like he was only just recovered at the end of season 2...it's not a huge gripe, it just gave him a bit of a 'damsel in distress' vibe for a while there.
The human focus of this season has the major upside of some fantastic character moments and development. Highlights are: seeing Levi back in action and learning a fair bit about his past, the squad wrestling with the morality of killing and torture, Eren's tragic guilt, Erwin's smart gambles, and best of all: Historia's moment in episode 7. She was a character that I truly didn't care about at all until that moment, but she really blossoms in this season and becomes a character to admire. The moment is not only her highlight, but really a highlight of the whole show, and it allows the story to overcome the trap of being a cynical tragedy, but rather a story of human hope and resistance. I really loved it!
The OST is pretty much the same quality as other SnK seasons: fine. Pretty good, not that memorable. The opening this season is also pretty good as always, but not in the top rankings of them. I've continued to watch the Japanese audio and I have no complaints.
There's nothing new to say about the art of the show: it's stellar. The action sequences are as thrilling as ever. Of particular note is the design of the main titan this season; even by SnK's standards I thought it was horrifying.
Overall, this was an intriguing season; it provided a more satisfying story than the previous season. While the main titan battle was pretty cool, it was a bit lacking in titan action. I think that much like season 2 it's almost reaching perfection, held back by only a few shortcomings. But's it's almost there...and the final episode does get you very pumped for the second part of the season.
