Note: This is not the end of Attack on Titan, there is going to be a part 2 to this season if you haven't already guessed by now.
Over the years, Attack on Titan has continued to evolve both in popularity and story. It is one of a few shows where the main genre has completely shifted. It went from a shounen to shounen/seinen to now almost being entirely seinen. The final season, or rather final season “part 1” is a perfect example in showing the evolution of the story and how much the characters have changed. This show has truly set the stage for what is inevitably going to be the very last conclusion of this amazing story.
Story - 10/10
Probably one of the best stories in a very long time. Here we see the last two arcs (roughly 25% of the last one) in its fruition. The first 4 episodes took us in a different setting to allow us to learn about the new characters that we would be seeing for a while and sure enough we learn just enough to know the most important part of attack on titan’s themes and motifs. No one is a hero or villain in this story. Everyone has been brought up differently by the secrecy, propaganda and brainwashing their people enforced upon them and what we see in the final season is the result of what these characters have become because of that. The story overall is much more violent, aggressive, darker, gloomier, and sad than any other season before it.
Art - 8/10
This was probably the most controversial aspect of this season due to the change in studios from WIT to MAPPA. Many people complained about the new art style of the characters, but they particularly were critical of MAPPA’s use of CGI. Majority of the titan battles employed this unique form of CGI that differed a lot from WITs. Whether you see that as a better or worse thing is really up to you, but it was definitely unusual than one would expect, you would have to watch it yourself to see what I mean and understand where all the hate possibly came from. The animation itself in the long run was great overall, many moments looked so beautiful to look at and honestly better than some of the manga panels to be honest. MAPPA is covering for the eventual part 2 of this season but it seems they are being rushed to get this out like the first part. With the time constraints and backlash they were given, they all still did a decent job adapting.
Sound – 10/10
This first part didn’t really need such a powerful OST like the first 3 seasons because these arcs do not prioritize in putting constant action in your face but rather show a more sadistic and cruel way of fighting. People who complain about their favorite track not being used in a certain moment don’t really appreciate the impact of said tracks. The consensus was that the staff should have reused OST’s from some of the most shocking and revealing moments in the series but reusing them lowers the impact it had when it was first heard. Of course we do hear some portions of some of the previously used songs but the new OST was still primarily dominant. The soundtrack is amazing. Both the opening and the ending themes, though weird to start…started to grow on I think all of us by the middle of it. These were good choices because it perfectly fits the mood and the tone this season is supposed to take in addition to the new OST and I’m happy the staff and the orchestra did that. Voice acting is superb, and everyone makes their character so believable. You can really see all the emotions, and feelings the characters feel so well. The cast at this point has reached all-star level and it will probably only get better from here.
Character - 10/10
The final season has some of the most well written arcs and our characters have developed so much even in ways you didn’t expect. Our main cast changes their look in the 4-year gap but the most notable 2 to have changed so much since we last saw them is Eren and Reiner. Eren is likely the one who has changed the most, not because he’s simply the main character but also because of his motivations and ambitions. Here we see him in a much gloomier, darker, and a more violent matter because of the events that transpired and were revealed to him and his actions reflect that. Reiner on the other hand whom we likely initially hated at first grew on me because we learn much of his backstory as well as his life beyond the walls. The season shows us how mentally unstable he became throughout the course of the story and is suffering due to his trauma and horror he faced. These two guys have totally changed the personalities of their companions, and it really shows near the end of the series. At first, we see sasha die because of gabi and her vendetta against eldians but ultimately, it was Eren who had inevitably dragged the survey corps into Liberio. Her death ruins the trio of her, Connie, and Jean. Connie, who was someone we believed would bring the bright side of this story is now completely in distraught and fosters hatred towards Eren and his followers. Another example is when someone like Armin who is someone who fought for Eren to death and was a close friend of him for almost all his life, take no time in thinking of hurting him for the sake of Mikasa. Mikasa whom Eren saved when they were young and was friends with for a long time shows his true feelings toward her and Armin. Even some of the side antagonists have developed such tragic stories when you see how much war has hurt them at a such a young age. Gabi and Falco in the 16 episodes have been exposed to their enemies but also tried to blend in with them for a period of time, all while keeping the preconceived notion that the eldians are devils (particularly gabi). We see both learn that they are virtually the same and see the tension when the other race tries to bond with the others. These are just some examples on how messed up everyone can get but in a compelling way too.
Enjoyment - 10/10
From start to finish, every episode was excellent and delivered enough or more to get me intrigued for every single new episode. There are moments where it really leaves you on the edge of your seat. You’ll probably be telling your self “Oh my god”, “oh shit”, “what the hell” or any other variation of those phrases a lot because there are so many 180’s and plot twists you don’t expect to happen but they do. If you’re someone who wants or loves a lot of action and awesome scenes, you will have to wait a bit as this season is a little patient with that. After episode 5, it’s just pure anarchy.
Overall - 10/10
Clearly one of the best seasons or even a show in general out there that anyone can watch. It is wonderfully crafted and subverts expectations in a positive way. It tries to shift genres mid way, which although is a very risky move, it is done very well. I’m so excited for part 2 or should I say the epic conclusion to this series in a few months and I hope you are as well.
Note: Pieck has a BIG BOOTY : )
