Attack On Titan “Above And Below” Review
Attack On Titan “Above And Below” is the 75th and last episode of the Attack On Titan final series. Unlike episode 74 that had alot of info we’d need shoved into it so we could keep up. This episode is almost 100% tension. You can feel it. Even if you don’t know what’s coming, there’s something about how everyone is acting, talking and trying to deceive everyone around them that’s unsettling.
The Yeagerist take over
The episode starts out with Hanji outside the walls as she notices something in the distance. That something being the exploded cart from the previous episode. Knowing that this should be around where Levi’s route would take him she’s clearly confused but says nothing, keeping as much info to herself as she can.
Meanwhile we’re treated to a chat between Yelena and Pyxis. People are now wearing armbands based on their status. If they’ve invested the wine spiked with Zeke’s spinal fluid or not. The cracks begin to show as more and more of Pyxis ex-freinds are now Yeagerists.
We then cut straight to Gabi. Who’s being held alone. Eren comes to see her and is pretty much immediately interrupted from threatening her by Pieck, who sneaks in and kills the guard. She holds Eren hostage with a rifle. Correctly pointing out that without a head he’d have a hard time transforming.
He calls her bluff and basically tells her that she’s got no options. Killing him would leave her without a bargaining chip as her orders are to capture the founder Titan, not kill it. She, seemingly, gives into Eren seeing his logic and offers to join him.
The plan and deception
Meanwhile, Yelena is talking the anti-yeagerist prisoners through the plan Zeke came out with. The plan to stop all Eldians having children. Everyone is disgusted and calls her out on her flawed and dangerous logic. But eventually Armin cries and tells her he’s so happy and moved and had no idea she had such noble intentions.
Back to Eren, Gabi and Pieck and Eren is demanding Pieck lead them to where the traitors are. Whilst walking to the spot to find them Gabi asks where Falco is. Eren tells her he’s here but he’s accidentally drunk some of Zeke’s spinal fluid. Gabi reflects on the fact that it’s her fault that happened, because Falco was protecting her. But otherwise stays quiet as Pieck continually reassures her.
Pieck leads Eren to the top of a tower and he asks her. Well Where’s the enemy? After a beat she points at him and says “right there!” Just as the Jaw Titan bursts out from underneath the tower and bites Eren’s legs off, forcing Eren to transform. Amidst the chaos in a clearing Pieck points out to Gabi to look up. There are Marley airships on their way to provide backup along with Reiner on board.
He and Reiner share a look and the episode ends there.
Review
This was. Without a doubt, the best episode so far. And whilst some things have been shifted around and changed the pacing is pretty perfect. It’s the best way possible MAPPA could’ve left the first half of the final season. We don’t know how Eren will get away or even if he will. We still don’t know what happened to Levi in the explosion and have no idea what will happen to Falco.
MAPPA have deliberately shifted story arcs to leave this on a cliffhanger that has so many questions it’ll be painful waiting for part 2.
Note: after the episode aired. There was an announcement for part 2 of the anime. Coming winter (January, February, March) 2022. It’s a long wait but it’s worth it!
