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Welcome back to my series of reviews of Shingeki No Kyojin, or more popularly known among fans as Attack on Titan. We’ve reached the peak of the show, and in this review, I will be articulating on what makes Attack on Titan season 3 one of the greatest seasons of any show I’ve ever watched and why aspiring animators should take inspiration from this show.
This is the final season of the show that Wit Studios animated before reluctantly handing it over to Mappa due to budget constraints and lack of skilled animators. In fact, due to these unfortunate reasons, the season, originally planned to consist of 20 episodes, got chopped up into two parts, with the first part comprising of 12 episodes and the following comprising of 10.
The story picks up from the mayhem started in season 2 and follows our heroes who get caught up in an array of corruptions, and to their dismay, discover that titans are not the only threat to humanity within the walls, the higher ups underneath their facades are too. The first part catapults us into the stratosphere of rising political tension and jaw-dropping reveals that can only make us ponder, while the second part hurls you into one of the most intense 7-episodes long battle to retake Wall Maria that simply left me awe-inspired.
Wit Studio’s incorporation of lively animations to make the show a visually stunning one is nothing new for us fans, and it strikes amazing to me that with all the restraints and shortages, they could still produce such high-quality hand drawn animations. The action sequences are even more enthralling and quick-paced (attributed to Captain Levi’s insane agility), and they are enticing to watch. I have also noticed that Wit Studios brilliantly incorporates a ‘first person camera’ view when our heroes are swinging around in their ODM Gears, and this is more conspicuous in this season which makes the action scenes more tense. Doesn’t it sound fun that you get to share perspectives of the scouts when they are turning corners, avoiding hindrances and dodging enemy attacks?
I was dubious whether a more story-based approach to a series made popular by exciting action sequences would work. I wasn’t sure if introducing political agendas and shenanigans would maintain the same level of tension. I was however proven extremely wrong with my predictions because the political aspects are what makes the first part of the season a literal masterpiece. Attack on Titan blends politics and action in the best way possible, making the show wholly riveting. Watching our favorite scouts getting chased around, evading unjust evictions by corrupted authorities made me keep my fingers crossed till the last episode, and some of the disclosures discombobulated me. Historia’s backstory is elaborately discovered, and the Reiss family gets more exposure, which adds to the character development in the story. A suggestion for anyone delving into political films- watch the first part of season 3. It will leave you hanging around till the end because of the enticing plotline.
I can’t elaborate much on the character development in Attack on Titan, because then I will be droning on and on about how amazing each and every character is in the show. Our hero Eren Jaegar gets his fair share of character development, though for a lion’s share of the first part he is just a viewer like us, watching the truths get unfolded from the sideline. There’s a superfluous of characters who get interesting backstories, namely Historia, Commander Erwin and Captain Levi. Each of these stories are poignant enough to remind you that Attack on Titan is a depressing show depicting a fictional dystopia, and you can feel a better connection to each of these characters. There is a new character in the show named Kenny the Ripper, and it was a treat to watch this man steal every scene he is in. His chemistry with Captain Levi (funny I call it ‘chemistry’) is splendid. Armin’s leadership skills and his amazing sense of judgement is shown time and again. The trio of Erwin, Hange and Levi once again get to shine.
There are two characters particularly worth talking about, and they are Commander Erwin Smith and Captain Levi Ackerman. I have already said that their backstories are poignant, but I must add that in this very season they are both immensely charismatic and perfectly sketched. Erwin is the brain and Levi is the muscle of humanity, and the duo is scintillating in the entire second part of the season. There are only a few fictional leaders who have literally tapped into my soul and affected me, and Erwin Smith is one such leader. He is an amazing leader, a brave gambler and a penitent man for his actions during his childhood. Erwin steals the show for the first part, and I felt my heart pounding hard every time this man gave a speech because his words were sharp as a sword. Captain Levi on the other hand is a certified badass who takes badassery to a whole new level. We get the dream ‘Levi vs Titan shifter’ battle in the second part, and boy was that battle a riveting battle! Characters like Levi and Erwin inspires me to sit down and write a tense story, and honestly, they are the epitome of beautifully fleshed-out characters who are absolutely enjoyable to watch.
As I said before, the second part of the show is the ultimate showdown we all waited for so long, and each and every second of this part is jaw-droppingly fun to watch. If you ever intend to write a riveting tale about a war, consider taking inspiration from the battle to retake Wall Maria. This is the pinnacle of storytelling. The Beast Titan returns, and he, alongside Colossal and Armored titan, is the antagonist of the season. His presence is menacing, and you actually start hating this big ape despite not knowing much about the man controlling it because the deadly repercussions of his morbid deeds leave our heroes almost at the verge of collapse. The villains in season 3 were really interesting to watch.
Aside from all the political dilemma and epic battle sequences, the third season of Attack on Titan incorporates themes and motifs. The theme of sacrifice and persistence at the face of imminent defeat play a major role in part 2, and propaganda is a motif in part 1 that haunts our heroes constantly. Besides, the soundtracks used add to the emotional depths of the scenes, and even glorify some of them. Search up ‘Vogel im Kafig’ on YouTube during your free times.
Before I conclude, without any spoilers, I should say that there is a twist near the end of the season that will completely shake your perception of the show and gut punch you. It’s easily one of the best plot twists I’ve ever encountered.
In the end, Attack on Titan Season 3 is one of the best seasons of any show I’ve ever watched. The issues with this season are very nitpicky, as the 10/10 or near ratings on IMDb suggest, and it is a gift to anyone who chooses to watch it.
Attack on Titan Season 3 easily gets an A+.
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