Crushing Blow: 57th Expedition Beyond the Walls

I feel like every week each episode of Attack on Titan is better than the last. I might be a prisoner of the moment considering I just finished watching this latest episode but EPIC. Simply EPIC. There’s no denying in my opinion that this is hands down the best episode of the series. The episode feels short because it was so engrossing. The animation in this episode was beautifully rendered as well. After killing Gunter the traitor transforms into her titan form (making my heart skip a little) and cuing in the kick ass music.

The remaining members of “Levi Squad” decided to fight the female titan in order to facilitate Eren’s escape. I instantly though this seemed like a bad idea but they went for it. Levi’s squad impressed me with their skill set, quickly gaining the upper hand by blinding the female titan and then proceeding to cut the tendons in her arms (leaving her neck exposed). I wasn’t so naive to believe that the actually would kill the female titan but i was still curious as to how the female titan would escape. She didn’t disappoint continuing her brutal assault. While I’m not a invested in Levi Squad as characters I grew to like them and the deaths made me cringe a little.

Eren devastated draws the correct conclusion that had he transformed sooner he might have been able to save all his comrades. The climax of this episodes was Eren verses the Female titan. Despite Eren’s determination his fighting was a bit rabid and uncoordinated. The female titan (who I still believe is Anna) seems to be more skilled. Eren seems to have more power but the female titan has better evasion. Eren’s rage is paramount, the fight is brutal and Eren (titan body) ends up decapitated and the female titan swallows Eren (yes swallows).

Witnessing this Misaka leaps into action trying to free Eren. Misaka is simply BAD ASS but her skills weren’t good enough to free him. She’s joined by Levi who tells her to wait as the female titan seems to tire. Maybe together they might be able to save Eren? So is this the best episode so far? Are you afraid to get too attached to the characters? What are your favorite moments? Will Eren and Levi be enough?

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