What Was Left Behind – Attack on Titan S3 Ep 19 Review

Check out last week’s Episode 18 Review here.

(Beware, anime-only watchers: minor manga plot spoilers are below.)

Oh, this episode absolutely broke my heart.

It was a triumphant situation, but how they all got there was so bittersweet.

All of the lives lost in pursuit of reaching Grisha Yeager’s basement.

Commander Erwin Smith’s body lying in a bed of an unmarked home.

Armin freaking out over his new reality.

Sasha laying on the walls, half dead.

The bodies of the new recruits scattered just outside.

And yet, there is some semblance of hope on the horizon.

If there is anything to take from this episode, it is the important of knowledge; and its pursuit. Knowledge is the most important thing in this world. Occult, or clandestine teachings rule this realm. If you don’t know what you are fighting for, you have nothing to do but just dream. Your mind searches for a reason to the madness that surrounds.

In the end, Grisha was the savior of Paradis Island, although labeled a madman and terrorist in Marley. The photograph of Dina, Grisha and Zeke symbolizes hope and innovation, even if the union between those two leads to nothing but sadness.

In the previews however, we learn their story – through the proxy of Eren. I’m sure Grisha’s novel trilogy details intricacies of humanity’s fate, but it will be great to see the memories through his second born son’s eyes. 

I already know, but I still wonder just how deeply learning of his Aunt Faye will affect Eren.

Especially in the context of the manga’s latest chapter, where he lingers in the place of their birth…

The series only gets better from here, as we experience the wonders of the outside world through the characters we have been following for years. Arguably, the actual series does start once the crew reach the basement.

The somber credits were a nice touch as Hanji’s words mingle with Grisha’s. The little piano note and flicker in a young Grisha’s eyes as Faye wishes to watch the dirigible was an even nicer touch.

Ah damn it, this story is incredibly sad.

I also noticed in the end credits for the first time that Marco is watching Bertholdt and Reiner as they speak to Eren and Armin.

Thinking about how clever he was, and his fate because of his knowledge is sad. Or re-seeing Eren failing to grasp the ODM gear with Shadis screaming the boy down.

Only to learn that Shadis pulled a Severus Snape and that since he loved his mother Carla, sabotaged her son out of jealousy.

Or the big one that has yet to be revealed, concerning Dina Fritz and Carla Yeager in Shiganshina. Or the event that really triggered the power of the coordinate.

So many loose ends and half-truths being filled with three old dusty books.

It’s amazing, isn’t it?

I wonder how much truth is being hidden in our own world, as we idle imprisoned behind the invisible walls; looking toward the sky for better days.

If you could bring one cadet of the Survey Corps back from the dead, who would it be? And why?

And…

Do you believe humanity is truly free?

Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, I’d love to hear from you! Also be sure to follow us for more Shingeki no Kyojin Season 3 Reviews!

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次のエピソード:   The Eldians Who Came Before

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