This was another great episode to add the ever growing list of them. Mikasa was the focus and you can't go wrong with that. She's an absolute badass and a joy to watch. Love the development she's getting. The cadets have yet another obstacle in their way as they're low on fuel and can't get back to safety. This leads to some intense scenes and the first appearance of a new Titan. I also want to mention how i'm liking the character of Jean. There's a ton of potential with his character.
Attack on Titan (TV Series)
Small Blade: The Struggle for Trost, Part 3 (2013)
User Reviews
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The Best of Season 1 - Brilliant Writing and Inspired Artistic Choices
liammc-7327423 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This two episode stretch with a focus on Mikasa was absolutely brilliant. These were definitely the best episodes since the pilot in terms of character development and emotional weight.
I want to start off by saying the art design in these episodes was extraordinary. Shifts in color palette and the details in characters' eyes give so much insight into the mindsets of our unfortunate cast. The washed out color palette set in when the situation turned bleak. The overcast clouds and the arrival of the storm really hammer home the absence of hope and the grim reality Armin and Mikasa are faced with, while also serving as a seamless transition from the battle into Mikasa's backstory.
The juxtaposition of Armin and Mikasa's psyches, with their bearing witness to and ignorance of Eren's death (respectively), is extremely effective. Armin is inconsolable as he finds himself isolated from any source of strength or willpower, immersed in his own personal hell. Mikasa is fully driven by her desire to return to and protect Eren. After mercilessly cutting down an abnormal hurling towards a crowd of townspeople, she hastens the evacuation via the threatening of the selfish merchant guild head holding up the process. In the process she saves and inspires a young girl and her mother, causing her to reflect on the most traumatic day of her life.
Mikasa's tragic backstory was executed flawlessly. It was alluded to in the pilot when she witnessed Carla's demise (as she laments the loss of yet another parent). Her loyalty to Eren is given an additional layer of depth beyond her promise to Carla. Through Mikasa we explore the meaning of "home" and the innate cruelty and beauty of both humanity and the natural world. The law of the jungle seems to be Eren's mantra, and Mikasa comes to a realization of how blind she was to its many manifestations throughout her childhood. Eren imbues her with a fighting spirit, serving as both her inspiration and her refuge from pain (similar to what she was for the young girl, as we see later on in the show).
After we're shown the dire state of affairs at the supply depot (raising the stakes even further), we see Mikasa rendezvous with the stranded rookie squads. When she arrives we see a wave of existential dread wash over Armin, as he realizes that he has to break the awful news to her. The gleam in Mikasa's eyes fades when Armin tells her of Eren's sacrifice. To cope with her emptiness she rampages recklessly towards the supply depot, cutting down titans and lighting a fire under her fellow cadets. We also begin to see Jean blossom as a character, embodying the Platonic leader (Plato argued that the best leaders are often those who never possessed an innate ambition to lead).
After expelling the last of the fumes from her canisters, she lies hollow and broken in the alley she fell into. Accepting her fate, she holsters her blades and closes her eyes as a massive Titan approaches. However, just before she's set to be ensnared by its vice-like grip, something rooted deep in her psyche drives her to fight. Her memories of Eren inspire her to fight on even after she was convinced she'd resigned herself to death. The vibrant color palette returns and the sun re-emerges as the situation becomes more hopeful. The pomegranate we see (a symbol of resurrection) foreshadows the appearance of Mikasa's savior and the embodiment of humanity's rage (which we come to find out is Eren). This final scene is probably the most beautiful of any in the first season, perfectly encapsulating Eren and Mikasa's dynamic.
Other pieces of foreshadowing are subtly interspersed within these episodes as well (Reiner-Berdholdt-Annie dialogue, the Ackerman gene, Attack Titan colorful regenerative abilities). These two episodes specifically hold up remarkably well upon rewatch, and are probably my favorites from this season. They are a testament to Isayama's talent for creating compelling character dynamics, and highlight WIT studio's artful and passionate adaptation of the source material.
I want to start off by saying the art design in these episodes was extraordinary. Shifts in color palette and the details in characters' eyes give so much insight into the mindsets of our unfortunate cast. The washed out color palette set in when the situation turned bleak. The overcast clouds and the arrival of the storm really hammer home the absence of hope and the grim reality Armin and Mikasa are faced with, while also serving as a seamless transition from the battle into Mikasa's backstory.
The juxtaposition of Armin and Mikasa's psyches, with their bearing witness to and ignorance of Eren's death (respectively), is extremely effective. Armin is inconsolable as he finds himself isolated from any source of strength or willpower, immersed in his own personal hell. Mikasa is fully driven by her desire to return to and protect Eren. After mercilessly cutting down an abnormal hurling towards a crowd of townspeople, she hastens the evacuation via the threatening of the selfish merchant guild head holding up the process. In the process she saves and inspires a young girl and her mother, causing her to reflect on the most traumatic day of her life.
Mikasa's tragic backstory was executed flawlessly. It was alluded to in the pilot when she witnessed Carla's demise (as she laments the loss of yet another parent). Her loyalty to Eren is given an additional layer of depth beyond her promise to Carla. Through Mikasa we explore the meaning of "home" and the innate cruelty and beauty of both humanity and the natural world. The law of the jungle seems to be Eren's mantra, and Mikasa comes to a realization of how blind she was to its many manifestations throughout her childhood. Eren imbues her with a fighting spirit, serving as both her inspiration and her refuge from pain (similar to what she was for the young girl, as we see later on in the show).
After we're shown the dire state of affairs at the supply depot (raising the stakes even further), we see Mikasa rendezvous with the stranded rookie squads. When she arrives we see a wave of existential dread wash over Armin, as he realizes that he has to break the awful news to her. The gleam in Mikasa's eyes fades when Armin tells her of Eren's sacrifice. To cope with her emptiness she rampages recklessly towards the supply depot, cutting down titans and lighting a fire under her fellow cadets. We also begin to see Jean blossom as a character, embodying the Platonic leader (Plato argued that the best leaders are often those who never possessed an innate ambition to lead).
After expelling the last of the fumes from her canisters, she lies hollow and broken in the alley she fell into. Accepting her fate, she holsters her blades and closes her eyes as a massive Titan approaches. However, just before she's set to be ensnared by its vice-like grip, something rooted deep in her psyche drives her to fight. Her memories of Eren inspire her to fight on even after she was convinced she'd resigned herself to death. The vibrant color palette returns and the sun re-emerges as the situation becomes more hopeful. The pomegranate we see (a symbol of resurrection) foreshadows the appearance of Mikasa's savior and the embodiment of humanity's rage (which we come to find out is Eren). This final scene is probably the most beautiful of any in the first season, perfectly encapsulating Eren and Mikasa's dynamic.
Other pieces of foreshadowing are subtly interspersed within these episodes as well (Reiner-Berdholdt-Annie dialogue, the Ackerman gene, Attack Titan colorful regenerative abilities). These two episodes specifically hold up remarkably well upon rewatch, and are probably my favorites from this season. They are a testament to Isayama's talent for creating compelling character dynamics, and highlight WIT studio's artful and passionate adaptation of the source material.
Really resonated with me
v61225 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I never particularly liked Mikasa when I first watched Attack on Titan back in 2014.
Now that I rewatched this scene, of how Mikasa lost all hope and went on leading a suicide mission to get to the supply tower, went out of gas and procede to wait for her death. But after her survival instincts kicked in and she recalled the preciousness of life (to remember Eren through her memories), she decided that she needs to continue fighting, no matter what.
This sequence is so beautifully done and showcases the strength and meaning of human beings. Mikasa surely embodies the theme "a beautiful and cruel world". While the world is extremely cruel in the sense that it is filled with violence and death throughout its nature. But at the same time, it is that very death that produces the vibrant life on earth. Thus a cruel yet beautiful world.
It really resonated with me, especially after experiencing trauma and self-sacrificial battles, it really enables you to look at the world through different lens.
Now that I rewatched this scene, of how Mikasa lost all hope and went on leading a suicide mission to get to the supply tower, went out of gas and procede to wait for her death. But after her survival instincts kicked in and she recalled the preciousness of life (to remember Eren through her memories), she decided that she needs to continue fighting, no matter what.
This sequence is so beautifully done and showcases the strength and meaning of human beings. Mikasa surely embodies the theme "a beautiful and cruel world". While the world is extremely cruel in the sense that it is filled with violence and death throughout its nature. But at the same time, it is that very death that produces the vibrant life on earth. Thus a cruel yet beautiful world.
It really resonated with me, especially after experiencing trauma and self-sacrificial battles, it really enables you to look at the world through different lens.
Another great episode for Mikasa
Luisvtw7 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Great episode for the development of Mikasa Ackerman. And you see how two titans fight against each other that really surprised me.
Recap: Elsewhere on the battlefield, the recruits are trapped and demoralized, with nobody having the gas to escape to the inner wall. Jean and Mikasa each attempt to to take charge, and when disaster strikes an unexpected Titan appears...
Recap: Elsewhere on the battlefield, the recruits are trapped and demoralized, with nobody having the gas to escape to the inner wall. Jean and Mikasa each attempt to to take charge, and when disaster strikes an unexpected Titan appears...
Rewatch, 9.8/10
dcdude-269883 September 2023
Just another near-perfect episode of this epic season. I love this show so much so far that this is starting to become like a top three show for me again, just maybe. My favorite things about this episode were the storyline, the Cinematography, and the action. My favorite characters in this episode were Mikasa, Armin, and Reiner. Some of these episodes, just like the one before this one, are some of the most underrated episodes to ever touch the planet earth, because they are just amazing episodes. I refuse to believe that this isn't the best anime out of all the animes, because so far, this is a cinematic masterpiece.
Mikasa's Triumph
sanadalsalt17 December 2023
This episode was a great addition to the ever-growing list of episodes. Mikasa was the focus, and she's an absolute badass and a joy to watch. The development she's getting is fantastic. The cadets face another obstacle as they're low on fuel and can't get back to safety, leading to intense scenes and the first appearance of a new Titan. I also want to mention that I'm liking the character of Jean. There's a ton of potential with his character.
Another fantastic episode in this epic season. I am loving this show more and more, to the point where it might be in my top three shows again. The storyline, cinematography, and action were my favorite aspects of this episode. My favorite characters in this episode were Mikasa, Armin, and Reiner. Episodes like this one, and the one before it, are some of the most underrated episodes ever. I truly believe this is the best anime out there, a cinematic masterpiece.
Another fantastic episode in this epic season. I am loving this show more and more, to the point where it might be in my top three shows again. The storyline, cinematography, and action were my favorite aspects of this episode. My favorite characters in this episode were Mikasa, Armin, and Reiner. Episodes like this one, and the one before it, are some of the most underrated episodes ever. I truly believe this is the best anime out there, a cinematic masterpiece.
New titan!
shaunryan-3937330 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode has the scouts trapped without fuel and it shows the human side of a soldier the titans are put on full display and they are really creepy the best scene of the episode is when Mikasa gives up and thrn gets rescued by a titan I have no idea where this will lead but at the moment I can't wait to find out
9/10.
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