Attack on Titan, Final Episode Review: A Perfect, Imperfect Ending to a Sag
What started as a story of survival in a world of giant monsters quickly grew into a tale of war, morality, and sacrifice. Attack on Titan has been a thrilling, emotional, and often brutal journey. After more than a decade of anticipation, the anime’s final episode aired on November 4, concluding a saga that has captivated fans around the world.
For those like me who began watching AOT in their early teens and now, in their twenties, are seeing it end, the experience has been profound. From its first season’s adrenaline-pumping action to its final moments of reflection and tragedy, this show has managed to evolve into something far more intricate than we initially expected.
A Journey of Patience and Anticipation
Staying unspoiled for this show was an accomplishment in itself. The manga may have wrapped up two years ago, but for anime fans, the path to the finale was long and filled with delays, a studio change, and several “final” seasons that didn’t actually conclude the story. When MAPPA took over the animation reins from Wit Studio, the animation style shifted, but the core of Attack on Titan remained just as engaging.
When the time finally came for the last episode, the pressure was on. After the mixed reception to the manga’s conclusion, many anime fans hoped for adjustments or improvements. Unfortunately, while the adaptation added some extra material, it didn’t fully address the manga’s shortcomings. That said, Attack on Titan as a whole is still a powerful and unforgettable experience.
The Final Battle Begins
The last episode picks up with the Alliance arriving on Eren’s massive Founding Titan, determined to stop the Rumbling and save the world. One of the standout scenes involves Armin being captured by a grotesque okapi-like Titan, a moment that remains just as disturbing in the anime as it was in the manga.
The intensity ramps up as Pieck attempts to destroy Eren’s head but is blocked by a Warhammer Titan. The ensuing battle is visually stunning, showcasing MAPPA’s impressive animation capabilities. With tensions at an all-time high, Annie arrives riding Falco’s flying Titan, setting the stage for a desperate plan to kill Eren—a decision that tears Mikasa apart.
Emotional Depth in Dark Moments
The final season of Attack on Titan never shied away from emotional turmoil, and the finale was no exception. Armin’s breakdown, where he questions his worth and role in the fight, is delivered with incredible voice acting that truly captures the weight of his emotions.
But perhaps the most gut-wrenching scene involves a group of refugees trapped on a cliff as the Rumbling approaches. Faced with certain death, a mother passes her baby to another survivor in a desperate attempt to give the child a chance to live. The heartbreaking sequence, with its poignant use of black-and-white visuals and the baby highlighted in color, evokes a deep sense of helplessness and sacrifice. The imagery felt reminiscent of the emotional impact seen in Schindler’s List and leaves a lasting impression.
Stellar Animation and Haunting Visuals
One of Attack on Titan’s greatest strengths has always been its animation, and MAPPA’s work on the final season was no exception. The sheer scale of the battles, particularly the fight against Eren’s Founding Titan and the terrifying visuals of the Rumbling, was breathtaking. The animation team’s attention to detail and use of color, especially in emotionally charged scenes, helped elevate the story’s impact.
The time-lapse montage near the episode’s conclusion, showing Paradis advancing through the years from a developing nation to a war-torn, desolate future, was one of the most visually stunning sequences in the entire series. The bittersweet depiction of a civilization’s rise and fall added a profound layer of meaning to the show’s overarching themes of conflict and the cyclical nature of history.
A Satisfying Yet Complex Conclusion
One of the most remarkable aspects of Attack on Titan is its characters. Throughout the series, we have witnessed their development, struggles, and internal conflicts. The final episode sees them at their most vulnerable but also their most resolved. Mikasa’s heartbreaking farewell to Eren, the bittersweet return of the surviving Scouts to Paradis, and the uncertain future of the Eldians in Marley all bring closure to the characters’ journeys.
The anime didn’t entirely shy away from the manga’s controversial ending, yet it also left room for interpretation and reflection. While some fans may have hoped for more changes or a clearer resolution, Attack on Titan offers a conclusion that stays true to its themes of sacrifice, freedom, and the grey areas between heroism and villainy.
Some Unfulfilled Potential
The final season’s release format—split into multiple parts over several years—may have caused the show to lose some momentum, and the pacing could have been more fluid. Additionally, while the final episode delivered on its promise of epic battles and emotional payoffs, I would’ve loved to see more focus on the characters’ lives after the war. An extended epilogue could have offered deeper insight into the future of Paradis and the world beyond.
Still, it’s hard to deny the lasting impact Attack on Titan has had. From its jaw-dropping action sequences to its complex moral dilemmas, the series has pushed boundaries and challenged its viewers to question not only the characters’ decisions but also the nature of humanity itself.
In Conclusion: A Monumental Series
Attack on Titan leaves behind an indelible mark on anime history. The final episode, though not perfect, remains a fitting conclusion to a story that was never afraid to be bold and controversial. Whether you loved or struggled with the ending, it’s clear that the show’s legacy will continue for years to come.
For anyone who hasn’t yet experienced Attack on Titan, I can only recommend diving in without hesitation. It’s a ride filled with shocking twists, emotional highs, and thought-provoking themes. And while the end might not satisfy every viewer, the journey there is absolutely worth it. Attack on Titan will be remembered as one of the most ambitious and influential anime of its time, and its legacy will continue to inspire discussion and reflection long after the credits roll.
