Attack on Titan has ignited one of the most divisive discussions in the realm of modern anime with its finale. Enthusiastic supporters commend the series for its bold themes and unexpected plot twists, while detractors criticize the ending as a misstep, undermining the narrative’s previous brilliance. Central to this discourse are the intricate ideas presented—Eren’s perceived “slavery”to fate, Mikasa’s heroic actions, and the morally ambiguous nature of key characters.
However, I contend that this debate might be overlooking a crucial point.The real issue lies not in the ideas themselves but in how they were executed. Although some concepts held promise, they succumbed to poor dialogue, hasty pacing, and questionable storytelling decisions. Upon reflecting on the finale, it became clear that numerous missteps eclipsed what could have been a profound exploration of these themes.
The Complex Dynamics of Eren and Mikasa’s Relationship
How the Key Emotional Plot Point Was Neglected
The emotional depth surrounding Eren’s feelings for Mikasa was intended to be a pivotal moment in the conclusion of the story. This revelation could have enriched their interactions and deepened Eren’s tragic narrative arc. However, the delivery transformed it into an uncomfortable experience, lacking the necessary introspection. Eren’s confessional dialogue was awkwardly structured, centered on hypothetical future relationships that diminished the scene’s significance.
When he declared, “I want her to think about me and no one else for the rest of her life, ” it sounded overly simplistic and distracted from the weight of the situation. Instead of illuminating his internal strife, this moment relied on melodramatic expression, turning Eren into a mere archetype of possessiveness. Consequently, Mikasa’s eventual act of ending Eren’s life seemed superficial, lacking the meaningful buildup that could have rendered it impactful.
Though Mikasa’s sacrifice was framed as a poignant culmination of love and bravery, the absence of a solid foundation left it feeling profound yet empty. This contributed to a missed opportunity to enhance the story’s emotional stakes.
Ymir’s Affection for King Fritz: A Missed Opportunity
An Interesting Concept That Failed to Develop
One of the most controversial revelations was Ymir’s subservience to Karl Fritz, framed as an expression of love. On the surface, the notion of love as a binding force amid abuse is compelling. Yet, the series shortchanged this concept, failing to provide it with the nuance it required. The line asserting “The Founder Ymir was in love with Karl Fritz” was merely presented as a statement without sufficient context to evoke emotional engagement.
This sudden revelation warranted deeper examination to fully integrate it into the story. Many viewers, including myself, were left puzzled by questions surrounding the endurance of Ymir’s feelings for over 2, 000 years and how they influenced the Titan curse. Without proper exploration, the twist came off as contrived, diminishing the significance of Ymir’s liberation.
This inadequacy extended to Mikasa’s role in liberating Ymir. While this act symbolized love and freedom, the underdeveloped portrayal of Ymir’s character made the scene less impactful. A more fleshed-out backstory could have amplified the emotional resonance of this pivotal moment.
Key Themes and Character Arcs in Attack on Titan
Thought-Provoking Themes Lacked Sufficient Execution
Ambitious themes such as freedom, moral complexity, and the costs of war permeate Attack on Titan. Unfortunately, the way the finale was executed undermined these profound ideas, rendering them superficial compared to the series’ earlier episodes. Consider Armin’s dialogue with Eren. The tension between expressing both condemnation and gratitude encapsulates the morally ambiguous tone of the entire narrative.
However, remarks like, “Thank you. You became a mass murderer for our sake, ” came across clumsy and arguably insensitive. Instead of clarifying the emotional stakes, this dialogue muddled the intended feelings of the moment, turning a climactic scene into a frustrating experience for viewers.
Additionally, the climactic battle against the Rumbling Titans felt fragmented and often disorganized. Characters like Jean and Connie experienced dramatic farewells only to be promptly saved, making the tension seem insincere. The alliance’s implausible victories against overwhelming odds detracted from built-up stakes and undermined the tragic deaths that had been established throughout the series.
Moreover, the rushed pacing of the finale exacerbated these shortcomings. Many plot threads transitioned too quickly, leaving scant room for contemplation or thematic growth. Sudden developments, such as Falco’s unexpected flying ability and Yelena’s abrupt departure, suggested a narrative more invested in shock value than in coherent storytelling. The finale could have greatly benefited from additional episodes designated to explore plot points and character arcs in greater depth.
Ideas Without Execution Are Futile
Potential for a Better Ending Lacked Proper Execution
Ultimately, my assessment is that the conclusion of Attack on Titan suffered not from its core ideas, which I genuinely appreciated, but from a failure to execute them artfully. Concepts such as Eren’s tragic path, Ymir’s eventual freedom, and the intricate discussions surrounding love and liberty held the potential for a remarkable finale. Instead, the finale lacked the thoughtful nuance these themes deserved.
Great storytelling encompasses more than simply presenting ideas; it involves interweaving them with emotional depth and narrative care. The conclusion of Attack on Titan faltered in this critical area, presenting lofty themes atop a foundation of poor dialogue, rushed storytelling, and unresolved questions. For those of us invested in the series, this revelation was a hard truth to confront but essential for understanding the way the narrative ultimately unfolded.
Despite these shortcomings, Attack on Titan remains one of my cherished anime series and a significant force in contemporary anime culture, noted for its ability to unfold breathtaking plot twists and provoke thoughtful discussions. Yet, its ending serves as a reminder that even the most captivating narratives cannot transcend the pitfalls of flawed execution.
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