The Dawn of Humanity

The parallels to E1 Fall of Shiganshina is insane. 123 is among my top favorite chapters and my level of happiness seeing it animated is not measurable. Peak OSTs as always. Eren's true reason for his decision is revealed. So many questions answered. And the terrifying final minutes. Can't wait for part 3 and I don't think I could handle the premiere episode on 2023 which most probably will be 'The Rumbling'. My fav AOT chapter.

Eren becomes the very thing he swore to defeat.

We take a look at the events of Eren and the Scout Regiment entering Marley before the plot of this season took off. It was great to see old familiar faces giggling in humble prosperity again just like we did in Season 3. No divided notions, fallen comrades or depressed alienation, it was a breath of fresh air for the first half of the episode to remind us what they used to have.

Towards the second half explains more into depth about why and what Eren's plan was before everything kicked off in Marley. A sorrowful engagemant with certain characters to what Eren's intentions actually mean. Then the episodes final moments reach us with the start of what Eren plans to do, to crush Marley and it's people just like his home was in the first season. Some good action towards the end but is cut short, more of a tease for the next episode. The build up is done, the conclusion is here and now. Next episode should be huge.

9.8/10.

Before coming to the actual episode I have to say something about how great Season 1 of AOT truly is, everything we are witnessing now was set in stone from season 1 especially Eren's true nature.

Hajime Isayama is nearly unrivalled in foreshadowing and re - contextualising the previous scenes.

Now coming back to the episode this is probably my favourite episode of the series.

Animation, visuals, character design, direction, ost choices everything was beyond amazing.

I am not going to discuss anything about the content of this episode because I don't think I can properly explain how great it truly is without spoiling.

I like that someone's finally thinking about Eren's change from loud-mouthed sociopath to a solemn, almost stoic shell of his former self. Like did you see that look on his face when he saw Marley, it wasn't like anyone else's, it was intense for awhile.

Overall, another great episode. I like everyone's reaction to being in what to them seems like a whole new world and their party with the refugees. I especially loved the little hints that at this point in time, Eren's still dealing with what he saw and wrestling with the idea that it's fate.

I'm glad we finally saw Historia again and that but man oh man, Eren's expression while explain everything to Zeke and then us finally seeing him cut off his leg and gouge out his eye, was....chef's kiss. Also, did anyone else peep his face during the flashback to Sasha's death? I like how we see it's one of shock and horror, I didn't like how his laugh in the sub sounded genuine, dub did it better.

And the Rumbling, good god it's just as terrifying as I'd hoped. An unstoppable force and an unmovable object at the same time wielded by the most dangerous man in the world. Eren's Founding Titan up close looks great. At first, I didn't like it but now I kinda enjoy how it looks barely human.

"The Dawn of Humanity" The perfect way to end Part 2.

The Music, the visuals, the voice acting.., unbelievable!

And also one of the best Attack on Titan episode in my opinion.

Chapter 123 + 130 = Masterpiece.