Review: Attack on Titan, Episode 412: “Guides”

Eren’s followers make their first move while the Armin, Mikasa and the rest of the Paradis Island military struggles to keep up.

Recap

This week’s episode of Attack on Titan offers more in the way of exposition and setup, though it does see Eren and his followers finally taking the first steps toward implementing their plan to liberate Paradis Island.

Opening with Armin desperately scrambling to explain to Hitch why he’s been visiting Annie, “Guides” quickly transitions to a much darker topic: the unrest brewing on Paradis Island. As Armin and Hitch walk together, she shows him a newspaper headline that reads “Military Clings to Power by Wrongfully Detaining Eren Yeager,” and that’s just one way Eren’s supporters attempt to fight the military during this week’s installment.

After another brief shot of protesters calling out for Eren’s freedom, Mikasa and Armin visit premier Dhalis Zachary in the hopes of securing a meeting with Eren. It’s clear the two of them are in the dark about whatever he’s scheming, and their confusion is palpable. Unfortunately, Zachary denies them their request to visit their childhood friend, explaining there’s an ongoing investigation into Eren’s communications with the Anti-Marleyan Volunteers.

The Volunteers aren’t the only ones doing Eren’s bidding, however, something that becomes immediately obvious when Zachary is killed by an explosion that’s later traced back to a group of Survey Corps recruits. The explosion — a distraction of sorts — is followed by Eren escaping his prison cell. A number of Scouts go with him.

What remains of the Paradis Island military is in shambles as they debate over what to do with the “Yeagerists,” as they’re now calling Eren’s followers. Commander Pixis is forced to step up and take control of the situation. Although the Military Police want justice for Zachary’s fate, Pixis suggests attempting to negotiate with Eren and his newfound followers, if only to prevent them from reaching Zeke or Historia and doing anything rash.

Meanwhile, viewers are treated to a short scene where Eren goes and meets with the Yeagerists — unsurprisingly led by Floch — but there’s no dialogue to suggest what the group has planned.

The episode concludes with Hange and our main group of Scouts heading off on their own mission to stop Eren, a mission that looks like it will lead them to Gabi and Falco, as well as Pieck and the other Warriors who have infiltrated Paradis Island.

Review

Although this week’s episode is another lesson in lengthy exposition, it does a good job of setting the stage for the latter half of the season, which is shaping up to deliver a dark ending to Attack on Titan. 

Eren’s choice to decimate Liberio may have left a sour taste in some viewers’ mouths, but attacking his own people for the sake of liberating them is a definite turn for his character. And although Commander Pixis has decided to ignore the traitorous actions of the group deemed the “Yeagerists” in order to negotiate with them, there are bound to be repercussions for their actions moving forward.

Without knowing Eren’s plans, it’s difficult to understand where he’s coming from in these recent episodes, an intentional but frustrating detail about this season. Having a main character descend into villainy (if that’s where he’s headed) is one thing, but having their choices and motivations play out mostly offscreen leaves fans in the dark. Of course, it’s entirely possible the series is saving a major twist for us by sidelining Eren. Only time will tell.

Armin and Mikasa are far easier to relate to, as they’re clearly feeling just as perplexed by Eren’s recent decisions as fans are. Unfortunately, with so much going on during “Guides,” we don’t get to dive too deeply into their feelings on the matter. The anime does seem to be building to a major confrontation between the Scouts and Eren, though.

The political posturing of the Paradis Island military is one of the less interesting aspects this week, perhaps because the series has never given viewers much reason to grow attached to anyone outside of the Scouts regiment and Commander Pixis. Zachary’s death is an interesting development in terms of plot, but it packs no real emotional punch.

What could be emotional, however, is seeing the Scouts collide with the Warriors and Warrior candidates again, something “Guides” was right to tease. If nothing else, this week’s episode certainly built some suspense and excitement heading into next week. Hopefully, fans will get some answers then…or at the very least a bit more action.

Episode Grade: B

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