Attack on Titan season 4 part 2 has so far delivered a grim reminder arc to Eldians and Marleyans with a conscience, of the cycle of violence due to an age-old conflict. But AOT’s season 4 episode 26 in particular targets Armin and Connie with an excruciating throwback to season 2.
Warning: Article contains spoilers to Attack on Titan season 4
The latest episode from Attack on Titan pits Hange’s ragtag team against the Jagerists led by Floch. But saving the Azumabitos and the flying ship (armed with a bomb) is necessary to stop Eren and the Rumbling. Unfortunately for Mikasa, Jean, Armin & Connie – their mission requires more senseless deaths to reach their goal.
Armin comes up with a grand plan to mislead Floch & the Jagerists by pretending to be on their side. Although they manage to dissuade their friends-turned-brainwashed Jagerists Samuel and Daz to diffuse the bomb – the two soldiers soon find out Armin and Connie are traitors.
Episode 26’s title “Traitor” highlights the irony behind Armin and Connie’s mission, the same individuals who once painted Reiner and Bertholdt in the same light for betraying them. While Friends are pit against friends – Bertholdt’s painful plea from Attack on Titans season 2 episode 11 echoes during the final moments.
Sadly it’s Connie who tries to appeal to reason like Bertholdt did, though to no avail. “Someone has to be the one to stain their hands with blood,” Bertholdt’s sentiment echoes as Connie snatches the weapon from Samuel and guns both of them down.
The scene is a powerful reversal showing viewers how the tables have turned for the Scout Regiment. Connie’s gut-wrenching cry resembles Bertholdt’s helpless POV when kidnapping Eren in season 2.
The last few episodes even put Hange on a retrospective, reminding the shift in tides with a throwback to Season 3 Episode 3 when Sannes and Ralph were imprisoned for killing Father Nick. The final season is looking more likely to be an agonizing throwback to the past leaving audiences to decide the protagonists and antagonists of this world.
It seems more throwbacks could be expected in Attack on Titan season 4 episode 27 titled “Retrospective.” The horrors unleashed by both sides are finally catching up amid the impending genocide.
