Attack On Titan Season 1 Episode 16 Recap – What Needs to Be Done Now: Eve of the Counterattack, Part 3

The Choice

The recruits thoroughly inspect their gear after the death of the two titan test subjects. Armin suspects it was a revenge attack, which caused a setback for humanity instead. Connie admits he didn’t know about titans when he joined the cadets, but now is the time for them to choose their regiments.

Jean regrets Marco’s death during the cleanup and funeral pyre days ago. He knows he wants to fight but doesn’t want to end up a suicidal maniac like Eren. Suddenly he remembers Marco’s words, praising him for his level-headedness and leadership potential.

He asks Ymir and Christa about which Regiment they would join and painfully admits his desire to join the scouts.

Annie tells Connie to do what feels right to him in his choice. Armin confirms he’ll join the scouts, and Annie compliments him that he’s gutsy despite being weak. When Armin asks her why she’s joining the Military Police, she says she merely wants to survive.

The Levi squad members hear that the inspection revealed nothing about who killed the test subjects. They worry that rookies will join their Regiment, so they ask Eren if others in their class will come, and he isn’t sure.

Jean admits to his friends that he’s afraid to join the Scouts regiment but wants to decide for himself.

Risking it All

Commander Erwin gives a speech to the rookies and tells them about Eren’s influence on their operations. He tells them the plan to inspect the basement in Shiganshina district to obtain crucial information about the titans.

Armin thinks going too public with this information is risky and wonders what Erwin could be thinking. Erwin follows by showing them the plans to attack Shiganshina from the side. Sixty percent of their troops were lost in the past four years, and the estimated casualties for this next operation hovers around 30. However, if they survive, they’ll be soldiers capable of defeating anything. He invites those who still want to put their life on the line to protect humankind to stay here and requests those who wish to join other regiments to leave.

Erwin’s lieutenants have reservations about his speech, and cadets start leaving the place. Jean sees them all and starts getting second thoughts, and Sasha and Connie feel the same. Jean yells to the sky in anguish.

Erwin faces his new cadets and gives a salute, inviting them to give their hearts. Desperation and regret fill Sasha, Connie, Jean, and the others, and Erwin expresses respect for their brave decision.

To Freedom

The new rookies meet their squad leader the next day for training. The focus was less on combat but more on following Commander Erwin’s precise formation for the upcoming expedition. Armin wonders that even with their positions carefully stated, Eren’s position is nowhere to be found.

Eren learns of his route from Levi’s squad, and the other members also suspect Erwin has another goal in this expedition that’s too sensitive for them to know. They should focus on doing their part and trust him. Eren finally reunites with his friends as they pass by the castle. He’s surprised to find everyone joining the scouts, including Jean. It was only then that he learned that Marco died without any witnesses.

Eren admits to his friends about not having full control of his powers. Jean tells them they could all die with all the uncertainty surrounding him. He asks Eren for a guarantee that he can do it, not wanting to waste their lives on a worthless cause, and Eren promises he can.

The day comes for the operation to start. The scouts leave the gates wearing the wings of freedom on their backs and cheer as they open the gates.

Our Thoughts

It’s great. I’m hooked. On to the next arc! Rating: 4.5/5.