Attack On Titan Season 1 Episode 21 Recap – Crushing Blow: The 57th Exterior Scouting Mission, Part 5

Uncertainties

Commander Erwin realizes their mistake in thinking that Eren’s mastery of titan ability was the standard for the abnormal titans. The Female and Colossal titans had better ways of maneuvering and controlling themselves after exiting their titan forms, which enabled them to escape with their ODM gear. Now they have to think on their feet.

As they escape, Jean and Armin wonder what the outcome of the operation was. Armin now thinks the enemy has a different plan in mind. Their priorities have changed because they pursued Eren outside and didn’t attack the inner walls after breaking Trost’s gate. The biggest event was Eren’s transformation, so Armin deduces that the enemy was a witness.

Levi’s squad urges Eren to keep moving while the enemy chases them through the woods. Soon after, Erwin’s prediction came through–the enemy can also make the female titan reappear. She transforms again and continues chasing them through the woods. Eren wants to change and fight her himself, but Eld stops him, saying they’ll be the ones to take care of her.

Eren insists on fighting with Eld and the others, but the three ask him to have faith in them and won’t dare risk his useful abilities. Eren puts down his blades and moves forward as the three surround the Female titan.

Desperation

Meanwhile, after learning that they know close to nothing, Erwin realizes they’ll have to be bold and fight with more significant risks and potential losses.

Levi’s squad manages to blind the enemy with their coordinated attacks, and the titan retreats to the trees while defending her nape. They manage to carve up her arms and move for another attack. Eren sees their impressive coordination but remembers Levi’s words on how unpredictable things can be in the fight against titans.

Eld moves forth but gets caught by a bite as the Female titan’s eye regenerates. The titan chases and kicks down Petra next. Oruo retaliates at the nape, but the titan manages to shield it with hardening, leading to his death. Eren witnesses the whole squad’s death and transforms into anger. His roar can be heard around the forest, causing Levi and Mikasa to run in his direction.

The female titan’s arms and one eye are still regenerating, but she still manages to keep Eren at bay. She dodges several flurries and runs away to buy time. Levi passes through his already dead squad mates as he swings towards them.

Anger

Eren fights while realizing his choice got the squad all killed. If he’d fought from the very start, they would have won. He grapples the enemy to the ground, but she still manages to dodge his attacks, causing Eren’s fists to break. As he regenerates, regret pours in. The female titan regains standing position, and the two get into a messy scuffle, with Eren going berserk.

She hardens her arm for a punch, but Eren bites it off and counters with an uppercut. The two are now clearly gassed from fighting and regenerating, but the female titan finds an opportunity to decapitate Eren. She opens her mouth and eats Eren’s human form, just in time for Mikasa to see. The Female titan runs away, and anger fills Mikasa.

Mikasa strikes various limbs, causing the titan to fall. Yet her attacks can’t penetrate the hardened flesh. She reloads her blades, swearing to take Eren back. Levi intercepts Mikasa in the air, reminding her that the titan is slowing down too. The chase continues.

Our Thoughts

The tension and action of this sequence shine once again. The mystery and insurmountable strength of the enemy, along with the excellent setpiece animation, make this a feast for the eyes. Rating: 4/5