A thread on Battle of Trost.

Specifically why it's actually an incredible arc, that unfortunately overshadowed instead of celebrated. Not just for its emotional stakes, but also its brilliant character work, powerful theming, and impressive foreshadowing.

Battle of Trost has a unique structure. If I were to describe it, it'd be an "emotional tug-of-war"

The arc shifts from hope, to despair, and back to hope over and over. It's this constant disparity in emotion that serves to effectively build each moment upon the last.

The Fall of Shiganshina completely changes the mentality of humanity as we know it. People are only out for themselves, knowing their days are numbered. However, the recruits graduating offers optimism to the viewer, only to be erased when a repeat of "that day" begins to unfold.

For the graduates, their nerves are being pushed to the limit, because this was the day they were convinced they'd be able to get away with joining the Garrison or even the Military Police and avoid fighting titans. This is best represented by Jean's frustration in episode 5.

Eren's "death" is first example of how this arc can thrust its entire mood into complete despair. Because we know how horrific it is when someone is eaten by a titan, because we know there's no coming back from it. It completely shatters any hope we have.

Mikasa and Eren's first encounter with one another solidifies the most prevalent theme of the series; that the world is both cruel and beautiful. That one must win in order to live. That in order to truly live you have to overcome any opposition. It's raw human nature

Episode 7 has one of the best tones I've seen. Completely captures the emotions of every scene. The grey skies swallowing everything up, like a cloud of doubt being cast on everyone, the faces of the soldiers like their souls have left them. It's so heavily realized.

And the episode ends with one of the most beautiful moments in the series, that embodies an important & recurring idea. That people need to live on not just for themselves, but to remember those they loved (this becomes SO relevant later as you know)

Battle of Trost also displays that humanity's greatest fear isn't the Titans, but rather not understanding a single thing about the world they live in. When Eren finds the weapons of his comrades turned against him because of his ability, this idea is only solidified.

It emphasizes Armin's strategic planning and diplomatic skills, which becomes stronger and foreshadows his future worth to humanity. It also portrays the amazing bond he has with Eren and Mikasa, being able to place unwavering trust in one another in the most dire of situations

The arc represents the biggest human effort in the series. Pixis rallying the entire Garrison (largest division) to stake their lives on something as vague as Eren's ability is an irrational idea, but it's incredibly important as a turning point for humanity's will going forward.

It's central to Eren's character. The responsibility and burden of thousands of lives is thrust upon his soldiers (neatly symbolized by the boulder he carries).

While no-one trusts him at this point, it's a VERY relevant contrast to how everyone grows to trust in him later on

With all of these things being carried on his shoulders, it leads to what is one of my favorite moments ever, one of my favorite monologues ever, and a nigh unparalleled catharsis of emotion, as humanity obtains its first every victory.

I implore people to go back and re-watch S1. Audio-visually it's goddamn perfect, but plot wise it's not some simple action shounen like people believe. It's got a great amount of depth and intricate character work, that seems to be missed or swept under the rug which is unfair.