Written by Sheena Fisher and Rachel Freeman
SHEENA FISHER
If you have felt like the last couple of episodes this season have been slow, this is the episode for you. Action, backstory, comradery, and reveals. So, if you saw episode 4 you’re now aware that Ymir is a titan. If you haven’t seen episode 4 and haven’t pieced that together, sorry?
Let’s talk more about Ymir. We know that she and Christa are best friends. Their relationship is a little strange because of how much trash talk she serves to Christa. But, if you haven’t figured it out they have a connection. I wondered if Ymir was in love with Christa, and to be honest I know there is love there, but the question of in love is still unanswered for me. I know Ymir and Christa will protect each other above others.
We know from previous episodes there’s something special about Christa. You find out exactly what that is in the episode. You also find out why Ymir is so protective of Christa. And, you get all the answers wrapped up in a nifty informative flashback in the form of winter training. This is the slowest part of the episode, but learning about Christa and Ymir was exciting to me.
OK, so let’s talk about the action. As you can assume from the end of episode 4 Ymir is a titan. Now, you were probably wondering what titan type she is. I’m not going to reveal that. I’m also not going to reveal if she is powerful or weak. But what I will reveal is that the action in this episode is exactly what you anime-adrenaline-scene-junkies crave. You’ll have to watch this episode to get all the juicy plot points. A lot happens that I am not even touching on.
Sheena’s Rating: 9.5/10
RACHEL FREEMAN
The best part of this episode is Ymir. She is arguably the best part of this season so far. Especially considering I did not give a single crap about her last season. I knew who she was, but barely. Same with Christa. They aren’t part of the big 4 (Eren, Mikasa, Armin, and Levi) and they haven’t had as much attention as characters like Sasha or Conny. Honestly, I kind of figured they were going to die sooner rather than later…because that’s what this show does. It kills off people. It’s really good at that. Yet this entire season is dedicated to the supporting cast and shedding them in this incredible light. But what does it mean?
We find out a very important piece of information about Christa. It makes it seem like she should have been the main protagonist of the show instead of Eren, that she should have been in the spotlight since the beginning. That’s how important this information is. And Ymir has worked her ass off to keep her safe. For the sole reason of feeling like they were similar and wanting to befriend her (even though she doesn’t want to admit it). Also, I’m totally on-board the Ymir-Christa love train. They’d be so freaking cute. And the dynamic. It’s so perfect. Plus, I’m all for a well-represented, strong lesbian couple. It’s kind of like how the creators won’t say whether Hanji is a boy or a girl. Japan seems like they’re really trying to portray the LGBT community in a realistic and non-fanservicey light. Which makes me happy.
Enough about Christa and blah blah blah information blah blah blah. Yeah, it’s cool, we learned some things, some major plot development for the world this all takes place in. But Ymir. Yrmir is the smallest Titan ever with this gigantic head and she just starts wrecking. She’s like a speedy little gremlin. Teeth gnashing, throwing bricks in faces, working her tiny little Titan butt off. It’s the best. It’s also the most action we’ve seen in a while. Yeah, character development is important, but I’m a person who really likes my gory action scenes. And I was starting to get a bit bored. Oh, and it’s not a spoiler, but we FINALLY see some epic Mikasa action in the end of the episode. She’s my favorite character. I’ve been waiting for this. Let me have my moment of watching her slaughter Titans mercilessly.
Rachel’s Rating: 8.5/10
I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t give it the score Sheena did. While informative, I really had no interest in the first 15 minutes of the 20-minute episode. I love the show, I learned a lot, but I hope we start seeing some consistent action from here on out.
