Okay, let's talk Attack on Titan. Specifically, Season 2, Episode 5. "Historia". Some call it a breather. I call it... interesting.
Don't get me wrong, I love Attack on Titan. Giant naked people eating humans? What's not to love?
The Calm Before the Storm?
Episode 5 feels different. It's less action-packed, more... character-focused. We spend time with Ymir and Historia. Gasp, character development!
Is it wrong that I found it a little... slow? Everyone's always raving about the big battles.
Maybe I'm just impatient. I want Titans! I want explosions! I want Eren yelling about revenge! You know, the usual.
Historia's Secret
We learn about Historia's background. Surprise! She's not who she seems. There's always some secret.
Honestly, I found her backstory a bit melodramatic. Secret child of royalty? Groundbreaking! I rolled my eyes.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the effort. It adds depth. I just wasn't completely sold. Sue me!
Ymir: The Mysterious One
Ymir continues to be the coolest person ever. Always sarcastic, always hiding something. I was intrigued.
Her protecting Historia is super sweet, though. The ship has sailed, people. There's no denying it.
Their dynamic is probably the most compelling part of the episode. Forget Titans, give me more of these two!
My Unpopular Opinion
Here's the hot take: I almost prefer the character moments to the Titan battles. Almost. Don't kill me!
Sometimes, the constant screaming and running gets tiring. A little quiet introspection is nice. Refreshing, even.
Maybe it's just me getting old. Action fatigue is real. I need a nap after every battle scene.
But seriously, Attack on Titan is good at both! The action is amazing. But the characters make me care.
Episode 5 gave us a glimpse into that. Plus, any episode with Ymir gets bonus points. It's a rule!
Ultimately, "Historia" is a setup episode. A way to build tension before the real chaos hits. And oh boy, does it hit.
“So, I guess, thank you, Attack on Titan, for giving me a break from the giant naked people. For like, half an hour.”
Even if I secretly wanted more giant naked people all along.
Anyone else feel this way? Am I alone in my slightly-less-than-total enthusiasm for Titan battles? Let me know!
It’s okay to admit sometimes you need a little breather with some character development. It makes the Titan battles more impactful anyway.