Was Attack On Titan Ending Good or Bad?
Attack on Titan Ending: Satisfying Conclusion or Missed Opportunity?
After an epic journey spanning multiple seasons, Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) finally reached its conclusion—a story that had fans captivated, intrigued, and, at times, frustrated. Its complex narrative, moral ambiguity, and powerful character arcs made it one of the most influential anime series in recent memory. But the question that still lingers among fans is: Was the ending a fitting conclusion or a misstep for such a monumental series?
The Final Arc: A Shift in Tone
As Attack on Titan progressed, it underwent a drastic shift in tone, moving from humanity’s survival against Titans to a war between nations, diving into political intrigue, generational trauma, and the blurred lines between heroes and villains. The main character, Eren Yeager, transformed from an innocent and hopeful protagonist to a morally complex, unpredictable anti-hero. This transformation created intrigue—and controversy—that carried over to the final episodes.
Major Plot Points in the Ending
Without revealing too many spoilers, the ending centers around Eren’s drastic choices, leading him to a point where he feels the only way to end the cycle of hatred is through a mass genocide known as “The Rumbling.” Eren’s friends must make impossible choices, torn between their loyalty to him and their moral convictions to protect innocent lives. This moral conflict is the heart of the finale, forcing characters to confront the weight of sacrifice and the true meaning of freedom.
The Good: Bold Choices and Emotional Depth
The ending does many things well, especially in terms of its emotional impact. The characters’ internal struggles are explored in depth, revealing how the cycle of hatred influences each generation. Eren’s tragic evolution reflects the series’ themes of freedom, revenge, and the consequences of unrestrained ambition, leaving fans with a bittersweet conclusion that feels both satisfying and painful. The final scenes bring many character arcs to a close, including a heartfelt farewell for the Survey Corps, which honors their sacrifices and relationships over the years.
The Controversial Elements: Mixed Reactions from Fans
While many fans appreciated the emotional and thematic depth, others found the ending problematic. Critics argue that Eren’s motives, though understandable, felt contradictory and rushed, leading to a somewhat unsatisfying resolution. The last-minute revelations and supernatural elements explaining the Titan powers and Eren’s vision left some viewers feeling as though the show abandoned its grounded approach for a more abstract, less cohesive finale.
Furthermore, some fans felt that certain character arcs, especially those of Eren’s friends, didn’t receive the resolution they deserved. The bittersweet nature of the ending was expected, but the mixed reactions suggest that it might not have hit the mark for everyone.
Animation and Soundtrack: A Lasting Impression
In true Attack on Titan fashion, the animation quality from MAPPA was breathtaking in the final season. The intense action sequences, combined with Hiroyuki Sawano’s iconic soundtrack, amplified the emotions in every scene. From powerful fight scenes to quiet moments of reflection, the music and visuals perfectly captured the gravity of the finale.
Was the Ending Good or Bad?
Ultimately, the Attack on Titan ending will likely continue to divide fans. It’s a thought-provoking conclusion that raises questions about morality, sacrifice, and the nature of freedom, yet it leaves some threads open-ended, demanding viewers to draw their own conclusions.
Whether you loved it or found it disappointing, there’s no denying that Attack on Titan left a powerful legacy. For better or worse, it forced viewers to confront harsh truths about war, vengeance, and human nature, solidifying its place as one of the most complex and unforgettable anime series of all time.
Final Thoughts: Attack on Titan’s ending may not have pleased everyone, but it remains an ambitious and unforgettable conclusion to a groundbreaking story. It’s a show that invites discussion, and that in itself is a testament to its impact.
