Shingeki no Kyojin – 53

() (Paafekuto Geemu)
“Perfect Game”

While Im sure a few are probably annoyed by slight lack of epic titan showdown and all the accompanying carnage oh so slyly hinted at last week, SnK isnt one to leave us hanging too much on the hack n slash front. From boulder baseball to hot geyser actionand some juggernaut advancement for flavourthis show has helped drip feed the pulp action addiction while slowly but surely identifying just where it intends on leaving off. In the time honoured tradition of hair pulling cliffhangers, were going to get to that basementjust in time for the season to end.

Although SnK is a series about bloodshed first and thinking second (dont deny, you know its true), its interesting just how perceptive it is when it comes to certain combat nuances. Leadership for example came right to the forefront this week as we got not only Armins surprising freeze, but also Erwins gritty audacity. While the latter certainly makes sense to all of uswe all know what Erwin is capable ofArmins probably brought on some confusion, but its just as realistic as the charge of Erwin’s light brigade. The thing about leadership (and famous leadership especially) is its all about decisiveness. The best leaders arent so much the ones who make the best choices, but the ones who can quickly make a choice. The enemy after all is facing the same circumstances as you; if you can take the first step you force them to respond, and in response you can often dictate their actions thereafter. Armins flaw in this regard is his mind, he wants his orders to be perfect because he believes thats the only way to win, when rather he should focus on the strategy to come after making a first move as Jean so astutely described. Battles are never won with the opening move, theyre always decided by your actions following contact, and its here where Armin has some serious learning yet to do.

On the other side of the wall of course lies Erwin, and no real shockers herethe guy is a chiseled chad leader through and through. While Erwin is not the smartest of the group (hes already acknowledged Armins strength in this), he has that decisiveness mentioned above which makes him stand head and shoulders above the rest. To not only lead your men into the jaws of death, but do so without any soothing lies and pleasant excuses? That takes some serious balls. It shows the real strength of Erwin though that he has them and doesnt shy away from his duty, openly abandoning his lifelong dream so everyone else can live and have it for him, so there will be a future where such dreams can flourish. We today may make light of such sacrificei.e. valuing human life above allbut given the right circumstances and a leader worth following, and even the most selfish of men can find themselves driven to fight and die for something greater than themselves.

No matter the uncertainty of that frankly insane charge and near certainty of death for all, dont count Erwins greatest sacrifice as entirely pointless just yet. Considering everyones favourite house maid is taking advantage of the chaos, you can bet one big monkey is about to get into the fight of a lifetime.

 

Preview

10 Comments

  1. Frito

    Decisions can only be validated as the “right one” if all goes well… Leadership is as you said all about conviction, decisiveness, and responsibility. If you aren’t willing to take on these characters, then you can’t be a leader. There’re billions of people in the world but only a minuscule percentile can truly be considered a leader.Si vis pacem, para bellum.

    • Sekai

      Indeed, it can be difficult (if not a complete gamble) to determine the right decision, but not making one at all if almost certainly the wrong one. Armin needs to learn to balance his indecisiveness with resolve and be ready to take responsibility for everyone’s lives, or they’re all doomed.

      • I expect he’ll learn it soon, but it’s a question of how many die before that realization is reached. To Armin’s benefit however he at least acknowledged his lack of ability and willingly handed off the duty to someone (Jean) who he felt was better fit for it—there’s far too many unfit leaders who never do.

  2. Danny

    Gotta disagree. I don’t care much for and am not impressed by the bloodshed. The hook was the larger mysteries of this world; the mythologies created by the sense of being the last people alive in a hostile place. Stories always lose a lot when they give up their secrets.Did you seriously say “chad leader”? As in the mythical Chad who snags all the Stacies? That’s not exactly in broad usage and it’s not encouraging to see it here.

    • cpn mango

      oh noes, a man uses internet words. what a crime!!!!1111oneoneone

    • Oh you’re not wrong (the mystery is a big reason why I still enjoy this show for example), but there are some who are here for the action and thrill first and story world second—i.e. like GoT. For better or worse SnK’s adaptation has been defined by its production more than its universe and that’s not likely to change soon.As for Erwin’s descriptor I believe it fits. Chad as a concept has grown beyond its sexual origins into a general term for alpha male (albeit not as popular a one), and if there’s one thing Erwin has it’s pack leader traits. Of course it’s arguably a little too colloquial a phrase considering the material, but that IMO is down to personal preference.

  3. Incognito

    https://images.randomc.net/Shingeki%20no%20Kyojin/Shingeki%20no%20Kyojin%20-%2053%20-%20Large%2029.jpgBeast Titan: “Oh? You’re approaching me?”https://images.randomc.net/Shingeki%20no%20Kyojin/Shingeki%20no%20Kyojin%20-%2053%20-%20Large%2034.jpgErwin: “I can’t distract the s**t out of you without getting closer.”The last time Takehito Koyasu and Daisuke Ono’s characters faced off against each other, it didn’t end so well for Koyasu’s character. This time, it looks like things won’t end well for Ono’s character. But damn if that won’t be a heroic death.

  4. Jesus

    This is the bit where I can’t remember what happens next from the manga.

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