Ep 1. To You, in 2000 Years - The Fall of Shiganshina: Part 1

Eren Yeager and his close-knit group of friends live in a world where humanity is under constant threat from man-eating creatures known as Titans. These Titans are massive, humanoid monsters that seemingly appeared out of nowhere and began wreaking havoc on the world around them. In the first episode of Attack On Titan Season 1, we are introduced to Eren and his friends as they go about their daily lives within the walls of their small town, Shiganshina.

It has been over a hundred years since the Titans emerged and humanity built three massive walls to protect themselves from the outside world. But when a colossal Titan appears seemingly out of nowhere, it quickly breaches the outer wall, throwing the city into chaos. Eren watches in horror as his mother is killed by the Titans, and he vows to join the military to avenge her death and protect humanity.

The episode sets the stage for the larger story that will unfold throughout the series. We learn about the government’s secrets and some of the characters' motivations. Eren's determination to fight the Titans is fueled not only by vengeance but also by curiosity about the outside world. Furthermore, while individual character arcs are planted early on, the focus of the episode is firmly centered around the chaos and terror caused by the Titans as they destroy homes and kill people left and right.

The animation style is bold and dramatic, with sweeping camera angles, and heightened attention to detail that borders on the grotesque. The Titans are rendered using CGI, and their massive, deformed bodies and twisted expressions create a visceral and unnerving experience. The resulting imagery is a mix of horror and impressive battle sequences, anchored by compelling characters.

The show's world and characters are built with care and attention to detail, with hints of underlying mysteries and conspiracies that heighten a sense of dread. The episode skillfully builds the tension, from the peaceful start through to the climactic fight scene. Importantly, it never veers into gratuitous violence, never distracts from the central plotlines, and never forgets that the Titans themselves were not the true source of evil but a symptom of a greater shadow looming over the horizon of the show's world.

By the end of the episode, the depth of Eren's pain is palpable, and his decision to fight the Titans with the goal of venturing beyond the walls of Shiganshina brings stakes to the narrative. The episode ends with Eren unable to protect his hometown from the Titans, leaving our protagonist with a reason to continue fighting despite the seemingly insurmountable odds ahead of him.

Overall, Episode 1 of Attack on Titan Season 1 is gripping, unsettling, and sets the stage for a story that only continues to grow in complexity and intrigue as the series progresses. The show's mix of horror, political intrigue, and character-driven storytelling creates a unique viewing experience unlike anything else in anime.