Ep 10. Smile/Assault on Stohess, Part 1

As the Attack on Titan (Original Japanese Version) season 2 approaches the climax, the tenth episode named Smile/Assault on Stohess, Part 1 brings in high stakes and action-packed sequences. The viewers are set to witness the tension and anticipation build up as the Scouts prepare themselves to face the colossal Titan once again.

In the previous episode, the Scouts had successfully located Eren Yeager and Historia Reiss. Their mission is to carry out the rescue operation, which is not easy. In this episode, viewers are introduced to the inner workings of Wall Sina territory. It comes to light that the urban center is a hub for corruption and the headquarters of the military police. However, these corrupt altercations come at a cost- the threat of Titan attacks.

This episode begins by shedding light on the mixed emotions that Eren and Historia feel after being captured by Reiner and Bertholdt. In the midst of this, the pressure on the Survey Corps to retrieve Eren and Historia mounts. The military leaders fear that the Titans that lurk outside the city walls might launch an attack. The Scouts come together to plan their next course of action. There is a palpable sense of tension in the air as the Scouts brace themselves to retrieve their comrades.

The episode takes an intriguing turn with the introduction of an elite group of soldiers, the Anti-Personnel Control Squad, who specialize in dealing with human targets and possess anti-personnel vertical maneuvering equipment that is different from the Three Dimensional Maneuver Gear the Scouts use. The team comprises of skilled soldiers that have their own individual methods when dealing with Titans. Their leader, Kenny Ackerman, is shrouded in mystery and heralds a foreboding presence.

Meanwhile, the rescue operation begins, and the Scouts quickly realize that they are not alone in this mission. The confrontation between the Scouts and the Anti-Personnel Control Squad unfolds in an exhilarating chase and attack sequence. The action sequence is well choreographed, with both sides displaying their skills and tactics. The Scouts must stay ahead of the Anti-Personnel Control Squad as they race against time to locate Eren and Historia.

The episode also provides insight into the motives behind Reiner and Bertholdt's actions. Their past is revealed, creating a sense of empathy towards their struggles. It creates a moralistic dilemma of whether their actions justify their cause.

As the episode comes to a close, the audience is left on the edge of their seat as the tension builds. The Scouts and the Anti-Personnel Control Squad come head to head as they approach Stohess. The prospects of what's to come have been set. The episode leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Overall, Smile/Assault on Stohess, Part 1 is an excellent episode that provides an encompassing glimpse of all the elements that make the "Attack on Titan" series great. It showcases the characters' emotions and inner workings, adds thrilling action sequences, and keeps the plot intriguing and unpredictable. The introduction of new characters with unique skills adds refreshing perspectives to the series. It's an episode that leaves a lasting impact on viewers and sets up the finale with aplomb.