Ep 16. Above and Below

As the sixteenth episode of the fourth season of Attack on Titan, Above and Below focuses on the aftermath of the explosive events of the previous episode. In the wake of the cataclysmic battle between Eren's forces and the Marleyan army, the Paradisians are left to take stock of the situation and plan their next move. The episode opens with Armin, Mikasa, and the others staring in disbelief at the colossal titan that has just emerged from Eren's nape. With the power of the founding titan at his disposal, Eren has become an unstoppable force and is advancing on Marley to destroy their military and infrastructure. As the Paradisians regroup and discuss their options, Eren's true motives become increasingly murky. His willingness to use the founding titan's powers to massacre countless innocent people has raised eyebrows, with some of his closest allies calling into question whether he is truly fighting for the greater good. The tension between Eren and his friends comes to a head in a gripping scene midway through the episode. Inside his titan's mouth, Eren confronts Armin and Mikasa, revealing his true feelings about their relationship and expressing his desire for them to follow him blindly. The emotional dialogue between the three characters is a standout moment, showcasing the deep bonds that have formed between them over the course of the series while also exploring the darker aspects of Eren's psyche.

The episode isn't all heavy introspection, however, as it also features some thrilling action scenes that will have viewers on the edge of their seats. One standout sequence sees the Paradisians attempting to infiltrate an enemy stronghold, using their 3D maneuvering gear to soar through the air and take out enemy soldiers. The animation during these scenes is top-notch, with fluid camera work and dynamic action choreography making for a thrilling viewing experience.

Above and Below also continues to delve into the political machinations that have been simmering in the background of the series for some time now. We see the aftermath of Willy Tybur's assassination, as Marleyan officials scramble to regain control of the situation. Meanwhile, characters like Zeke and Reiner are revealed to have been working towards their own ends, with their true allegiances remaining murky. It's clear that the story is building towards a dramatic finale, with the various factions involved in the conflict set to clash in ways that will have far-reaching consequences for the world of the series.

Overall, Above and Below is a standout episode of Attack on Titan that expertly balances action, character development, and political intrigue. It's a testament to the show's strengths as a whole, building on the themes and storylines that have been in play since the beginning while pushing the narrative in unexpected and exciting directions. With only a few episodes left in the season, it's clear that the stakes are higher than ever, and viewers are sure to be on the edge of their seats as the story hurtles towards its conclusion.