Episode 17 of “Attack on Titan” picks up directly where the previous one left off, without any smooth transition. The plot begins with Hange holding Levi’s lifeless body. Recall that Zeke had set a trap for the Survey Corps, turning Levi’s subordinates into Titans using his spinal fluid mixed in wine. Zeke’s attempt to defeat Levi this way failed, and Levi managed to capture him. In a tense standoff, Hange threatens to activate the Thunder Spear implanted in Zeke’s body, but he resists, resulting in an explosion that hurls Levi’s body into the river. At this moment, the Yeagerists led by Floch arrive and capture Hange.
Despite Hange’s assertion that Levi is dead, Floch remains unconvinced and plans to kill him. However, his attention is diverted to a nearby Titan. In the previous episode, we witnessed a Titan emerging from the ground to carry away Zeke’s mangled body, under the observation of an unknown girl. Now, Zeke “rebirths” from this Titan, fully healed but confused about his situation and the identity of the girl who revived him. Zeke recognizes that he is in the invisible paths we’ve seen before.
Taking advantage of the chaos, Hange escapes with Levi’s body as Marleyan troops arrive on Paradis Island. Yelena pleads with Eren to avoid combat, citing their disadvantage and the potential loss of the Founding Titan. However, Eren disregards her advice and confronts Reiner. Meanwhile, Pieck takes Gabi to Magath and the Marleyan soldiers. This scene highlights Magath’s humanity as he unexpectedly embraces Gabi instead of reprimanding her, revealing his genuine concern for his soldiers regardless of their origin.
In the episode, the girls explain to Magath that Falco and other soldiers from Paradis have consumed Zeke’s spinal fluid, raising Marley’s concerns about Eren using the Founding Titan’s power to activate the Titans within the walls. However, they conclude that Eren has not yet activated this power for some reason. Gabi recalls a conversation where Zeke mentioned that Paradis possesses both a royal-blood Titan and the Founding Titan, implying Zeke’s royal lineage, making it crucial to prevent the brothers from coming into contact.
The second half of the episode focuses on Titan battles, showcasing the brutality of war with added scenes not present in the original manga. Marleyan soldiers dominate the Paradis forces due to their advanced technology. Onyankopon seeks out Armin and his companions, who are imprisoned, to request their help. Connie confronts Onyankopon rightfully, feeling betrayed by Eren and the others.
Onyankopon reveals he was unaware of the plan to exterminate Eldians and joined the cause believing in the island’s future. Armin trusts him and believes Eren is merely aligning with Yelena and Zeke for convenience. Armin holds that Eren, as the Founding Titan holder, will decide how to use his power to protect the island. Mikasa also wants to save Eren, but his past words affect her, hinting that the Ackerman lack free will. While Eren appears to distance himself from his friends, there are indications that part of his description about the Ackerman is accurate. Nevertheless, Mikasa must overcome her doubts.
In summary, Episode 17 of “Attack on Titan” continues the narrative directly from where the previous episode left off, introducing significant developments in the story and delving into character relationships amidst escalating tension.
Attack on Titan, Episode 17, Continuation, Transition, Hange, Levi, Zeke, Thunder Spear, Yeagerists, Marleyan troops, Founding Titan, Royal lineage, Titan battles, War brutality, Paradis Island, Armin, Connie, Onyankopon, Mikasa, Eren, Character relationships, Tension, Manga adaptation, Eldians, Reiner, Gabi, Magath, Invisible paths, Humanity, Conflict,
