The latest episode of Attack on Titan Season 4, titled “Above and Below,” takes the intensity to new heights. As the pieces of Zeke, Eren, and Yelena’s plan come together, the true gravity of their actions is revealed. While everyone believes that their strategy involves reuniting Zeke and Eren to activate the Rumbling, Yelena hints at an even more grim solution: Eldian euthanasia or sterilization to permanently eliminate them as a threat to the Founding Titan.

The bleakness of this scenario is palpable, and the stakes have reached a diabolical level. Characters are acting as if their minds have overheated, and nothing seems to make sense anymore. Jean is still struggling to come to terms with the nature of Eren’s actions, while Armin’s reaction to Yelena’s impassioned speech remains ambiguous. Attack on Titan has reached a point where it’s difficult to trust anyone’s motives or discern if they are part of a larger deceitful scheme, which is exemplified in Gabi and Pieck’s encounter with Eren.

Throughout this season, Eren’s journey has been juxtaposed with Gabi’s own path. Both characters have their flaws, making it challenging to determine who is the lesser evil or who is more “right.” Despite their similar backgrounds, the episodes have set them up as adversaries, building up to an inevitable showdown. “Above and Below” creates immense tension as Gabi is forced into an unlikely alliance with Eren, who uses Falco’s life as leverage. These two mirror images must cooperate, creating a situation more nerve-wracking than an outright battle.

Adding to the dark atmosphere, Eren casually refers to Gabi as “the brat who killed Sasha,” highlighting his emotional detachment. It is astonishing how hollow Eren has become. Though he promises Gabi the safety of Falco in exchange for her cooperation, it wouldn’t be surprising if he were to harm them once he gets what he wants.

In just a season’s time, Eren, the show’s protagonist, has transformed into a disaffected, terrifying figure. His descent into darkness reminds us of Walter White from Breaking Bad. As Eren presses his forehead against the barrel of Pieck’s gun, fearlessly taunting her to pull the trigger, it becomes apparent that he has become more frightening than someone armed with a loaded weapon.

During this tense hostage situation, glimpses of Pieck’s backstory are revealed. This serves as a reminder that every player in this struggle is a fully fleshed-out character with their own lives, families, and loved ones. The enemies are no longer mindless monsters. While Eren remains unfazed, his smug demeanor vanishes when Pieck and her comrades betray him unexpectedly. Eren narrowly escapes, but it should not be overlooked that these determined individuals came close to killing him and ending it all.

The latest episode of Attack on Titan Season 4 leaves audiences on the edge of their seats, with the intensity escalating to a point where anything can happen. Make sure to catch the next thrilling installment!

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