It is only possible for one to form an acceptable theory, to reach a conclusion when all external factors are extracted from the equation when the definitions of the universe are written down on a single sheet of paper. Even then, the room for doubt will undoubtedly be almost as big as the universe where the problem exists.
Our protagonist, Eren, has been traumatized in so many ways, has been impulsive and knew nothing about the world he grew up to discover. It may sound counter-intuitive, but he didn't have that many decisions to make throughout the story. Unlike many characters, his main objective never changed as his driving idea was the freedom of his people, which he fights for till the very end. Levi once told him, 'Choose for yourself whichever decision you'll regret least', and it was something he obviously learned. He only made decisions that got him closer to his target, throwing aside any personal desires he may have had. He ruined his relationship with his best friends, killing as many people as he had to, disobeyed as many orders as he had to. He let go of his humanity for what he believed was the 'greater good'.
On the other side of this lies Gabi, a character I believe is solely made to set the contrast to Eren. It is something that Isayama does, where he focuses on an idea up close and then zooms out, showing us different variations of the same ideas, of the same theories and ideas, of the same people, of the same friendships and families, of the same towns, cities, governments and nations. "Different variations of the same devils." It is not hard to extrapolate the core beliefs of the people of a nation, as, in the end, they're all given the same start to life. It is enough to only be shown the differences and that, Isayama does really well.
Gabi's origin is a bit different, however, as she has been raised on the other side of the ocean; taught how 'the devils' on the other side deserved death and pain; taught how she herself was a descendent of the devils. She is strong, fearless, and smart. But she has come aware of the world with ideas already implanted within her personality. She was never given the choice to decide for herself. She killed a fan-favourite character, Sasha, to avenge her friends who were killed by Eren. She now saves a girl previously saved by Sasha, unaware of the reason. Many of the factors influencing her opinions about the world disappeared by this point. This makes it easier for her to be more accepting and compassionate. It makes it easier for her to be fair and yet, one can't blame her if she doesn't change what she thinks.
It is such a hard journey for someone to let go of their core beliefs, even after seeing the truth. It takes more willpower to fight oneself than to decide to exterminate the whole world.
We can only wonder what she would've done in Eren's place. After all, they're two different people who grew up in two different worlds. One could argue that she never had something to fight for, to begin with. In many cases, she was full of rage, full of desire to please her commanders and not a greater good like Eren's. But, in the end, we can only imagine...
This episode has had exciting moments, beautiful music but I believe Gabi is very critical to the story. She is used to discussing the philosophy of decision-making, and of testing the bounds of how much control we have over our personal beliefs.
There lies a fine line between philosophy and the beliefs we're taught or forcibly exposed to. This show clearly knows that line and plays around with this very idea. It is not about a decision is right or wrong, it's about the reasoning behind it, it's about the will and the factors leading to it.
I said it once and I will say it again, Gabi was never meant to be hated. No character with a will, with reason, is made to be hated. In the end, the more perspectives and angles to see this world from, the more we can decide for ourselves, the more we can realise that we don't really have to make a decision but to observe, and to observe quietly until we are enlightened beyond any of these characters that we can consider picking a side.
Our protagonist, Eren, has been traumatized in so many ways, has been impulsive and knew nothing about the world he grew up to discover. It may sound counter-intuitive, but he didn't have that many decisions to make throughout the story. Unlike many characters, his main objective never changed as his driving idea was the freedom of his people, which he fights for till the very end. Levi once told him, 'Choose for yourself whichever decision you'll regret least', and it was something he obviously learned. He only made decisions that got him closer to his target, throwing aside any personal desires he may have had. He ruined his relationship with his best friends, killing as many people as he had to, disobeyed as many orders as he had to. He let go of his humanity for what he believed was the 'greater good'.
On the other side of this lies Gabi, a character I believe is solely made to set the contrast to Eren. It is something that Isayama does, where he focuses on an idea up close and then zooms out, showing us different variations of the same ideas, of the same theories and ideas, of the same people, of the same friendships and families, of the same towns, cities, governments and nations. "Different variations of the same devils." It is not hard to extrapolate the core beliefs of the people of a nation, as, in the end, they're all given the same start to life. It is enough to only be shown the differences and that, Isayama does really well.
Gabi's origin is a bit different, however, as she has been raised on the other side of the ocean; taught how 'the devils' on the other side deserved death and pain; taught how she herself was a descendent of the devils. She is strong, fearless, and smart. But she has come aware of the world with ideas already implanted within her personality. She was never given the choice to decide for herself. She killed a fan-favourite character, Sasha, to avenge her friends who were killed by Eren. She now saves a girl previously saved by Sasha, unaware of the reason. Many of the factors influencing her opinions about the world disappeared by this point. This makes it easier for her to be more accepting and compassionate. It makes it easier for her to be fair and yet, one can't blame her if she doesn't change what she thinks.
It is such a hard journey for someone to let go of their core beliefs, even after seeing the truth. It takes more willpower to fight oneself than to decide to exterminate the whole world.
We can only wonder what she would've done in Eren's place. After all, they're two different people who grew up in two different worlds. One could argue that she never had something to fight for, to begin with. In many cases, she was full of rage, full of desire to please her commanders and not a greater good like Eren's. But, in the end, we can only imagine...
This episode has had exciting moments, beautiful music but I believe Gabi is very critical to the story. She is used to discussing the philosophy of decision-making, and of testing the bounds of how much control we have over our personal beliefs.
There lies a fine line between philosophy and the beliefs we're taught or forcibly exposed to. This show clearly knows that line and plays around with this very idea. It is not about a decision is right or wrong, it's about the reasoning behind it, it's about the will and the factors leading to it.
I said it once and I will say it again, Gabi was never meant to be hated. No character with a will, with reason, is made to be hated. In the end, the more perspectives and angles to see this world from, the more we can decide for ourselves, the more we can realise that we don't really have to make a decision but to observe, and to observe quietly until we are enlightened beyond any of these characters that we can consider picking a side.