Reviews

A lot happens in this episode. We get to see the duel between Snake and Thorfinn, resulting in a "victory" for Snake as he ultimately achieve his goal of killing Gardar as he lay unconscious in the wagon. Gardar didn't go down without a fight though, and rose from his supposed grave to strangle Snake unconscious. That sequence was great and suspenseful, but it's the next 10 minutes or so that make it one of the best episodes in the show.

Everybody knows Gardar is going to die anyway, so Arnheid takes him on one last trip down memory lane. As they ride around Ketil's farm, Gradar slowly bleeds out and dreams about his past: how he met Arnheid, the birth of Hjalti and the day they were taken from slavers. The whole sequence is absolutely detestations and helped me develop further sympathy for Gardar's character that wasn't there before. I thought Snake was absolutely right in wanting to kill Gardar, but after this episode I was gifted with a new perspective.

Now that Gardar is dead, I assume we will now move on to the battle between Iron Fist Ketil and King Canute, which I am very excited for.

10/10.

Who is the real Monster? Is it Johan Liebert for committing a myriad of unforgivable crimes? Is it Franz Bonaparta for being responsible for the creation of Johan? Is it Inspector Lunge who sacrificed many during his ruthless pursuit of the killer? Or is it Kenzo Tenma who could've prevented the deaths of many innocents had he killed Johan? It's up to you decide.

This episode is a great conclusion to a fantastic series. It wraps up many stories perfectly, Lunge's, Grimmer's, Eva's, Heckel's and (maybe?) Tenma's. However, it leaves one massive question; what happened to Johan? The final frame of the show is Johan's empty bed, the window beside it wide open and the wind gently caressing the curtains. There are three leading theories on what happened, only two of which I find realistic. One is that Johan died, and his body was removed from the bed. I find this one unlikely as he wasn't wired up to any machinery and Tenma failing to save him would kind of ruin the message that the previous episode (Landscape of the End) was trying to convey. Another theory is that he escaped which would be interesting and another that he committed suicide. They're both viable options and equally possible which really keeps you wondering.

The whole show is a complete masterpiece, an example of slow burn done right. There are few action sequences and shocking moments throughout the show, but when they happen, they're excellently executed. Additionally, the dynamic between Johan and Tenma is fascinating, similar to that of The Joker and Batman.

It's a story of morals, the human condition, and the meaning of life all 3 of which are portrayed in an near flawless manner.

10/10.

This season has been banger after banger, and it's starting to look like one of my favourite seasons of TV ever! Although Thorfinn and Einar finish cutting down the trees, this episode is all about Canute as his story takes a disturbing route. As he visits his dying brother King Harald of Norway he is haunted by the head of his late father King Sweyn who torments him throughout his journey. Although Canute himself is unfazed it's still genuinely creepy to see, and it reminds us of how cold hearted Canute's character has become. Anyhow, Harald leaves the throne in his brothers name leaving the door of possibilities wide open for the remainder of this season and the rest of the show.

9/10.

Don't get me wrong, it's an excellent episode by all definitions. The voice acting, dialogue and tone of the episode is amazing. The premise of the episode itself is also great, with it basically being the scouts deciding who they should revive from the dead, Armin or Erwin?

I wish they revived Erwin. I think it was the logical decision. However, Levi eventually picks Armin which I find to be the most cliché and predictable outcome. I knew Armin wouldn't die, and as soon as the dilemma was presented I knew Erwin was finished. Erwin was by far the best character in the show, and to have his story cut short this early is a crime. I'm not sure how on Earth Armin survived being incinerated alive by the Colossal titan, the guy was literally black from head to toe. Armin surviving also takes away from the emotional impact of the previous episode (Hero) but at least Erwin's sacrifice maintains its impact. They better do something incredible with Armin's character in the next season

Perfect Game: 10/10 Hero: 9/10 Midnight Sun: 9/10.