Hey Attack on Titan fans! Let's dive into Episode 10 of Season 1, titled "Where Does the Left Arm Go?" This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions, revelations, and, of course, intense titan battles. If you're anything like me, you were probably on the edge of your seat the entire time. So, let's break down the key moments and discuss why this episode is so pivotal in the grand scheme of things.

Recap of Events

First off, let's recap the main events to get everyone on the same page. The episode picks up right after Eren's explosive transformation into a titan during the battle of Trost. The aftermath is chaotic, to say the least. The remaining members of the Survey Corps and Garrison Regiment are understandably confused and terrified. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Eren's Titan Form: Eren emerges from the titan's nape, seemingly unaware of what just happened. This leads to mass confusion and distrust among the soldiers.
• The Military's Response: The higher-ups in the military immediately see Eren as a threat. They debate whether to eliminate him or try to use his newfound abilities to reclaim Wall Maria.
• Pixis's Gamble: Commander Dot Pixis, a fan-favorite character known for his strategic mind and calm demeanor, decides to take a gamble. He proposes using Eren's titan form to seal the hole in the wall at Trost.
• Armin's Persuasion: Armin, ever the strategist and voice of reason, steps up to defend Eren. He delivers a passionate speech, convincing the military that Eren is humanity's best hope against the titans. His unwavering belief in Eren is truly inspiring.
• The Test: The military puts Eren to the test, ordering him to carry a massive boulder to seal the hole in the wall. However, Eren initially loses control and attacks Mikasa, leading to further doubts about his ability to control his titan form.

Key Moments and Analysis

Now that we've recapped the main events, let's dive into some of the key moments that make this episode so memorable.

Armin's Speech

Armin's speech is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the episode. He eloquently argues that Eren is not a threat but a valuable asset. He highlights Eren's unwavering determination to eradicate the titans and his willingness to sacrifice himself for humanity. Armin's ability to articulate complex ideas and sway the opinions of others is a testament to his intelligence and leadership potential. This scene solidifies Armin as not just a friend to Eren and Mikasa, but as a crucial pillar of hope for humanity.

Pixis's Leadership

Commander Pixis's decision to trust Eren is another pivotal moment. Pixis is portrayed as a pragmatic and insightful leader who is willing to take risks for the greater good. His understanding of human nature and his ability to see beyond the immediate threat make him a compelling character. Pixis recognizes that Eren's titan form could be a game-changer in the fight against the titans, and he's willing to put his reputation on the line to give Eren a chance. This decision showcases his leadership qualities and his unwavering commitment to protecting humanity. Pixis, played such a vital role because without Pixis’s influence, Eren probably would have been executed on the spot.

Eren's Struggle

Eren's internal struggle to control his titan form is a central theme of the episode. He grapples with the immense power and the lack of control over his actions. The scene where he attacks Mikasa is particularly jarring, highlighting the dangers of his transformation. Eren's inability to control his titan form underscores the challenges he faces as he tries to harness his abilities for the benefit of humanity. This internal conflict adds depth to his character and sets the stage for his future development.

The Test

The test to seal the wall is fraught with tension. As Eren attempts to carry the boulder, he initially loses control, rampaging and attacking Mikasa. This failure raises serious doubts about Eren's ability to control his titan form and cooperate with the military. The scene is visually stunning, with the colossal titan form juxtaposed against the crumbling buildings of Trost. The tension is palpable as everyone watches to see if Eren can regain control and complete the task.

Themes and Symbolism

"Where Does the Left Arm Go?" explores several important themes and uses symbolism to enhance the narrative.

Hope and Despair

The episode masterfully balances hope and despair. Armin's speech and Pixis's decision to trust Eren offer a glimmer of hope in a world overrun by titans. However, Eren's initial failure to control his titan form and his attack on Mikasa plunge the characters back into despair. This constant push and pull between hope and despair reflects the precariousness of humanity's situation and the high stakes involved in their fight for survival.

Trust and Doubt

The theme of trust and doubt is central to the episode. The military initially doubts Eren's intentions, viewing him as a monster rather than a potential savior. Armin's unwavering trust in Eren is contrasted with the skepticism of the military leaders. This tension highlights the challenges of building trust in a world where survival depends on cooperation. The episode suggests that trust, while risky, is essential for overcoming adversity.

Sacrifice

The theme of sacrifice is also prominent. Eren is willing to sacrifice himself to protect humanity, and Armin risks his life to defend Eren. These acts of selflessness underscore the importance of sacrifice in the fight against the titans. The episode suggests that true heroism lies in the willingness to put others before oneself.

Symbolism of the Left Arm

The title of the episode, "Where Does the Left Arm Go?" is intriguing. While it directly refers to Eren's titan form, it also carries symbolic weight. The left arm could represent the unknown and the uncontrollable aspects of Eren's power. It symbolizes the challenges he faces as he tries to master his abilities. The question of where the left arm goes is a metaphor for the broader question of where Eren's power will ultimately lead humanity. The question is literal and more abstract.

Character Development

Episode 10 is crucial for the development of several key characters.

Eren Yeager

Eren's character undergoes significant development in this episode. He grapples with the immense power of his titan form and struggles to control his actions. His initial failure to control his transformation highlights the challenges he faces as he tries to harness his abilities for the benefit of humanity. Despite his struggles, Eren remains determined to eradicate the titans and protect his friends.

Armin Arlert

Armin solidifies his role as a strategist and voice of reason. His eloquent speech and unwavering belief in Eren demonstrate his leadership potential. Armin's ability to articulate complex ideas and sway the opinions of others is a testament to his intelligence and empathy.

Mikasa Ackerman

Mikasa's unwavering loyalty to Eren is further emphasized in this episode. She is willing to risk her life to protect him, even when he attacks her in his titan form. Mikasa's devotion to Eren underscores her unwavering commitment to her friends and her willingness to sacrifice herself for their safety. Mikasa has such a strong dedication, and the only person she’s ever shown this to is Eren.

Conclusion

"Where Does the Left Arm Go?" is a pivotal episode in Attack on Titan Season 1. It is jam-packed with action, emotion, and important character development. The episode explores themes of hope, despair, trust, and sacrifice, and it raises questions about the nature of power and the challenges of leadership. The episode's title, "Where Does the Left Arm Go?" serves as both a literal question and a symbolic representation of the unknown and uncontrollable aspects of Eren's power. Overall, Episode 10 is a must-watch for any Attack on Titan fan, and it sets the stage for the exciting developments to come. What do you guys think? Were you on board with Pixis's decision to trust Eren, or did you think it was too risky? Let's discuss in the comments below!