Marco’s death appears to be one of the first instances where Reiner questioned the nature of their mission and if he’s on the right side of this war. Surprisingly, this candid confession also turns into a cathartic moment for Reiner to heal. This is devastating news for Jean to process and “Night of the End” is easily the character’s best episode. Jean has carried the pain of Marco’s death all the way back to the first season’s Battle of Trost, but he’s finally given closure here as Annie and Reiner explain their roles in Marco’s death. In Eren’s absence, everyone has had their moments in the spotlight, but Jean has progressively become the new de facto leader and protagonist, which pushes him to a temporary breaking point in “Night of the End.” This episode’s earnest fireside chat reiterates how every character has blood on their hands and a legitimate reason to hate someone else in the group. One of the more fascinating wrinkles to these past few episodes of Attack on Titanis that Eren has basically disappeared after his horrific Founding Titan metamorphosis. This transforms into one of the most grim rounds of “Never Have I Ever…” (“Never have I ever taken off a partner’s ODM gear and held him down while a Titan eats him…”) while stew is shared and irritations are expressed. Four seasons’ worth of grievances get relieved and it’s a radical revelation that they’ve only spent years trying to kill one another because they’ve never taken the time to genuinely talk and listen to each other. This episode is not the radical revenge mission that’s teased during the thrilling cliffhanger of last week’s “Pride,” but it’s an absolutely necessary step for these new allies to take before they’re thrown into the chaos of war together.
It plays out entirely over a modest campfire while characters spill their guts, heal their hearts, and consider the future.
“Night of the End” is arguably the calmest episode of Attack on Titan’s final season.
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