Expanding Everything | Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 1

[@cubencis]

Yeah “free will” might be a theme in this story

[@gg_sam7847]

some people bring it up in their reviews/discussions

[@cubencis]

@@gg_sam7847 oh yeah, I’m being sarcastic. Free Will is absolutely a theme of this show. It may be the only theme of the show.

[@kissofarose100]

@@cubencis not really there are many themes in the show but this one is the principle one

[@D__634]

Freedom!

[@gg_sam7847]

@@cubencis I was being sarcastic too lol

[@john-up5nm]

"Everyone had to be drunk on something to keep pushing on ... Everyone was a slave to something"- that line gets better the more I rewatch the show

[@alvesraphsrevenge6616]

Kenny Ackerman will always be in my top 10. #yeehaw

[@vincentvieille5996]

The most truthfull line of this show. And reality too...

[@kaneframe5357]

This and Everyone is a slave to something by Askeladd.

[@kaizokud42]

Read about stoicism philosophy if you like this slave to something ideas.

[@royalfun1031]

​@@alvesraphsrevenge6616tru

[@jcnot9712]

“What a burden to put on a child.” I think Merphy’s found the single best sentence to summarize all of AoT. That’s up there with “It’s your damn family again, Garp!” as a summary of One Piece lol

[@kamikaze.33]

I'd argue the concept of "freedom" is the biggest theme of Attack on Titan. Which I guess is just another way of saying free will in many ways.

[@oyamampendu9467]

Which form of freedom tho Armin or Eren. Freedom from or freedom to. And a third that isn't as important here

[@makima2883]

@@oyamampendu9467 can you expound on that?

[@acendiatmedia8747]

Well, no, it's the perpetuating of violence through trauma. Freedom as a concept is specifically what Eren is trying to understand, and atain it's kind of one of the primary sub themes. But by no means what the primary theme is. While some characters motivations and concern is freedom it isn't for many. The commonality between them all is what causes the cycle of violence and how to end it at least at this scale. At this point in the story it seams like that's the theme but with the knowledge of the state of things going into the final season things are very much broadened and there is much more to it.

[@acendiatmedia8747]

​@@makima2883he's talking about the the different concepts of freedom that exist. There is the freedom from control of others and then there is the freedom to do anything you want. The first doesn't necessarily mean you want to be able to do anything but that you want to voluntarily adhere to a set of societal rules or ethics in the same way that a vegan imposed rules on them selves by aren't less free because of that. Then there is freedom to do anything without restrictions from man nature or anything else. I would say that Erin and Armin both fall under the first but have different focuses. Eren is focused on the forces restricting their freedom and eliminating it while Armin seams to care more about what he wants to do with the freedom.

[@franktaku9121]

The Bystander episode with Keith sadies was one of my favorites in the show. I was just so fascinated by the messages in his backstory and impressed with how effectively this one episode got me to empathize and care about a side character that we haven't seen since the start of season one.

[@RobClouds]

I love that the Keith episode and the Kenny episode are some of the most important and impactful in the whole series. They set up their respective themes so perfectly for them to play out in the future.

[@Rinneganpein389295]

"Choke on a lemon" might be my new favorite insult.

[@henfarasubtitrare9764]

Your reviews of AOT are my most anticipated videos on youtube in a loooong time.😁

[@amna5506]

Really hope Merphy watches the Levi OVA before finishing season 3. It adds so much more impact on everything that happens next

[@duchesse178]

How ?

[@coolguy8473]

@@duchesse178Levi’s old friends, and how he met Erwin

[@duchesse178]

@@coolguy8473 oh yeah ! Didn't think about that

[@leakypeach6250]

She has

[@AntiMage99]

Nah. I wish she go to s4 already so much peak. Hange Zoe got killed by collosal titans, Mikasa lives, EREN DIDN'T SURVIVE IN THE END 🤞

[@tastymedicine3073]

Season 3 part 2's gonna throw her like how the beast tossed the horse.

[@AdityaThakur-kn8ty]

guys she is here , she is gonna reach the peak

[@nichescenes]

It's crazy that people call AOT trash and the worst series etc. She said this is the point where they slow down and let you know lore etc...Naw we've been doing that the entire time. Calling AOT badly written just cause you dont enjoy the ending is crazy...i get hating violence or this type of story but if your okay with it till the ending then hate it you were never a fan IMO you were a grifter. One of the best made series IMO. Overlooking people who just really hate it. My friend's Grand mother wont like it doesnt mean it's bad lol. for example.

[@AdityaThakur-kn8ty]

@@nichescenes those who call aot badly written, probably need to rewatch the show

[@nichescenes]

@@AdityaThakur-kn8ty lol agreed. It’s even funnier when you see their reaction to anime only watchers liking it while they mind trick them into thinking the manga was soooo different. No offense to weekly or so on readers but they are toxic in popular series. My goodness the my hero reactions endings then the jjk take that it’s worst. I recall people saying mha ending was 1:10 then jjk was worst to them. What is this. lol. Happy one piece doesn’t have much of that. Let him cook 🧑‍🍳 is devoid for some. Or endings or plots you don’t love can’t exist. Peak or trash ratings.

[@lorenzozinco9664]

@@nichescenesthose people don’t know how to read 😂

[@billyalarie929]

There is nothing more satisfying than a Merphy who actually feels a need to tell herself to reel it in a bit because her passion for the story unfolding is just that immense. It makes me feel alive. ❤

[@jinsneer5245]

Oh man can't wait for the ravings for this part and part 2

[@thelordkk512]

"is free will even a theme in this story?" Oh boy 😂

[@AntiMage99]

Aot normies how to Not spoil challenge 😲

[@karlwilker579]

@@AntiMage99 Themes aren't really spoilers...

[@bishaladhikari9499]

@@karlwilker579 anything that sets up expectations is a spoiler

[@karlwilker579]

@@bishaladhikari9499 See that's too broad for me. By that definition anything could be a spoiler. For me spoilers have to be more specific than saying "the series is about free will." Something like (end of season 3 spoilers) there being an entire world beyond the walls is an actual spoiler.

[@AntiMage99]

​@@karlwilker579Ok ur playing dumb just like the dude on the top. Aot normies is like that i guess? ill try to mimic it on actual spoiler 😊 Btw, Hange Zoe got killed by collosal titans, Mikasa lives, EREN DIDN'T SURVIVE IN THE END 🤞

[@LEVl.K9]

cant wait to the moment of "choice" and see witch side merphy is in this colossal plot twist.

[@Sabor180]

Ah yes, what choice to be made under the Midnight Sun 😢

[@PraveenKumar-te4qv]

And during the final arc

[@S_ept1c]

Read no regrets (the levi side story) before s3 end

[@mauri9998]

She did before starting part 1

[@S_ept1c]

@@mauri9998 did she mention it in a vid or on the discord?

[@elcee8]

33:08 so glad you’re talking about the Ackermann and Reiss family relationship because I never think of Mikasa and Levi with Historia. Cool to think that they broke free from the cycle and paving their own paths and like you say working with each other on their own free will (essentially i think that’s what you’re saying). Instead, it’s Mikasa-Eren and Levi-Erwin in the forefront of my mind, not Mikasa/Levi - Historia.

[@secondeye1574]

When you do Season 4, would you consider also doing it as per the story arcs like you did for Season 3? There's 3 generally agreed-upon arcs for the final season, but the anime had production issues so it split things up weirdly. If so, for the anime it's S4 Episode 1-8, then 9-21, then 22 to the finale. For the manga, it's chapter 90-105, then 106 to 122 (or 123), and then onwards to the finale. Feel free to consult with whoever is giving you the numbers :D

[@YetiCoolBrother]

Now that you've brought it up yourself, I would go as far as to say Free Will is THE theme of AoT but that is all I will say. Keep doing your thing Merph Edit: Also no, this was a good stopping point because S3 Pt. 2.... hoo boy.

[@epitomeion6913]

Id say the main theme is about freedom in general and free will is a part of that

[@YetiCoolBrother]

@@epitomeion6913 I literally can not really respond to this without spoilers but I think you have it backwards. Free Will is main theme & freedom is just a part of that.

[@lucqq3792]

@@YetiCoolBrother its not free will. its determinism

[@TheOriginalDogLP]

​@@lucqq3792 determinism is about free will lol

[@minicooper1293]

I actually got goosebumps from some of your interpretations because I know what‘s coming next in this story. This arc was incredible in the manga. I‘ve rarely seen so many side characters being used with such efficiency and without it ever feeling forced in any type of media. Amazing video

[@Plasmagon99]

I hope when Merphy is finished with AOT she will do an AOT vs One Piece freedom rant.

[@jfree672]

Clara and Misaka... i wonder who's next

[@Ason19]

I bet Floch

[@MrRenanHappy]

RIP Clara, Eren's mom

[@BullCraftMaxx]

So happy she is reading Attack it is such a legendary series

[@D__Cain]

You should continue calling her Historia ✨, everyone knows her as that now that you’re in that part of the story

[@yasminnn8]

34:40 i watched this on the TV in the middle of the night with the lights off and it freaked me out 😂 i had to watch an episode of New Girl before immediately going to bed

[@ashoneth]

This season made be like erwin's character so much. Surprised you didn't mention him.

[@angeloalexandre8949]

This is only part 1 and will definitely mention him in part 2

[@NeolwA]

That's part 2

[@TheAngryMontage]

He shined in part 1 aswell ​@@NeolwA

[@NeolwA]

@@TheAngryMontage yeah but I feel like he shined more in s2, so it make sense why merphy didn't talk much of him here

[@seanfortes7156]

I can't remember exactly how comments are filtered (because I know some people post spoilers), but knowing that Merphy likes Vinland Saga a lot, i hope someone relays to her how the Vinland Saga author and Attack on Titan author are friends, because 1. Thats just cute on its own. Then also, how, and they are different in a lot of ways, but how Kenny does have a few certain similarities with a certain blond haired popular antagonist, turned fan favourite, and also has a few lines inspired by them. Assuming of course she didn't already pick up those familiar lines and talks about them in the longer larger videos. For myself, I don't want to say too much, just to avoid spoilers, but great theorising, and I really enjoyed S3 of AOT. I mean I enjoyed all of it, but I was impressed by how the show still maintained its pace and felt like it purposeful in showing how conflict can come in many ways. Really enjoyed Historia a lot as a character that season, same with Kenny, Levi, Jean, Armin.

[@dekusfreckles6225]

Chainsawman! You are gonna have a wild ride with that one

[@jonasw3945]

did she say she's gonna read it ?

[@AntiMage99]

Makima is the main villain on part 1💯

[@mrcorner1216]

Once you're done with AoT, I think a "reacting to my old theories" video could be very funny content, if you're interested in doing something like that.

[@theassortedhobbyist]

While there are some differences the anime made when adapting the manga in each season, the first quarter of season 3 is the most different between the two mediums. While I can understand trimming and rearranging some of the material to streamline the story for a visual medium, I can’t help but feel the loss of some character moments that brought an emotional human core to the story, such has Historia’s emotional breakdown over Ymir staying with Reiner and Bertholdt or Dimo Reeves’s impact on the conflict itself. As a result of a lot of the cuts, the first few episodes of this half of season 3 feel like they're one a breakneck pace trying to cram all the story details necessary to follow the coup d'etat of the government while maintaining the momentum of the action set pieces of the plot.

[@oyamampendu9467]

Dimo Reeves also lead to my personala favorite gag with Historia and Levi when she was made queen and the anime removed it because for flashy action

[@kissofarose100]

My top scene in AOT is the scene between Urie and Kenny Ackerman, best scene in my opinion which is basically the message of this manga. In regard of Historia unfortunately she is so selfish that in the end remains a puppet queen. Kenny was a wonderful character

[@scythe9734]

"Was it violence that made us work together?" God I love this scene so much. Because no, if Uri chose violence that day he would have killed Kenny and.... that's it. Instead he reached out to him with sympathy and offered friendship. This is the best piece of dialogue in all if AOT.

[@rishiruparelia]

Having watched all of AOT, it super interesting listening to your thoughts as you watch / read through the story

[@suneilgoel3144]

Get ready for season 3 part 2 it blows everything before out of the water

[@HoundsBane]

I think it’s Great & a Necessity that you approach season 3 in 2 parts. There is so much character development, world building, & answers it’s INSANE! Great discussion & analysis as always. Cannot wait to see you break down part 2!! 🤯

[@idk-dz]

25:36 it's Carla not Clara 😂

[@FreyrFox]

So glad the patrons reminded you of the ending scene cause oh my goddddd when that originally came out it was SUCH A TEASE AAAAAAAAAA but also so intriguing

[@raghunathb402]

Merphy just say founding titan 😭😭 no need progenitor lol

[@billyalarie929]

I thought that was very charming (not mockery, I truly mean that) 😊

[@billyalarie929]

I thought that was very charming (not mockery, I truly mean that) 😊

[@CaliTex2010]

Some online manga translations used that term, which is probably how she read it. I think it sounds cool tbh lol

[@lilporky8565]

I love that she comes up with a new name for it every time she has to bring it up.

[@jaimecardona92]

Was not expecting a doki doki literature club mention from merphy 😂

[@CaneRossso]

They are a sort of alternate German people never forget that it’s important

[@thoughtfulfreespace]

This part was definitely slower and while expanding more in the story we look inward to the people inside. The enemy was humans this arc, and the fear that people could potentially kill each other over resources, people in power wanting to maintain power while also fearing someone could take it. I like the theme of "Us vs Them" but instead of them being titans it was other people, whether it was Kenny's faction or the government controlling people or for the coup wall vs wall. As for Rod...I *agree* he is a PoS, but I think that in his last moments you see that he sort of shared the mentality of the scouts. "Yes we can defeat them! Why don't you do anything!?" But time and time again this founder/power does something to the will of the people who inherit it, from his father, to his brother, to his daughter. Very scary.

[@sasukeism6881]

i haven't revisited this first half of season 3 since my first rewatch years ago, i feel like there's a lot of little hits at themes and character growth you mentioned here that went over my head back then. i really love the clash of carla and rod's ideals and how it develops eren's character! also that end credit scene scared me so bad as a kid lol. love watching these videos and i'm so excited for the next one, the second half of season 3 is my favourite arc in the series!

[@max-alainpierre-pierre3829]

Merphy impresses me every time with how well she understands the story early on.

[@housekinokuni903]

I hope merphy checks out Land of the Lustrous/Houseki no Kuni. It is similar to AOT. The art is GORGEOUS

[@haritc8462]

This was a great video! It was really interesting hearing your perspective on the story at this point in time. I'm really looking forward to seeing you react to the story going forward!

[@x0x0niks]

all these themes from this season i have missed by my sample mind but through you i can see and understand. freedom, free will, the cycle of war/conflict/ideal... man this is too good of a review and discussion. thank you for this great video and i can't wait for the vlog deeper dive in this season 3 part 1

[@hithedragon7842]

I'm so excited for this video, this is my absolute favorite arc of the story and it's right before what is the actual best arc imo. I could listen to people talk about season three for hours.

[@MysteryBounty]

I cannot wait til she gets to the second part of this season!!! And of course The Final Season parts 1-18

[@rolltidegrl11]

I can't wait for you to get to season 4. Like the anticipation is killing me!!

[@Zeet1]

Monday gonna be a good day. This also was a good day. Just saying I have something to look forward to 🍿 I ended up doing a full rewatch since Merphy started reviewing it and I could be refreshed

[@amalabraham1694]

Should read Mikasa's ova manga version, lost in the cruel world

[@nerd660]

This is the section of the story that finally made me like Eren as a character and truly hooked me into the series

[@Ruby_D_Rose]

The way you say Rod is everything i need to know about the rant the thats coming and YES

[@bananapeel892]

I love this breakdowns and the vlogs. I’ve watched them all. There’s another very big sci fi series that feels so similar to attack on titan I have a hard time believing there wasn’t some inspiration. Anyway, great video as always. Also, I was thought it was pronounced Reese not rice, but I could be wrong. Sorry if that’s annoying lol.

[@Reacted1991]

season 3 part 2 is going to change everything

[@colin3498]

i can't wait to see what she thinks of season 3 pt 2 onwards. As great as the show has been so far it reaches a whole different level from this point onwards

[@Sabor180]

This is going so great, can't wait for you to finish season 3 in its entirety! Also can't wait for the vlog video, I love these big breakdowns! 10/10

[@deanmanbad]

Have faith in yourself. One of the lines in the main theme that’s played since Season 1 (Translated from German) is “Is this our fate, or our will?”

[@leanneknitter8948]

I never thought that the rice family chose to keep the secret, I thought that they didn’t have free will about it

[@thefrankster875]

Get excited! You’re about to watch arguably the best part in the whole show! It’s either that or season 4 part 2

[@beastvicious8672]

I think the main reason Kenny didn't want Levi to know he was an Ackermann, is becouse he didn't want Levi to hunted down as the Ackermann's were all in danger of the government. In other words he wanted to protect Levi.

[@philiptimothycflores341]

I recommend PARASYTE. Solid manga, S-tier anime, very intriguing character development.

[@thelordkk512]

She should definitely try the anime

[@erenjaeger9681]

I second that !

[@amampathak]

Migi, handle the defense.

[@matiaspereyra9392]

I'm kinda curious about what her exact thoughts watching the post credits flashforward because I've shown aot to a LOT of people and noticed most take one of 2 stances that boil down to "in levi we trust, idk what eren and or mikasa did but I'm behind levi, screw these 2 morons" or "I'm getting bad vibes from Levi from these last couple of scenes he's been in so... Mikasa get his ass" (there was the rare neutral stance, but when I say it's rare it's rare) and funnily enough no matter what position they took then by the time the story got there literally all of them flipped to the opposite position

[@Godly_Yeagerist_140]

This show is a blessing.

[@OnMyLunchBreak07]

Oh you sweet summer child. Season 3 part 2 will destroy her and I'm excited!!

[@Collosal_Titan]

Once founder was inherited by Reiss , 1st kings will become their own kind of , actually it's hard for holder to differenciate between Wills as both are into them

[@anastasialipgart]

I just love your reactions and commentary so much. One of the best aot reactors. And I've seen a lot. Probably a good thing that you read the manga alongside the anime. Gives more context and easier to understand some things if you watch and then read about them

[@hemangchauhan2864]

Season 2 and 3 are great bits of storytelling in anime.

[@DashXero]

Wait a second... Does that mean that I've somehow missed Merphy's playthrough of Doki-Doki Literature Club? AWWWWWW MAN!

[@SpookyGhosts22]

Always love your videos so much! I've been waiting to watch the AoT ones until you got a little further, but then i ended up blowing through them all podcast style as I went about the last 2 days. Cannot wait to see your thoughts on the rest of Season 3 and on Season 4! I think this story is one of those perfect ones that suits the way you look read and review things very well. Anyway, thanks for helping me keep chugging along ☺

[@Lawn_Clippings29]

Yeah, free will... I think that comes up again

[@tuckworld10020]

" i dont know where Eryns story is going" OHHHH BOY MURPH. OH BOY

[@dylanvscomics8138]

Merphy Napier referencing Doki Doki Literature Club was the most unexpected thing I could have possibly expect from this video wtf

[@theLikou1]

She is almost there, people.

[@jasperstarren9476]

This series has my fav exploration of the theme ‘freedom’ next to one piece so im super excited to see what you think by the end of the manga!

[@EvoRms]

Stormlight spoiler warning . . . . . . . . . . The way you describe the surrender of free will to some external entity that will control your body reminds me so much of Eshonai and the fused.

[@benapeh854]

Fans of Stormlight and Attack On Titan always make happy

[@RobClouds]

For me there is such a massive jump from s2 to s3 that I can’t even think of them together, but I’m curious if, as a someone getting into the story when it’s already finished, that even exists for you.

[@soulstriker773]

Merphy making a doki doki literature club reference is something I never expected to happen

[@Lorenzo-q5k]

Attack on Titan is a modern masterpiece

[@NuUnlimited]

Merphy lookin like a RE character in this vid. In a good way.

[@nightlydata2181]

The part that caught me off guard was U'VE SEEN DDLC!? WHA!?

[@binienne]

I love your videos. Keep up w these videos

[@blackmercury4091]

"Sorry Rod I'm not taking it." .....Giggity 😂

[@zahidadj6338]

i can't wait to see your reaction for the next part

[@jfree672]

merphy knowing doki doki is not smth i was expecting yet it makes perfect sense

[@HungPham-pz7fy]

Can't wait to meet Carla's sister and Eren's aunt Clara

[@thesmilingtitan]

Wjere is the vlog Merphy!

[@andreware2039]

23:05 hehe... I wouldn't wave this part away so casually. It's very, very, VERY important for a time later in the story 😰

[@user.account]

Next arc is one of the best one ever in fiction

[@lukebent7317]

She’s too smart for the shounen manga community if she’s picking apart the purpose of entire series as far back as s3 part 1 when most people finsihed the entire thing and still missed it

[@tomaskalinka5679]

It really took her 30 minutes to even start talking about Kenny, its honestly impressive :D

[@dionMrtr]

Masterpiece tv show

[@755nbo]

The Basement soon!

[@camillalapolentona84480]

Season 3 is where AOT got truly interesting for me. Don't get me wrong: I like the previous two seasons but for me this is the moment where the story gets more interesting, you know?

[@jo0rd73]

Of course! We finally get several answers, a lot gets recontextualised, the story and world open up and we get several more questions.

[@RobClouds]

Yeah, looking back I also loved season 2, but s3 is something else.

[@matiaspereyra9392]

8:43 at least the way I interpreted this when I first saw it was that it either You would be mind meld with this first king and that in that mind melding because you're receiving so much experience that comes from being a different person that your free will would be sort of taken away by virtue of you being now: you and another person, you know x+1 is x+1, it's not just x anymore Or that because the first king was passed to at the very least 2 people that when it entered your mind that you (or what makes you you) would get sort of diluted and the king's will would be the one on top because he was not just him, at some point he was uri, at some point he was Uri's father, at some point he was frieda and now that you (assuming you have the royal blood) have him as the dominant entity that would built more years of him being in control which would then make it even harder for the next person once you pass it down {i feel like i didn't explained myself very well but eh, whatever}

[@patato4250]

the first few seasons of AOT was just humongous among us

[@aqqatone]

Amazing reviews! Would've loved to hear your thoughts on the Coup. 🙏

[@Marqui91]

You call rant I call a good Monday

[@Nastyn1nja808]

Murphy teams up with Zoro "Minorities "

[@GoofballAndi]

WHAT HUH ALREADY?! oh my GOD YES INCOMING PEAK things are getting a bit free will-y indeed

[@jb21jd]

all i’ve been waiting for.