Attack on Titan Episode 32: Close Combat

Three years prior, Reiner, Bertholdt, Eren, and Armin discuss their motivations for joining the military while walking through a forest near the 104th Cadet Corps training grounds. Reiner expresses a desire to return to his hometown, while Bertholdt aims to join the Military Police for safety in the interior. Eren declares his intention to eliminate all Titans beyond the Walls. As they reach a cliffside, moonlight illuminates a large lake below. Reiner notes Eren's unbroken resolve despite the Titan attack and expresses faith in Eren's training.

In the present, at Wall Rose, Eren transforms into his Titan form, enraged by Reiner and Bertholdt's betrayal. He delivers a powerful but ineffective punch to the Armored Titan, and both plummet to the ground. Mikasa, hanging from the Wall, regrets not decapitating Reiner and Bertholdt earlier. On top of the Wall, Hange orders all Scouts to jump as the Colossal Titan swings its arm. Historia cries out for Ymir, who is still unconscious in Bertholdt's grip, as Keiji observes another Scout caught. The Colossal Titan opens its mouth, throws Ymir and the other soldier inside, and then closes its jaw.

Section Commander Hange orders an attack on the Colossal Titan, and the Scouts engage. They narrowly avoid the Colossal Titan's punches, maneuvering with agility. The Scouts notice the Colossal Titan's slow movement, which puts it at a disadvantage. As they line up for a strike at its nape, Bertholdt releases a continuous burst of steam and hot air, forcing the Scouts to retreat.

Hange wonders if Bertholdt is trying to disappear as he did at Shiganshina and Trost, but Armin observes that this time, the Colossal Titan is standing still and continuously emitting steam, preventing soldiers from grappling onto it. Hange decides to wait, then orders Third and Fourth Squads, led by Rashad, to position themselves behind the Colossal Titan, while Lauda's Second Squad guards the front. Hange states that when Bertholdt leaves his Titan, they must kill him without hesitation, an order that troubles Armin. Hange then leads First Squad to the base of Wall Rose to assist Eren against the Armored Titan. With Second Squad, Historia and Conny move wounded Scouts away from the combat, with Nifa telling them to keep their distance. Historia believes Ymir is alive and asks the Scouts to rescue her. Conny worries about Reiner and Bertholdt's lack of equipment, unaware of their Titan identities.

At the base of the Wall, Reiner's Titan delivers a devastating punch, sending Eren's Titan flying. As Eren recovers, he recalls Reiner's past false demeanor and regrets wanting to be like him. Mikasa strikes the Armored Titan's nape, but it causes no damage. She remembers Eren's initial punches were also ineffective against Reiner's completely armored Titan. Healing, Eren thinks about the fall of Wall Maria, which he attributes to Reiner and Bertholdt. Mikasa continues to try and cut Reiner's armor without success. Eren's Titan rises with fury, determined to destroy the Armored Titan. He lands a punch at Reiner's face, but Reiner retaliates with greater force, knocking Eren's Titan back again.

During a training exercise, Eren falls to the ground after a throw from Annie. Eren complains about Annie's force, but she insists she's only matching his strength. She suggests he should be gentle with someone delicate, but Eren argues that if strength alone decided, he wouldn't be on the ground. Annie explains her maneuvers use an opponent's strength and size to her advantage, skills she suggests Eren learn. She demonstrates a throw, locking her arms around his head and tripping him. Eren cannot escape and yields, but Annie tells him he must learn to use his strength and talk to girls before yielding. Eren agrees to learn. Reiner then falls on top of Eren. Mikasa approaches, asking Annie to teach her the maneuver. Annie says it's for humans but wonders if it would work on a beast. As they prepare to spar, other cadets gather to watch. Eren wonders who will win.

Back at Wall Rose, Eren wonders why he's recalling that memory and if his life is flashing before his eyes. Armin calls out, telling Eren he cannot win a fistfight against Reiner's Titan and should retreat to the Wall.

Eren's Titan roars, making others worry he's lost control. However, as the two Titans prepare to strike, Eren dives under Reiner's arm and uses Annie's grapple technique, throwing the Armored Titan to the ground and locking it. Eren thinks that Reiner and Bertholdt's mistake was teaching him to fight. As Reiner tries to gain the upper hand, Eren grabs his arm and locks Reiner's head between his legs, squeezing hard enough to crack Reiner's armor. He then wraps his legs around Reiner's arm, pinning him and tearing off one of the Armored Titan's arms.

As Reiner recovers, Armin suggests Eren retreat before Reiner or Bertholdt can capture him. Eren retreats to the Wall with the Scouts. Captain Hannes and the Garrison regroup atop the Wall, wondering about the Colossal Titan's appearance. Historia points out Eren and the others at the Wall's base. Hange approaches Eren's Titan, telling him to prevent Reiner from pursuing them, suggesting he target Reiner's legs. Eren's Titan nods, causing Hange to blush. Armin gives Mikasa his remaining blades to help in the fight.

Eren feels a surge of hope, realizing Reiner and Bertholdt are cornered. Suddenly, the Armored Titan sheds the hardened skin from the back of its legs, gaining mobility to charge Eren. Eren is knocked over and nearly overpowered but manages to throw Reiner aside.

The others wonder about the Armored Titan's sudden speed. Hange explains that armor must have exposed areas for mobility, noting that in ancient warfare, unarmored areas were typically the armpit, groin, and behind the knee.

Realizing he cannot stay on his feet against a more mobile Reiner, Eren allows Reiner to charge, then grips Reiner's head under his arm and locks his legs around Reiner's torso. With Eren holding Reiner, Mikasa maneuvers and cuts the flesh behind Reiner's left knee, crippling his mobility. Eren uses this advantage to squeeze Reiner's head with all his might, and the armor at Reiner's nape begins to shatter.

Reiner, using his remaining mobility, drags himself and Eren a short distance. The Scouts cheer for Eren, believing Reiner's actions are futile. Reiner stops moving and lets out a roar. Hange orders everyone to watch for summoned Titans, but the area appears clear. As the Armored Titan's nape plating shatters and sprays blood, Conny and others atop the Wall notice the Colossal Titan beginning to move. Suddenly, the rib cage holding the Colossal Titan to the Wall breaks on one side, causing it to topple directly over Eren and Reiner. A Scout shouts a warning, but they cannot react in time as the Colossal Titan falls to the ground.