Attack on Titan Episode 36: Charge

Ymir, in her Titan form, escapes the Forest of Giant Trees carrying Historia in her mouth. As they near the edge, Reiner transforms into a large, armored Titan. Bertholdt, carrying an unconscious Eren, grapples onto the Armored Titan's back, as does Ymir's Titan. Other soldiers watch in disbelief as Eren is taken away again. Commander Erwin spots the Armored Titan's departure and quickly forms a plan, rallying the Scout Regiment, Garrison, and Military Police to pursue, despite initial hesitation from the MPs. Hannes leads the recruits in the chase.

During the pursuit, Mikasa resolves to kill anyone who prevents her from rescuing Eren. Ymir removes Historia from her Titan's mouth and partially emerges from her nape to speak. Ymir explains she has joined Reiner and Bertholdt for a better life outside the Walls. Historia doubts this and wonders if Ymir is being forced, but Bertholdt states Ymir is the one insisting on taking Historia. Bertholdt expresses concern about the approaching Scouts and Ymir's wavering loyalty. Ymir confesses to Historia that she brought her for her own survival, hoping to be pardoned for a past incident involving a comrade, as Historia's family ties make her a valuable asset. Historia assures Ymir she will always be on her side.

As Eren begins to wake, the Scouts try to slow the Armored Titan. Ymir fends them off until Mikasa arrives, slashing Ymir's eyes. Mikasa then attempts to strike Bertholdt, who is terrified. Reiner shields Bertholdt with his hand, and Mikasa breaks her blades trying to reach him, glaring through the Armored Titan's fingers. Ymir swings at Mikasa, who prepares to fight back, but Historia intervenes, claiming Ymir is being forced. Mikasa, showing no sympathy, states she will kill Ymir if she interferes with rescuing Eren and demands Historia choose a side. Listening to Historia's pleas and seeing Mikasa's resolve, Ymir stands down.

When the other recruits catch up, Jean tries to reason with Bertholdt, while Conny and Sasha express disbelief at his betrayal. Jean recalls their training and Bertholdt's unusual sleeping habits, but his tone shifts to anger, asking how Bertholdt could sleep so soundly after his actions. Conny reminds Bertholdt of their shared dreams and asks if it was all a lie. Mikasa interjects, stating Bertholdt must die for them to rescue Eren, as it was his choice. Bertholdt breaks down, admitting he never wanted to commit atrocities and that he and Reiner truly considered them comrades, finding their time as soldiers to be a bright spot. He begs for someone to find them afterward. Mikasa demands Eren, but Bertholdt sadly refuses, saying their duties must be carried out. Hannes interrupts, warning of an attack ahead: Erwin and the Scouts are leading a horde of Titans toward Reiner.

As the recruits remount, the soldiers disperse on Erwin's orders, and the Titans approach Reiner. The Armored Titan charges into the horde. Ymir and Historia escape as Reiner is swarmed and immobilized. Commander Erwin rallies the troops for a final charge to rescue Eren. The Military Police do not follow, and their leader is caught and eaten by a Titan. Overwhelmed, Reiner shoves Titans aside to create an opening, exposing Bertholdt and Eren. Jean notes the difficulty of reaching Eren through the horde. Erwin's right arm is suddenly snared by a Titan. Despite being dragged away, Erwin continues to bellow orders to advance and rescue Eren.

Following Erwin's command, the Scouts charge into the Titan horde. Many are killed, but Mikasa navigates through and reaches Reiner. Her attack on Bertholdt narrowly misses, and she is caught by a Titan that crushes her ribs. Jean aids Mikasa by blinding the Titan. Other Scouts try to reach Eren, but Reiner tosses them aside. Bertholdt insists they are taking Eren to their hometown. Eren observes people dying to save him.

Armin approaches Bertholdt, contemplating what he must sacrifice. Recalling Bertholdt's affection for Annie, Armin devises a bluff. He asks if they are willing to abandon Annie, claiming she has been taken to Utopia District in the far north to be tortured and is enduring immense suffering. Bertholdt snaps, calling Armin a "spawn of the devil," and prepares to attack, exposing himself. Erwin, despite his injury, lunges and slashes Bertholdt across the chest, cutting Eren's bonds. Mikasa catches Eren as he falls.

With Eren rescued, the Scouts retreat. Historia kills a Titan overpowering Ymir's, and Conny catches Historia during the retreat. As Ymir follows, Historia urges Conny to let her go, stating she and Ymir must go with Reiner and Bertholdt for Ymir's sake. Sasha believes Ymir is lying, and Conny agrees, noting Ymir only acts when Historia's safety is at risk.

Suddenly, a Titan crashes ahead of the Scouts. In the distance, Reiner throws Titans at the soldiers. Eren and Mikasa are dismounted in the chaos. Mikasa tries to stand, but her injury worsens. A Titan advances through the dust, and Eren recognizes it as the same Titan that killed his mother five years ago.