Attack on Titan Episode 61: Midnight Train

After Marley's victory at Fort Slava, Theo Magath, Zeke Jaeger, and Colt Grice attend a meeting with their general. The general is displeased that the rest of the world is portraying Marley's near defeat as a positive for the Mid-East Allied Forces. Magath admits that the era of Titans is ending, as Marley's reliance on them has led to underdevelopment, and advancing aircraft will soon render Titans obsolete.

Zeke suggests resuming the Paradis Island Operation to recover the Founding Titan. He believes this will buy Marley time to develop new weaponry. The general notes that Zeke has only one year left on his term, which Zeke confirms, expressing concern that Colt may not inherit the full power of the Beast Titan from him. Zeke wishes to atone for his failure on Paradis Island four years prior.

After the meeting, Colt marvels at Zeke's influence despite his Eldian heritage, noting that Zeke is unlike any previous Beast Titan and seems special. Zeke feigns ignorance but tells Colt he might discover his secret when he inherits his memories. Magath interrupts, asking Zeke if he truly believes Paradis can be conquered within a year, given that 32 ships sent there over the past three years have not returned. Zeke deduces that Paradis must possess at least two Titans, as a single Titan couldn't have destroyed so many ships. He states that Marley will need Titan support for the attack and must also contend with the Scout Regiment.

Meanwhile, Reiner Braun wakes from a nightmare of the battle in Shiganshina District. Porco Galliard dryly comments that he let Reiner sleep, thinking he was having a good dream. Reiner tries to thank Galliard for saving his life at Fort Slava, but Galliard dismisses him, stating that if he had inherited the Armored Titan nine years ago, his brother would still be alive. Galliard, having seen memories through the previous Jaw Titan, Ymir, questions Reiner's actions on the island, noting that Ymir's memories showed Reiner trying to appear reliable, like Galliard's brother.

Pieck Finger enters, using a crutch, and tells Galliard not to tease Reiner. She mentions it has been two months since she has been human and she's forgotten how to walk on two legs. Pieck advises Reiner to see Gabi and the others, as they are worried about him.

At the harbor, Udo worries about the future of the Warrior unit and Eldians if Titans become obsolete. He observes defeated Mid-East soldiers boarding a boat, fearing they will spread negative stories about Titan warfare, worsening conditions for Eldians. The other Warrior candidates do not share his level of concern. Upset, Udo kicks a mooring post until Reiner arrives to calm him. The children happily greet Reiner, relieved he is well. Gabi announces they are returning to Liberio soon and suggests they walk around. Falco Grice protests, saying Reiner should rest, but Reiner insists he is fine, prompting Falco to join the group. Watching them, Reiner is uncomfortably reminded of his fellow Warriors when they were younger.

That night, on the train to Liberio, a drunken Colt and other Eldian soldiers praise Gabi for destroying the armored train. Reiner and Falco observe. Reiner notes that Gabi will likely inherit the Armored Titan from him. A dejected Falco points out that this means Gabi will only live to be twenty-seven, and asks Reiner if he is okay with that. Reiner harshly reminds Falco that inheriting a Nine Titans is an honor and warns him about the consequences if his dissatisfaction is reported. A terrified Falco quickly reaffirms his loyalty to Marley and his desire to inherit the Armored Titan over Gabi. Satisfied, Reiner tells Falco to work hard to inherit his Titan so Gabi won't have to.

Upon arriving at the outskirts of Liberio, an ecstatic Gabi celebrates returning home as the Warriors and Warrior candidates disembark. Falco looks at Reiner, wondering if he can trust him and if Reiner also desires an end to war for Eldians. As they return to their ghetto, Galliard tells Falco he can relax, but Falco intends to train tomorrow, which Gabi misunderstands as an attempt to improve his grades.

Ahead, others reunite with their families. Zeke meets his grandparents, who express pride, though Zeke feels he hasn't done enough. Reiner and Gabi are greeted by relatives. Falco is distracted by many wounded Eldians being escorted away. Koslow explains they are traumatized by the war. Koslow then mockingly shells the soldiers, while Falco tries to help those in shock, assisting one soldier whose Eldian armband is on the wrong arm.

Later, Reiner and his extended family have dinner. Gabi recounts destroying the armored train. Reiner's mother, Karina Braun, impressed, asks if Gabi will become a Warrior. Reiner confirms it's almost certain she will inherit the Armored Titan. His mother is delighted, noting that only the inhabitants of Paradis Island prevent their complete happiness. Reiner's uncle asks about the island. Gabi says Reiner wouldn't want to discuss his classified experiences, but Reiner states he can share some things. He frames his story to align with Marley's propaganda, describing his time on the island as "hell." He mentions an Eldian who ate a stolen potato and tried to bribe her instructor, an "idiot" who forgot why he went to the bathroom, an "insincere jerk" who only thought of himself, and an "oaf" who cared only about others' opinions. Reiner specifically mentions a "single-minded Eldian" who charged ahead and the "chumps" who followed him. He concludes by saying there were "all sorts of people there."

Gabi is puzzled by Reiner's description of Paradis Islanders as "all sorts of people" when they are all bad. Reiner's mother, realizing the implications, quickly agrees and reminds Gabi that the "island devils" made their world hell, and good Eldians must ensure they never leave their island.

The next day, Reiner and Gabi walk through Liberio's internment zone. Gabi tells him his mother noticed he's changed since returning from the island. Reiner attributes it to growing up, having left as a 12-year-old, but Gabi suspects he's lying.

Zeke holds a meeting with the Warriors and Colt in his room. Galliard asks about the Marleyan officers. Zeke obliquely states they are not in the room, suggesting they are just meeting for tea. Despite the casual pretense, Zeke emphasizes the need to obtain the Founding Titan and Paradis Island's resources to secure Marley's future and that of Eldians in Marley. He says the Tybur family will promote the story of the threat from Paradis. They hold the War Hammer Titan and were influential in driving King Fritz away during the Great Titan War, so the world would listen to them. Galliard is skeptical, noting the Tyburs live well in mansions, unlike most Eldians. Zeke acknowledges this but states the Tyburs are also concerned about Marley. He explains that a festival in Liberio will soon host foreign dignitaries, where the Tyburs will announce the plan to capture Paradis.

In another room, Marleyan officers monitor the Warriors' conversation. Most have no complaints, but Magath notes Zeke's comment about the brass "not in this room" could have alerted the others to surveillance. Reiner seems to have deduced this, glancing suspiciously at a phonograph and repeating "not in this room" to himself as he leaves. The next day, Reiner watches Gabi and Falco train, contemplating the possibility of returning to Paradis Island.