Attack on Titan Episode 62: The Door of Hope

A young Reiner sits with his mother, Karina, who explains that his father is a Marleyan and cannot be with them due to strict rules against Eldians and Marleyans mixing. Karina tearfully wishes they were Marleyan. In the present, an adult Reiner lies in his room, recalling his past.

During his youth, Reiner trained to become a Warrior. Another candidate, Zeke, announces that an attack on Paradis Island is planned, and the next Warriors will soon be chosen, though only six of seven candidates will inherit Titans. Reiner is excited, believing this will make him a Marleyan. Porco, another candidate, dismisses Reiner's optimism, stating his only positive trait is loyalty, which won't secure him a Titan. Reiner threatens to report Porco to their commander, leading Porco to strike him. Marcel separates them, Porco mocks Reiner, and Marcel apologizes to Reiner. Bertholdt helps Reiner up, who worries about not being chosen. Bertholdt reassures him that his loyalty might still be enough. As they walk, Bertholdt asks Reiner if he's okay with a thirteen-year lifespan. Reiner replies that he will be a hero for defeating the devils on Paradis Island and make his parents proud.

Elsewhere, on Paradis Island, a young Eren watches the sky, bored, hoping for something interesting to happen. His friend Armin approaches with a book.

Later, Marleyan officials observe the newly chosen Warriors using their Titans in battle, noting the abilities of the Female, Armored, Jaw, Beast, Cart, and Colossal Titans. One official expresses sympathy for the inhabitants of Paradis Island, the future victims of the Colossal. Commander Magath acknowledges the new Warrior unit's performance but expresses concern about sending children to retake the Founding Titan.

Porco is furious that Reiner, whom he considers the "worst" candidate, inherited the Armored Titan. Reiner mockingly retorts that Porco was the worst. Marcel restrains Porco, advising him not to defy the military's decision. Porco cries, and Marcel apologizes to Reiner again.

A parade is held for the four Warriors. Reiner spots his father in the crowd and follows him to his kitchen. Reiner explains that he and his mother are now Honorary Marleyans and can live with him. His father angrily demands he leave, stating that if Reiner's heritage were revealed, his entire family would be killed.

After arriving on Paradis Island, the Warriors travel to the Walls on horseback. While camping, Bertholdt questions whether the King of the Walls would truly not unleash the Founding Titan if they broke the Wall. Reiner tells him to trust Marley's research. Marcel appears dejected, and Reiner worries his comrades are having second thoughts, reminding them of the harm the devils of Paradis Island have caused. Marcel apologizes to Reiner again, then reveals that Porco was meant to inherit the Armored Titan. Marcel admits he spoke negatively about Porco and favorably about Reiner to the military to protect his brother.

Reiner is stunned and unable to react when a Titan, awakened by the rising sun, lunges at him. Marcel pushes Reiner out of the way and is grabbed by the Titan instead. The remaining Warriors flee as Marcel is devoured.

After running, Reiner stops at a tree, realizing he is alone. He freaks out, fearing Annie and Bertholdt were also eaten. Annie kicks him, noting it's the first time he's outrun her. She tells Reiner and Bertholdt that if they hadn't fled, they could have captured the Titan and kept the Jaw Titan's power. Annie orders them to return to retrieve the new holder of the Jaw Titan and report their mission as a failure. Reiner protests that they cannot return. Annie corrects him, saying he is the only one who cannot go back, as he would lose his Titan for his failure. Reiner argues that all three might be punished and that pursuing the new Jaw Titan owner is pointless, as none of their Titans would be fast enough. When Bertholdt asks how anyone could learn to use its power so quickly, Reiner yells that Bertholdt mastered the Colossal in one try, shocking Bertholdt. Reiner insists the only way to avoid punishment is to return with the Founding Titan, stating they cannot go home without it.

Angered by Reiner's manipulation and terrified by the possibility that her own life is not guaranteed without the Founding Titan, Annie attacks Reiner, repeatedly kicking him. She rants that Marley sees them only as weapons, that they have been manipulated, and that she doesn't care about Eldia or Marley, only wanting to go home. When she stops, Reiner knocks her down and strangles her, declaring that "Reiner" is dead and he will become Marcel if needed. He then tells them they must finish their mission to go home.

Bertholdt uses his Colossal Titan to break a hole in Wall Maria. He exits his Titan and is terrified by an approaching Titan, which strangely ignores him.

As Reiner makes his way through Shiganshina District in his Armored Titan form, he reflects on his motivations and Marcel's sacrifice. Deciding he doesn't want the mission to end without understanding anything, Reiner charges at Shiganshina's inner gate, ready to destroy it.

Annie wakes up in a refugee camp inside Wall Rose with Reiner and Bertholdt. Reiner embraces them, vowing to become a true Warrior. While with the refugees, they meet a man from a village destroyed by Titans. He claims to have heard Titans' footsteps at dawn, seen one staring at him through a window, and then escaped on his horse, leaving his three children. The man is later found hanging from a tree, having apparently committed suicide.

The three eventually join Paradis' military, placed in the 104th Cadet Corps. On his first day, Reiner tells his commandant he joined to save humanity.

One day, Annie tails a member of the Military Police Regiment. Discovered, she tries to convince him she is his illegitimate daughter, but he sees through her. Annie lashes out in self-defense and escapes through the sewers.

The next morning, boys of the 104th Cadet Corps try to use Bertholdt's sleeping position to predict the weather before Reiner sends them to roll call. That night, Annie tells Reiner and Bertholdt about her encounter with the man. Fearing her face was seen, Annie suggests they return to Marley with their limited information. Reiner disagrees, arguing it wouldn't justify their five years on Paradis Island. He proposes destroying Wall Rose to draw out the Founding Titan. Annie says his friends would die, but Reiner insists he doesn't care about his fellow cadets. As they leave, Bertholdt reveals he has a recurring dream about the suicide victim.

Later, during ODM training, Reiner notices Eren struggling. He tries to convince Eren to rest. Frustrated, Eren asks Reiner how to improve. Recalling his own struggles, Reiner tells him not to get discouraged and to keep moving forward. He helps Eren up, encouraging him by saying he will be the one to exterminate the Titans.

In the present, Reiner loads a rifle and puts the barrel in his mouth, preparing to commit suicide. He is interrupted by the sound of Falco training outside. Watching Falco leave, Reiner realizes the new Warrior candidates are his reason to live.

On his way back from training, Falco walks near a hospital. The soldier whose armband he adjusted invites him to sit. The soldier confides he doesn't suffer from mental trauma like other patients and asks if Falco will report him, which Falco denies. The man asks about Falco's injuries and training. Falco shares his fear of not inheriting the Armored Titan. The man points out it's good Falco will live a long life. Falco insists he wants to save his friend's life, lamenting his unlikelihood given her achievements. The man reflects on his experiences in Marley, observing the crippled and broken soldiers. He muses to Falco that those who push themselves into hell see a different hell, and anyone who throws themselves into war must see something beyond it, be it another hell or another hope, and only those who keep moving forward will know.