Spoilers will be discussed in this review.

Unlike my thoughts of AOT’s 1st season, I enjoyed my first viewing of S2 a lot. From memory, I remembered appreciating the focus on the side characters more than the main trio, as I felt the strengths of the show were better exemplified with them rather than a screaming lunatic. I also liked the more mysterious air the show had now and remembered the pace being slower than S1.

After rewatching, the strengths I still stand by (though I appreciate Eren’s value a lot more now) but I could not have been more wrong about the slower and more thoughtful pace. I always found it funny when people discuss the season’s of this show, S1 is always the rollercoaster while S2 is the one with more plot progression.

S2 is just as much an insane ride as S1, if not even crazier at some points. The set pieces are incredible, and the relentless pacing of important, hype-filled events is astounding.

The slower moments were a little better in this season because of how much the mystery has grown. Every conversation was interesting to hear and the way this season builds up suspense is masterful.
The very first episode is very dialogue driven except for the end which is crazy. The Beast Titan is, in my opinion, the scariest titan revealed up to that point and the whole scene with the Scout Captain (can’t remember his name) was bone chilling. Seriously, he has one of the most disturbing deaths in the series so far.

After a great moment with Sasha in the next episode, we then head to the Castle battle which is my favorite sequence in this season. The hopeless feel and the brutal deaths filled these episodes with a sense of dread. You don’t know what’s gonna happen, especially since none of the main three are present.

Then, it culminates in an epic reveal and rescue scene. Truly a classic moment. But then…it gets crazier.

Spoilers in bound (for the two people that haven’t seen this show yet) but Reiner and Bertholt’s reveal was incredible. The build-up with Eren not wanting to believe it, and the casual way it’s revealed was pretty unique and unexpected for a show as bombastic as this.

But the transformation and subsequent battle steals the show. The epic new songs by Sawano are god tier and mixed with the raw emotion of feeling betrayed by two likable characters makes you, the viewer, feel just as hurt as Eren and the others. This show would not be as good without Sawano’s score, I truly believe that. It brings that something extra to every scene, and the transformation and battle scene is a great showcase of that.

Then, the rescue operation. So much more was revealed in this arc than I remembered. The way this show builds mystery is honestly award worthy. You see Marley soldiers before you even know who they are, you see the edge of the island where Marley turns people to titans well before Grisha’s past is revealed.

Ymir for me is the GOAT of this season. She went from a character that wasn’t even named in season 1 to one of the most important players in the story. Her backstory was unique and really made me feel for her. The scene where she looks up to the stars and the song “Call of Silence” peaks actually brought a tear to my eye.

Continuing on with the topic of mystery, there’s parts of Ymir’s past I still don’t know about, and that’s amazing. It’s satisfying and mysterious, and beyond the hype, that is the core of this show, and this arc perfectly exemplifies this.

But the moment that will stick out to me the most in this season, the one that has stuck with me the most is in the final episode. Death is an important part of this show and is arguably one of the best series to handle it.

Every death is meaningful and impactful to the story, but most have been characters with no real sentimental attachment. Hannes is different. I’m not sure what the general consensus on him is, but his death is probably the most tear-jerking in the series at this point, even counting both parts of Season 3.
He was there at the very beginning, he knows the main trio. Their struggles, hardships, and pain. He failed to save Eren’s mother and that has stayed with him. Despite this, he never lets his guilt get the better of him. Throughout Season 2, he helps Eren, Armin and Mikasa continuing moving forward and every scene with him brings a smile to my face. (Special mention to the hilarious flashback scene where everyone gets in a fight).

His burden is mighty, even mightier than Eren’s so to see the titan that devoured her return, Hannes fights to life and limb to avenge her. No scene in this show has hit me harder than his death. The final look he gives to Eren as he is ripped apart and eaten brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it.
Since the beginning of the show, it is the most hopeless moment for our characters. The complete silence surrounding the scene directly connects you to how Eren feels. This scene is incredible and really showcases how smart and well crafted this series is.

Overall, this is one of the best follow-ups to a hyped show ever made. The non-stop roller coaster continues and keeps on rolling until the very end. I loved this season just as much as the first, and I can’t wait to continue re-watching up until I catch up to Season 4.