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Shingeki no Kyojin: The Final Chapters: Special 2 (2023)
Shinzou wo Sasageyo!
The greatest story of all time is finally complete.
When it comes to ending a story, I believe that there's only one right ending; one option for a final conclusion as a result of all the characters' actions throughout the story. This is why you write the end of a story first, and then come up with all the actions that would lead toward it. More than that, the events of a good story take place because of the choices of its characters, not contrived events that push the characters where they need to go. Holding true to these things is what makes Attack on Titan's story and conclusion work so well.
Attack on Titan has been my favorite show since I started watching it years ago. Since then, I've become so emotionally invested in it that thinking about how it might end stressed me out. I knew how I wanted it to end but the stakes were so dire I couldn't imagine an avenue toward that outcome-that was until I watched this monumental epic of a finale. With the Marleyans' hate for the Eldians, and the Eldians' dangerous power, no clear path existed. Then Eren explained his plan to make his friends the heroes and rid the world of titans. I was blown away. Once again Hajime Isayama came up with an idea I never would've dreamed of. It works so perfectly because it accomplishes its goal while also being flawed. Because of course, Eren came up with it. He was never the sharpest tool in the shed, but still, if he wanted something, nothing could stop him. He would charge forward and his friends would clean up the mess. At this point, the story had come full circle and all that was left was the end. One thing was certain: Eren needed to meet his end and Mikasa needed to be the one to end him. And so it was. Although a sad ending for Mikasa, the bird lifting her scarf felt like the perfect end to her arc and the relationship that pushed the whole story along. It's not a happily ever after, but rather, it's simply one chapter in a world that will continue on with all its cruelty and its beauty, just like it had from the beginning.
Breaking Bad: Crawl Space (2011)
One of the most memorable scenes in history
How they were able to craft a scene this dark, this spine-chilling, this absolutely hopeless is beyond me. You can feel the heavy weight of dread in the air. Despite the conflict up to this point only being a cold war consisting of threats, it truly feels apocalyptic.
If you ask me, in a series full of fantastic scenes, this is easily the best one. The pure desperation in Walt's voice and the look of terror on Skyler's face are things I'll never be able to get out of my head. The perfect timing, acting, camera work, and cinematic effects used for the score make this monumental scene unforgettable.
Breaking Bad: Fly (2010)
45 minutes of pure genius
First off, this episode contains some of the most quality humor I've ever seen. The way they put such a ridiculous scenario into the same tone as the rest of the show makes the episode itself just comical. It's so out of place, yet it takes itself so seriously, making every little thing even more funny. Then as things slowly start to turn, it all of a sudden becomes suspenseful and deeply intriguing as deeper parts of the characters and smaller plot details come out.
This episode, while it is a "filler episode" still has great value and I think holds an important place in the series. I view this episode as a demonstration of the talent of the people who worked on it. It was obviously done with a low budget and yet the quality didn't drop an inch. That's because the actual concept of breaking bad isn't what makes it special, it's the detail, intention, and storytelling pulled off by the makers that creates such a riveting experience, regardless of the actual subject matter. I mean they somehow made trying to swat a fly fill a full-length episode! The outstanding performances from the actors, as well as the creative and immersive camera work makes it hard to look away, even if they're not doing anything important.
Stranger Things: Chapter Four: Dear Billy (2022)
Simply outstanding
The quality of Stranger things 4 has been superb thus far but this episode took it beyond anything I've seen in the show so far. Huge props to the director, the timing of everything was just perfect. It was full of shocking, epic and deep moments. The use of music and no music in each scene felt very intentional and really enhanced each scene. How they manage to use goofy 80's songs to such great effect is incredible. I would say the writing has seen the biggest improvement. Nothing felt too easy or unbelievable, and the dynamic between the characters has grown immensely. The conversation between Mike and Will really connected with me on a personal level and I'd imagine it did with most people in some way. Watching that scene made me so happy it's hard to describe. The acting from them was so good and that's not to mention the performance from Sadie Sink. I didn't really even like Max before but at this point all of the characters have grown to such a level of quality that I don't think there's a single one that I don't like anymore. And with her development and Sadie's fantastic performance, she's become one of the best characters, and that made that final scene even more epic because I actually cared.
Shingeki no Kyojin: Memories of the Future (2022)
All other stories are trivial in comparison
Eren Jaeger has the best writing for a villain ever, and it's not even close. And it's largely because it's really not as simple heroes and villains, it's just people doing whatever it takes to do what they think is right. I genuinely don't think it's possible to land a bigger plot twist than this one. After the previous episode they trick you into thinking that the Eren you wanted was back, but no, he had a plan so many steps ahead of everyone else that it was impossible to prevent, and the way it's slowly revealed throughout this episode was out of this world. There's no real action or near-death experiences and yet the next-level directing puts you on edge through the entire thing as you can feel that there's something else going on and when I realized what it was, I got a feeling that I have never had while watching anything. On top of all that, what truly elevates this to biggest plot revelation of all time is that in reality, nothing's changed... He's still the same Eren he's always been, we just didn't see it before.
Kimetsu no Yaiba: Never Give Up (2022)
HOLY WOW
Honestly I wish they would premiere every episode of demon slayer in theaters because they're out here delivering higher quality cinematic experiences than movies are. The directing was outstanding, it was a completely immersive experience from beginning to end. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, and the animation was ABSOLUTELY NUTS! With the huge popularity of this series, they've obviously been able to increase the budget and have put it to very good use. This show was excellent before, but after this, I think it's claimed a place among the greats, and this episode will surely go down in history. If they continue along the trajectory, I can only imagine where this show will go.
Shingeki no Kyojin: Declaration of War (2021)
Even more genius than it seems
The writing of this episode is even more genius than it seems at first glance. Usually in an episode like this, when a character is talking about a bunch of the lore, it can be a lot to take in and your eyes might just glaze over and then you won't actually get a lot of the info. However, in this legendary episode we have Eren and Reiner's reunion going on below Willy's presentation. Eren has the power to at any time, kill everyone above them and the best part is, Willy knows this too. This brings the tension up to maximum and the suspense is almost unbearable, this is what makes it so good. Because of the unpredictable situation you're laser focused on what's happening the whole time, causing you to actually pay attention to everything that's being revealed. Too often in other shows this kind of thing would be a long winded, boring speech but this episode perfectly avoids that with its masterful presentation.
Shingeki no Kyojin: Midnight Sun (2019)
The best expression of characters EVER
This is the point that Attack on Titan became real, in yet another episode that I have never seen anything like. Even though the battle is over, the tension hasn't dropped one bit when they present an impossible dilemma. The two people who are responsible for humanity's victory are on the brink of death and only one can be saved. Who on earth could make such a choice? Only Levi. The portrayal of the characters is so visceral it's scary. The drawings of every single one of the facial expressions is so perfect, they perfectly convey every emotion. And the voice performances are just outstanding! They've somehow managed to reach a level of vulnerability and emotion beyond even live action performances. Most of the time there's barely even any noise or music. You're just hearing the characters desperately fight for their friend and you can't help but want to fight along with them. And when the music does kick in at the episode's climax, it hits like nothing else. The immersion is on a level I've never seen before from beginning to end. All of this is only possible because of these characters that have been so amazingly built up over the course of the story. You can't stand to let any of them go.
Shingeki no Kyojin: Primal Desire: The Struggle for Trost, Part 9 (2013)
FIIIIIIGHT!!!
Only Attack on Titan could make setting down a rock the most epic thing you've ever seen. Eren's slow march toward the hole with the inner monologue and Armin screaming "GOOO!" You feel like you're there cheering for Eren to reach the wall, people dying all around. Then with the music playing as he yells and slams down the boulder, you feel it in your soul. I'm not one to cry while watching something, but that scene chokes me up every time. The buildup into the presentation is so good!
The scene where Jean finds Marco was equally as well done. What show does stuff like that?! Attack on Titan continues to charge forward with never before seen storytelling.
Kimetsu no Yaiba: Set Your Heart Ablaze (2021)
Crazy, awesome and heartfelt at the same time.
Fights like these are my favorite, you're rooting so hard for someone and you have no idea what the outcome will be. It really brings the tension up and makes it so much more meaningful. The animation was simply gorgeous, the stylish colors and smooth movements add a lot to make this as awesome as it was. The music was also very memorable and the voice actors really took it up a notch to deliver such heartfelt dialogue at the end. Demon slayer has only been getting better so I'm excited to see where it goes next!
Shingeki no Kyojin: Attack Titan (2019)
The writing is on a whole other level
It's truly incredible that they can create so much buildup towards reaching the the truth and then when they finally reveal it, it's even better than you could've imagined. Between this episode and the previous one, they give you all the payoff you've been waiting for while also using it as a way of showing you that there's a much bigger world out there. Serving as a perfect transition into the next arc. The continuity reveals are simply mind blowing. When they revealed that Grisha's first wife was the one who ate Eren's mom and that her royal blood was the reason he could control titans for the brief time, my jaw actually dropped. And the line "No matter what form I might take, I'll come find you" makes it hit so much harder. All these things that initially seem like they are of no importance but turn out to have real weight and meaning are a big part of what makes this show so special. Everything matters. The animation in Attack on Titan is always amazing but I must give a specific shoutout to the sky background when Grisha and Kruger are sitting on the wall at the beach. That was probably the most gorgeous background I've ever seen.
Shingeki no Kyojin: OVA: No Regrets - Part 2 (2015)
Never in the history of awesomeness has there been a beast quite like Levi
I still can't believe this is just an OVA episode! But of course Attack on Titan's extra episodes are the best as well. Every time you think this show can't possibly impress you again they show you something else that you've never seen before. And they deliver it all with outstanding art, music and directing, along with haunting voice performances. The character of Levi is simply the best I've ever seen. Every time I learn something new about about him and why he does what he does it just makes me like him even more. And that makes his scenes like the one in this episode all the more satisfying and terrifying.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
An incredible achievement!
This movie was possibly the most fun I've ever had in the theater. The fact that they made a movie with so many amazing callbacks, references, and memes and it still manages to be a fantastic movie even without all that is really impressive. If you're a big Spider-Man fan like myself, this is absolutely the movie for you. If you haven't watched all the previous movies the references obviously won't hit as hard but there's still a great story with excellent directing, fun characters, great humor, awesome action and stunning visuals all around. So even if you're not a fan I think you'll still have a great time.
It's still crazy to me that they were able to pull this off. I don't think there's ever been a movie with this much fan service. Spider-Man's really been hitting on all cylinders these last few years. Can't wait to see what they do next!
Arcane: League of Legends: The Base Violence Necessary for Change (2021)
WOOOOOOW!
Those first two episodes were great so I was already going to continue watching, but THIS... I was not expecting! Right up until the second it ended it just kept getting better! Not only was the fighting awesome but I never thought a show could make you care so much about its characters after only three episodes. And that ending broke me. One of the best things I've ever watched.
Arcane: League of Legends: The Monster You Created (2021)
ABSOLUTELY INSANE
I think it's obvious that even in such a short amount of time this show has already claimed a place among the greats. After such an outstanding first season I was wondering how they would end it and this season finale FAR exceeded my already high expectations. Every aspect was just astonishing. The directing, the animation, the music, the characters and the story. They've gotten me to really care about all of these characters and you never know what's going to happen! I found myself shaking when the credits rolled and you better believe I'm ready for season 2 whenever that may be. Huge round of applause to everyone that worked on this!
Steins;Gate (2011)
Beautifully intelligent masterpiece
The characters in this series are just so amazing, the dynamic and development between the cast in such a short series is on a whole other level.
Some say the first half is slow and while that's true in a way, I don't think the second half would be as good without it. It gives you time to really get to know the characters and once you do, that makes the second half even more compelling.
After watching this I had initially put off watching the movie as well as Steins;Gate 0 but I finally watched both and they're just as amazing as the original show!
After watching this I would HIGHLY recommend watching the movie and Steins;Gate 0 they're not required but well worth watching.
El. Psy. Congroo.
Steins;Gate 0: Rinascimiento of Image Formation -Return of Phoenix- (2018)
The magnificent, glorious! HOUOUIN KYOUMA has returned!
Haven't stopped smiling for like an hour now.
The payoff in this episode is tremendous!
Absolutely spectacular!
Rick and Morty: Mortynight Run (2015)
Whole episode had me dying
"The factory tint setting is always too high!" Might just be the funniest thing I have ever heard. That one almost hits a little too close to home😂
Boku no hîrô akademia: One For All (2018)
I've never rooted for someone so hard in my life.
This episode just made me so happy I don't even know what else to say about it except...
I AM HERE!!!
Shingeki no Kyojin: Warrior (2017)
It will blow your mind.
The fact that there exists a writer intelligent enough to write this is what blows my mind more than anything. Not only that, but there exists a composer capable of producing a score this epic. Isayama and Sawano are the GOATs!
Shingeki no Kyojin: Hero (2019)
Epicness in its ultimate form
Let me explain what makes this episode so special and why it's in a category all its own. I see a lot of people who say something is really good or really bad without actually explaining why, but I think this episode deserves an explanation as to why it's so good and it starts all the way back in season 1. This is gonna be a bit long but I think this episode deserves it.
From the very beginning they show how impossible to overcome the threat they're facing is. Even after years of training and preparation, Eren and his whole squad get eaten almost immediately, and just to plug up the hole in the wall it takes a tremendous effort and great sacrifice. Then we meet the Levi squad, and we see how they're so good that they're seemingly unstoppable and yet, they're squashed like bugs. If even the best don't stand a chance, how could they possibly win? After that we learn that the enemy had infiltrated the walls and had been playing the war from the inside. Not only that but they have knowledge that the rest could never dream of. And that brings us to the battle to retake the wall. Once again, the enemy has come prepared with a plan they could never have predicted, but this time there is no 'run and live.' They're trapped in enemy territory and the only way to make it back is to win, and no one is coming to help. By the time we reach this episode, there's truly no hope left, time and time again we've seen that this enemy is unbeatable. On top of all that, the enemy has finally stopped holding back and has shown their true power and most of the scouts have already been wiped out. Normally in a show when the odds are against the heroes, they'll unlock some new power for no good reason or someone will come save them at the last second, but not this time. They have to win with only what they have. It'll take a plan that only a devil could come up with and only a true hero could pull off, and that makes the victory all the more satisfying. Even as some contemplate if what they're fighting for is even worth it, they accept that they must sacrifice everything so that maybe just a few can carry on.
There have been plenty of times where I've seen characters in what seem like impossible situations but deep down you still know that they're gonna win. This was the first time that they presented an impossible situation and made me truly believe it. It's still hard to believe they actually pulled it off and it was the most epic thing I've ever seen.
With such a perfect story leading in to this, all that was left was to present it in the most memorable way possible. And that they did. The animation was the best that anime has to offer, the music could not have been more epic, the pacing and tension will make you sweat more than any other show, and the voice performances truly make these characters feel real (in the sub version and the dub version!).
What we are now left with is as far as I'm concerned, the crown jewel of entertainment media.
But it's not over yet, and the world just got a whole lot bigger...
Shingeki no Kyojin: Assault (2021)
I don't even know what to say...
Hardly blinked or breathed for 24 minutes. The sheer darkness and insanity in this episode is simply unmatched.
RWBY: The Final Word (2021)
The sheer courage of the writers!
I never could've predicted how this episode would go. This was like Attack on Titan levels of insanity!
Had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Can't wait for Volume 9!
Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Victory and Death (2020)
This right here, this is it.
With this final episode completing the siege of Mandalore we've reached the peak of Star Wars, and what and end it was. Truly unforgettable.
The saga is finally complete.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Old Friends Not Forgotten (2020)
Now THIS is some good Star Wars!
It was everything we love about Star Wars
It was visually stunning
It had action
It had heart
It was fun
It was awesome
And the scoring was so good it could have been
John Williams himself!