"A Dash of Salt with AJ" podcast logo alongside screenshot of a weathered Artur Braus running his fingers along the blade of a kitchen knife as he stares down at an offscreen Gabi Braun.

97. Part 2 of Reaction to “Attack on Titan” S4E13: “Children of the Forest”

A grieving father ponders a nightmarish world. But even in the darkness, Artur Braus [sic] reveals a striking ability to seize the light. We also take time to consider the evolution–or is it devolution?—of the Scout Regiment’s core mission and role.

"A Dash of Salt with AJ" podcast logo alongside screenshot of a weathered Artur Braus running his fingers along the blade of a kitchen knife as he stares down at an offscreen Gabi Braun.

96. Reaction to “Attack on Titan,” Season 4, Episode 13: “Children of the Forest”

Without a doubt, we need more folks like Mr. Braus and fewer like Floch Forster. We also need Gabi to finally get a clue. Maybe this time, with so many startling twists and turns, things will finally start to stick?

Podcast logo alongside close-up screenshot of Eren Jaeger listening to Floch Forster after having broken out of jail on Paradis following the Liberio strike. Beautiful sunset or sunrise lighting in background.

95. Part 4 of Reaction to “Attack on Titan” S4E12: “Guides”

In this final part of the reaction: The things I didn’t fancy about MAPPA’s rendering of the jacket/jailbreak scene, how to find a garment like Eren’s for yourself, and a small but neat detail not mentioned in the anime version of the sequence.

Podcast logo alongside close-up screenshot of Eren Jaeger listening to Floch Forster after having broken out of jail on Paradis following the Liberio strike. Beautiful sunset or sunrise lighting in background.

94. Part 3 of Reaction to “Attack on Titan” S4E12: “Guides”

If I want to be humorous about it, “Hobo Eren” has completed his leg of the mission, and now “Chad Eren” has officially arrived. In this episode of the podcast, I’ll highlight some favorite things regarding MAPPA’s adaptation of this fan-adored scene.

Podcast logo alongside close-up screenshot of Eren Jaeger listening to Floch Forster after having broken out of jail on Paradis following the Liberio strike. Beautiful sunset or sunrise lighting in background.

93. Part 2 of Reaction to “Attack on Titan” S4E12: “Guides”

Topics for this installment: Important themes from Season 1 make a reappearance, a familiar face shows up again, and Armin makes a case for ending up on Chris Hansen’s radar.…

Podcast logo alongside close-up screenshot of Eren Jaeger listening to Floch Forster after having broken out of jail on Paradis following the Liberio strike. Beautiful sunset or sunrise lighting in background.

92. Reaction to “Attack on Titan,” Season 4, Episode 12: “Guides”

As though there aren’t enough external issues to reckon with, we see the storm clouds gather as Paradis’ internal dynamics begin to roil with discontentment once more.

"A Dash of Salt with AJ" podcast logo alongside manga panel of a frantic-looking Gabi wading through tall grass, Falco following closely with a concerned expression.

91. Part 3 of Reaction to “Attack on Titan” S4E11: “Deceiver”

How King Fritz may have royally screwed over the innocent people on BOTH sides. Plus we consider some red flags from the early days of the coup d’état on Paradis Island.

"A Dash of Salt with AJ" podcast logo alongside manga panel of a frantic-looking Gabi wading through tall grass, Falco following closely with a concerned expression.

90. Part 2 of Reaction to “Attack on Titan” S4E11: “Deceiver”

Commentary from a friend provides a new lens in considering Gabi’s hardheartedness, and topics raised in the argument between Gabi and Kaya connect with an issue I’ve noticed amongst the fandom when it comes to Season 4.

"A Dash of Salt with AJ" podcast logo alongside manga panel of a frantic-looking Gabi wading through tall grass, Falco following closely with a concerned expression.

89. Reaction to “Attack on Titan,” Season 4, Episode 11: “Deceiver”

I’ve been able to grant Gabi a fair bit of leeway thus far. But now she’s quite thoroughly trampling on whatever positives she did have to offer. And as Gabi spirals downward, Falco is left to pick up the slack.

"A Dash of Salt with AJ" podcast logo alongside color artwork from the anime staff: A still-crippled Eren Jaeger rests on a chair, waiting patiently as he did in Liberio. He's still dressed in his disguise as an Eldian Marleyan veteran. His body language is relaxed, but his eyes have an eerie bright-green glow, his expression empty. Behind him menacingly looms the face of the Attack Titan, a similar glow in its eyes. Japanese inscriptions adorn the sides of the image.

88. Part 7 of Reaction to “Attack on Titan” S4E10: “A Sound Argument”

Desperation can be lost in translation. Was what we witnessed less a matter of simple lashing out in anger…and more an image of a desperate young man searching for hope and making a final plea for alternative suggestions before the fates of so many people are finally sealed?