Attack on Titan Season 4 sparked intense debate among fans. The final season of Attack on Titan, a series once celebrated for its compelling narrative, stunning animation, and complex characters, faced a wave of criticism. This article delves into the reasons behind the disappointment, examining various aspects that contributed to the divisive reception.

Animation Quality and Production Changes

The animation quality took a noticeable dip in certain episodes, particularly during large-scale battle sequences. The shift from Wit Studio to MAPPA for the final season's animation production was a significant change. Wit Studio had set a high bar with its dynamic and fluid animation style in the previous seasons, perfectly capturing the intensity and brutality of the titans and the Survey Corps' desperate struggle. MAPPA, while a reputable studio known for its work on Jujutsu Kaisen and Vinland Saga, faced immense pressure to maintain the established quality while working under a tight schedule. This pressure seemingly led to compromises in the animation, with some scenes appearing rushed or relying heavily on CGI, which didn't always blend seamlessly with the 2D animation. The use of CGI for the titans, while understandable given the complexity of animating them, often resulted in a less impactful and visually jarring experience compared to the hand-drawn titans of previous seasons. Many fans felt that the animation downgrade detracted from the overall emotional impact of key scenes, diminishing the sense of urgency and desperation that had been a hallmark of the series. The meticulous detail and expressive character animation that Wit Studio had brought to the table were noticeably absent in some instances, leaving viewers feeling that the final season didn't quite live up to the visual standards set by its predecessors. This change in animation style became a major point of contention, fueling discussions and debates within the Attack on Titan fandom. It is important to note that MAPPA faced an incredibly difficult task in taking over the animation, and while they delivered some visually stunning moments, the inconsistencies were hard to ignore for many long-time fans.

Pacing and Storytelling Issues

The pacing felt rushed in certain arcs, particularly the Marley arc and the Rumbling. The storytelling felt disjointed at times, with abrupt shifts in perspective and underdeveloped character arcs. The intricate plot, which had been a major draw for the series, seemed to suffer from a lack of breathing room. Key plot points and character motivations were not always explored with the depth and nuance that fans had come to expect. The Marley arc, while introducing intriguing new characters and exploring the complex political landscape beyond the walls, felt compressed and lacked the emotional weight it deserved. The Rumbling, a cataclysmic event with far-reaching consequences, was depicted in a visually impressive manner but arguably lacked the narrative build-up and emotional resonance that would have amplified its impact. Some viewers felt that the story sacrificed character development for plot progression, leading to a less satisfying and emotionally engaging experience. Certain character arcs felt truncated, with resolutions that seemed rushed or unearned. The intricate web of relationships and motivations, which had been a hallmark of the series, felt somewhat simplified in the final season. This pacing and storytelling criticism stemmed from the immense amount of material that needed to be covered within a limited number of episodes, forcing the adaptation to make difficult choices about what to include and what to leave out. While the story still delivered impactful moments, the overall feeling was that the pacing issues hindered the storytelling.

Character Development Concerns

Character development of Eren Yeager was a major point of contention. Eren's transformation from a determined protagonist into a seemingly nihilistic antagonist was jarring for some viewers. His motivations became increasingly ambiguous, and his actions were difficult to reconcile with his earlier ideals. The shift in Eren's character, while intended to be a complex exploration of moral ambiguity and the cycle of violence, felt unearned to some fans. His descent into darkness was perceived as abrupt, lacking the gradual and nuanced progression that would have made it more believable. The disconnect between Eren's earlier self and his actions in the final season led to confusion and frustration among viewers who struggled to understand his motivations. Was he acting out of free will, or was he being manipulated by external forces? Was he truly committed to his goal of eliminating all titans, or was he driven by a more selfish desire for freedom? These questions remained unanswered for some, leaving them feeling that Eren's character arc was ultimately unsatisfying. Other characters also suffered from inconsistent or underdeveloped arcs. Some felt that Mikasa's unwavering devotion to Eren bordered on obsession, hindering her own personal growth. Armin's strategic brilliance seemed to be overshadowed by his reliance on Eren, diminishing his agency. The complex relationships between the characters, which had been a driving force of the narrative, felt strained and less compelling in the final season. This character development criticism highlights the difficulty of adapting a complex and morally ambiguous story while staying true to the established character arcs and satisfying audience expectations.

Ending Controversy

The ending of Attack on Titan proved to be the most divisive aspect of the final season. Many fans felt that the ending was rushed, anticlimactic, and failed to provide satisfying resolutions for the characters and the overarching plot. The thematic complexities of the series, such as freedom, sacrifice, and the cycle of violence, were not fully explored, leaving viewers with a sense of incompleteness. The ultimate fate of Eren, Mikasa, and Armin was a major point of contention, with many feeling that their character arcs were not given the closure they deserved. The final battle against Eren felt underwhelming to some, lacking the emotional intensity and strategic brilliance that had characterized previous confrontations. The explanation of Eren's motivations, while intended to be a shocking revelation, felt convoluted and unconvincing to others. The final chapter, which depicted the aftermath of the Rumbling and the characters' attempts to rebuild their lives, was met with mixed reactions. Some appreciated the bittersweet tone and the focus on reconciliation, while others felt that it undermined the themes of the series and failed to provide a satisfying resolution to the central conflict. The ending controversy sparked intense debates within the Attack on Titan fandom, with fans dissecting every detail and offering their own interpretations of the events. While some defended the ending as a bold and thought-provoking conclusion, others criticized it as a betrayal of the series' core themes and a disservice to the characters they had grown to love.

Expectations and Hype

The immense hype and high expectations surrounding Attack on Titan Season 4 inevitably contributed to the disappointment felt by some viewers. The series had built a massive following over the years, with fans eagerly anticipating the conclusion of the epic story. The anticipation was fueled by the critical acclaim and commercial success of the previous seasons, which had set a high bar for quality and storytelling. The trailers and promotional materials for Season 4 further heightened expectations, promising a thrilling and emotionally resonant finale. However, the reality of the final season, with its animation inconsistencies, pacing issues, and controversial ending, failed to live up to the lofty expectations of some fans. The gap between expectation and reality led to disappointment and frustration, as viewers felt that the final season did not deliver on the promise of its predecessors. It is important to recognize that no ending can satisfy everyone, and the pressure to deliver a perfect conclusion to such a beloved series was immense. However, the high expectations undoubtedly played a role in shaping the reception of Attack on Titan Season 4 and amplifying the criticisms leveled against it. Ultimately, the series remains a landmark achievement in anime, but the final season serves as a reminder of the challenges of adapting complex stories and satisfying demanding fanbases.

In conclusion, while Attack on Titan Season 4 had its moments, several factors contributed to the disappointment expressed by some fans. From animation quality to pacing and character development, the final season faced scrutiny that ultimately impacted its overall reception. The ending, in particular, ignited debates and divided the fanbase. Despite these criticisms, the series remains a significant cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions and leaving a lasting impact on the anime landscape.