Attack on Titan Junior High Episode 3--This is Dodgeball

They may be hardened soldiers fighting an endless war in another universe, but here their main concern is losing at dodgeball!

This week’s episode wasn’t the cleaning club like I assumed, but officially introduced Annie through the dodgeball tournament instead. That’s what I get for not paying attention to episode previews!

The dodgeball match was done with a perfect level of silliness. My favorite part was Sasha’s Matrix moves, but I also liked the bit where Marco had to pull Connie aside to explain the rules…which he only figured out at the very end of the final match.

ARMIN'S HEADBAND

In addition, I’m always amused by how this parody tries to recreate the relationship dynamics of the original series by creating absurd situations. In this case, the series still wanted Annie to dislike Eren, so they made it so that Annie was embarrassed to admit that she likes the same food that Eren does. It’s ridiculous, but it plays well with Annie’s character where she’s always trying to create an aura of cool disinterest.

Also interesting is that this episode references some things that were only in the manga: at one point, Annie offered to train Eren, but he turned her down. That scene was cut from the anime adaptation but is referenced nearly word-for-word in this episode. It also opens the relationship to a new possibility that isn’t possible in the main series—Annie starts developing a crush on Eren.

BAKA

As usual, Armin knows what's up

Next week will be the cleaning club for sure (I watched the episode preview this time!), which will probably bring a little more focus to some more secondary characters. It’s also a good mash-up opportunity for the adaptation as well, since there are several chapters focused around the club’s activities.

Until next week, here are the references to the main series that I caught:

Imagine eating lunch next to a statue of yourself

Images from Funimation.com. Please support the official simulcast.

~

Want to support posts like this one? Check out Subdued Fangirling's Patreon! Backers get to vote on which series I cover and photo previews on figure reviews! Thanks for looking!