20 : Erwin Smith: 57th Expedition Beyond The Wa... Apr 2026

Season 1, Episode 20, is widely regarded as one of the most defining moments for Commander Erwin Smith. It marks the transition of Attack on Titan from a story about survival into a high-stakes psychological game of wits and sacrifice. The Hidden Objective

Erwin intentionally used Eren Yeager as bait to lure an intelligent Titan—later revealed as the Female Titan—into a trap. 20 : Erwin Smith: 57th Expedition Beyond the Wa...

This episode highlights the brutal utilitarianism that defines Erwin's leadership. As Armin Arlert famously notes during the mission: Season 1, Episode 20, is widely regarded as

While the official goal of the 57th Expedition was to secure a route to Shiganshina, Erwin’s true motive was a high-risk gamble to flush out a spy hiding within the military ranks. The episode ends on a tragic note as

The expedition is ultimately called off as a failure due to the high casualties and the escape of the spy. The episode ends on a tragic note as the cloaked mole, still hidden among the Scouts, ambushes Levi’s squad and kills Gunther Schultz, setting the stage for the devastating battles to follow. 57th Expedition Outside the Walls | Attack on Titan Wiki

The episode focuses on the tense moments after the Female Titan is lured into the Forest of Giant Trees and restrained by the Survey Corps ' special target restraining weapons.