20 : Erwin Smith: 57th Expedition Beyond The — Wa...

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

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 20 : Erwin Smith: 57th Expedition Beyond the Wa...

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. Season 1, Episode 20, is widely regarded as

Only veteran Scouts who had survived for five years or more were briefed on this true mission to ensure that any potential mole was kept in the dark. A Game of Wits: Capture and Counter-Strike The episode ends on a tragic note as

Despite being pinned, the Female Titan hardens her skin, preventing Levi and Miche from cutting out the human pilot.

This episode highlights the brutal utilitarianism that defines Erwin's leadership. As Armin Arlert famously notes during the mission:

Realizing she is cornered, the Female Titan lets out a unique, deafening scream that attracts every Titan in the vicinity.