Attack on Titan Season 4 Episode 27 titled “Retrospective,” was another emotional rollercoaster for viewers and the traitor-branded heroes of Eldia and Marley. No battles can be won without sacrifices, especially in this finale, unfortunately, it’s Theo Magath and Keith Shadis who step up to stop the Yeagerists.

Warning: Article contains spoilers to Attack on Titan Season 4 Episode 27

Attack on Titan season 4 has been a farewell chapter for many long-surviving characters with most of the older generation namely Commander Pixis, Nile Dawk, etc already fallen from Zeke Jaeger’s scream. Still, creator Hajime Isayama isn’t shying away from axing the larger fan-favorite heroes as well.

The battle against the Yeagerists seemed all but an assured victory for Paradis Island, that was until the emerging reinforcement were blasted to smithereens by an unknown savior. But that hero is soon revealed to be Shadis when confronted by Magath. The two quickly form an alliance to destroy the captured Marleyan cruiser and stop the island dwellers. By now, viewers probably realized the two old-timers were running to their deaths but their final moments are a turning point to their story arc as well as to the series in its entirety.

Shadis stopped the reinforcement in AOT Season 4 Episode 27

Starting with Shadis, the character has been the longest survivor right from Attack on Titan season 1 Episode 3. And his efforts as the commander of Survey Corps were never seen as vital to Eldia’s efforts beyond the wall. Initially, Keith’s bizarre belief of being the “chosen” one – amplified by Grisha Yeager turned him into a self-righteous pompous falling in line with the rest of the failures. While it seemed like his role as the head instructor of the Military Training Corps would be his grim oblivion – Shadis was once again brought to light only to be beaten up by his own trainees under Floch’s orders in War for Paradis arc.

After The Rumbling, Shadis does receive an honorable role offering words of encouragement to the trainees he rescued. But being a soldier with strong principles- it would be a disservice to let his character die of old age or make him just another victim of the countless deaths.

Shadis’s story of failures was echoed by his own voice in Attack on Titan season 3 Episode 11, “Bystander.” But his final appearance in season 4 Episode 26 is a reversal to his arc after he takes out the reinforcements and helps the resistance to continue on. To top it all, the ex-Survey Corps commander goes the length to aid Magath and dies alongside him.

Coming to Commander, correction, “General” Magath, the character initially won a few nods from fans when he acknowledged Eldians and Marleyans were both spawn of devils. Despite the fact that Magath was prejudiced against Eldians – he has undoubtedly remained unbiased the most out of all characters from Marley. Perhaps, Magath could have been the perfect leader for Marleyans instead of a dutiful soldier. Added, his hesitation to put children on the front lines shows his desire to protect his homeland as well as human morality, even though Gabi and Falco were the very essences that they hoped to annihilate across the wall.

Sadly, Hange and the squad may never know of Shadis’ sacrifice or Reiner and Annie of Magath’s change of heart over them. Though one can find comfort in knowing Magath held Keith in high regard as did Keith for Magath.

Shadis and Magath’s visceral reaction to one another’s sacrifice ultimately shows both sides can find a resolution to their age-old war if they manage to stop the Rumbling.

Shadis has come a long way from doubting his decisions to laying down his life for the resistance. In fact, he’s arguably the last voice of the true leaders of Paradis Island – falling in line with Erwin. Though their deaths are regrettable, the characters earned solace in their last moment, which Daz and Samuel weren’t fortunate enough to get in Episode 26 titled “Traitor”.