Royal Government
Survival against Titans beyond the walls and humans within them.
The third season of the Attack on Titan anime was produced by Wit Studio under IG Port, with Tetsurō Araki as chief director and Masashi Koizuka directing. Yasuko Kobayashi handled series composition while Kyōji Asano provided character designs. This season adapts chapters 51–90 from Hajime Isayama's manga, covering the "Royal Government" and "Return to Shiganshina" arcs. The first 12 episodes aired on NHK General TV between July 23 and October 15, 2018, followed by a hiatus until April 29, 2019. Adult Swim began broadcasting the English dub on August 18, 2018.
- Leader: De Facto
- Nobility Council (initially), later Historia Reiss
- Fate
- Dissolved following the coup d'état orchestrated by Erwin Smith and Survey Corps leadership, leading to Rod Reiss's death and Historia's ascension
Lore & Background
The season follows Eren and the Survey Corps as they face threats from both Titans and internal human adversaries. After escaping the Colossal and Armored Titans, the soldiers find themselves pursued by a government demanding custody of Eren and Historia Reiss. Levi leads a new squad to evade these authorities while protecting the pair. The narrative highlights how political maneuvering within the walls poses as great a danger as the giants outside. This conflict drives the plot until the Survey Corps launches a mission to retake Wall Maria, targeting the Shiganshina District where Eren once lived.
In Their Own Story
Levi and his squad operate in hiding after the government issues demands for Eren and Historia. The soldiers navigate a landscape where trust is scarce and every ally could be an adversary working for the state. As tensions rise, Erwin Smith leads the Survey Corps on a decisive campaign to reclaim Shiganshina District. This mission marks a shift from defense to offense, with Eren vowing to take back everything that was once his. The return to the tattered district represents a turning point where the corps strives to carve a path toward victory against overwhelming odds.
Reader's Guide
Fans should note the specific broadcast timeline: Part 1 aired July 23 to October 15, 2018, with a break before resuming on April 29, 2019. The season features two distinct musical sets. The first 12 episodes use "Red Swan" by Yoshiki featuring Hyde as the opening and "Requiem der Morgenröte" by Linked Horizon as the ending. Part 2 switches to "Shoukei to Shikabane no Michi" by Linked Horizon for the opening and "Name of Love" by Cinema Staff for the ending. Hiroyuki Sawano composed the score, with vocals from Laco, David Whitaker, Gemie, Eliana, mpi, Yosh, and Aimee Blackschleger.
Did You Know?
- The season covers chapters 51–90 of the original manga by Hajime Isayama.
- Adult Swim began airing the English dub on August 18, 2018, while the Japanese broadcast started on July 23, 2018.
- Yoshiki featuring Hyde performed the opening theme "Red Swan" for the first half of the season.
- The soundtrack was released on June 26, 2019, including music from compilation films and OVAs between seasons two and three.
- Masashi Koizuka served as director while Tetsurō Araki held the role of chief director.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the Royal Government?
The Royal Government served as the nominal ruling authority of Paradis Island, operating as a puppet regime dominated by the Nobility Council to safeguard aristocratic privilege. Its primary function was to maintain the illusion of a stable monarchy while concealing the fact that the true royal bloodline had been exiled inside Wall Sina.
Did the Royal Government know about the Founding Titan?
The Nobility Council was fully aware of the Founding Titan's existence and capabilities, actively working to seize control of it rather than remaining ignorant like the rest of society. They sought to harness this power strictly to enforce an isolationist paradise that would protect their privileged status and shield Paradis from outside interference.
How did the Royal Government's rule come to an end?
The regime was dissolved following a decisive coup orchestrated by Commander Erwin Smith and the Survey Corps, which resulted in the defeat of Rod Reiss and his faction. This uprising dismantled the old aristocratic order and facilitated Historia Reiss's ascension, establishing a new government dedicated to reform rather than secrecy.
Who held actual power within the Royal Government?
De facto authority rested with the Nobility Council, an aristocratic group that manipulated state affairs from behind the scenes to preserve their wealth and hide the exiled royal bloodline. Control eventually shifted to Historia Reiss following the coup, as she took the throne as the legitimate monarch and replaced the council's corrupt rule with a reformed administration.
What is the significance of the Royal Government in the story?
The Royal Government embodies the systemic deception that maintained Paradis's stability through lies, masking the exile of House Reiss and suppressing knowledge about the true nature of the Titans. Its dissolution marks a pivotal shift from a stagnant society ruled by fearful elites to a new era where Historia can pursue reforms and address the island's isolationist policies.
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