'Attack on Titan' Episode 85: A cloud of steam, a betrayal, and the flying boat

There are only a handful of episodes left in Attack on Titan, so every scene is filled with crucial plot points. Episode 85 is no different from the rest, as each action brings the series closer to its finale. Now that Eren has begun the Rumbling, Hange and her team realizes they must act quickly to stop him.

Attack on Titan Episode 84 ended with Jean agreeing to save Gabi's family in Liberio. The two groups join forces and rush towards the harbor to obtain the flying boat and go after Eren.

[This article contains spoilers for Attack on Titan episode 85]

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Highlights from Attack on Titan Episode 85, 'Traitor'

A steam cloud travels across the ocean

The Rumbling is creating a cloud of steam (Image via MAPPA)

Attack on Titan Episode 85 opens with Hange Zoë and Theo Magath watching the harbor and figuring out how to obtain the flying boat. As the opening sequence begins, they focus on the approaching cloud of steam.

The steam cloud approaching the harbor was created by the Rumbling. The titans Eren is leading have already reached the Marleyan continent and destroyed many of its northeastern cities. Now, they are crossing the ocean much faster than anticipated and will reach Hizuru soon.

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The flying boat

The flying boat covered in explosives (Image via MAPPA)

The entirety of Attack on Titan Episode 85 revolves around gaining control of the flying boat. By acquiring this vehicle, the Scouts and the Warriors plan to launch a counterattack against the Rumbling and save the world from being completely destroyed. Onyonkapon is capable of piloting the flying boat, so once they have it, they can immediately go look for Eren and stop the Rumbling.

However, in order to obtain the flying boat, they must betray many of their old comrades.

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A betrayal between friends

Armin and Connie hoping their plan will work (Image via MAPPA)

Armin and Connie tell Floch that the Warriors have escaped and have gone south to acquire the flying boat. They plan on chasing them with the flying boat. As they move towards the harbor, Armin and Connie are met by Daz and Samuel. Armin and Connie explain that they need to remove the explosives on the boat in order to chase the Warriors.

However, tensions spike as the two Yaegerists inform their old comrades that they are under suspicion of colluding with Marley. Both Armin and Connie convince them that they are on their side and would never betray them.

Daz and Samuel believe them and Daz slowly begins to disconnect the explosives. But when Mikasa and the rest invade the building Floch is in, Floch's yelling informs all of the soldiers in the surrounding area that the Scouts led by Hange are traitors. As if on cue, Reiner and Annie appear and transform, ready to fight.

Daz and Samuel realize Connie and Armin are enemies, and a struggle ensues between the four. Daz immediately shoots Armin multiple times, which incapacitates the titan shifter. Connie holds down Samuel as Daz tries to rearm the explosives on the flying boat.

While this is happening, the Scouts, Warriors, and Azumabito are cornered in the basement as the building they are in is bombarded with thunder spears.

The episode ends with Connie having killed both Daz and Samuel, shooting them with the gun he took from Samuel. His screams of anguish fill the air and the ending theme begins.

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Final thoughts

The counterattack against Eren and the Rumbling is eminent. Scouts and Warriors need to hurry if humanity is to survive this destruction.

The next episode of Attack on Titan will be the 86th episode of the series and is entitled "Retrospective." The Scouts and Warriors continue with their plan to obtain the flying boat in hopes of stopping the Rumbling before it is too late.