Missed Romance: Eren and Mikasa's Unfulfilled Potential in Attack on Titan

A Missed Opportunity in Attack on Titan: Eren and Mikasa's Relationship

In the intricate world of Attack on Titan, where battles against colossal monsters are matched by the inner struggles of the human condition, one storyline many fans yearned for was the potential romance between Eren Yeager and Mikasa Ackermann. This subplot seemed poised to offer emotional depth and a respite from the series’ bleak atmosphere, only to be left underdeveloped and ultimately disappointing.

The Evolution of Eren and Mikasa's Relationship

From the beginning, Mikasa’s unwavering devotion to Eren was evident. Her red scarf, a symbol of their bond and Eren's gift to her when they first met, persistently served as a metaphor for Mikasa’s attachment and loyalty. Many instances in the series demonstrate her dedication — from saving Eren in numerous battles to standing against his aggressors.

However, the show's development added a twist to Mikasa's loyalty. It was eventually unveiled that her commitment might not fully stem from her personal feelings, but rather from her Ackerman lineage. The Ackermans, genetically designed to protect the Eldian monarchy, were bound by a compulsion that triggered their loyalty. This revelation redefined Mikasa’s dedication not as a choice but a genetic obligation, thus questioning whether her love for Eren originated from genuine emotions or an inherent directive.

The Implications of the Ackerman Legacy

This newfound understanding stripped much of the emotional depth from Mikasa and Eren’s story. The notion of Mikasa’s loyalty being predetermined and influenced by her heritage raises serious questions about her agency. While her actions in the final moments against Eren depicted a glimmer of independence, they also underscored the potential lack of free will throughout her journey.

Mikasa's narrative felt incomplete as her choices appeared confined by forces beyond her control. This not only challenges the validity of her feelings but also dampens the narrative's potency, leaving fans to ponder whether her actions were truly hers or merely the consequence of her bloodline.

Eren’s Distinct Arc Nonconducive to Romance

Eren, with his loud and often morally ambiguous character, became a vessel for the series’ exploration of broader themes—oppression, freedom, and the cyclical nature of violence. His journey was less about personal relationships and more about the existential crises and the desperation for Eldian survival.

While a romantic subplot with Mikasa could theoretically add complexity, it would risk dilution among these weighty themes. Eren’s actions, framed as freedom-fighting, did not leave much room for conventional romance. Even within the narrative itself, any implied romance was overshadowed by political intrigue, existential questions, and survival.

Fans' Longing for Romance and Reality

Fans naturally gravitated towards any hint of romance between Eren and Mikasa, hoping for moments of hope and connection amidst chaos. Unfortunately, by keeping Eren’s feelings ambiguous while tying Mikasa’s devotion to her genetics, any potential love story was significantly undermined.

While the final kiss between the two could have been a culminating moment of emotional payoff, it instead felt insufficient and hollow—a relationship that could have provided heartfelt relief feeling more like an afterthought. Yet, considering the themes Attack on Titan tackles, perhaps it's fitting that romance took a backseat, allowing focus to remain on grander narratives of humanity's struggle, freedom, and the cost of hatred.

In essence, the missed opportunity of Eren and Mikasa's storyline reflects the larger narrative's focus on survival rather than traditional romance, a creative choice that, while disappointing for some fans, aligns with the show's core intentions. For those intrigued by how deep these narratives can dive, Attack on Titan's themes and character arcs continue to offer a wealth of discussion beyond romantic tales.