The Erwin Smith Smile Master Post
1. The “My dad was the coolest!” Smile
The death of Papa Smith didn’t break Erwin. He was still a normal kid who had friends and participated in lunch time banter. Kidwin’s favorite topic was telling his friends the theories he and his father shared. To his credit, the lunch table was packed. I suspect Erwin was always a charming and engaging speaker.
2. The “Nice to meet you, Eren” Smile
Erwin’s courtroom gamble paying off is absolutely the perfect reason to smile! Not only does he have a cool new titan weapon at his disposal, but he finally has something the enemy wants. After years of chasing an unknown threat, they will come looking for him. All he needs to do is set a trap.
3. The “Welcome to the Survey Corps. Prepare to die” Smile
After giving the worst motivational speech of all time (“You are almost certainly going to die but, hey, it’s for humanity!”), a few dozen kids are still willing to join the Survey Corps.
4. The “Didn’t see that coming” Smile
The bad news is that he lost the battle when the Female Titan allowed herself to be consumed rather than captured. The good news is he’s getting his first look at the truth he’s been chasing for decades. He’s impressed at how far the enemy will go to protect their secrets. Erwin takes a moment to admire the moves of his talented opponent.
Erwin worked very hard and waited a very long time for any evidence that his father’s theory was correct. At this moment he is receiving an important piece of the Titan Mystery Puzzle. If the Titans were once humans, it could mean they were created by humans. That might mean that his father was right - people were being manipulated to remain within the walls, and there is a huge conspiracy behind it all.
I don’t mean to be shippy, but there is no denying that Levi brings out this softer side of Erwin. Levi has just called him “a creepy guy”. I can’t imagine anyone else being so bold and honestly disrespectful to Erwin. But Erwin simply smiles at the Captain and lets it slide.
7. The “I might not die today” Smile
Pixis has decided to side with Erwin and test the monarchy to see if they have any compassion for the people they are ruling. Another of Erwin’s gambles has paid off! He is relieved that his day most likely won’t end swinging on the gallows.
8. The “Getting the band back together” Smile
Erwin smiles four times in Chapter 72. He is having what very well may be his last planning session with his senior officers. His smile is sincere–he’s proud of the Survey Corps and proud of his team. Best of all, within a few hours he will be on his way to the basement and the truth it contains. His lifelong dream is within reach and he’s accompanied by people he trusts. Of course, he’s absolutely willing to let them die to achieve this, but at this moment, he’s proud of them.
9. The Levi Smile (Reprise)
Levi’s awkward attempt to convince Erwin to stay behind hasn’t had the intended result. Rather than feel intimidated by Levi’s threat to break his legs and make bathroom visits difficult, Erwin is reduced to giggles. It’s one of Erwin’s most unguarded moments in the manga.
10. The “They like me. They really like me!” Smile
His whole life, Erwin has been mocked and laughed at, and certainly not praised. When he gives this battle cry from the top of the wall and is met with raucous cheering and applause, he needs a moment to process the support (he probably initially expects the response to be a mocking one). This is a new feeling for Erwin, who for two decades in the Survey Corps has had to fight tooth and nail for every cause that he believes in. And here is a group of people enthusiastically thanking him for his efforts–finally, it’s a fitting send-off. He’s a rockstar.
Bonus: The “Dad, you are an embarrassment!” Smile
@fuku-shuu had several great suggestions for this chapter 80 smile. Among my favorites were the “Oh well, there was probably nothing in the basement anyway” and the “I volunteer as tribute” smile. But for me, her best suggestion was the one that gave credit where credit was due. Levi is the only person who could make Erwin smile as he faces his death and worse, the loss of his dream. Since it was Levi’s face he saw as he reflected on his sins, it was Levi who could grant him absolution from them. With just a few words, Levi gives Erwin everything he needs - forgiveness for his sins, acknowledgement of what he’s accomplished, and a promise that the mission will continue with or without him.
12. Levi, u da real MVP (Reprise)
As Levi pauses mid-attack to consider saving someone, anyone from the suicide charge, he thinks of Erwin - specifically a soft, smiling Erwin. This isn’t a new smile; rather, it’s the same one we saw in #11 but this time from Levi’s perspective. Levi reflects on Erwin’s confidence that the mission would not be a total loss, his trust that Levi would finish the job with our without him. While that promise gave Erwin a rare moment of peace and calm, it causes Levi to become momentarily undone.
13. The “I Guess This is Goodbye” Smile
When Erwin entered the dark of the Underground five years earlier, could he have known that the “notorious thug” he sought would become not just his greatest weapon but also his most loyal follower and friend? Would be have believed that the man who first wanted to murder him would prove to be his final salvation?
During their private conversation before the suicide charge, Erwin was completely stripped of his “Commander” facade. He’d laid bare to Levi his dark thoughts and the crimes he believed would damn him to hell. Levi responds, not with disappointment, but with praise and gratitude. Levi’s confidence and words of support calm Erwin and fill him with peace. Eyes brimming with tears but an expression of calm, Erwin gives Levi a final sincere smile and a heartfelt thank you.
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