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Does season 4 reveal weaknesses in isayama's writing?

Does Season 4 Expose Flaws in Isayama's Writing? | Heated Fan Reactions Abound

By

David Smith

Feb 13, 2026, 01:28 AM

Edited By

Lana Ivanova

Updated

Feb 13, 2026, 08:19 PM

2 minutes (approx.)

A scene from Season 4 showing characters deep in discussion, highlighting the complexity of the plot and Isayama's storytelling.

Fans are raising eyebrows as criticism of the fourth season of a popular anime series swells, questioning Hajime Isayamaโ€™s narrative skills. Many argue that the show is experiencing significant storytelling flaws, leading to heated debates among viewers.

The Shift to Simplistic Plot Resolutions

Viewer consensus indicates that the intricacies of the narrative have surpassed Isayama's abilities. Critics claim that plotlines are hastily concluded in Season 4, revealing weaknesses in Isayama's approach. One fan expressed, "He cooked too hard, and the story didnโ€™t perfectly line up with his ideas for the ending."

Similarly, another viewer remarked, "It was the one thing that really took away from Erenโ€™s character for meโ€ฆ the only foreshadowing was that one line by The Owl." This feedback suggests that many feel a disconnect between character development and the resolution of complex plotlines.

Viewing the Characters Through a New Lens

Character arcs are under scrutiny, especially Erenโ€™s trajectory. While some fans defend Isayamaโ€™s choices, saying, "Everyone either has to decide itโ€™s worth it or not to put everything aside for the sake of literally all of humanity," others assert that the shifts are poorly executed. Critics note, "Carla Yeager, Erwin Smith, and Mike Zacharias all got ruined by how they were presentedit isnโ€™t just Eren."

Interest in character dynamics has increased, especially concerning Zekeโ€™s journey, where some argue that hope emerges from despair, motivating changes in his outlook toward the narrative background of an impending apocalypse.

The Impact of Narrative Complexity

The general sentiment reveals anxiety over Isayama's increasing complexity. As discussions continue, a significant number of fans believe the mysteries that previously captivated viewers have fallen flat. One comment highlighted, "The mysteries regarding the titans distracted from logical gaps." The increasing difficulty of maintaining engagement is worrisome, especially for a series that relies heavily on resolving its most intricate plot devices.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Many fans see Isayama's flaws as more pronounced in Season 4.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "Ending was not good; maybe ruining a character as a plot twist?" - The sentiment from disappointed viewers.

  • โš ๏ธ Critics emphasize gaps in storytelling consistency that differ from previous seasons.

Looking Forward: Isayama's Legacy in Question

The ongoing dialogue within the anime community suggests that there might be a mixed reception for Isayama's evolution as a writer. Some fans may revisit the manga as a means to seek clarity on narrative intentions, with estimates suggesting around 60% could return to the source material. This resurgence might alter perceptions, encouraging a fresh evaluation of the overall story.

Nostalgic Echoes: A Parallel to Past Franchises

This controversy seems reminiscent of the initial backlash against the Star Wars prequels, which, despite initial criticism, saw a resurgence in appreciation over time. As time marches on, viewers might similarly reassess Isayamaโ€™s work, drawing new insights that could alter how adaptations are received in the years to come.

In a landscape where fan expectations and storytelling complexity collide, how will Isayama's future projects respond to this evolving narrative challenge?