Ultimately, Episode 17 acts as a bridge. It moves Guts from the simplicity of the battlefield into a world governed by "causality"—a world where his sheer will is the only thing keeping the darkness at bay.
: This episode highlights the vast social acumen Griffith possesses compared to Guts and Casca. It reinforces that Griffith’s dream requires a level of political ruthlessness that his companions cannot share. Berserk Episode 17
: The episode concludes with a literal and figurative poisoning; while a plot to kill Griffith fails, it marks the moment Guts decides he can no longer be a part of Griffith's dream, setting the stage for the tragic Eclipse. The Expansion of Lore (2016 Anime) Ultimately, Episode 17 acts as a bridge