Board Thread:Questions and Answers/@comment-29752445-20170415172945/@comment-37059800-20180930143053

I just got caught up with the anime and this was the only plot hole I found. After reading everyone's explanations, I am convinced that it's it was poorly thought out. If Rod is a puppet king and they want to keep him for his Reiss blood, they should keep Historia too to better their chances of having someone reclaim the founding titan's power. Alma's death makes no difference. In fact I would argue it makes more sense to brainwash Historia after getting rid of Rod so that they have influence over their 'god'. (Also I just realised HIstoria should be immune to the altering of memories if she has Reiss blood)

My conclusion is that it was written to make it seem like the Reiss family was ousted and Rod had reached an agreement with the Assembly to stay mum and was at their mercy. Without this premise, the fact that Rod wants Eren to be eaten has little emotional impact. It also makes Historia's switching sides more interesting and gives her a much more tragic backstory.

I would like to be proven wrong but can't seem to find a lot of discussion online.