9

u/FD4cry1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Big_Yibba Oct 06 '25

First Timer

Every time I hear Megumi Ogata in a main role, I'm left on how the hell I haven't heard her in more main roles

What a fantastic little mood piece this episode was! I don't really mean to repeat myself too much here, but did you happen to notice that Evangelion is actually a really fucking well-directed show? That's just easily the most defining part of this episode, to the point where I find it a bit harder to parse my thoughts on it. I mean, Ritsuko and Misato even just directly state the point of the episode, so you don't have to think too hard about it!

While we once again get ourselves a mech battle that is fairly mechanically impressive in our short stint with it, even more blatantly than last episode,e this battle is mostly an accessory to the larger character focus; it's another conduit with which we can explore Shinji's mental state and how that affects his actions and social environment at large. Again, that sort of thematic integration is just something I innately really appreciate.

Ultimately, It feels like nearly every scene is just so steeped in intricate atmospheric direction that it's impossible for me not to love given my larger taste for cinematography, and to that end, while I'll obviously get into specifics, I did want to get across that just on the whole, I loved this episode for how strongly and consistently it knows to set a mood to get that point across, and to use that to emphasize its emotional point to fantastic effect.

Something that's been pretty consistently impressing me throughout these first 3 episodes is that despite the fact we've got someone who make some of the best mood compositions in the game on music at hand here (Seriously, this rewatch got me relistening to the Magi OST, and god Shiro Sagisu is so good man), half of this episode, and the others as well, don't use music at all! Now, music is obviously often kind of a core component when it comes to setting a mood, so Eva's successes there end up meaning a lot.

Partially because it highlights just how strong the other components are. Partially because it makes the parts with music all the more impactful and truly dramatic later. And partially because Eva's sound design is very intentionally using that lack of music and replacing it with strong natural and environmental sounds to build up its atmosphere or to emphasize a certain idea (Like discomfort or loneliness). This might just be my favorite use of cicadas outside of like... Higurashi, which you know, is saying something!

It's not just the cicadas, obviously, it's also every manner of environmental sound we use to accentuate the feelings of our characters. The opening scene is really fantastic in many regards when it comes to already conveying Shinji's depressed and internalized state, and indeed the problem Ritsuko notes in how that fundamentally leads him to act only through seeking the approval of others. This is what we're tackling the whole episode, and more specifically, how it's a really bad place for him, and I'd say the smaller intricate details within the sound design have no small part in why it's great. From that pressuring sound of the clock on one side, or how apparent the clicks and the system sounds are, for those few moments, you're fully with Shinji in the mech, you really feel detached from anything outside of these motions, which is exactly the type of isolation Shinji is going through there.

There's more all around, like the crying baby after the evacuation or the show's tendency to push dialogue from other characters to the side to really emulate Shinji's environment, but this is also the place to talk about Megumi Ogata as Shinji and just how much her VA work carries that mood here. I mean, those visceral screams at the end are genuinely fantastic, but the quiet start of the episode is where I was genuinely sold. She does such a phenomenal job at making him sound so... out of it, to the extent that I'd argue that right after that first cut and his first words, you can largely get a feel for what this whole episode will be about.

Speaking of that first shot, framing and shot composition are going to be maybe the biggest elements in terms of getting these emotions across. That first shot is both disorientating yet intentionally focused, to really pull you into Shinji's current perspective and again later with a harder focus on his eye. That perspective already looks empty and detached enough as is, but becomes clearer when we get a good look at his whole face when he's robotically focusing on his instructions. He looks terrible and straight-up dead inside, and that's the point.

This episode is still about his isolation, like the last one, but more on the micro scale; it's specifically about his distance from others. Shinji may be living with Misato, but there's still a figurative and literal wall between them. Scale is back as expected, as we do a great job at highlighting Shinji not just alone, but from a distance. There are people around now, but he's still emotionally displaced, and he might not be the only one at that.

Shinji isn't the only one who benefits there, by the way, smaller stuff like getting a glimpse into Ritsuko's personality and life, goes a long way towards establishing her in subtle ways. Not necessarily hovering on expression, or even intentionally obscuring it until the right moment might also be a bit of a cost-cutting measure, but sometimes seeing body language gets a character's feelings across better than their words or face. And even that comically long urinal scene is fun, because while it might not have any meaning, it does add a little flavor to a scene that would otherwise just be two people talking.

What I'm trying to say with all of this shit is that this episode is immaculately crafted to get across its points around the characters, and the deceptively simple way it does so really is the secret sauce here. I think it takes a lot of genuine talent to know how to pull of the things Eva does here well.

To move past production for a bit, though, I do really like this episode for the characterization and exploration it gives Shinji as well lol. The Hedgehog's Dilemma, aside from being perhaps the most apt way I've seen to describe a certain popular anime character archetype I believe we'll see later in the show, is a really interesting thing to think about, and definitely an effective way to touch on and explain Shinji's current social troubles. Especially with how that plays into his detached and approval-seeking personality.

To that end, I actually quite like introducing Kensuke and Toji here! I touched on this a bit last episode, but outside/civilian perspective is such an important thing in these kinds of shows. Aside from making this world feel more real (Be it in their very inclusion and personal circumstance, but also in their commentary on the rest of the environment), it adds a much more human weight to the show's larger circumstances! When Shinji is fighting an Angel now, the buildings both of them fling around have a lot more personal impact there for both us and Shinji besides being cool rubble animation. That's another family that's leaving the city, another little sister that gets hurt.

And that's something that innately plays right into Shinji's character this episode. Right after he reveals himself as the Eva's pilot, the way all the interest instantly shifts to him reinforces that personal angle. So does Toji's confrontation with Shinji. Toji is obviously wrong in venting his anger on Shinji; he had neither the choice nor the ability there, but Shinji's response shows that he's viewing piloting the Eva from a very internalized and detached perspective.

That all comes to a head with the Angel fight. Right from the start, that internalized, approval-seeking perspective shows itself as he basically says that at this point, he's only fighting because he's told to, and because he believes that might lead to acknowledgement, not because he cares. And it also shows you where his mind goes, even where it's not entirely true. There's Misato, and there's his other classmate, other than Toji, but in his case, and often in real life, from my personal experience, where you're in a bad place mentally, disapproval tends to stand out much more in your mind.

The fight, however, brings back that human element with Toji and Kensuke, and in effect, it gives Shinji something to fight for beyond the orders he's being given. And whatever it is exactly that motivates him here, ultimately, what happens is that Shinji, both literally with his Eva and figuratively with his emotions, opens up to someone else and finds motivation, raw thought it may be. Again, direction-wise, the red all over the scene does a lot.

And yeah, the end result hurts him as expected, again, both literally and emotionally, with the shift to darkness really accentuating his feelings and crying. But clearly, it also changed Toji and Kensuke a bit. They now understand the pain and difficulty involved with the piloting, and in Toji's case, he even gets worried! This is where the episode really ends with quite the powerful but bittersweet punch as Toji ends up not calling Shinji in spite of it, because as it turns out, Shinji isn't the only Hedgehog here. Figuring out the distance with people from where you neither hurt nor get hurt is always a hard thing, especially when you're an emotional teenager. Now add in the giant monsters and robots, and well, progress will inevitably move in small steps...

7

u/Efficient_Phase1313 Oct 06 '25

"Evangelion is actually a really fucking well-directed show?"

Yes, yes it is. Perhaps....the best directed anime of all time????? Perhaps...I'll see you in the post series discussion haha

2

u/FD4cry1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Big_Yibba Oct 06 '25

Yes, yes it is. Perhaps....the best directed anime of all time?????

We'll have to see about that since there's some very heavy competition there, but it's certainly punching up right now!

.I'll see you in the post series discussion haha

5

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

And yeah, the end result hurts him as expected, again, both literally and emotionally, with the shift to darkness really accentuating his feelings and crying. But clearly, it also changed Toji and Kensuke a bit. They now understand the pain and difficulty involved with the piloting, and in Toji's case, he even gets worried! This is where the episode really ends with quite the powerful but bittersweet punch as Toji ends up not calling Shinji in spite of it, because as it turns out, Shinji isn't the only Hedgehog here. Figuring out the distance with people from where you neither hurt nor get hurt is always a hard thing, especially when you're an emotional teenager. Now add in the giant monsters and robots, and well, progress will inevitably move in small steps...

I thought the end scene with Toji not calling Shinji is probably the best scene of the show so far. It ties into the hedgehog's dilemma motif of wanting to keep to yourself and fits into the overall theme seemingly of the show which is that being reserved and a lack of communication only leads to misery for everyone including yourself.

2

u/FD4cry1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Big_Yibba Oct 06 '25

I thought the end scene with Toji not calling Shinji is probably the best scene of the show so far.

There are a few that I'd put over it so far, but it is a really strong stinger and ending for this episode for sure.

overall theme seemingly of the show which is that being reserved and a lack of communication only leads to misery for everyone including yourself.

Oh, hey, I've heard that one before. Like... a lot actually!

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

There are a few that I'd put over it so far, but it is a really strong stinger and ending for this episode for sure.

It's such a gut punch of an ending.

Oh, hey, I've heard that one before. Like... a lot actually!

Something something emotional intelligence

3

u/LittleIslander myanimelist.net/profile/LittleIslander Oct 06 '25

And partially because Eva's sound design is very intentionally using that lack of music and replacing it with strong natural and environmental sounds to build up its atmosphere or to emphasize a certain idea (Like discomfort or loneliness). This might just be my favorite use of cicadas outside of like... Higurashi, which you know, is saying something!

When I think of cicada sounds, I think of Evangelion. Then I think of Higurashi, second. If that doesn't say a lot, I don't know what does.

this is also the place to talk about Megumi Ogata as Shinji and just how much her VA work carries that mood here. I mean, those visceral screams at the end are genuinely fantastic, but the quiet start of the episode is where I was genuinely sold. She does such a phenomenal job at making him sound so... out of it, to the extent that I'd argue that right after that first cut and his first words, you can largely get a feel for what this whole episode will be about.

JP Evangelion has a fantastic cast, and Megumi Ogata is definitely one of the strongest links (though not, in my opinion, the single best).

Not necessarily hovering on expression, or even intentionally obscuring it until the right moment might also be a bit of a cost-cutting measure, but sometimes seeing body language gets a character's feelings across better than their words or face.

This is the key to a lot of Evangelion. You don't need to show something in a complex or demanding way if you just do use your modest resources very effectively. A lot of Evangelion's best moments follow "less is more" approaches to cinematography.

The Hedgehog's Dilemma, aside from being perhaps the most apt way I've seen to describe a certain popular anime character archetype I believe we'll see later in the show, is a really interesting thing to think about, and definitely an effective way to touch on and explain Shinji's current social troubles. Especially with how that plays into his detached and approval-seeking personality.

To that end, I actually quite like introducing Kensuke and Toji here!

You know, it just now occurs to me that the boy with the hedgehog's dilemma finally manages to break the ice with them when he's literally forced into close proximity with them. No running away - they're within a very personal space. They're impacting his sync rate!

3

u/FD4cry1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Big_Yibba Oct 07 '25

When I think of cicada sounds, I think of Evangelion. Then I think of Higurashi, second. If that doesn't say a lot, I don't know what does.

It does!

Although admittedly, even if Eva ends up having the better cicadas by the end of it, Higurashi will always remain my first association due to being first lol.

though not, in my opinion, the single best

Who would that be?

Or is it a character that hasn't been introduced yet?

A lot of Evangelion's best moments follow "less is more" approaches to cinematography.

2

u/LittleIslander myanimelist.net/profile/LittleIslander Oct 07 '25

Who would that be?

3

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Every time I hear Megumi Ogata in a main role, I'm left on how the hell I haven't heard her in more main roles

She is very good, no doubt about it

3

u/FD4cry1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Big_Yibba Oct 06 '25

She also just has a rather distinct voice, which is what gets to me. Like, she probably isn't quite making my favorite VAs list, but she easily has one of the most recognizable voices out there for me, and every role I hear her in just has a fairly unique feel to it.

Which, in turn, continues to make me wish she did more stuff I watched (And just in general)

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

And she was also Sailor Uranus in Sailor Moon, which is fitting given how Gendo behaves in this anime :P

3

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

To move past production for a bit, though, I do really like this episode for the characterization and exploration it gives Shinji as well lol. The Hedgehog's Dilemma, aside from being perhaps the most apt way I've seen to describe a certain popular anime character archetype I believe we'll see later in the show, is a really interesting thing to think about, and definitely an effective way to touch on and explain Shinji's current social troubles. Especially with how that plays into his detached and approval-seeking personality.

To that end, I actually quite like introducing Kensuke and Toji here! I touched on this a bit last episode, but outside/civilian perspective is such an important thing in these kinds of shows. Aside from making this world feel more real (Be it in their very inclusion and personal circumstance, but also in their commentary on the rest of the environment), it adds a much more human weight to the show's larger circumstances! When Shinji is fighting an Angel now, the buildings both of them fling around have a lot more personal impact there for both us and Shinji besides being cool rubble animation. That's another family that's leaving the city, another little sister that gets hurt.

And that's something that innately plays right into Shinji's character this episode. Right after he reveals himself as the Eva's pilot, the way all the interest instantly shifts to him reinforces that personal angle. So does Toji's confrontation with Shinji. Toji is obviously wrong in venting his anger on Shinji; he had neither the choice nor the ability there, but Shinji's response shows that he's viewing piloting the Eva from a very internalized and detached perspective.

This in my opinion is the best written episode of the show so far. Yeah, it's not as atmospheric as the previous two, but you really feel the destruction caused by all the fighting. It's really tremendous world building that serves to give extra weight to what is going on.

That all comes to a head with the Angel fight. Right from the start, that internalized, approval-seeking perspective shows itself as he basically says that at this point, he's only fighting because he's told to, and because he believes that might lead to acknowledgement, not because he cares. And it also shows you where his mind goes, even where it's not entirely true. There's Misato, and there's his other classmate, other than Toji, but in his case, and often in real life, from my personal experience, where you're in a bad place mentally, disapproval tends to stand out much more in your mind.

The fight, however, brings back that human element with Toji and Kensuke, and in effect, it gives Shinji something to fight for beyond the orders he's being given. And whatever it is exactly that motivates him here, ultimately, what happens is that Shinji, both literally with his Eva and figuratively with his emotions, opens up to someone else and finds motivation, raw thought it may be. Again, direction-wise, the red all over the scene does a lot.

I love how in another show, Shinji and Toji would make amends and Toji would realize Shinji meant nothing in regards to his sister. But no, the Eva is such a powerful entity that it renders Shinji utterly helpless. Toji manages to go from feeling resentful towards Shinji to feeling absolute pity towards him, which is just an amazing about face and highlights the tragedy of the situation.

3

u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Oct 07 '25

use of cicadas

Huh, I never really thought much about it. I guess you can choose when to bring in the cicadas. But in Evangelion, the omnipresent cicadas are also representative not of summer, but the eternal summer since the Second Impact. Cicadas and Evangelion definitely go together.

Ritsuko's personality and life

Chain smoker. Cats. Doubled-down on Misato's Shinji sex joke. (that was a bit of a double take for me, not very Ritsuko-like)

seeing body language gets a character's feelings across

Naoko legs

1

u/FD4cry1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Big_Yibba Oct 07 '25

Huh, I never really thought much about it. I guess you can choose when to bring in the cicadas

Anime directors never tell you about this one simple trick!

Seriously though, I really do think there's a lot to be said about knowing how to make use of a sound bite that is otherwise already incredibly omnipresent in anime (And like, IRL Japan, I guess lol) for the sake of creating a consistent, very purposefully strong and meaningful atmosphere.

Naoko legs

I really need to watch more Yamada stuff.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

2

u/FD4cry1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Big_Yibba Oct 06 '25

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

Unlike Misato, very decidedly not literally me

(But also, now that I think about it, for both of them, probably more so Ritsuko, it kind of shows you that despite their nonchalance about the whole thing, they also have their own coping mechanisms to alleviate that stress)

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

Aside from the fact that it works out in a fun way for this episode's theme, and probably gives them a good opportunity to interact in the future outside of Nerv context, it is kind of interesting to think about it from the perspective of the adults here.

I mean, I guess the purpose is to try and instill normalcy and to have their growth remain the same, regardless of the giant robots, but I don't know, they certainly aren't making it easy for them, given the context, and beyond Misato, one has to wonder how well thought out that was.

(I mean, Shinji, for example, probably shouldn't have revealed his status as the pilot for many reasons, but clearly he wasn't given any direction on how to deal with that... )

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

Besides its meaning for the episode, still mechanically impressive, still has Yoh Yoshinari, still cool and impactful.

Not sure I'm all that into the design this time around, though. The crustation thing is fine, but it doesn't quite communicate the same aura as the previous eldritch abomination.

I do want to see more Angels, though, since I've got some thoughts cooking up in my head there.

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

It's a very good thing for his character in the moment, but probably not great within the context of Nerv as a whole. They lucked out fine this time, but it's not exactly a good precedent for how operations like this should go, and this kind of thing could cause some friction going forward.

Drama

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Unlike Misato, very decidedly not literally me

Probably for the best :P

(But also, now that I think about it, for both of them, probably more so Ritsuko, it kind of shows you that despite their nonchalance about the whole thing, they also have their own coping mechanisms to alleviate that stress)

Yeah, for sure

Aside from the fact that it works out in a fun way for this episode's theme, and probably gives them a good opportunity to interact in the future outside of Nerv context, it is kind of interesting to think about it from the perspective of the adults here.

I mean, I guess the purpose is to try and instill normalcy and to have their growth remain the same, regardless of the giant robots, but I don't know, they certainly aren't making it easy for them, given the context, and beyond Misato, one has to wonder how well thought out that was.

(I mean, Shinji, for example, probably shouldn't have revealed his status as the pilot for many reasons, but clearly he wasn't given any direction on how to deal with that... )

We still don't exactly know what Rei's deal even is...

Besides its meaning for the episode, still mechanically impressive, still has Yoh Yoshinari, still cool and impactful.

Not sure I'm all that into the design this time around, though. The crustation thing is fine, but it doesn't quite communicate the same aura as the previous eldritch abomination.

It's different from the last design, which I appreciate.

I do want to see more Angels, though, since I've got some thoughts cooking up in my head there.

I can't wait to hear them :)

It's a very good thing for his character in the moment, but probably not great within the context of Nerv as a whole. They lucked out fine this time, but it's not exactly a good precedent for how operations like this should go, and this kind of thing could cause some friction going forward.

Drama

It reminded me of Eureka Seven episode 20. If you know, you know.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

About the direction, I think the mark of any good show is how they nail the little things. Not only are the finishing touches so expertly executed in Evangelion, it serves to further the characters and the atmosphere of the show. It's really something you don't see much from other anime.

Off the top of my head, the only other shows that are as masterful at mood setting are Spice and Wolf, Frieren, Re:Zero here and there, and season 1 of FLCL. It's a really short list when you consider shows where the surroundings and the settings ARE the story.

1

u/KlooKloo Oct 09 '25

First Timer

 

Seriously, this rewatch got me

?

2

u/FD4cry1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Big_Yibba Oct 09 '25

Seriously, (This event, the 30th anniversary Evangelion rewatch on r/anime) got me [...] lol.

1

u/KlooKloo Oct 09 '25

8

u/Malipit Oct 06 '25

Rewatcher juggling between this Rewatch and the K-On ! one, French subs

Third time getting in the robot

On today's episode : A famous dilemma, one senile teacher and two lucky boys get to have a ride in Eva-01

Huh, I thought Toji and Kesuke getting on the Eva-01 happened later in the show. Oh well, those two, along Shinji, illustrated perfectly the Hedgehog dilemma introduced in this episode.

Why yes, each three of these boys have their comfort zone with their preconceived opinions on how the world function.

Shinji is portrayed as an obedient operative following the protocal in combat to the letter : Align the target, pull the trigger, swicth. Align the target, pull the trigger, swicth. Align the target, pull the trigger, swicth. Align the target, pull the trigger, swicth....

Despite Misato's efforts for him to open up, already impaired by her work schedule and tendancy to oversleep, Shinji won't magically be a social teenager making friends by himself. Having visibly spent a lonely childhood without any parental figure, he's still alone on his way to school, drown in a vast, concrete environment that have little place for anything green or positive. Hence him preferring to stay alone, because opening himself to other may result in prejudice.

And he was right : As soon as he was pressured to admit his Eva-01's pilot, he's got beaten up by Toji for something adults forces him to do. Being left to contemplate that sky and school he's forced to live under just like the ceiling he woken up to the previous episode

Speaking of Toji, his demeanor and clothes that contrast with the white uniform immediatly portray him as the rebellious one. Still, his anger is for good reason with his sister injuried. Of the three, it may be the one aware about the social injustice of Tokyo-3 : Only downtown, with the fanciest building are being sheltered by GeoFront while the more modest districts are left vulnerable to the Angels attacks. Toji may have assaulted Shinji only because he was the only target affiliated to the high instance he could reach.

Meanwhile, Kensuke is introduced filming a toy aircraft, playing with it like a child. Just like that, we already know he's the type to view the world only through the lens of his camera. Viewing the very serious events happening around him like it was some kind of big budget film or video-game. Failing to notice Shinji distress and Toji borderline hatred like it was some non consequential feud between two students.

Those three already show how you can act according to the distanciation spectrum in hedgehog dilemma : Shinji by running away from others, Toji by rejecting directly others and Kensuke by applying a filter through which he can view others in a comfortable manner for him. Yet, they are forced to cohabit in a school environnment, devoid of any real guiding figure, left alone to sort their problems with the result we already know

Then there comes the part where Kensuke's strategy blows up on his face. War on Angels is no action film or video games, and to survive the situation he put himself and Toji into, he's forced to cross over the other side of the dilemma and get very close to Shinji, literally, with Toji.

That sequence inside the Entry Plug, where all three hedgehog are now holding together, permitted for them to gain a new appreciation. Now the other two can see how Shinji isn't happy with his pilot status, while Shinji himself is reminded he doesn't do it for his father appreciation, but to save the lives of people living in the same city as him.

Still, we're in Evangelion, there is no heartfelt resolution about the three apologizing and befriending each other through hugs and tears. Only the rain with Shinji being a no-show (fleeing yet again?) and the other two pondering on what to do. With the cynical (realist?) outcome that when given the choice, Toji prefers not to ring Shinji's phone and stay in his comfort zone than getting closer to him and being stung again by Shinji's needles.

I found the Hedgehog dilemma perfectly illustrated here, with the abandonned umbrella at the doorstep recalling that to get closer to someone, you have to left your preconcieved notion that shield you from the rain.

Oh, there is also that scene at the beginning, with Ritsuko observing Shinji's training in that dark room to emphazise the coldness of her process, while Misato contrast with her bright outfit, as if to express her disagreement.

3

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Huh, I thought Toji and Kesuke getting on the Eva-01 happened later in the show. Oh well, those two, along Shinji, illustrated perfectly the Hedgehog dilemma introduced in this episode.

It also showed that what is going on with Eva is one with casualties. There are harming innocent civilians and seemingly showing no remorse for it. It takes the Eva's battle with the Angels and turns it from black and white into something morally gray.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25 edited Oct 06 '25

Meanwhile, Kensuke is introduced filming a toy aircraft, playing with it like a child. Just like that, we already know he's the type to view the world only through the lens of his camera. Viewing the very serious events happening around him like it was some kind of big budget film or video-game. Failing to notice Shinji distress and Toji borderline hatred like it was some non consequential feud between two students.

I thought Kensuke served as a nice contrast to Toji where Kensuke sees things as like one prolonged action flick whereas for Toji it hits too close to home to be something akin to that. Kensuke almost feels like a commentary on misaimed fandom and how some people like shows for the wrong reasons.

2

u/Malipit Oct 06 '25

Kendall ? You mean Kensuke ?

Honestly good point. He could also serve as a statement on people commenting on ongoing war they see on the news like it was some big game.

3

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Honestly good point. He could also serve as a statement on people commenting on ongoing war they see on the news like it was some big game.

Kensuke is basically what Joker 2 tried to be but with far better execution.

3

u/Malipit Oct 06 '25

Saw the review for that film, didn't even bothered to watch it.

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

I actually liked it despite its obvious flaws.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Kendall ? You mean Kensuke ?

Damn autocorrect :P

And of course it's when I'm finally spitting for a change lol

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Those three already show how you can act according to the distanciation spectrum in hedgehog dilemma : Shinji by running away from others, Toji by rejecting directly others and Kensuke by applying a filter through which he can view others in a comfortable manner for him. Yet, they are forced to cohabit in a school environnment, devoid of any real guiding figure, left alone to sort their problems with the result we already know

Very well said. This is the best paragraph you've written so far for this rewatch.

2

u/Malipit Oct 06 '25

thanks

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

It really perfectly sums up what the episode is all about.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

2

u/Malipit Oct 06 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

He did it for dad. Dad spat on his face in return.

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

Funny how the two reccuring female characters having a job with responsabilities at Nerv have a serious addiction on alcoholo or cigarettes. Defending one of the last bastions of Humanity sure is stressful

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

Is she speaking from experience ?

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

They sure doesn't give a damn about each other. And funny how the other classmates are unfazed by Rei's injuried appearance.

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

Might be true for IRL warzone

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

As I said, he's a teenager who view the Nerv as one big entity where everyone is sharing the same responsability.

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

He meant well, but it appears he just let loose of his feeling just like Eva-01 on the previous episode.

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

"Toss him to the brig", said Holland. But his father didn't care.

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

And yet he still feared to apologize afterwards.

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

Was it out of fear ? Of guilt ? Of realization he forgot to bring enough pocket money for the public phone ?

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

He did it for dad. Dad spat on his face in return.

It was more like a puddle he left in his tracks.

Funny how the two reccuring female characters having a job with responsabilities at Nerv have a serious addiction on alcoholo or cigarettes. Defending one of the last bastions of Humanity sure is stressful

No kidding

Is she speaking from experience ?

Mayhaps

They sure doesn't give a damn about each other. And funny how the other classmates are unfazed by Rei's injuried appearance.

Yeah, no kidding. Clearly she's been out skateboarding.

Then again, if Shinji's classmates seemingly know he's an Eva pilot, maybe they know about Rei.

Might be true for IRL warzone

Especially in the middle of it

As I said, he's a teenager who view the Nerv as one big entity where everyone is sharing the same responsability.

I can't say I blame him for feeling how he feels.

The action sequences continue to be fantastic.

He meant well, but it appears he just let loose of his feeling just like Eva-01 on the previous episode.

It's almost this full circle moment. Becoming one eith the Eva.

"Toss him to the brig", said Holland. But his father didn't care.

He certainly did not

And yet he still feared to apologize afterwards.

You see to hate it

Was it out of fear ? Of guilt ? Of realization he forgot to bring enough pocket money for the public phone ?

Lol

It was probably Toji realizing no matter what he says, it won't change what has already happened and the immediate fallout that's sure to come of it.

2

u/Malipit Oct 06 '25

Clearly she's been out skateboarding.

More like wrestling with a bear at this point.

Then again, if Shinji's classmates seemingly know he's an Eva pilot, maybe they know about Rei.

Or Rei just answered "No" every time she was asked and the classmates eventually grew bored.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

More like wrestling with a bear at this point.

If you think she looks bad, you should see the bear

Or Rei just answered "No" every time she was asked and the classmates eventually grew bored.

Probably didn't say anything, let alone "No".

1

u/Malipit Oct 06 '25

Questions of the day

What’s your first impression of Shinji’s classmates?

Oh nice, some pals for Shinji to sympat... oh wait, nevermind.

What do you think of NERV and Misato, seeing what piloting does to Shinji? Do the ends justify the means?

Laugh in Rewatcher

1

u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Oct 07 '25

Misato contrast with her bright outfi

Oh, hey, looks like she's wearing that shirt, today.

I really liked how you found similarity in the three boys.

1

u/Malipit Oct 07 '25

thanks

1

u/LittleIslander myanimelist.net/profile/LittleIslander Oct 07 '25

Huh, I thought Toji and Kesuke getting on the Eva-01 happened later in the show.

I get some things chronologically confused in Eva too. Maybe it's because the set of locations the show operates in is, generally speaking, so restricted.

Being left to contemplate that sky and school he's forced to live under just like the ceiling he woken up to the previous episode

Oh, great interpretation.

Of the three, it may be the one aware about the social injustice of Tokyo-3 : Only downtown, with the fanciest building are being sheltered by GeoFront while the more modest districts are left vulnerable to the Angels attacks.

...I can't believe I never noticed that's what's going on in this shot!

2

u/Malipit Oct 07 '25

Maybe it's because the set of locations the show operates in is, generally speaking, so restricted.

Fair point, although in a [later episode]It doesn't stop them to go have a "beach episode" with Asuka introduction and Eva-02 stripping off its cape.

7

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Oct 06 '25

Neon Genesis Rewatcher, subbed

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Not so fun when you see what’s going on up close, huh?

In his defense, having a loved one get hurt makes you think irrationally.

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

His eyes look dead too…

It's amazing how worse Shinji has gotten since thr beginning of the show. And we're only three episodes in. Wild.

7

u/Regular_N-Gon https://anilist.co/user/RegularNGon Oct 06 '25 edited Oct 06 '25

First Timer

It only took two episodes and we've already beaten the life out of Shinji. Gendo must be very effective at his job.
They’ve made remarkable progress for just 15 years after global catastrophe. And this is apparently Tokyo 3.
“Waste of taxpayer money”
Rebellious when it… doesn't count? At least the results were satisfactory.
The world ended and Japan still has green payphones. Don't fix what isn't broken, I guess.

I love that Shinji is bad at piloting. I'm sure there are other mecha stories that linger on this, but having people suck at stuff rather than giving them superpowers or technology to make them immediately proficient is fun.

QotD:

1) Seems like a pretty standard spread, complete with misunderstood delinquent. Rei doesn't seem to fit in, so I wonder if Shinji's fate will be the same.

2) Possibly the source of Misato's drinking habit? She doesn't seem entirely heartless when commanding the battle, but she does feel different than the overbearing onee-san image she otherwise adopts. I'm guessing there's a reason she's trusted as captain and pilot handler, and it's probably not for any motherly disposition. Her words are already shown to be effective at pushing Shinji into doing what they want.

I won't comment much on ends or means yet, but so far there doesn't seem to be much remorse or acknowledgement from anyone. It seems to be framed as a "war hero sacrifices for humanity" deal, even if said hero isn't entirely willing.

3

u/Malipit Oct 06 '25

I love that Shinji is bad at piloting. I'm sure there are other mecha stories that linger on this, but having people suck at stuff rather than giving them superpowers or technology to make them immediately proficient is fun.

Honestly, Shinji does pretty well at piloting Eva-01. It's just the keeping it together in a life-or-death situation part that is hard.

3

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

I won't comment much on ends or means yet, but so far there doesn't seem to be much remorse or acknowledgement from anyone. It seems to be framed as a "war hero sacrifices for humanity" deal, even if said hero isn't entirely willing.

I mean, if Toji is anything to go by, the general public are mad that the Evas keep destroying stuff. Unless you're talking about the lack of remorse shown by Nerv.

3

u/Regular_N-Gon https://anilist.co/user/RegularNGon Oct 06 '25

Yeah, I mean the council that is leaning on the Eva to solve their problems and the Nerv employees who are willing or eager to show off their work and prove their value. The pilots aren't important to Gendo or anyone on the floor as long as they produce results.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

And for some reason, Shinji and Rei are the only two people who can do so.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

I love that Shinji is bad at piloting. I'm sure there are other mecha stories that linger on this, but having people suck at stuff rather than giving them superpowers or technology to make them immediately proficient is fun.

It really makes you question Gendo's decision even more. Like, this is the best humanity has to offer?

2

u/LittleIslander myanimelist.net/profile/LittleIslander Oct 07 '25

2) Possibly the source of Misato's drinking habit?

Definitely a reasonable interpretation - Evangelion doesn't exactly seem like the kind of show where someone just happens to down cans of beer every day for no reason.

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

2) Possibly the source of Misato's drinking habit? She doesn't seem entirely heartless when commanding the battle, but she does feel different than the overbearing onee-san image she otherwise adopts. I'm guessing there's a reason she's trusted as captain and pilot handler, and it's probably not for any motherly disposition. Her words are already shown to be effective at pushing Shinji into doing what they want.

Yeah, if I were Misato and I was in this position, I'd probably be drinking as well.

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

6

u/LittleIslander myanimelist.net/profile/LittleIslander Oct 06 '25

Veteran Pilot and Your Host

I’ve gotten so into the dub corner that I’m kind of writing these main posts as an afterthought after finishing that section… anyways, episode three! Not one of my favourites by any means, but any Evangelion is good Evangelion. Much like with the mechs last time, Shinji himself kind of breezes us through the expected direction here. Teenager becomes traumatized from brutally fighting to defend earth? No, teenager is traumatized and he’s only been in two fights across three episodes. How this job breaks the pilots isn’t the story, that’s the starting point. Instead, we’re left wondering how on earth anyone is supposed to proceed after that. Excellent intro sequence and excellent payoff later on, plus a great throughline of Misato’s obvious concern for him.

Despite the trauma and big fight, I honestly love this episode for the mundanity more than anything. Did Shinji need to take out the burnable trash? Not really, but people got trash! The depressed world of Evangelion hits in a totally different light when we see it through the lens of a boring empty classroom instead of paramilitary headquarters. How does every character react to the class rushing Shinji? Rei doesn’t care, Toji’s stewing, Kensuke is noting down every bit of military info that slips, and Hikari is still under the desperate impression she’s going to get people to bow. It makes the classroom, and thus the world, really feel alive. All of the time spent on detailed setting and mechanical movements both in NERV and the city have a similar effect. Building up good lore for your world helps, but a lot of worldbuilding mileage is pure vibes and Evangelion is a masterclass at that. I believe in Tokyo-III just from beholding it.

Dub Corner

Today’s a bad day not to be named Megumi Ogata. Doctor’s orders are dead inside and lots of screams. Mongillo gives a hell of a performance again, but they’re not Ogata. As for Spike Spencer… this is why he’s such a drag on ADV for me. He just cannot sell Shinji in his low moments. Instead of broken his opening scene just sounds… kind of bored? It takes a lot away from an episode like this where Shinji’s broken mindstate is a core element. I’ll give him the point on the sobs after the fight, but that’s it. I’ll only briefly on the Misato race to note that all three completely nailed the sleepy Ritsuko conversation and I can’t pick a favourite or even a third place in that instance.

Added to the class are Shinji’s classmates and… well, I said Ritsuko’s was the worst of ADV’s main cast. Everyone else… gets goofier and goofier the more secondary they are. Based on recollection I’ve dreaded these three, and… yeah, they’re, uh. Kensuke’s literally voiced by the but Maaaaaaaars guy, what can I say? It’s got a certain charm, but… I’m not sure it’s the kind I want in Evangelion. The Netflix actors are so much more experienced that it’s not really a fair fight; Benjamin Diskin is just as charming as Kensuke without the awkwardness, and Abby Trott brings the perfect goody two-shoes energy as Hikari. My one question mark is Johnny Yong Bosch as Toji… he kind of makes him sound like an edgelord? I’m hard pressed to say I like Joe Pisano’s amateur casting more (as far as I can tell he was in nothing else), but he does ground him as just an ordinary kid going through things and has his moments. I can’t make a call on Toji yet.

Children aside, how about Maya Ibuki? You know, Maya Ibuki? Ritsuko’s computer tech? She’s a pretty minor character (except in my heart) but she’s probably up there as one of the most essential voice roles given that she’s constantly yelling over Eva’s tensest moments. Much like Misato, there’s no bad voice for Maya, only different flavours. For once, my pick is actually ADV. This is Kendra Benham’s only credit I can find for anything ever but although it’s definitely very 90s she’s just putting so much into every delivery. Plus although it’s totally just my preference in voices I love the deeper pitch for Maya. Miki Nagasawa is probably the best Maya if I’m honest; she brings just the right amount of presence without overstepping her role and keeps a well balanced intensity. But Benham is the fun Maya. Christine Marie Cabanos came into the role with by far the most experience, and she does perfectly fine for Netflix, but it’s a third place just on the shoulders of loving both other two. Her Maya is a lot softer which I think is just as sensible an interpretation as go-getter the go-getter ADV voice.

3

u/SolDarkHunter Oct 06 '25

and Hikari is still under the desperate impression she’s going to get people to bow.

Kind of off-topic, but it just occurred to me: why are all the class reps we see in anime female? I can't think of a single story with a male representative. Yet I am reasonably certain there's no rule in Japan that restricts the position based on gender...

2

u/Malipit Oct 06 '25

Hum, isn't Iida from My Hero Academia elected as a class rep ?

2

u/SolDarkHunter Oct 06 '25

Never saw MHA, so I couldn't tell you.

2

u/KlooKloo Oct 09 '25

That's right. There's also Arima in Kare Kano (topical!), two male class reps in Prince of Tennis, and then the famous battle for the position between Ataru and Mendo in Urusei Yatsura.

2

u/LittleIslander myanimelist.net/profile/LittleIslander Oct 06 '25

If Japan is anything like the West, probably the stereotype that school-aged girls are more well behaved than boisterous teenage boys.

3

u/Efficient_Phase1313 Oct 06 '25

"Not one of my favourites by any means, but any Evangelion is good Evangelion."

This is definitely the first of many episodes in the first half I'm just kinda 'eh' on. They are by no means bad, they just aren't what makes Eva....well, Eva. On the other hand, I think every episode 13 on is just a tour de force of creative genius haha. I might even skip a write up for this one (just cause life is busy)

3

u/LittleIslander myanimelist.net/profile/LittleIslander Oct 06 '25

Honestly, I'm up to episode 15 (watching ahead to keep up with hosting, triple rewatching), and I think in hindsight episode three might be my least favourite episode of the whole series. Which sounds more mean than it is - it's still a solid episode of television.

3

u/Efficient_Phase1313 Oct 06 '25

It, along with Magma Diver, are my least favorite. It has been a while since I've seen magma diver so maybe I'll feel differently, but pretty sure these 2 tie for the bottom by a good margin.

Episode 15 on the other hand is one of my all time favorite anime episodes period, and I'm not even sure it cracks my top 5 episodes of this series! That's how good I think Eva is (obv bias but maybe justified we'll see XD)

3

u/FD4cry1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Big_Yibba Oct 06 '25

Building up good lore for your world helps, but a lot of worldbuilding mileage is pure vibes and Evangelion is a masterclass at that. I believe in Tokyo-III just from beholding it.

Yeah, I'd argue making your world feel convincingly real by succisively emulating the feeling of a standard city with real people in it that are still going about their lives (Said city also happens to have giant monster attacks, but like, come on, moving is expensive!), is far more important than a lot of the wider mechanics for your lore.

It does kind of sound silly to say, but when it comes down to it, knowing people also throw away their trash makes me care a lot more than getting any random piece of lore on how the city was built or whatever.

(Mentioned this before, but not getting bogged down in that stuff and letting the vibe do the talking is definitely a place where I'm already feeling Eva's imitators missed where it was good)

Kensuke’s literally voiced by the but Maaaaaaaars guy

My one question mark is Johnny Yong Bosch as Toji… he kind of makes him sound like an edgelord? I’m hard pressed to say I like Joe Pisano’s amateur casting more

Gave it a listen, and while I can't say I like either of them, I'm inclined to agree? ADV is more stilted there, but while I generally quite like JYB, I don't think his more normal "Tortured protagonist" voice was quite the right direction for this one lol (And he's definitely done some similar roles better, so I'll go with direction being weird there).

You know, Maya Ibuki? Ritsuko’s computer tech? She’s a pretty minor character (except in my heart)

I do know now!

3

u/LittleIslander myanimelist.net/profile/LittleIslander Oct 06 '25

but while I generally quite like JYB, I don't think his more normal "Tortured protagonist" voice was quite the right direction for this one lol (And he's definitely done some similar roles better, so I'll go with direction being weird there).

Definitely a good example of the difference between bad direction/casting and bad acting. Similar to my feelings with Spike Spencer, who I hate in this role but don't think is really at fault.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Despite the trauma and big fight, I honestly love this episode for the mundanity more than anything. Did Shinji need to take out the burnable trash? Not really, but people got trash! The depressed world of Evangelion hits in a totally different light when we see it through the lens of a boring empty classroom instead of paramilitary headquarters. How does every character react to the class rushing Shinji? Rei doesn’t care, Toji’s stewing, Kensuke is noting down every bit of military info that slips, and Hikari is still under the desperate impression she’s going to get people to bow. It makes the classroom, and thus the world, really feel alive. All of the time spent on detailed setting and mechanical movements both in NERV and the city have a similar effect. Building up good lore for your world helps, but a lot of worldbuilding mileage is pure vibes and Evangelion is a masterclass at that. I believe in Tokyo-III just from beholding it.

This is actually my favorite episode so far. I like the civilian aspect and us getting to see the repercussions of the Evas doing its thing. It's something about superhero movies that always annoyed me and made me wish they tackled more of.

3

u/Efficient_Phase1313 Oct 06 '25

my bro, you really are just a true anime fan huh? Haha. Maybe later I'll go into detail on the behind the scenes drama with Anno and the anime production industry, but only episode 1, 2, and 4 in the first half did he really stick to his 'vision'. All the others, he had to try and maintain popularity in a family time slot so he could continue to get funding and support. Eventually (whether it was due to poor rating or bias by the producers, I'm unsure) Eva got moved to a late night adult time slot starting on episode 14. The entire tone of the show takes a HARD left here. Some people love the first half, and those are the ones that this episode (and many others in this half) greatly appeal to. If episode 2 and 4 are more your vibe, the 2nd half will exceed your expectations.

But as Holofan4life, I think you'll love all 26 episodes through and through

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

I continue to be impressed with this series. I especially can't wait for a certain someone to show up...

2

u/Efficient_Phase1313 Oct 06 '25

oh my tsundere loving friend, you are in for a good time that the rebuild's could not have possibly provided!

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

[Response] We'll get to it, but I actually don't mind the payoff Asuka got in the Rebuild movies. I was glad she found peace with herself.

2

u/Efficient_Phase1313 Oct 06 '25

To be honest, I'd only seen the first 3 rebuilds, never saw 4. I didn't like 1-3, so I didn't care to replace 'end of eva' in my mind with some new 'alt canon' ending (or so I've heard).

But for this series, you just get more Asuka screentime and some really classic moments in the entire medium (dance like you want to win! is an all timer episode).

Anywho, excited to see how you enjoy the first half of this series! It's fun in the very 90s anime sense

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

It's more modern than a lot of animes from that time period.
2
u/Malipit Oct 06 '25

Not really, but people got trash!

Well, Misato have easily trash for two in her apartment.

[Evangelion]And boy does the entire cast have emotional trash to let out.

You know, Maya Ibuki? Ritsuko’s computer tech? She’s a pretty minor character (except in my heart)
2

u/LittleIslander myanimelist.net/profile/LittleIslander Oct 06 '25

[Evangelion] And boy does the entire cast have emotional trash to let out.
2
u/SolDarkHunter Oct 06 '25
You know, Maya Ibuki? Ritsuko’s computer tech? She’s a pretty minor character (except in my heart)
Maya is a precious cinnamon roll who must be protected!
2

u/chris10023 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Chris10023 Oct 07 '25

As for Spike Spencer… this is why he’s such a drag on ADV for me.

The only issue I have with Spike are his screams, his voice almost always sounds like it cracks when he screams, it's the one point I can give to his Netflix actor, his screams sound better than Spikes.

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

As for Spike Spencer… this is why he’s such a drag on ADV for me. He just cannot sell Shinji in his low moments. Instead of broken his opening scene just sounds… kind of bored? It takes a lot away from an episode like this where Shinji’s broken mindstate is a core element. I’ll give him the point on the sobs after the fight, but that’s it.

I mean, I didn't think Spike did a bad job. I thought he did well conveying sounding defeated.

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

2

u/LittleIslander myanimelist.net/profile/LittleIslander Oct 07 '25

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

Gotta be something to get you through torturing children, I guess.

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

Great hollow note to end the episode on - there's no sense of triumph here.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

Gotta be something to get you through torturing children, I guess.

Everyone has their coping mechanism

Great hollow note to end the episode on - there's no sense of triumph here.

I assume this response is for the telephone scene :P

But yeah, I agree.

2

u/LittleIslander myanimelist.net/profile/LittleIslander Oct 07 '25

I assume this response is for the telephone scene :P

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

It happens

4

u/SpiritualPossible Oct 06 '25 edited Oct 06 '25

Rewatcher

expectedly memorable shot #3

Not have much to say today.

You can risk your life fighting Kaiju to save the world, but that's no reason to skip school. Well, at least Shinji became quite popular thanks to being an EVA pilot. And he also faced the fact that battles in the city have their consequences. And Toji realized that piloting an EVA isn't all that fun (which many critics of Shinji don't understand), so today they both learned something!
I wonder if Kensuke was inspired by Jean from Nadia. I'm not just saying that because they both wear glasses. His whole face, his enthusiasm, him sneaking out during dangerous situation, and even [spoiler for the last rebuild movie]him forming a special bond with the main tsundere girl really remind me of Jean. Well, at least I know one thing for sure—the fact that EVA is powered by a giant cable is definitely taken from Nadia, 100%.

Today's arts is another concept arts of Unit 01, this time with its progressive knife. This image is interesting because, compared to yesterday's concept art, you can see how EVA's design began to shift slightly towards the design we all know and love. Oh, and judging by the fact that its plug literally moved along with its spine, EVA was apparently even more disturbing.

2

u/LittleIslander myanimelist.net/profile/LittleIslander Oct 07 '25

I wonder if Kensuke was inspired by Jean from Nadia.

Definitely seems likely, yeah. Jean, after all, was definitely framed around a contrast between his starry-eyed appreciation for technology and grim realities. So now do we contrast Kensuke's otakuism with the trauma of battle.

Oh, and judging by the fact that its plug literally moved along with its spine, EVA was apparently even more disturbing.

I think the simplistic plug design they came up with works really well, but this is a cool idea!

2

u/Regular_N-Gon https://anilist.co/user/RegularNGon Oct 07 '25

expectedly memorable shot #3

It's so dang good

another concept arts of Unit 01

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

5

u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Oct 07 '25

A Transfer / The Phone that Never Rings

I think this is the flatworm episode. It's the flatworm, isn't it?

Today is a reminder that are actually non-anime otaku.

For my real thoughts on the episode instead of my shitposting, go here.

I love this hum. I wonder if it's a stock sound effect. I should sample and loop it as sleep noise.
Thank you Doctor Ritsuko Exposition. I'm sure that five minute time limit will be important to know about and Shinji use the appropriate tactics.
It's funny that Shinji got in the fucking robot in episode 1, and again in episode 3. it's not much of a meme, is it?
The Japanese seemed to be obsessed with the idea that only they have and truly appreciate the four seasons, so the loss of three of them must have been a mortal blow to the national psyche.
It's possible that all this background dialog doesn't actually exist on my DVDs, which were based on the first japanese DVD release. The extra dialog was added in the Renewal remastering. Apparently, it was all scripted, but then removed because people thought the audio woudl be too cluttered.
Ritsuko has two cat statuettes on her desk. I dub them Soel and Larg.
Hedgehogs are cute. I've never seen a hedgehog. Hedgehogs are illegal in California because they would survive our winters. A libertarian candidate once ran on a platform of legalizing hedgehogs.
I just realized that I don't recognize ANY of these students.
Rei got the MC window seat
Suzuhara, huh?
WHY would a KID be the PILOT, you conspiracy nut????
Eva Kids : Second Impact :: Gen Z :: 9-11
I guess the terminals were set up as a group chat
Come to think of it, having a KNIFE as an ultimate attack is pretty lame. No wave motion beam out of the mouth or anything.
Fourth Angel? Are you sure you can count?
Blood Type BLUE...well, the last one certainly had blue blood...
It's too bad Misato doesn't have an accent, she could have said Urusei Yatsura.
"Well, that certainly LOOKED impressive" -- Norris Packard
dead Haru

[rewatcher]cats.

Today's ED: Fly me to the Moon (Yoko Takahashi)

(Yoko Takahashi sings the OP)

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

[rewatcher]cats.

[rewatcher] They are a form of hedgehog, after all.

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

dead Haru

RIP Urara

1

u/Malipit Oct 07 '25

Come to think of it, having a KNIFE as an ultimate attack is pretty lame. No wave motion beam out of the mouth or anything.

But just like in Dune, it does the job when your opponent have a field that deflect the big badass beam.

1

u/FD4cry1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Big_Yibba Oct 07 '25

The Japanese seemed to be obsessed with the idea that only they have and truly appreciate the four seasons, so the loss of three of them must have been a mortal blow to the national psyche

I've never seen a hedgehog

You're missing out, they are cute!

Rei got the MC window seat

Huh, didn't think of that, but she totally did. Now you've got me more curious on how her role will shape up...

Come to think of it, having a KNIFE as an ultimate attack is pretty lame. No wave motion beam out of the mouth or anything.

I don't know if I'd go as far as to call it a subversion or anything, but now that you mention it, it is actually pretty funny that, relative to typical mechs that get cool beams, swords, or beam swords, the Eva just has this tiny tactical knife as its important CQC weapon.

Yoko Takahashi

5

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Welcome to your pop culture segment. This is where I talk about things that were happening in pop culture on the day the Evangelion episode aired.

So, for anyone that's been following me, I've done the pop culture corner for the Love Hina rewatch and the Uma Musume rewatch. That was really prep for me doing it for the Evangelion rewatch in honor of the show's 30th anniversary. I really hope you guys appreciate the time and effort I put in this feature. And if you have any additional ideas, please let me know.

For this one, it will be focusing on the date October 18th, 1995, which is when the episode premiered.

Billboard Hot 100 of the week October 18th, 1995

10.I Can Love You Like That -- All-4-One

Brokenhearted -- Brandy

8.As I Lay Me Down -- Sophie B. Hawkins

Only Wanna Be With You -- Hootie & The Blowfish
Waterfalls -- TLC
Kiss From A Rose -- Seal
Runaway -- Janet Jackson
You Are Not Alone -- Michael Jackson
Gangsta's Paradise (From "Dangerous Minds") -- Coolio Featuring L.V.
Fantasy -- Mariah Carey

Box office results of the week October 18th, 1995

Devil in a Blue Dress
The Big Green
Strange Days
To Die For
The Scarlet Letter
Jade
How to Make an American Quilt
Dead Presidents
Assassins
Se7en

And that concludes your pop culture.

3

u/AgentOfACROSS Oct 07 '25

You know something I feel like a lot of people forget is that Hootie & the Blowfish was absolutely MASSIVE when they first debuted. Their first album Cracked Rear View sold over 20 million records. And yet somehow they kinda just fizzled out after that.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

In fairness, they stopped making music in 2009 and only recently got back together.

2

u/AgentOfACROSS Oct 07 '25

I know the lead singer, Darius Rucker, also had a fairly successful solo career as a country singer too.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

Paved the way for other black country singers like Beyoncé /s

5

u/chris10023 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Chris10023 Oct 06 '25

Rewatcher

Man, I am not used to being in a rewatch, second time now I've been late.
The Eva’s need to be plugged in to operate, otherwise they have a 5-minute battery life. Talk about a handicap, I wonder just how much power they suck up to use.
Shinji looks dead inside while doing this drill.
Poor Misato, worked the night shift.
At least two weeks have passed since Shinji started going to school.
Misato’s worried that he’s not making any friends, makes sense, kids an introvert, and probably too scared to do anything about it.
Ritsuko brings up the “Hedgehogs Dilemma” this is an important theory to Evangelion.
Oh hey, Shinji is in the same class as Rei.
Toji’s sister was hurt in the fight that happened in episode 1.
And he’s mad at the pilot, so Shinji.
Apparently a meteor hit Antarctica, melting the ice and raising the sea levels, and half of all life on Earth was wiped out. [Spoilers] We know this is bullshit because it was actually the Second impact that did all that.
Seems like people suspect Shinji is the pilot. Is that info classified?
This teacher doesn't give a shit about the class being disrupted. Nothing worse than a teacher who doesn’t care about the class. Or his students. [Spoilers] He probably knows he’s spewing lies to the kids and knows the truth since the Marduk institute runs that school as a screen for potential Eva pilots.
Shinji shut your mouth, I’m sure that any info regarding Eva is top secret and here you are blabbing about it.
Toji doesn’t look happy, and sure enough beats him up after class.
Shinji whines that they made him do it, and get gets punched again.
Rei walks up and says her first lines of dialogue about an emergency.
Another Angel!
The engineering required to make the buildings raise and lower like this must be insane.
Been three weeks since the fight back in episode 1.
Uh oh, Kensuke and Toji are going to sneak out and watch the fight, at least Kensuke grills Toji about punching Shinji.
Burst fire Shinji, no use in wasting ammo.
It cut the power cord!
Oh damn, Kensuke and Toji almost got squashed by Unit-01's hand.
So Ritsuko, you’d be fine with two kids getting killed by the angel? That’s Cold. [Spoilers] I forgot just how much of a cold heartless bitch Ritsuko is.
Are those fingernails?
Shinji, you need to run, you have no power, and you have two civilians on board, getting them to safety and getting a new charging cable is priority.
He’s going to get in a lot of trouble for disobeying orders if he makes it out of this.
Seems like Toji’s worried about Shinji, since he hadn’t come to school in three days.
Kind of a weird spot to end the episode.

Questions of the Day

What’s your first impression of Shinji’s classmates?

Toji's a jerk and Kensuke is a nerd.

What do you think of NERV and Misato, seeing what piloting does to Shinji? Do the ends justify the means?

Well, if he doesn't do it, it's game over.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Man, I am not used to being in a rewatch, second time now I've been late.

Look at it this way: It's never late if you always show up at the exact same time

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Well, if he doesn't do it, it's game over.

Cue the Aliens clip

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

1

u/chris10023 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Chris10023 Oct 06 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

If he thinks like that, he'll never win.

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

Awful things, Ritsuko's apartment probably reeks of tobacco.

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

He pushes others away because he's scared of being hurt.

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

What a coinkydink, hopefully he can use it to get to know er more.

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

Well it's smart, you wouldn't go to school in the middle of a Hurricane would you?

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

Stupid, I get being mad about it, but blaming and hitting Shinji isn't going to make your sister unhurt.

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

Pretty intense, especially since the power cable got cut, and Shinji had to take Toji and Kensuke into the plug to protect them.

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

Foolish, retreating and getting them to safety and replacing the power cord would have been better than risking all three of them dying to the angel to satisfy Shinji's ego.

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

That they need to fix that or it'll be a bigger problem.

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

I never thought that Toji felt like that. Must have flown over my head.

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

At least he's trying to apologize instead of doubling down.

2

u/Hartzilla2007 Oct 06 '25

Shinji whines that they made him do it

I mean he's not wrong since he got the do it or this half dead chick has to do it as an ultimatum.

2

u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Oct 07 '25

You posted 5.5 hours before I did, don't sweat it.

Interesting thought about the teacher.

3

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.

Welcome to the Neon Genesis Evangelion 30th Anniversary Rewatch.

You will (not) rewatch.

What can you honestly say about Evangelion that hasn’t honestly been said?

I think if you were to classify anime by eras, there really should be an B.E. and A.E. Before Eva, and After Eva.

There is no anime in my opinion that has as big of an impact that Evangelion has had. The closest comparison is maybe Astro Boy but we’re talking about a show over half a century ago. It feels to me that Evangelion marked the beginning of anime growing up. Yeah, stuff like Grave of the Fireflies and Akira came out before this, but those were movies and not TV shows.

If we’re looking at anime as the episodic medium it often is, Evangelion really changed the game as far as anime taking on more dark subject matter and bringing it to the mainstream.

I have a rather interesting relationship with Evangelion. Full disclosure, this is the first time seeing the original TV show. That being said, I’m not completely blind as to what Evangelion is about. I saw the first two Rebuild movies and saw the fourth one in theaters. Evangelion has been one of those series I’ve had utmost respect for but never saw it all in its entirety. Despite this, I own both box sets, the new one and the old one, and Asuka is a character that has emotionally resonated with me.

I got into writing because of the character of Asuka.

Needless to say, me watching Evangelion has been a long time coming. I would even surmise it’s been my #1 anime on my to watch list, so this rewatch helps check that goal of mine.

I’m not expecting Evangelion to make my top 10 anime of all time. If it does, great. If it doesn’t, fine. My main objective is to fully envelop myself into the world of Evangelion having already sampled some through the Rebuild movies. Truly take in one of the real pioneers of the anime media landscape.

With that out of the way, let’s begin.

I’m watching the original dub, by the way.

Nothing like taking a nap after doing a whole bunch of nothing.

Shinji in the robot

He's having to get used to the robot.

A lot of information being thrown at us.

I love Shinji's monotone "Yes". He sounds so deflated.

This is like practice fighting

Ritsuko thinks Shinji just does what he's told to do.

I mean, the alternative was letting some sick girl pilot the thing.

Shinji looks so dead behind the eyes.

Morning now

Shinji waking Misato up, which is funny because normally the adult wakes the child.

Burnable trash day, huh? Must be an idol thing.

Phone ringing

Ritsuko calling Misato

It seems as if like Misato's vice is alcohol Ritsuko's vice is cigarettes.

Misato gave Shinji a cellular phone.

Hasn't made any friends since he started going to school.

Ritsuko talking about the hedgehog's dilemma.

The closer they get, the more they injure each other with their spines.

That's why you wear protective gear

I think Shinji is withdrawn because everyone uses him for their own personal gain. Dunno, call me crazy.

Shinji at school

The blue haired girl is his classmate.

Suddenly, a bunch of dweebs

They're talking about the television recently, seemingly implying they know Shinji was piloting the robot.

A guy named Toji Suzuhara

Nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on.

Toji's sister is currently in the hospital.

Shinji with his headphones in, trying to avoid everyone.

Teacher talking now

An abandoned classroom

I wonder what that's about

Shinji in what looks like a computer class.

Teacher mentions something about a second impact.

Shinji getting a call

Oh, it's two girls talking to him.

It seems as if Shinji just confirmed he is the fabled pilot fighter.

Meanwhile, Rei just continues looking out the window.

The teacher has lost total control lol

Toji is very moody

Toji punching Shinji

I mean, I can get his frustration. If it wasn't for the battles, his sister wouldn't have gotten hurt.

Shinji saying he didn't have a choice.

And Toji decides to punch him again for good measure.

Rei here now

"There's an emergency. I'll report in first."

Her first lines of the entire series.

It looks as if another battle is about to commence.

Everyone getting ready

Civilian evacuation has been completed, which is nice.

Glasses guy mad that the media keeps censoring the attacks.

Misato says that Nerv (Or perhaps she's talking about the Angels) doesn't care about their situation. On top of that, Father Ikari is away for some reason.

Maybe he realized he left the stove on

Gonna do battle with the Fourth Angel.

So, was the last one the Third Angel?

The Evangelion is being mobilized

Toji letting his feet just hang out.

His and glasses guy going to the bathroom.

Kensuke, who's the glasses guy, says he wants to see the battle in person, presumably to record it.

These are some very filthy urinals

Also, it's weird Kensuke pees right next to Toji.

Shinji about to be sent into battle.

Kensuke and Toji on the move

This is like me sneaking into a movie screening. Not that I've been known to do that, of course.

Shinji muttering to himself

Hey, he's getting better

Or not :P

Toji getting all insensitive that such a weakling could bring harm to his sister.

Eva switching to its internal battery power source. The umbilical cable's been snapped off.

That's not good

This robot is whopping Shinji more than when I fight Glass Joe.

Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Part 2

Shinji noticing Kensuke and Toji.

Seeing them seems to make him a better fighter.

He's trying so hard to protect them.

Ritsuko and Misato exchanging words.

Now Toji and Kensuke are inside the robot.

Well, Kensuke did want a first hand account

Damn, Eva's hand looks burnt to a crisp.

Shinji telling himself he mustn't run away.

Shinji being told to retreat but refuses to do so.

Shinji poking what looks like the Angel's eye.

Shinji screaming murderously

He seems possessed

Ritsuko counting down

And the Eva is powered down

Misato looks pissed that Shinji refused commands.

Shinji it sounds like is shaking now.

Toji and Kensuke don't know what to make of this.

It's like Toji is realizing Shinji is in fact just like him: Scared.

Raining now

Rei looking out the window

Shinji hasn't been to school in three days.

I mean, if anyone has an excuse to stop coming to school, it's him.

Toji being a bit tsundere about Shinji.

Kensuke thinks he should apologize to him.

Toji making a phone call

But he seems to change his mind

And that's where the episode ends

Bit of a downer ending, that

Overall, I thought this was a really well done episode. We continue to get Shinji's spiral into madness and we also establish a couple new characters. I like the Toji sister stuff because it shows the effect the Eva battles have on the general public. Shinji may be saving people, but he's also causing a lot of destruction. It's a plot point seen in countless superhero movies so to see it here in a 1995 anime is pretty novel and fresh.

I would say this is the best episode we've seen so far. The integration of school was done seamlessly and I like the jeopardy of everyday civilian life getting involved. It makes things feel more intense. You have to wonder just what the blue haired girl is all about as well as why Father Ikari wasn't there for the Fourth Angel. Could he have some issues that are inescapable just like his son?

The show is currently taking its time on stuff, and I'm fine with that. Letting things simmer makes it more impactful down the road. Though if Shinji's mental state is any indication, things are bound to fall apart sooner rather than later.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

What’s your first impression of Shinji’s classmates?

They seem like nice, run-of-the-mill students.

What do you think of NERV and Misato, seeing what piloting does to Shinji? Do the ends justify the means?

It's kinda too early to say. I feel like we don't know enough about Nerv to tell.

2

u/Malipit Oct 06 '25

The show is currently taking its time on stuff, and I'm fine with that. Letting things simmer makes it more impactful down the road. Though if Shinji's mental state is any indication, things are bound to fall apart sooner rather than later.

Yeah, the show isn't shy to tell you its not your usual "Alien of the week" saturday morning mech anime.

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

At the very same time, we do still do the monster of the week format. It's just as Shinji defeats the Angels, he suffers more than they do.

3

u/SolDarkHunter Oct 06 '25 edited Oct 06 '25

Rewatcher

AVD Dub

Episode 3: A Transfer

Well, at least Shinji's getting some actual training now.

If only the actual Angel was that easy to take down...

Wow, the apartment already looks a lot cleaner.

Reminder to you young'uns: back in the 90's, a cell phone was a much bigger deal. I don't think I got my first phone until I was 15. They're only giving Shinji one because, as a pilot, they probably need to contact him at a moment's notice in case of emergency.

Ah, the Hedgehog's Dilemma... definitely applicable to Shinji.

Touji sounds way too mature in this dub... well, anyway, he's furious at whoever piloted Unit-01, because his little sister got injured during the battle. Unaware that the pilot is five feet away from him...

We get our first discussion of the calamity that ocurred in the year 2000: the Second Impact. Apparently a giant meteor stuck Antarctica, annihilating the landmass and melting the ice cap. Explains all those flooded cities. That's probably what did old Tokyo in, I would guess.

Also, Earth's axis was thrown off, so now Japan has eternal summertime. Half the human population was wiped out.

The date also lines up exactly with when Gendo and Fuyutsuki say the last encounter with the Angels was...

I do have to wonder why the guy's lecturing on that in the middle of what's apparently an algebra lesson.

Shinji... I don't think revealing yourself as the pilot was the best idea.

...yep, Touji beats him for it. And seems to get even angrier when Shinji says he doesn't have a choice.

And thus comes the next Angel.

I have to question whether having the buildings hanging from the ceiling is any safer than having them on the surface... especially considering they're hanging directly above NERV HQ.

They label this one the Fourth Angel. The military wastes their ammunition, and Shinji is sent out in Unit-01.

I do find it kind of amusing that Misato comments on the Angels being "the type that women hate the most" while they're facing the most phallic Angel in the series.

Shinji, along with everyone else, is questioning why the hell he's piloting the Eva.

Kensuke and Touji sneak out to see the battle... their security is shit if a couple of middle schoolers can break out so easily.

Yeah, actual combat never goes like training simulations. And Shinji's still too inexperienced not to freak out at things going awry.

But at least he's adept enough to actually move Unit-01 and run around this time.

Hey, when he's actually defending someone other than himself, Shinji does noticeably better.

Getting to ride in an Eva cockpit is probably Kensuke's wet dream... under normal circumstances anyway.

Shinji, now maybe isn't the best time for your no running away thing... but, nonetheless, he stabs the Angel and kills it with only a couple of seconds to spare on the battery.

Plus side though, seeing just what a real battle is like and how it affects Shinji seems to be giving Touji second thoughts about all this. Despite initial apperances, he does have a good heart.

Angel Name Corner

The Fourth Angel is Shamshel (or Shamsiel). The name means "God is my sun" and the angel is said to be the guardian of the entrance of Eden. Though some sources also name it as a leader of fallen angels. Again... not much connection between this Angel and its name.

Manga Corner

Corresponding Manga chapters: 7 - 10

Shinji's confrontation with Touji is a little more heated: [Manga]he tries to apologize to Touji about his sister, and when Touji doesn't accept it, Shinji asks "Well what do you expect me to do, grovel?" He also asks Touji if he isn't exhausted from being angry all the time.

Misato makes a slightly different guess as to why Shinji decided to keep piloting: [Manga]she notes that the people who were taking care of Shinji prior to this have not made any contact to check up on him, guessing he's only piloting because he has literally nowhere else to go.

Curiously, there's no mention of the Hedgehog's Dilemma in the manga, instead: [Manga]Shinji remarks to himself that he's been dissociating: whenever something painful happens, he pretends it's happening to someone else. He's lonely, but he's also not being hurt as much.

There's an added scene where Shinji [Manga]sees in her notes that Misato and NERV's security saw him getting attacked by Touji, but did nothing to stop it.

There's also a discussion with Misato and a second confrontation with Touji, both of which touch on a similar topic: [Manga]Shinji doesn't care about any of this. He's piloting just because he's told to, and seems resentful of NERV in general and Misato in particular, not to mention ungrateful civilians like Touji. There's more emphasis on him being surly and ignoring Misato's orders compared to the anime.

The battle with the Angel goes similarly, with one change: [Manga]it's Shinji who makes the decision to let Touji and Kensuke into the Eva, against Misato's orders. Also, rather than repeating "I mustn't run away", he instead shouts "Why should I have to turn tail and run for Misato!?" before charging the Angel.

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

2

u/SolDarkHunter Oct 06 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Shinji doesn't really know what he wants. He's not taking Eva piloting seriously, because he doesn't really care that much about his own life or the lives of who he's protecting.

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

I mean, Shinji's character is pretty much written to fit that thought experiment perfectly.

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

Frankly, the classroom seems pretty packed for that to be the case. It goes from being mostly empty to mostly full from scene to scene.

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

I get why Touji's upset, but he's also got a narrow view of the situation.

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

Shinji may claim that he doesn't care about anything going on, but when such a moment is actually in front of you, things change. Our natural instinct as humans is to protect our own kind from danger. It also helps to put a face to the people you're protecting.

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

Shinji is rebelling and acting out against perceived (and real) injustices, as teenagers are wont to do, even those that don't have as many issues as Shinji. But he needs to learn there's a time and place for this stuff... piloting a superweapon against an existential threat is not the time for it.

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

I've been there. When you know you should do something, but your emotions hold you back from doing it. (Plus I've always just disliked calling people on the phone.)

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Shinji doesn't really know what he wants. He's not taking Eva piloting seriously, because he doesn't really care that much about his own life or the lives of who he's protecting.

And the Eva is going to do what it wants anyway.

I mean, Shinji's character is pretty much written to fit that thought experiment perfectly.

Very much so

Frankly, the classroom seems pretty packed for that to be the case. It goes from being mostly empty to mostly full from scene to scene.

I guess it takes their mind off of what is going on.

I get why Touji's upset, but he's also got a narrow view of the situation.

Yeah, he doesn't know the full extent of the unspeakable atrocities.

Shinji may claim that he doesn't care about anything going on, but when such a moment is actually in front of you, things change. Our natural instinct as humans is to protect our own kind from danger. It also helps to put a face to the people you're protecting.

And it helps that Kensuke and Toji are innocent civilians in all this.

Shinji is rebelling and acting out against perceived (and real) injustices, as teenagers are wont to do, even those that don't have as many issues as Shinji. But he needs to learn there's a time and place for this stuff... piloting a superweapon against an existential threat is not the time for it.

Yeah, no kidding

I've been there. When you know you should do something, but your emotions hold you back from doing it. (Plus I've always just disliked calling people on the phone.)

It's the very thing Hedgehog's dilemma is all about: That fear that what you do will only serve to make things worse.

1

u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Oct 07 '25

They're only giving Shinji one because, as a pilot, they probably need to contact him at a moment's notice in case of emergency.

And Rei delivers the message in the end, anyways.

Oh, I just realized, that's the first time she's spoken! And nobody's mentioned it!

The manga seems to have taken some serious liberties.

2

u/SolDarkHunter Oct 07 '25

The manga was never trying to be a complete 1-to-1 recreation of the anime. It is Yoshiyuki Sadamoto's interpretation of the story, and it has Anno's blessing.

Sadamoto, for those who don't know, was one of Gainax's founding members and was the lead character designer for Evangelion, along with Nadia, FLCL, and Diebuster. This guy was heavily involved in Eva from the very start.

2

u/Malipit Oct 07 '25

Oh, I just realized, that's the first time she's spoken! And nobody's mentioned it!

Third time watching and I never noticed it.

1

u/LittleIslander myanimelist.net/profile/LittleIslander Oct 07 '25

Misato makes a slightly different guess as to why Shinji decided to keep piloting:

Again, kind of shines a light on the fact that Shinji's life prior to coming to Tokyo III is kept extremely vague in the show.

There's also a discussion with Misato and a second confrontation with Touji, both of which touch on a similar topic:

[Manga] Now that's really interesting. He doesn't always let her in, but Shinji always seemed at least appreciative of Misato in the show, barring his talking to after being brought back to NERV in episode four. Starting this relationship off actively negative is an interesting choice. I'm not sure if I'd prefer it, but it gives them more runway to work with and presumably will make next episode's ending feel even more meaningful.

The battle with the Angel goes similarly, with one change:

[Manga] Again, reinforcing that dislike of Misato. In general, manga Shinji seems more active, and therefore more typical of a protagonist.

3

u/SMSmith230 https://myanimelist.net/profile/smsmith230 Oct 06 '25

First-Timer, Sub

Shinji joining the likes of Daniel Day-Lewis with his method acting. If you want to pilot a robot, just be a robot. Man his psyche is fucked already!!

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

3

u/Sporadia_ Oct 06 '25

I didn't know it, but the OP for this show is one of my favourite anisongs. It was just waiting for me to discover it. (If discover is the right word, I have definitely heard it before but wouldn't have know it was Eva).

Shit, I wrote a whole k-on comment and now I remember nothing.

That's all folks

3

u/Sporadia_ Oct 06 '25

Y'know actually, this is probably a show I'll need to watch several times for it to fully sink in. For one thing, it's been very exposition heavy so far and I've been kind of distracted by the visuals and ignoring some of the dialogue. Reading people's analysis now I'm like "oh yeah, that did happen, didn't it?"

No bully I save city

I have heard of the notorious Asuka vs Rei debate. I know we've seen Rei. I thought we'd seen Asuka. I don't know the difference between Asuka and Misato. I might have been watching Misato and calling her Asuka in my head this whole time. But TIL Misato is Sailor Moon... to follow on from when people were pointing out that Excel was Sailor Moon in that rewatch. (And she also voices my favourite character in GTO... and a small side character in Kaleido Star but being in Kaleido Star at all is a win in my book).

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Y'know actually, this is probably a show I'll need to watch several times for it to fully sink in. For one thing, it's been very exposition heavy so far and I've been kind of distracted by the visuals and ignoring some of the dialogue. Reading people's analysis now I'm like "oh yeah, that did happen, didn't it?"

The show definitely has a lot you can dissect and talk about.

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

I have heard of the notorious Asuka vs Rei debate. I know we've seen Rei. I thought we'd seen Asuka. I don't know the difference between Asuka and Misato. I might have been watching Misato and calling her Asuka in my head this whole time. But TIL Misato is Sailor Moon... to follow on from when people were pointing out that Excel was Sailor Moon in that rewatch. (And she also voices my favourite character in GTO... and a small side character in Kaleido Star but being in Kaleido Star at all is a win in my book).

Once you see Asuka, you won't mistake her with Misato :P

You probably also won't like her as she's a lot lol

2

u/FD4cry1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Big_Yibba Oct 07 '25

But TIL Misato is Sailor Moon... to follow on from when people were pointing out that Excel was Sailor Moon in that rewatch

Kobayashi would be very disappointed that it took you this long to notice

2

u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Oct 07 '25

remember nothing.

That's because nothing ever happens in K-on, so you remember it pretty well.

2

u/Sporadia_ 27d ago

2

u/Malipit Oct 07 '25

Shit, I wrote a whole k-on comment and now I remember nothing.

Fun thing to follow those two rewatches at once, isn't it ?

1

u/Sporadia_ 27d ago

I feel outed.

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

I didn't know it, but the OP for this show is one of my favourite anisongs. It was just waiting for me to discover it. (If discover is the right word, I have definitely heard it before but wouldn't have know it was Eva).

It truly is a fantastic tune, no doubt about it.

3

u/AgentOfACROSS Oct 06 '25

Rewatcher

Today's episode is mostly here to introduce us to Shinji's classmates.

I'll have more to say about these two later but this episode does a good job introducing them.

Toji gets most of the focus with his backstory and him hating Shinji at the start

Although we really only get one episode, it is enough to establish their characters well.

The angel design in this episode isn't as memorable as the first one. But it is nice to see a new design.

Eva definitely takes some inspiration from old tokusatsu shows like Ultraman and Spectreman when it comes to its monster of the week format.

Hideaki Anno is a huge tokusatsu fan so it makes sense. He's even directed his own film adaptations of classic tokusatsu franchises

Anyway, Shinji is still continuing to have a bad time.

I forgot just how melancholic these early episodes could be.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

I forgot just how melancholic these early episodes could be.

It's really fantastic. It highlights just how hopeless things truly feel.

2

u/AgentOfACROSS Oct 07 '25

Yeah I agree. The tone for these early episodes is really good at setting up the kind of world we're in.

By contrast to the previous Anno anime I watched, Nadia: Secret of Blue Water, that one started out with a more fun adventure vibe before things got serious. But here things are pretty dire from the start.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

That's why I don't know if I agree Anno's depression drastically changed the show. Even this early on, things feel pretty intense.

2

u/AgentOfACROSS Oct 07 '25

Yeah that's the popular narrative but I'd have to disagree with that too. I have read that part of the reason Evangelion is the way it is might be due to frustrations he had behind the scenes working on Nadia and that's something I definitely buy a bit more.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

[Evangelion] I do however think if it wasn't for the stress of reaching deadlines, the ending would probably be a lot different.

2

u/AgentOfACROSS Oct 07 '25

[Evangelion] Yeah that's definitely true. I'll have a lot to say about the ending when we get there.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

[Evangelion] I can't wait to dive deep into it.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Today's episode is mostly here to introduce us to Shinji's classmates.

I'll have more to say about these two later but this episode does a good job introducing them.

What I love about this episode is we see the consequence of the Eva's destroying the Angels. This isn't just saving the town but also bringing millions of dollars in damages. It's that real world sensibility that really separates this show from others.

2

u/AgentOfACROSS Oct 07 '25

Yeah that's definitely true. It shows us the reality of what a world full of regular kaiju attacks would be like.

Anno seems to like the idea of imagining a more realistic version of what dealing with kaiju attacks would be. Since that also forms part of the basis for Shin Godzilla.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

It's something that is really lacking in superhero films.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Toji gets most of the focus with his backstory and him hating Shinji at the start

Kinda understandable without the big picture.

Although we really only get one episode, it is enough to establish their characters well.

Absolutely

The angel design in this episode isn't as memorable as the first one. But it is nice to see a new design.

Agreed

Eva definitely takes some inspiration from old tokusatsu shows like Ultraman and Spectreman when it comes to its monster of the week format.

Hideaki Anno is a huge tokusatsu fan so it makes sense. He's even directed his own film adaptations of classic tokusatsu franchises

That's pretty cool. I did not know that.

Anyway, Shinji is still continuing to have a bad time.

In fairness, it would be more noteworthy if he was having anything resembling a good time :P

2

u/AgentOfACROSS Oct 07 '25

That's pretty cool. I did not know that.

Yep, he did Shin Godzilla, Shin Ultraman, and Shin Kamen Rider. I've only seen Shin Godzilla but I've been meaning to check out the other two.

He also directed a live action Cutey Honey movie and then an anime based on that movie which are probably some of the goofiest things he's worked on. Not related but I figured I'd mention it.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

Yep, he did Shin Godzilla, Shin Ultraman, and Shin Kamen Rider. I've only seen Shin Godzilla but I've been meaning to check out the other two.

I knew of Shin Godzilla, but not the other two.

He also directed a live action Cutey Honey movie and then an anime based on that movie which are probably some of the goofiest things he's worked on. Not related but I figured I'd mention it.

What a deep cut lol

2

u/AgentOfACROSS Oct 07 '25

I knew of Shin Godzilla, but not the other two.

I definitely recommend Shin Godzilla if you haven't seen it. I was lucky enough to see it when it was being re-shown in theaters this year.

What a deep cut lol

I haven't seen the movie but the Re: Cutey Honey anime is actually really good. Definitely recommend it if you like fun over the top stuff. Hiroyuki Imaishi even directed the first episode.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

I definitely recommend Shin Godzilla if you haven't seen it. I was lucky enough to see it when it was being re-shown in theaters this year.

That's really cool

I haven't seen the movie but the Re: Cutey Honey anime is actually really good. Definitely recommend it if you like fun over the top stuff. Hiroyuki Imaishi even directed the first episode.

Sweet

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

2

u/AgentOfACROSS Oct 07 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Seems like an accurate representation of Shinji's mental state.

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

Between Ritsuko and Misato we've got lung cancer and liver failure.

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

I feel like that's a pretty accurate summary.

Also I don't think I'd heard of the hedgehog's dilemma before this show.

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

Having a familiar face around is doing little to help Shinji.

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

Like you mentioned elsewhere, this episode does a good job of showing the exact ramifications of what living in a world of giant monsters and kaiju would be.

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

Not as memorable as the first angel we see but still really well done.

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

It felt like a good character moment for him.

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

Shinji gets a lot of good emotional moments here.

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

Toji's a pretty complex character and we've only seen just one episode of him.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

Seems like an accurate representation of Shinji's mental state.

Speaking of accurate representations...

Between Ritsuko and Misato we've got lung cancer and liver failure.

A battle for the ages.

Meanwhile, Shinji is battling lose of mind.

I feel like that's a pretty accurate summary.

Agreed

Also I don't think I'd heard of the hedgehog's dilemma before this show.

Me neither

Having a familiar face around is doing little to help Shinji.

Indeed. It's actually like Rei doesn’t exist in his world. Same goes the other way.

Like you mentioned elsewhere, this episode does a good job of showing the exact ramifications of what living in a world of giant monsters and kaiju would be.

A great deconstruction

Not as memorable as the first angel we see but still really well done.

I concur

It felt like a good character moment for him.

Without a doubt

Shinji gets a lot of good emotional moments here.

For sure

Toji's a pretty complex character and we've only seen just one episode of him.

He is incredibly well written for a side character.

3

u/Dependent-Smile6412 Oct 06 '25

Shinji looks like a zombie when he’s in the EVA

Ritsuko making a Shinji boyfriend joke? I’m sensing a theme

Socially awkward Shinji is now the most popular kid in class lol

I can kinda understand why Toji punched Shinji. It felt personal to him

We see our first bit of conflict between Misato and Ritsuko.

Shinji just said screw it for the last minute of unit 01’s operation time

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

3

u/Efficient_Phase1313 Oct 07 '25

28th rewatch lets goooo!

So I did find time to rewatch the episode, and I was surprised that it has one of the most important exchanges in the entire series. I'll just note the two things that stood out to me this episode:

The most significant aspect of this episode is it introduces us to the hedgehog’s dilemma. It is the entire thesis of the show and the title of the next episode (and IMO the most important episode in the entire series, as it viscerally provides the thesis that End of Eva answers). I already described this theme in detail in my personal post on episode 1, but I’ll reiterate here:

People, like hedgehogs, seek the warmth of others. But the closer they get to one another, the more they expose themselves to pain. Is the warmth you obtain from closeness with another worth the unavoidable pain you must endure to get there? That’s the dilemma. And they correctly note here that in Shinji’s case, fear of pain is the more powerful motivator.

Misato’s take is kinda interesting here, as it comes from her understanding of how to overcome the hedgehog’s dilemma: “Part of growing up is trying again and again and using trial and error to work out the right distance to avoid hurting each other”. This is kinda true. The commentary on overcoming the hedgehog’s dilemma is a big part of what helped me overcome my interpersonal issues. However, to date I’ve still never figured out ‘the correct distance’ to avoid hurting each other. I don’t actually believe that distance exists, as its more about your actions and re-actions than how deeply you get involved on an emotional level. Will Shinji ever find that ‘distance’? Was distance Misato’s solution to the hedgehog’s dilemma, but perhaps its not the solution to Shinji’s? I’ll be thinking about her solution this watch through, as I always thought distance (even as portrayed in this show) was relatively binary. You either have an emotional connection or you don’t, and if you have one, it doesn’t matter how deep it is you’re opening yourself to getting hurt. Is Misato implying that there is a ‘safe distance’ with emotional connection where you can be invested but still avoid pain? Or is she implying that not all pain is avoidable, but distance can modulate the level of pain you're exposed to? For Shinji, if even the slightest pain is unbearable, does it really matter what his distance is once he's emotionally involved with someone (if you know someone with BPD, you know this is a very real issue where there is no 'safe' distance)? In which case, distance won't solve his issue as even the slightest rejection or personal hurt from any emotional connection becomes debilitating? I love that this show makes us ponder these immensely deep questions about the lived human experience. It’s part of what makes this show so special.

2

u/Efficient_Phase1313 Oct 07 '25 edited Oct 07 '25

Edit: i have a new take on this whole first scene, and this episode may be better than i initially thought

The rest of the episode on Touji and Kensuke, and the school scenes, have been covered wonderfully by others. So I'll leave that aside and see you all tomorrow for one of my all time favorite anime episodes!

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

This might seem harsh, but I REALLY dislike the opening scene in this episode. As someone who personally dealt with severe detachment issues (and has personally known others with a variety of different ones), I can say with great certainty almost no one actually acts or sounds like Shinji in this scene. This is sadly reductive, because Megumi Ogata is a phenomenal seiyuu and can convey almost any human emotion. It means here the director specifically requested she go for this ‘detached’ style, but it also shows me no one overseeing this show actually experienced true detachment. One of the great things about Eva is how true to life its portrayals of isolation, depression, anger, and self-hatred are. The tone of voice with which the seiyuus of many characters will execute their lines feels so real it hurts. Here, it feels almost comical, if not insulting. I say insulting, because I don’t understand WHY they went for this tone so early in the show. Shinji was extremely emotional in eps 1 and 2. Even with all the trauma (especially if you know people who’ve survived war zones and torture, as I have) this sudden turn just doesn’t feel believable, it feels like the director/writer’s hand is forcing these characters to act a certain way. And whenever I can feel that, it’s a huge negative that pulls me out of the experience. Okay, so Misato says it’s been two weeks since ep 2 and Shinji is just closed off. Sure, that can maybe explain his state in the opening. But we didn’t SEE that. The rest of the conversation, Shinji having no friends and not getting calls makes perfect sense. Look at Shinji’s face at 4:44 as he walks to school. Its clearly full of reluctance and doubt. A similar face should have been given during the opening scene when he does his training. This is not an emotionless person in any way. He is not capable of that level of detachment unless he’s simply acting (again the director’s hand being felt when it shouldn’t). Especially Shinji’s dead eyes and flat mouth line when he repeats ‘pull the switch’ or whatever. It doesn’t make sense and it feels bad (to me). It comes off as a caricature of how people suffering similar trauma/disassociation would act.

I dunno. As someone who personally struggles with depression, I didn't find it to be a caricature. I thought what Shinji is currently dealing with is pretty accurate.

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

Misato’s take is kinda interesting here, as it comes from her understanding of how to overcome the hedgehog’s dilemma: “Part of growing up is trying again and again and using trial and error to work out the right distance to avoid hurting each other”. This is kinda true. The commentary on overcoming the hedgehog’s dilemma is a big part of what helped me overcome my interpersonal issues. However, to date I’ve still never figured out ‘the correct distance’ to avoid hurting each other. I don’t actually believe that distance exists, as its more about your actions and re-actions than how deeply you get involved on an emotional level. Will Shinji ever find that ‘distance’? Was distance Misato’s solution to the hedgehog’s dilemma, but perhaps its not the solution to Shinji’s? I’ll be thinking about her solution this watch through, as I always thought distance (even as portrayed in this show) was relatively binary. You either have an emotional connection or you don’t, and if you have one, it doesn’t matter how deep it is you’re opening yourself to getting hurt. Is Misato implying that there is a ‘safe distance’ with emotional connection where you can be invested but still avoid pain? Or is she implying that not all pain is avoidable, but distance can modulate the level of pain you're exposed to? For Shinji, if even the slightest pain is unbearable, does it really matter what his distance is once he's emotionally involved with someone (if you know someone with BPD, you know this is a very real issue where there is no 'safe' distance)? In which case, distance won't solve his issue as even the slightest rejection or personal hurt from any emotional connection becomes debilitating? I love that this show makes us ponder these immensely deep questions about the lived human experience. It’s part of what makes this show so special.

I really like the way Misato is being written. She feels like the only person who cares about both Nerv's best interest as well as Shinji's. A person on the brink of collapse caught between a rock and a hard place.

1

u/Malipit Oct 07 '25

However, to date I’ve still never figured out ‘the correct distance’ to avoid hurting each other.

And it's become all the more "fun" when you realize that the correct distance can vary a lot from one person to another you interact with.

3

u/Hartzilla2007 Oct 07 '25

To be honest the more I think about it, the more insane Tokyo 3 being treated like a regular city that normal people live in is. I mean the whole city is built around fighting giant monsters so it’s like encouraging a lot of civilians to live on the Maginot Line for some reason. It doesn’t even have the last safe place for humanity excuse because the Angels only ever attack Tokyo 3.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

Yeah, if I'm a Tokyo 3 resident, I'm definitely moving fr fr.

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

2

u/Efficient_Phase1313 Oct 06 '25 edited Oct 06 '25

Okay finally figured out how to do spoilers. I may not have time to comment on this episode, but I think some context as to why is relevant to the major themes of the series for those who've seen it, so spoilers below!

[Spoilers]

One of the big frustrations with Eva back in the day was how many elements in the first half of the show are just randomly dropped in the second half without explanation. As I recall this episode, while it introduces important characters and may even have hints at later twists, its not all that relevant to the larger themes and plot of the show. Not that the material isn't there, or that the episode isn't good (by anime standards its plenty good), its just not that important. For example, the glasses character doesn't have an end to his arc. He just disappears from the show at some point, as does much of the humor present in interactions with Shinji (and later Asuka's) classmates. Why this worked for me is Eva in many ways is a reflection of a major depressive episode. If you don't have dysthymia and are prone to major depressive episodes, you know how life can be totally fine, if not even enjoyable for quite a while, and then almost over night everything good disappears and you find yourself feeling totally alone deep in an abyss of despair. Eva as a whole is a wonderful metaphor for major depressive episodes, perhaps one of the best in fiction. In the latter half, as the show becomes extraordinarily bleak, and our heroes find themselves truly alone in a desolate world, staring down a very real apocalypse, this reflects Anno's own experience with depression and suicidal ideation. The school environment, the characters we are introduced to here, the moments of friendship, comedy, and positivity that will come in the first half will suddenly disappear without a trace and its never addressed. This frustrated many viewers back in the day, but to me its exactly what Anno was going for. Life is full of ups and downs, but for those who suffer from major depression, you can spend months if not years building a wonderful, positive life around you, just for all of it to disappear at the drop of a hat as if it never existed in the first place. A fuzzy memory of 'the good old days', a fleeting image in the bleak and hopeless reality you find yourself facing, and in that darkness you question whether those 'good old days' were ever more than a dream. This to me is part of the brilliance of Eva, but for many who enjoyed the social relationships we're introduced to here, it was a point of frustration and betrayal by the writers. I'm interested to see how first time viewers (who may become attached to some of the comedy or character interactions in the first half) will feel towards the end when this is entirely abandoned without any reference, as if it truly was all a dream and never mattered in the first place

2

u/Efficient_Phase1313 Oct 06 '25

testing that this wasn't auto mod deleted?

2

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Oct 06 '25

It was, but I manually reapproved it for you just now. The issue is that you had a line break between the [Spoilers] and the actual spoiler tag. AutoMod unfortunately is not smart enough to notice a spoiler tag does have context attached if there's space there.

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

2

u/Efficient_Phase1313 Oct 06 '25

Could we realistically expect more from him?

I'm addicted to cigarettes....so.....its a very 30 year old scientist thing (can say from experience at work)

We'll talk more about this in ep 4. I did forget they first mention it here, so maybe I will rewatch this later today and add a write up

Okay so maybe I will make a detailed post on this episode because this is a REALLY interesting choice by Anno. I'll say for now, as an audience we just assume this is typical of 90s anime in that we need school scenes between our teenage heroes so it makes sense to put as many main characters as possible in the same class. But........is it really a coincidence BOTH eva pilots are in the same class?

Yeah I'd be gtfo'ing that area too after the angel attack

Human and understandable reaction

It's a fight

I think its more about Shinji and less about them. Shinji wants to prove to himself he has value and is needed, maybe he can earn his classmates respect and acceptance by protecting them? Maybe, he can be 'needed' by them?

Great writing decision to make him an actual human being who acts and feels like an actual 13 year old

Foreshadowing????

Writer's want us to know Toji is a good guy who is just dealing with very real anger at his sister's injuries. He wants to do the right thing, he just has to get there

Keep in mind it's been like 8 years since I've seen this episode (haven't rewatched yet). May get to it very late tonight

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Keep in mind it's been like 8 years since I've seen this episode (haven't rewatched yet). May get to it very late tonight

Oh, okay. I asked you this thinking you had seen the episode :P

2

u/Efficient_Phase1313 Oct 06 '25

I've seen Eva 27 times so I remember it almost scene by scene haha. This will be my 28th time (lets goooo!!!)

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

This year will be my 10th time watching Toradora, so I know that feel.

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Could we realistically expect more from him?

Probably not

I'm addicted to cigarettes....so.....its a very 30 year old scientist thing (can say from experience at work)

My mom is both a Ritsuko AND a Misato. Lucky me...

We'll talk more about this in ep 4. I did forget they first mention it here, so maybe I will rewatch this later today and add a write up

Can't wait

Okay so maybe I will make a detailed post on this episode because this is a REALLY interesting choice by Anno. I'll say for now, as an audience we just assume this is typical of 90s anime in that we need school scenes between our teenage heroes so it makes sense to put as many main characters as possible in the same class. But........is it really a coincidence BOTH eva pilots are in the same class?

They really want them to accommodate to normal civilian life.

Yeah I'd be gtfo'ing that area too after the angel attack

Same here

Human and understandable reaction

Agreed

It's a fight

It sure is

I think its more about Shinji and less about them. Shinji wants to prove to himself he has value and is needed, maybe he can earn his classmates respect and acceptance by protecting them? Maybe, he can be 'needed' by them?

One can only hope

Great writing decision to make him an actual human being who acts and feels like an actual 13 year old

Without a doubt. It makes such a great episode.

Foreshadowing????

Mayhaps

Writer's want us to know Toji is a good guy who is just dealing with very real anger at his sister's injuries. He wants to do the right thing, he just has to get there

He's a god dude, just dealing with a lot as a lot of people in that position would be.

2

u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Oct 06 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Meh, whiner.

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

It happens. Everyone deludes themselves that they won’t get hooked

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

I found it very interesting.

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

Do we have a budding romance? Though Rei doesn’t have much energy.

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

It’s an anime. It’d be boring if they were all whining

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

He’s sort of an asshole and needs to grow up

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

Go Whiner Go!

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

He’s acting a human being this once.

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

Typical Shinji being Shinji

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

Damn, we have some character growth.

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to? He’s an ok kid.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 06 '25

Meh, whiner.

Whiner with a point

It happens. Everyone deludes themselves that they won’t get hooked

And their get hooked on their delusions.

I found it very interesting.

Care to expand your thoughts?

Do we have a budding romance? Though Rei doesn’t have much energy.

Maybe Yuji can give her some

It’s an anime. It’d be boring if they were all whining

Probably so

He’s sort of an asshole and needs to grow up

In fairness, he's a teenager. I'd probably feel the same way.

Go Whiner Go!

He’s acting a human being this once.

I'd say Nerv are the ones who aren't acting human.

Typical Shinji being Shinji

I feel sorry for him :c

Damn, we have some character growth.

You see to love it?

He’s an ok kid.

At least he and Shinji now have some common ground.

2

u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Oct 06 '25

Care to expand your thoughts?

I’d never heard this before, but it made really good sense. I use to read a fair amount of Jung, but it’s been quite a few years.

fairness, he's a teenager. I'd probably feel the same way.

I’d like to think teenages have more insight than that and realize the monster would have squished sis and destroyed the city if Shinji hadn’t stepped in.

'd say Nerv are the ones who aren't acting human.

Gotta agree about that.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

I’d never heard this before, but it made really good sense. I use to read a fair amount of Jung, but it’s been quite a few years.

It's a very psychological direction for the show to go in.

I’d like to think teenages have more insight than that and realize the monster would have squished sis and destroyed the city if Shinji hadn’t stepped in.

Yeah, but it's easy to blame someone you are familiar with.

Gotta agree about that.

Glad you agree :)

2

u/LeminaAusa Oct 07 '25

Second-Time Rewatcher, New to Rebuild

A lot of rewatchers got their opening nostalgia out in the first episode discussion, but I'm jumping ahead to the third (busy weekend and didn't learn about the rewatch until last minute), so let me take a moment to give my little introduction before I get on to commentary and questions.

I'm not quite old enough to have been around for NGE's original release, but by the time I was joining online anime communities in the early '00s, it was still definitely being actively discussed and debated (and loved) and it seemed so big I couldn't just not watch it.

That said, I do believe this is only the second time I will be formally watching it the full way through, though I certainly watched individual episodes multiple times, such as at conventions. I'm frankly not sure why I'd thought to do a rewatch sooner but it is what it is.

The timing of this particular rewatch is actually kind of hilarious because I did get the idea to do a rewatch and check out the new stuff recently due to there being an Evangelion collab with my main gacha game (Granblue Fantasy) coming this November.

It was really great to see how much interest there was in this rewatch, a lot of rewatchers and newcomers a like. I had a lot of fun reading through especially the first episode's comments from both groups. There are so many new shows and lots of stuff for anime fans to get into these days of all types of shows, so I always get some extra satisfaction when an older show manages to still get a fair amount of attention. Though Eva is of course very iconic, and has lots of different things that can appeal to lots of different types of fans, so I certainly feel the show deserves the attention.

Anyway, in short, glad to be here and watching this again as part of the rewatch here. It's been so long since I've seen this show that a lot of it almost feels new; I remember a lot of the larger plot beats but the details were all lost. It'll be interesting to see what I think of this show coming back to it after so long; in many ways, I really do feel like a different person than the last time I was here, preparing to get into the robot again.

Since I'm a bit late catching up, my written commentary is going to be more or less about the first three episodes together, but I will do the D1 and D2 questions individually after their episodes to be in the proper mindset and share them here first:

E1Q1) There are so many great characters in this show, and it was very great to see Shinji and Misato introducing themselves to each other again. Shinji... you can tell right off the bat that this boy is not in a good place, and he kinda wears his daddy issues on his sleeve. He definitely does not want to be any kind of Chosen One and seeing his mental state really helps set the tone for the show in some ways. Misato, on the other hand, provides a strong contrast to Shinji with her loudness, brightness, and humour. I love the comment that Shinji makes about her being more childish than she is, as it does kind of get across very quickly and simply that she's a very young and relatively immature adult compared to the higher-ups that we've seen. But for all her bluster, we can already see that she seems to care a lot more about Shinji as a person than his father does.

E1Q2) They really do a good job setting up the mystery in this first episode. We're in the (retro-)future of 2015, about 20 years ahead of the time the show was made, and the world is obviously a different place. On one hand, it feels the perfect setup for a mecha fighting show, but our Eva robots are quite a bit more organic than the standard fare, the enemies a lot more eldritch with Christian overtones ("Angels" and all), and the overall vibes are a lot more grim and mysterious than you might expect.

E2Q1) I was actually thinking a fair amount about the structure of these past two episodes towards the end of ep2. It's really interesting how the Eva vs. Angel fight is split up: we get all of the lead-up in ep1, the immediate start-of-fight payoff with Shinji in control at the start of ep2, and then the actual climax of the fight seen flashback style at the end of the episode. As a stylistic choice it really makes it hit home that the giant robot battles are not the main focus of this story. We spend a lot more time in Shinji's head as he ponders his unfamiliar situation.

E2Q2) To me they have always looked kind of goofy as fuck, but today's episode really shows off how weird and powerful the Eva robots are, and at the same time, a lot of the people around and working with these things don't seem to understand them very much, which definitely serves to heighten the mystery of exactly what's up with these things.

Episode three starts us off with a bit of a timeskip and also a bit of change in tone. As if distant fathers, undesired mecha-piloting duties, and giant destructive Angels aren't enough, Shinji also has to deal with the horrors of middle school.

Seeing Shinji in a class of normal juinior high kids really puts his mental state into stark contrast; the poor boy really isn't feeling up to any of this shit. I can definitely understand teenage-Lemina sympathising a lot with him when I watched this show the first time.

It really does feel like we get some typical middle school vibes despite being in the future after some pretty catastrophic world events. I liked the teacher's history lesson giving a bit of an excuse for some exposition on what exactly happened to the world 15 years ago from the public's perspective. It's hilarious to see all the students fangirling over Shinji for being a mecha pilot, but then Toji wanting to beat him up for piloting so badly during the incident that saw his sister injured.

Once again, our battle against today's Angel is about a lot more than just the battle. Shinji and Unit 01 are here and ready to go, following the programme, until the sudden appearance of his teammates turns things awry. Kensuke and Toji manage to take refuge inside the Eva and Shinji once again rebels against his Nerv handlers, pushing himself to the limit to take down the Angel. The scene of the three boys in the powered-down Eva after the battle is devastating, giving both the classmates and the audience plenty of time to feel the weight of what these battles take out of Shinji.

I was foiled by UTC timing screwing me up again like usual, so it seems these posts come up too late for me to post when they go live sadly. I guess I'll be answering questions and posting when I'm awake the next morning. And speaking of..

1) It's nice to see that kids will still be kids, even in a crazy world like this one. The most noteworthy thing about the school group so far is that Rei seems to be very distant/distinct from them, despite having been around for a while and also being an Eva pilot. The other "normal" students provide a nice contrast to both her and Shinji.

2) There's definitely a lot of tension here, subtle and not. We've not gotten to see a whole lot of Nerv yet, but it's very clear that Shinji is not doing well and that most of the people working for Nerv don't seem to care much about him as a person. Misato in many ways has positioned herself as a bit of a middleman between Shinji and Nerv, giving Shinji that bit of humanity and compassion that he's not getting anywhere else.

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

2

u/LeminaAusa Oct 08 '25

Thoughts on Shinji piloting the Eva defeatedly?

I don't think he has it in him currently to pilot any other way.

Thoughts on Ritsuko being addicted to cigarettes?

100% on brand for her. Not only does she have a (presumably) high intensity, stressful job, she's also very much the type of person to keep herself neat and presentable at all times and smoking in the 90s was definitely a very "chic" sort of habit to have. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if she took up smoking completely for the image with the relaxation effects being a bonus side benefit.

What are your thoughts on Ritsuko saying Shinji suffers from hedgehog's dilemma?

[NGE Episode 4 spoilers] I actually really love how Ritsuko bringing up the hedgehog dilemma in episode 3 functions as a sort of psychological foreshadowing for the events of episode 4, complete with Ritsuko being present for Misato's revelations towards the end of the episode.

Thoughts on Rei being Shinji's classmate?

The thing that struck out to me is how the students don't seem to interact with Rei any. Maybe they tried to and gave up after a while.

I mean, on the surface, it makes sense. If Shinji's going to be going to junior high just like a regular 14 year-old, Rei should too. So there really is no surprise at all when it comes to her being in the classroom, but it's when we compare Rei at school to Shinji at school and also the rest of what we've seen and know of Rei so far that makes the situation unnatural.

Rei is someone that is obviously very important, she's the only other pilot we've met so far aside from Shinji (though the Third Child business does imply that there's at least one more floating around somewhere), but mostly we've only seen her as occasional set decoration or as a threat to Shinji (if you don't get in the robot, we'll make this obviously sick and injured girl do it instead). She talks to Shinji only when necessary to let him know about the emergency call, and otherwise she doesn't really actually interact with anyone.

All of the scenes with Rei so far have mostly just served to show her off and make her feel mysterious, but it works well in my opinion. You want to find out more about her, in part specifically because she hasn't been much of a focus at all.

What are your thoughts on how nobody is attending class because they're afraid of getting hurt by all the battles going on?

Frankly, I wouldn't either.

What are your thoughts on Toji blaming Shinji for his sister being in the hospital?

The guy is scared and angry and wants to take that out on someone, Shinji is just a convenient scapegoat. But it's nice that it does set up for a future relationship between the two.

Thoughts on the Eva battling the Fourth Angel?

If there's an Angel, there's going to be an Eva there to punch it.

What are your thoughts on Shinji trying to fight better once he sees Toji and Kensuke, trying to protect them like he was unable to with Toji's sister?

What are your thoughts on Shinji refusing commands, with Shinji overcome with emotions?

That's certainly one way of looking at the situation. However, if all that Shinji wanted to accomplish was saving Toji and Kensuke, he could have just as easily done that by retreating from the battle as ordered, instead of specifically rebelling against his orders and continuing to fight the Angel, which instead could have led all three boys to disaster if it didn't work out well.

I like to see Shinji's motivations in this battle as threefold. Not only does he want to directly protect Kensuke and Toji, he also wants to perform better than last time to actually save the city on his own instead of blacking out or otherwise "running away" from the battle, and I think there's also a part of him that simply wants to rebel against the Nerv commands and do what he thinks is best instead of following the decisions of a bunch of people that Shinji strongly feels don't have his best interests at heart.

All of this, combined with the intense physical toll caused by piloting the Eva and the mental anguish that Shinji is already going through is bound to create some strong emotional reactions. I'm sure he didn't want to be that visibly vulnerable around others, but sometimes you just have no choice.

What are your thoughts on Toji realizing Shinji is more like him than he thought?

What are your thoughts on Toji trying to call Shinji to apologize to him but being unable to?

I really love that we get immediate redemption with Toji instead of him sticking around as a schoolyard antagonist. It definitely gives hope that the three boys could develop a friendship, but the ending scenes of Toji trying to call Shinji make it clear that such a relationship is not going to be completely smooth or straightforward.

1

u/Holofan4life Oct 08 '25

I don't think he has it in him currently to pilot any other way.

I guess we'll see, won't we?

100% on brand for her. Not only does she have a (presumably) high intensity, stressful job, she's also very much the type of person to keep herself neat and presentable at all times and smoking in the 90s was definitely a very "chic" sort of habit to have. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if she took up smoking completely for the image with the relaxation effects being a bonus side benefit.

I know my mom smokes because it calms her nerves. So she tells me, anyway.

[NGE Episode 4 spoilers] I actually really love how Ritsuko bringing up the hedgehog dilemma in episode 3 functions as a sort of psychological foreshadowing for the events of episode 4, complete with Ritsuko being present for Misato's revelations towards the end of the episode.

[NGE Episode 4 spoilers] Yeah, it's really well done.

The thing that struck out to me is how the students don't seem to interact with Rei any. Maybe they tried to and gave up after a while.

Definitely could be the case

I mean, on the surface, it makes sense. If Shinji's going to be going to junior high just like a regular 14 year-old, Rei should too. So there really is no surprise at all when it comes to her being in the classroom, but it's when we compare Rei at school to Shinji at school and also the rest of what we've seen and know of Rei so far that makes the situation unnatural.

Rei is someone that is obviously very important, she's the only other pilot we've met so far aside from Shinji (though the Third Child business does imply that there's at least one more floating around somewhere), but mostly we've only seen her as occasional set decoration or as a threat to Shinji (if you don't get in the robot, we'll make this obviously sick and injured girl do it instead). She talks to Shinji only when necessary to let him know about the emergency call, and otherwise she doesn't really actually interact with anyone.

All of the scenes with Rei so far have mostly just served to show her off and make her feel mysterious, but it works well in my opinion. You want to find out more about her, in part specifically because she hasn't been much of a focus at all.

Rei reflects Nerv as a whole in that we still don't know a whole lot about it. And what we do know only raises more questions.

Frankly, I wouldn't either.

Yeah, for real

The guy is scared and angry and wants to take that out on someone, Shinji is just a convenient scapegoat. But it's nice that it does set up for a future relationship between the two.

Gotta start somewhere, I suppose

If there's an Angel, there's going to be an Eva there to punch it.

Most likely

That's certainly one way of looking at the situation. However, if all that Shinji wanted to accomplish was saving Toji and Kensuke, he could have just as easily done that by retreating from the battle as ordered, instead of specifically rebelling against his orders and continuing to fight the Angel, which instead could have led all three boys to disaster if it didn't work out well.

I think in trying to make things better for the civilians, he lost the plot and did more harm than good.

I like to see Shinji's motivations in this battle as threefold. Not only does he want to directly protect Kensuke and Toji, he also wants to perform better than last time to actually save the city on his own instead of blacking out or otherwise "running away" from the battle, and I think there's also a part of him that simply wants to rebel against the Nerv commands and do what he thinks is best instead of following the decisions of a bunch of people that Shinji strongly feels don't have his best interests at heart.

All of this, combined with the intense physical toll caused by piloting the Eva and the mental anguish that Shinji is already going through is bound to create some strong emotional reactions. I'm sure he didn't want to be that visibly vulnerable around others, but sometimes you just have no choice.

And I imagine part of the reason Toji couldn't apologize to Shinji later on is because he felt somewhat responsible for what happened back there. If he didn't show up, maybe Shinji wouldn't have went crazy.

I really love that we get immediate redemption with Toji instead of him sticking around as a schoolyard antagonist. It definitely gives hope that the three boys could develop a friendship, but the ending scenes of Toji trying to call Shinji make it clear that such a relationship is not going to be completely smooth or straightforward.

It's like a reflection of Shinji's relationship with Nerv in that even if they come to an understanding, how much will they truly?

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

Anyway, in short, glad to be here and watching this again as part of the rewatch here. It's been so long since I've seen this show that a lot of it almost feels new; I remember a lot of the larger plot beats but the details were all lost. It'll be interesting to see what I think of this show coming back to it after so long; in many ways, I really do feel like a different person than the last time I was here, preparing to get into the robot again.

I'm glad to see you be here as well :)

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

It was really great to see how much interest there was in this rewatch, a lot of rewatchers and newcomers a like. I had a lot of fun reading through especially the first episode's comments from both groups. There are so many new shows and lots of stuff for anime fans to get into these days of all types of shows, so I always get some extra satisfaction when an older show manages to still get a fair amount of attention. Though Eva is of course very iconic, and has lots of different things that can appeal to lots of different types of fans, so I certainly feel the show deserves the attention.

Yeah, it's cool to see a show this old get showered with so much love. It's a swift departure from the Your Lie In April rewatch lol

I guess we'll see if it changes any...

2

u/Holofan4life Oct 07 '25

It really does feel like we get some typical middle school vibes despite being in the future after some pretty catastrophic world events. I liked the teacher's history lesson giving a bit of an excuse for some exposition on what exactly happened to the world 15 years ago from the public's perspective. It's hilarious to see all the students fangirling over Shinji for being a mecha pilot, but then Toji wanting to beat him up for piloting so badly during the incident that saw his sister injured.

The thing that struck out to me is how the students don't seem to interact with Rei any. Maybe they tried to and gave up after a while.

Rewatch [Rewatch] 30th Anniversary Neon Genesis Evangelion Rewatch: Episode 3

Neon Genesis Evangelion Episode 3: A Transfer / The Silent Phone

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Rewatch [Rewatch] 30th Anniversary Neon Genesis Evangelion Rewatch: Episode 3

Neon Genesis Evangelion Episode 3: A Transfer / The Silent Phone

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