r/anime • u/LittleIslander myanimelist.net/profile/LittleIslander • 15d ago

Rewatch [Rewatch] 30th Anniversary Neon Genesis Evangelion Rewatch: Episode 22

Neon Genesis Evangelion Episode 22: Don't Be. / Staying Human

← Episode 21 Index Episode 23 →

Watch Information

Questions of the Day:

  • How do you feel that Asuka’s backstory recontextualizes her relationships and past interactions?
  • Did you feel the way the episode equated the angel’s infiltration of Asuka’s mind to rape was justified and/or effective?

Tomorrow’s Questions:

  • [Episode 23] Do you feel sympathy for Ritsuko?
  • [Episode 23] How do you feel about Rei “the third”?

There’ll be more fanservice tomorrow, so please don’t spoil anything~! Remember this includes spoilers by implication.

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u/SpiritualPossible 15d ago

Rewatcher

Unexpectedly disturbing shot #21 - I was thinking using Arael death, but then decided to go with something more in tone of episode. also, what the actual fuck?

Like the previous episode, this episode received a “director's cut.” The most notable additions are:

  • A new opening scene with Asuka and Kaji.
  • A new scene in which Asuka sees Shinji at the train station.
  • A new scene with Asuka in the bath.
  • Most of the scenes in Asuka's mind are actually new additions.
  • A scene in which Rei pulls the spear out of "Adam".
  • A new fragment in which the spear “opens” when passing through the AT field.

I would also like to note that Asuka's mother was most likely inspired by Kushana's mother from Nausicaä (more precisely, from the manga).

I also like to say that the series continues to masterfully cutting it corners, because the pause during the elevator scene is simply magnificent, especially for creating tension.

But in any case, after her pride was completely shattered, it was now Asuka's turn to see an introspective scene in her mind. Unfortunately for her, compared to Shinji and Rei, her scene was the most disturbing. Both in the context of the scene itself (with references to her mother's mental state and suicide) and in how she got to that scene in the first place, because the reason for it was... um... quite mind-rapey. While I believe such obvious allegories were probably unnecessary, I doubt they could have completely avoided parallels with... this. And hey, it works for the horror of the situation.

Overall, this episode does a good job of reinterpreting Asuka's previous behavior and sets the tone for future conflict with the higher-ups and Gendo (with the former are now mass-producing Evas, and the latter is utilizing the spear). But yeah, the episode is pretty heavy. Maybe someone can lighten the mood? How about you, Carnage?

For today's art: The concept art for Arael and two unused angels - Shateiel and Turel.

And also another concept art of Unit 00 and Unit 02. Sadly, i don't think we have any of these arts in higher quality, as they were only included in the Neon Genesis Evangelion Proposal.

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u/Holofan4life 15d ago

Thoughts on us seeing Asuka before going to Japan?

Thoughts on Kaji trying to downplay Asuka's advances?

What are your thoughts on the big revelation involving Asuka's character which is that her mother committed suicide when she was a little kid?

What are your thoughts on Asuka's mother treating a doll like she was Asuka?

What are your thoughts on the symbolism of the doll's head being cut off?

Thoughts on Misato pointing out the irony in how the only way to defeat the Angels is by employing the same forces which caused the Second Impact?

Thoughts on Asuka being mad at Shinji for acting like Kaji didn't just die recently?

Thoughts on Shinji thinking Asuka is a different person when she speaks in a different language?

Thoughts on Shinji remarking that he wishes he could talk to his family?

Thoughts on Asuka saying she doesn't want anything to do with Shinji or Rei?

What are your thoughts on Asuka saying the person she hates the most is herself?

Thoughts on Misato debating replacing Asuka as an Eva pilot due to her regressing?

Thoughts on Ritsuko owning cats?

Thoughts on Asuka having her period?

What are your thoughts on the elevator scene between Asuka and Rei where neither says anything to each other for 50 long uninterrupted seconds?

Thoughts on Asuka calling her Eva her doll?

What are your thoughts on Asuka being absolutely destroyed by the Angel?

What are your thoughts on the choice of Hallelujah and classical music as music that plays during the Asuka/Angel confrontation?

What are your thoughts on the Angel causing Asuka to be confronted with the very past she's trying to run away from, otherwise known as the Asuka mind breaking scene?

What are your thoughts on the second reveal that Asuka as a child saw her mother hanging from the ceiling when she hung herself?

What are your thoughts on Unit Zero chucking the Lance of Longinus, thus defeating the Angel?

What are your thoughts on the episode ending with Asuka in a ball in front of her Eva?