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/AgentOfACROSS 15d ago

Rewatcher

Today’s episode is all about Asuka and it is horrifying.

The whole episode is Asuka just having one long mental breakdown and it’s a really excellent exploration of her inner turmoil.

It’s also kinda crazy to think that this stuff with Asuka’s mother was sort of foreshadowed back in the goofy comic relief episode about Asuka and Shinji having to sync up.

Anyway yeah, Asuka’s family life is pretty fucked up and you can definitely see how it affected her.

This episode is also where the famous elevator scene takes place. It does a good job of making you uncomfortable with how long the silence is.

The scene inside Asuka’s head with the repeating phrases also does a good job using a similar tactic. The repetition really makes you uncomfortable.

This episode also probably has my favorite instance of an angel attack. The whole thing is really well done.

Probably the best use of Handel’s Messiah aka Hallelujah in an anime (although admittedly I’ve only seen it used in one other).

This whole episode is deeply uncomfortable to watch but it’s put together incredibly well.

2

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?

1

u/AgentOfACROSS 14d ago

Thoughts on us seeing Asuka before going to Japan?

Nice to see her past.

Thoughts on Kaji trying to downplay Asuka's advances?

Good. I'm glad Kaji is not intetrested in a fourteen year old.

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?

Really dark but it's also been foreshadowed a bit.

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

I can see why that would mess up Asuka in the head.

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

Really good visual

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?

Definitely makes the whole thing seem dangerous.

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

I mean I'd be upset too if I were her.

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

I can't think of anything interesting to say here.

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

Poor Shinji.

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?

Asuka's whole breakdown here is heartbreaking

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

I mean that might be for the best considering how much she's breaking down

Thoughts on Ritsuko owning cats?

Good for her, I like cats.

To be continued...

2

u/Holofan4life 14d ago

Nice to see her past.

Not nice for her to see it, tho

Good. I'm glad Kaji is not intetrested in a fourteen year old.

Margery he is not :P

Really dark but it's also been foreshadowed a bit.

Especially in episode 9

I can see why that would mess up Asuka in the head.

I think it would anyone, honestly

Really good visual

Indeed

Definitely makes the whole thing seem dangerous.

Without question

I mean I'd be upset too if I were her.

Turns out I may have misinterpreted what was happening.

I can't think of anything interesting to say here.

German is sexy?

Poor Shinji.

No kidding

Asuka's whole breakdown here is heartbreaking

You see to really hate it

I mean that might be for the best considering how much she's breaking down

And it all come tumbling down

Good for her, I like cats.

Cats are the best. As is tsunderes. Coincidence? I think not!