In a world bloated by endless analyses of EVA, The Edit Of Evangelion has somehow managed to become the series to which I most look forward. Thanks for all of your hard work!
That really means a lot; thank you so much. I'm glad to know this series has helped others and that people are looking forward to it. The support has been amazing, and I'm excited to release more soon!
I never said he was special, nor that he possessed a particular set of skills. The accusation of nepotism is a peculiar one, but I could stand to see an argument for it. As for being a Mary Sue, I'm not sure you have a firm grasp on the meaning of that term, but perhaps that's why these discussions are had.
@@timberw0lfstudios I am just sick and tired of Shinji videos. People like to excuse his behavior, he's really just a self insert for all these nerds... and he's a disgusting little human I can't stand. If you want LOVE then work for it. He acts like a baby.
TOTALLY AGREED. I love the series and it also just reaffirms that love for me and proves how masterfully done it is in ways I didn’t even notice. I find a mindblowing revelation about the direction in every new video.
Misato slapping Ritsuko was honestly a chilling moment. These two women have been friends since their college years, and Misato is being confronted with one of two scenarios, even if she doesn’t realize the full scope yet. Either Ritsuko was always like this, willing to sacrifice one person for a grander vision, or she’s changed over time. This is the same woman who watched her father die saving her from his mistake. She’s realizing Ritsuko is willing to risk the same disaster, and kill a kid, for some greater ambition she can only guess at. It’s the moment she realizes she’s caught up in something far more sinister than “kill the evil space monsters and save the world.” More than anything, it’s a deeply sad moment. It’s two people realizing that not only are their objectives vastly different, but that their paths diverged long ago and neither realized it until now.
As usual my friend, well said. I hadn't fully considered Misato's perspective as a guardian over a child in the same way her father was over her, and how that affects her position here. And as sad as this breakdown of their friendship is, I can't help but feel worse over the even more divergent ends they eventually meet.
But even then, Ritsuko still loves Misato, and she still believes in some of the same virtues as her, even if it is shown subtly; she still holds out hope for Shinji, pushing the salvage forward if it means giving Shinji even the *tiniest* chance of survival. Ritsuko never completely gave into Gendo's ideaology of goals mattering over people, as she ultimately ends up betraying him in the name of doing what's 'right' - even if it is done quite literally self-destructively.
You are single handedly making me respect Shinji more and more. Maybe because we all want to project ourselves into the stereotypicall anime underdog protagonist rather than what it feels like a real and flawed human being, we so easily dismiss Shinji. I can't wait for the next episode, and as always thank you for your hard work. This is nothing short of excellent. Happy Holidays to you!
Aww thank you so much! I take your words as high praise, and receive them humbly. The more I diagram Shinji's character, the more impressed I am with how he's written, and I'm glad to know I'm helping others to see that as well. Just wait until we get to the end! Thank you so much for the support and feedback. I really appreciate it, and nothing encourages me more to keep doing my best. God bless and Happy Holidays!
@@timberw0lfstudios that response wasnt to you but the point still stands. what do you think the point of the hospital scene and the final scene of eoe are.
I do love those sunshine protagonists. But I could never project into them. I know what I am, ever since the age of 12. And I actually like it. Could use one or two improvements, but in general, I love what I am.
You just blew my mind with the idea that "young Shinji" is actually Leliel. It makes a whole lot of sense though. It's impressive how much depth is in the Eva series, yet a lot of it is left to one's own ability to interpret the subtle symbolism.
Glad I could reveal that to you! There's definitely a lot to digest throughout the show, and it only gets more complicated from here on out. Don't feel bad for missing it, though! I didn't catch nearly any of this on my first watch, and now having gone back through, I feel like I'm watching a completely different show. I thought others might be in the same boat, and I wanted to offer a paddle! I'm glad you found it valuable and enjoyable!
@@timberw0lfstudios Yeah, of course. It's a very well thought-out analysis and a great source of information. It opens up a lot of new perspectives on EVA and the series just seems to be a gift that keeps on giving. The more I've matured between re-watches, the more layers I discover that never originally stood out to me. When I was younger, what pulled me in was the mecha and how cool Asuka was. Then my appeciation deepened after discovering Anno's past and how the story reflected his coming of age. Then I began recognizing the challenges the characters were faced with were also present in my every day life, and so on and so forth. But yeah, thank you for these analyses, I watched up to the analysis of Asuka before taking a small break, but now I got the Christmas holidays to catch up. Speaking of which, happy holiday season!
The time has come. Just to clarify- Episode 16 is ABSOLUTELY my favorite in the entire show other than EOE. So I’m so SO hyped up of your take of “Splitting of the Breast.”
@@timberw0lfstudiosI LOVED THE VIDEO! Got chills by realizing every “analysis” type angel accepts death after understanding- or when you put Shinji’s return as RESURRECTION! Another brilliant video!
As I understand the scene where Rei questions Asuka originally had them not in complete black shadows, but there was some kind of error with the tape, so they used a lower quality grade version. Look it up if you're interested. Also, Thanks again for another episode of this series! This has taught me a lot about how scenes work, and enabled me to have more respect for so many other pieces of media I've watched.
Yes indeed, the only surviving copies of this episode are low-grade digital prints, with washed out colors and a few film errors, but nevertheless, it lives on. Thank you for your support and feedback, I really appreciate it, and I'm so glad to hear the retrospective has helped you analyze and appreciate media more!
Interesting, my reading of the "I just wanted to see you one more time" line was always that Shinji was directing that at Yui and not Misato. Also my take on Asuka's reason to pilot in episode 16 is that it doesn't refute the previous one but adds onto it: She pilots the Eva for the praise of others(or to prove she exists in Shinji's words) so that she can praise herself. In other words she is completely dependent on others for her self-worth. Edit: I also wonder if Rei's statement that Shinji is still there might be something she can actually sense instead of just inferring. Some corroborating evidence for this might be how in Episode 23 she can tell that Armisael is coming/going on the offensive before anybody else or even the audience(we see Armisael actually attacking right after she finishes her sentence). There's no real way to prove this and I'm not even sure how much I beleive in it, but it's food for thought.
Totally. I think, as with many things, Shinji's line is directed at both Misato and Yui: at the protective force of motherhood exemplified to him by both women as opposed to either one specifically. Regardless, the subject of the line is intentionally vague, so who knows what the right answer is, if it exists. And I think you're right with Asuka! I'm excited to cover her in more detail later in the series. Rei definitely has a unique connection to the Evas and Angels, and I'll be on the lookout for that voiceline of hers in Episode 23! Thank you for all the feedback and support, I really appreciate it! I'll definitely keep it in mind as I continue covering the series.
I think the same, that Shinji's words at this moment are about Yui. I probably think that because, in French, Shinji says "all I wanted was to see her", pointing at Yui, even if this moment definitely solidify Misato in the role of mother to him. I will try to find if someone have a direct translation from the Japanese. Also agree about Asuka. Not really sure about Rei sensing Shinji , it's possible, but the most important aspect of this moment is that she is questioning/rejecting orders to try to save him.
Incredible, Episode 16 is often overlooked but I think its the most important and my favorite episode in the series, this is probably one of the best EVA video essays out there
Thank you so much! You flatter me, honestly! Episode 16 is incredibly important as it marks a discernable turning point for the series, and I'm glad to see so many others also love it! Thank you for all the wonderful feedback and support!
this just reminded me that no matter how much i try to understand evangelion its meaning and plot, there will remain some aspects of it that i may never fully understand, and that might be a reason why i like it so much.... great video man
It truly is a multi-dimensional and timeless artwork, and I don't think we'll ever be done discussing it. I for one am no expert, merely a fellow traveler searching for more lamps to light. Thank you so much for your support, I really appreciate it!
I am currently writing journal entries from Shinji’s perspective for a book project, and was having a bit of trouble. So i put on your video and listened to it while taking a shower, and I must thank you!
watching evangelion in general but this episode especially always makes me cry. all the the themes and subjects the show deals with resonate so much with me and to have this series to be able to deconstruct those emtions and the show is amazing, thank you so much for such a wonderful and thoughtful analysis of my favorite show
Aww thank you so much! I'm so glad you found the video valuable and are enjoying the series thus far. This episode always gets me misty eyed for the same reasons, and to examine some of what makes it so great was such a joy, and I'm glad others are appreciating it also. Thank you again for the feedback and support!
Shinji was always a character I respected. It's simple to go against horrible behemoths when one is fearless and virtuous. But it takes true bravery to be paralyze by terror, and still manage to solo four of your life's biggest challenges. Shinji is almost admirable for the time. Of course, the show then shattered him over some hubris, and kicked him while he's down repeatedly. Even then, he still came back, unlike even some soldiers. The fandom did him dirty for a long while. Now let us watch. 5:04 I had always speculated that this was the episode where Anno changed directions with the series, and that the whole crew started to feel the strain. That could have easily come after Bardiel tho. 6:34 I actually never thought about that when I first watched the series. I just realized two years ago ehen I read a fic where Leliel survives in outer space. Very interesting 8:13 Still, it usually backfires, like against Zeruel. And in many fics it allows Shinji to resist the Dummy Plug 8:31 That was good news, as Anno had no clue what to do with her after Decisive Battle in Tokyo-3 10:27 I love this series so much. I didn't know this was referring to this concept! Lack of greyscales is one of the most prevalent defects in Shinji's thinking (and by extension, the demographic that he represents). Leliel symbolizing it cements them as my favourite Angel. Thanks for the info! 11:07 Brutally mistaken about an outdated theory, but you do what you can 12:26 Sure will! Thanks for the cool source 20:35 I always wondered what the other Angels thought of using one of their heavy hitters, the quantum spatial anomaly, for mere intel gathering, instead of making a world out of them. Eiher they didn't like a planet populated by 300.000 Leliels, or they might have been real pissed XD. Riddle forthe ages, unless Shinji being purifiedstripped Leliel from all willpower or something obtuse like that. 21:18 Another part I like is that the Black and White part is not real, it's a mirage. What is dangerous to Shinji is the apparent Shadow (the implications of that way of thinking, or the trauma that causes it to remain), that is much more real than any of it. If you attack the so-called Windmill, you hit nothing, and the consequences of a misguided worldview catch up to you at once. Acting on wrong information. But when that worldview is corrected? That mirage suddenly becomes VERY real. The Eva comes out from it, victorious and wiser than ever before. And the implications? They crack and dry up without even releasing their captor. It's an amazing way of seeing it imo. 25:26 Truly admirable. I reiterate that hiu are one of the greats. You could take on most of my favourite essayists, and you are absolutely on their level. Congratulations.
I am very happy to see the majority opinion of Shinji swinging back into a positive light. Criticism is always warranted, but hopefully, as more discuss the series, more grounded and realistic perspectives will spread across the scene. I think that may be the case already, it's just that the most unhinged angles tend to be the most widely shared.
@@timberw0lfstudios Sorry, I didn't manage to complete my comment yesterday due to some violence outside my house. I'm sorry you had to see an incomplete version. I'll keep updating it now.
Aww thank you so much! I'm excited to branch out into other projects soon, but for now I have no problem being "The Evangelion Guy." Thank you for recognizing the work that goes into these videos!
I am not particularly keen on exposing my life on social media, but i watched this video after a mental breakdown I had yesterday (xmas). I relate very much to shinji, his trouble with confronting his trauma, his avoidance of suffering and his self esteem. Your video told me about him, but also a bit about myself. I am deeply moved and I am feel helped. Thank you very much for your original and very on point work on evangelion. I am looking forward for my own resurrection.
I'm not usually one to expose my personal life online either, so as someone who understands that sentiment, I want to commend you for your courage in reaching out and being willing to share something so personal. Firstly, my condolences to you regarding the tough times you went through recently. I'm praying for you and hoping that things improve and that you discover your personal resurrection soon. I also want to thank you for letting me know that these videos are helping others to understand themselves, and making days brighter. As a creative, knowing what kind of impact these projects are having is the greatest fulfillment I know. Thank you again for reaching out, and for your support. I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and I hope you find even more to enjoy soon. God bless you.
Thank you so so much. Knowing these videos are reaching others in such a way drives me to continue producing them. Thank you for your support and encouragement.
This is such high quality content, I’ve watched Eva multiple times but this is the first time I feel I’m getting more than surface level from it, can’t wait for the next one! ❤️ Thank you!
Aww thank you so much! I'm glad the quality has been up to par and worth your time. Thank you for your feedback and support; I'm excited to release more soon!
wow, i'm really early this time! what perfect timing- we're in the throes of lonely winter break, and i've been feeling like rewatch eva. really excited for this one! will leave more feedback when i've finished watching
@@timberw0lfstudios this was a great episode!!!! as always, I'm really excited to see more. The cross motif is a really excellent one to point out- I had mostly dismissed it due to how frequently it appears. I'm really excited to hear your takes on Rei and Asuka in their deconstructions coming up. Excellent work, keep it up!
Shinji always struck me as a good kid pushed to the limits of his mental capacity due to abandonment, no father figure, and growing up in a world post existential threat and during an actual, literal biblical reckoning. The scene where Gendo offers praise, and Shinji's face lights up, is to me, the single cruelist thing in anime, considering his future transgressions on his son. The angels were never the antagonists, nor were Seele. Gendo's sheer arrogance and the depths of his emotional immaturity and myopic worldview did far more damage than either Seele or the angels ever could. Gendo is beyond evil to me.
For the limited screen time he's given, Gendo certainly leaves an imprint on the audience as well as his son. Their relationship warrants more than a bit of study, but the toxicity and irreverence displayed within it is more than obvious. I'm certainly looking forward to covering their relationship more, and seeing just how intricate their dynamic becomes. Without a doubt though, Gendo's effect is the most intimate and arguably important in the entire series.
Thank you TimberW0lf, been looking forward to this episode. It is one of my favourites and I learnt a lot from this. To me this was the episode where NGE went from being a good Mech show to becoming an experience and cultural phenomenon that is Evangelion as we think of it today. I Also thought this was the first time Rei used the name Shinji and not "Pilot Ikari" when she questioned the retreat order (at least when watching the ADV dub). It was the first time Rei showed any emotion to Shinji and that she had feelings towards him (conscious of it or not), rather than protecting him due to mission requirements. A rebirth for Rei as well where she becomes less like a doll and more human. A big episode for all the pilots and Misato in retrospect.
Absolutely. From here on out, the show becomes fundamentally different, and I'm very excited to dive into the multilayered nuance of its narrative. You're right that there's a massive shift for Rei and Misato as well as Shinji, and I'm excited to go further in depth when it comes to covering those characters later. Thank you for your feedback and support, I really appreciate it!
No, thank you. I was really disappointed that this episode wasn't included in the new Eva Rebuild movies in some way, as it symbolised Eva so perfectly. But I may be in the minority there. I lost a lot of interest in the next films after that. Greatly looking forward to your next upload! Incredible work.
I dare say this is your best work yet. The episode really marks a turning point for me when, as Shinji also does, I started to join the dots as it were. Your explanation is masterful, being comprehensive but remaining accessible (where other similar vidoes would have indulged too heavily on jargon and overly complicated analyses). It was a joy to watch beginning to end, and I am more excited than ever to see the continuation of this series on Eva.
Aww thank you so much! You flatter me, honestly! I'm glad the video is being received so well. I try my best not to bog down with superfluous detail or facts many viewers might already know, and hearing the presentation is streamlined let's me know I'm on the right track! Thank you so much for all your feedback and support, I really appreciate it, and it keeps me going!
ever since i first found your video on the deep dive into Asuka and I went back to watch all of them, you've helped me understand evangelion in ways none could have before! I think what really helps is the visuals, which help me understand the reasoning behind everything. Your explanations and takes on different shots and how they correlate is so wonderfully done, I admire your hard work so much. I have watched your asuka video so many times just because of that reason, all the little bits and signs throughout the episodes indicating different meanings and feelings. You help shine that light on everything!!! Thank you so much, I cant wait to see more from you.
Awwwww thank you! You're gonna make me cry, dude, seriously. I am so glad to know all the work going into these videos is paying off in more ways than I ever could've imagined. And your feedback, support, and encouragement motivates me like nothing else. Thank you so much for all your kind words. I'll keep doing my best as we continue with this retrospective, and we'll see where things go! God bless!
@@drigondii I haven't seen the Rebuilds yet, so I can't say with certainly that I'll be covering them; but having finally seen the End of Evangelion last month, I can confidently say I'll be covering that film at some point in the future.
Just wanna leave a quick comment to say this series still kicks ass. Been here since the first one, and it's great to see how it's continued to build. This, unsurprisingly, is one of my favorite episodes -- and considering the "first finale" is such a good way to put it. I always take a deep breath before this episode in rewatches for that very reason. It's the beginning of the end, and it sets up the final act and finale itself so well.
Absolutely. This easily tops my list of favorite episodes, and the more I study it, the more I discover and appreciate the fine details and messages. To the point that the emotional conclusion always has me choked up a bit. Makes me even more excited to continue and cover the capstone of this series! Thank you so much for your continued support, feedback, and encouragement. It really means the world to have so many wonderful people backing this retrospective, and I'm excited to keep doing my best in exploring it. Thank you again!
Everyone I have seen so far believes that the silluete Shinji sees inside Unit 01 is his mother, even TimberW0lf think that but somehow mixed with Misato. I see it differently. From what I understood from taking everything from Evangelion at the same time each E.V.A has it's own "soul", which to me is their own mind and personality, and the synchronization is the pilot merging with the E.V.A's mind to take control over the body. We know that Shinji's mother reached a high synchronization and was absorbed into the E.V.A, like shinji will be, but I don't believe she is inside unit 01 like that but that her mind and the E.V.A's mind became one. The sillouette Shinji sees is a representation of the E.V.A's mind reaching out to him so they don't die in that situation and shinji offering his "soul" to it was the way for them to survive, since the reason the E.V.A needs outside energy is becuase it's mind is somehow disconnected from the body and the mind of a human is not capable to power the body by itself but is capable of it when it gives a direct conection to the E.V.A's mind to it's body, which is how the unit 01 moved on it's own in the first episode. That could still be taken as Shinji's mother "soul" being inside unit 01, since her mind and body has fused with unit 01, but I don't believe she still has any concience to be able to act as herself like that.
While I think we're treading into the semantic weeds here, I do agree with you. As I said, I believe the entity Shinji interacts with within Eva 01 is an evolved and transformed manifestation of Yui: not Yui as she was, but a new entity that has emerged from her that is as much the Evangelion as it is Yui. For the purposes of the theme the show is trying to convey, it's clear we as the audience are intended to see the entity as "Yui" and "motherhood" more than "the Eva," since the Evangelion as a dissociated entity holds no thematic weight. Still, it is a good distinction to keep in mind, especially when discussing other instances of interaction, as you mentioned.
Fun fact : as stated in Shinji Ikari raising project (an Eva official video game,) Shinji is canonically androgynous. Which makes sense since he also canonically looks VERY much like his mom. Which is kind of adding onto Gendo’s character, as he continues to search for a way to bring back Yui, making a recreation of her, even ending the whole world, when he had a ‘recreation’ of her the whole time. His own son, in which he pushed away due to his own selfish and ignorant ambitions.
Interesting to hear about the theory of Gendo sabotaging Unit 01's plug, I remember when I first watched the series being annoyed how often the Eject failed.
Theories abound, but who knows! Could be sabotage, or the mother within the shell simply unwilling to release her prodigal son. Or, of course, it could always just be a technical failure. Half of Evangelion's delight comes in the headcanon it fosters.
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying the series so far! Evangelion definitely deserves all the praise it receives, and I'm glad so many are still excited about it.
Thank YOU! Your feedback, support, and encouragement makes all this possible! I'm so glad to know these videos are making your day just a little brighter; God bless!
This and ep 19 were my favorites. Jeez. How many PhD's do you think this anime spawned? That aside, another beautifully crafted analysis. This anime really deserves the accolades and the permanent mental space in the cultural zeitgeist.
Absolutely. I'm very excited to get to Episode 19, for a multitude of reasons. As for the PhD's, who knows! Probably a lot! Evangelion definitely stands the test of time, and I'm glad to see so many others are still interested in discussing and dissecting it.
I've always looked at everything leading up to episode 16 as something of a prologue. Setting the stage for the true story that is the last 10 episode. Episodes one and two, especially the visceral shocking violence of Unit-01 going berserk in episode two, foreshadowing the true nature of the story. It primes us so that when we see that same violence again we are ready for and will recognize that this is it. This is the roller coaster dropping off that hill we've been climbing.
Absolutely. Couldn't have said it better myself! The first three acts are effectively setup for the thematic and emotional discourse that occurs afterwards.
I have been going through this series.. ..every couple of days I watch one After each, I am confident that I will watching the next This honestly doesn't happen often for me
I just found this analysis series and watched through all the episodes and i really appreciate the special attention to the way Eva is storyboarded! I feel like you document the character development really well and in a way that can be easily followed. I really like your analysis of Shinji's character especially cause ever before I watched nge, most of what I heard about him were what I feel like, are huge misinterpretations of him and the core themes of the show. I can't wait to see the final three episodes under your analysis: Everything with Kaworu's heart wrenching episode and the very sweet sentiment of the final episode has me super excited.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your feedback and support. I'm glad you're enjoying these videos and finding them insightful, and I'm super excited to cover the series finale. Hard to believe we're nearly to the end! Thank you again for your encouragement, it means the world!
23:00 Water sybolizes birth according to Sigmund Freud. So, as if the rest of the episode wasn't obvious enough, I think this watery thing was to further communicate that Shinji is being reborn. Like a baby, he emerges from the womb while blinded by light before seeing his mother. Misato's silhouette mirroring Yui's was a cool observation. I didn't notice. There's a lot of mommy symbolism in this one.
It would be a right shame to have an episode 17 analysis without 18 being a part of it as well, but I realise as the analysis get deeper, as the Eva gets Eva-er, they will ballon in workload, so expecting 17-19 in one fell swoop may be unrealistic. However, due to their flow as essentially a 3 parter, is that what you're planning on doing?
At this point, expecting me to cover Episodes 17, 18, and 19 all in one video is completely unrealistic and impossible. So yes, that's exactly what I'm doing.
Another intelligent analysis of the show’s directing, characters, and themes. One thing that surprised me was this episode’s visual quality looks different from the others. I assumed you’d go into the production of why, like in previous vids. I can see how focusing too much on the production might hinder the power of this video tho
Thank you so much! Yes, there's so much I wanted to touch on with this video that was cut for time, but another reason I didn't cover the production quality of the episode is that there are many other wonderful videos explaining that, and I didn't want to take away too much time from the many viewers who are already aware of it. I appreciate your understanding!
I always thought the church with the cross (and I don't quite remember if there was a church bell in that scene) signifies more like a cemetary :o it felt deathly like that. Like we're supposed to start thinking about death at this point.
Your uploads are the highlight of my day! Amazing as always. Interestingly enough you didn't mention the noticeable lower quality of the episode, some people say it's because the original tape was lost! Although I'm not sure since the animation quality through out the anime has inconsistencies.
Aww, I'm glad! Knowing others are excited for these videos makes it so much easier to produce them. And yes indeed! I avoided mentioning the quality because I think most viewers, even casual ones, are aware of the reasons for the dip, and I didn't want to clog runtime with details many likely already know. More quality shifts will arise later, and I'll likely touch on those, but I'm definitely trying to keep focus on the creative decisions behind the show as opposed to technical explanations or applications.
So I'm wondering if the soul we see is actually Misato's. If Shinji is currently dead, then the surface of the water is the veil of life and death separating them, and from the other side, he can only see the light she casts, but once he crosses back over, he can see her properly.
HOLY COW I hadn't even considered that! I'm not sure it reads given the shots we see in Episode 19, but boy do I love this interpretation! Thank you for sharing!
I'm loving these series so much, from all of the thousands Evangelion analysis, yours is so effective and cut to the chase. I'm looking forward to the next episode! Also merry christmas and happy holidays!
Aww thank you so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying the series and finding it valuable! I do my best to trim the fat, so hearing that others are finding the videos engaging is a delight. I'm excited to release more soon; thank you again for the feedback and support!
Aww thank you so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying them! And thank you for the well wishes that the series may continue growing in popularity; we'll see what happens!
This analyses of a piece of medium I hold dear to my self, is such a breath of fresh air and i am so happy some one such as your self, who not only makes new points, but also makes the story of Evangelion even more captivating as well. Please keep going and keeping it up dude you are doing such a great amazing job
Aww thank you so much! You flatter me, honestly! I'm glad this retrospective is helping others to digest and enjoy Evangelion even more, and I'm super excited to continue covering it, especially as we venture into the really deep stuff. Thank you again for all the support and encouragement; it makes producing these videos so much easier!
Wow that was a lot. So many references I missed. "Splitting" is a technical term? I pretty much just thought yeah remembering the pain of birth, and sure the Angels are, in their otherworldly ignorance, trying to help but are inflicting harm instead, but here you really connected the dots. It makes sense! Not that it didn't make sense to me before but the dept, the links - thank you for your work, this is so much clearer now! But there is always more to discuss with Evangelion - did the city sinking into Leliel remind you of anything? It reminded me of Hitchcock's Psycho, how the swamp can be interpreted as the subconscious that hides all these hideous secrets. I don't think there's a visual reference for that, so it's probably just me. Belladonna of Sadness has cities sink into the black death but that looks nothing like that. I last watched the show in july, I thought I had a good grasp of it! Its as thick as a neutron star! When you eventually finish Eva, Utena would be the obvious next choice, shows actively trying to be Eva are much less like Eva than Utena is, it uses much of the same tools and methods to do its own thing, and its brilliant! Much less biblical tho.
Hey Mike! I'm glad you found this one just as entertaining as the others! Glad to know I'm keeping viewers engaged. For real though, I'm so glad these videos are continuing to prove valuable and insightful to others. I absolutely love your comparison to Psycho's swamp--while I agree in not seeing a direct inspiration for it in Eva, I think the core themes behind both are incredibly similar. Great catch! I have a long list of anime to get to, especially once I'm done rewatching Eva (over and over again, it seems), but Utena is definitely on that list, I'm hoping I can experience it before long. I appreciate the endorsement and will move it up on the watching order! Thank you so much for all your continued support and feedback; it's always a joy to read your replies! Hope you're doing well; God bless!
@@timberw0lfstudios Timberw0lf, you flatterer you! I'm sure you know this but the third Eva Rebuild film has a shot for shot recreation of a scene in Utena, as Utena referenced Eva, not in an obvious way, but they have a character who is as cryptic and duplicitous as Rei is. Also you know Yukio Mishima, the writer? His flamboyant house is used as a location on the show. Just to name a few crazy facts. Looking forward to your next video, happy holidays!
After watching this whole video, yeah episode 16 is the best episode. Radical. I am glad Shinji grows during this show. I completely forgot about all that. The stuff that The End of Evangelion insists makes life worth living were in this show the whole time. Wow! I love to live.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate your kind words! At this time, I am fully planning on covering the End of Evangelion, and I'd love to cover the Rebuilds as well, but that's all going to depend on if I find enough worth discussing in those projects. It's still Anno though, so I have no doubts there will be plenty.
This video series has made me realize how important the theme of motherhood is in this show. Perhaps in absence of a supportive father figure, Shinji doubles down on motherhood to achieve his goals. He literally pilots EVA 01 (his mom) in order to conquer his struggles (represented by the angles). That might’ve been obvious to everyone else but I just got that.
Yes indeed. The more I analyze the show, the more I realize how pivotal motherhood and parenthood in general is to it's core themes. And there are so many other layers as well!
Yes! This was superb. Episode 16 is also my favorite episode, so seeing your attention and care poured into this brilliant and succinct analysis was breathtaking. Everything was great, I learned a lot. Probably the best analysis so far, (although that may be biased because I love the episode itself so much). Excited to see more, but I also feel like I can relax. My favorite episode was done well by you. Great stuff!
Aww thank you so much! You offer high praise, and I don't take that lightly. I'm glad to see so many others who love this episode and this series, and I'm excited to continue covering it. Thank you again for all the feedback and support! You make this possible!
Very good analysis of episode 16,. It's always hard (at least for me XD) to choose my favorite episode, but if I have to pick just one, I think it would be this one. At the very least, it's the one that encapsulate Evangelion the most. I never thought about why Yui soul have long hair at this moment, it's a good point. Maybe because she represent not simply Yui but Misato too as you say, or maybe a way to shows that her soul, even inside the Evangelion, continue to evolve one way or another. Speaking of Misato, I don't want to undermine her relationship with Shinji, you are right when you say that she is a mother figure, they have a deep and beautiful connection, but I just want to point something that can be caused to the difference in translations. In French, Shinji says "all I wanted was to see her", pointing at Yui and not Misato even if she undeniably assume the role. Since I'm curious I will try to find which version is closer to the Japanese one. On a side note, I wonder what Rei was thinking when she saw EVA 01 scalping the Angel. During the baptism of EVA 01, Ritsuko speak with Gendo and worries that Shinji and Rei will never forgive them if they discover the secrets of the EVA. Rei is clever, she is clearly someone who understood a lot of things by herself, but at this point it confirms that their are fundamental elements that she don't know. I think that at this moment, she was a also scared like everyone else.
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the analysis: this was definitely one of my favorite videos to produce. And I think you're right about Rei: she's clever, but some secrets are kept even from her. Who knows how she really felt when everything went down.
I always read it as electricity was required to control an Eva/force it to move, but a berserk Eva, acting of it's own will, didn't require electricity.
Very close! While a berserk Eva still requires energy to move (as seen in Unit-00's rampages), when a pilot and Evangelion bond, as seen here, they establish a perpetual energy similar to an S2 Drive.
Bro you got a new subscriber. Man the parallels you drew with the imagery of this episode where mind expanding! I've always loved Shinji personally ❤😢😊
Aww thank you so much! Welcome to the Pack! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and discovered new parallels! And yes, I love Shinji as well; I'm excited to keep exploring his character!
Shinji has always been this shy little boy trying to make his father proud and make people like him, but when he gets into the mech you can see he always suddendly turns into this person full of fury, anger and an odd lust for blood, like him straight up declining Misato's order to retreat and refusing to run away before slamming the Knife in the core of the Angel even while being impaled, he gets this power that he doesn't normally have when when he gets into Unit-01 and in a practical way, causing his true self to show. Shinji is a scared teenager, but when given the chance, he shows that he truly is more than just that. Which is one thing that made me never truly hate him as a character. He doesn't want to get in the Eva, he doesn't want to suffer anymore. And he has all the rights to not do, he has all the rights to just run away, but even with or without the tears he still gets into it at the end of the day to fight for his friends, Shinji is a good person. Masterpiece of an Anime.
Thank you for all the time and effort you've put into this video essay series so far. Its clear you really appreciate and know the source material and videos like yours help other people appreciate it even more too. This is one of the few really really quality video essays / essay series' about anything, and especially about Evangelion. Looking forward to the next part!
Aww, thank you so much for all your kind words, seriously! Knowing others are finding these videos insightful and enjoyable is a huge inspiration to me, and it keeps me going. Thank you for all your support and encouragement. I'm excited to release more as soon as possible, and I'll keep doing my best with them!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you found it valuable! All music in this video was orchestrated and created by my good friend and fellow creator Dominus Maestro, and you can find his work on his personal CZcams channel. The track you're most likely recognizing is a remixed version of the song Resonance by the artist HOME.
It shocks me how mercilessly people judge a literal child under pressure to save the world, whose mother has died and father abandoned him. Yeah, he is fucked up, just as you would be. Kids end up in his state over fucking cyberbullying, nothing compared to what Shinji went through. I will never understand how people hate and judge him instead of feeling pity and compassion for him.
Without a doubt, the myriad of perspectives surrounding this character are often perplexing and, in many cases, unjustified. I'm just glad the majority of viewers seem to share a more grounded outlook! The series is about broken people finding their way in the world, and having a disturbingly flawed character is only natural in that circumstance. Hopefully, as more people discuss the series, more dynamic and enlightened opinions crop up, but there will always be a full array of angles to consider, and I'll always be grateful for that.
I believe in the original translations and ADV dubs, Shinji's line is "I just wanted to see *them* again." Which Ive always taken as a reference desiring to see his parents, Yui and Gendo, again.
Very interesting. I can't say much about the original Japanese, as I don't speak the language, but you're absolutely right that the ADV line is "I just wanted to see them again." The change in pronoun definitely lends a very different sense of context to the situation, and while I'm not sure I agree on that mirroring a desire to see Yui *and* Gendo again, I find that perspective very intriguing. Thank you for pointing out that difference! I'll definitely have to think more on this.
Its one of those things that's up to interpretation, I'm very curious to see what you say about who shot Kaji and what Gendo's final line to Ritsuko was in your future videos. @@timberw0lfstudios
Aww thank you so much! I'll admit I agonized over this thumbnail, so I'm glad to know it's landing! And don't worry about being late--you and I know you're still and always will be one of the firsts!
Great as always. I would just like to add/comment that while we have on record that the Christian iconography was done for flavour, I don't fully buy that. Close to Impossible to believe that while at the same time aknowledging the influence of European philosophers/psychologists that were clearly influenced by Christian philosophy (Kierkegaard, Jung, Freud).
Absolutely. As I said, while I'm not reviewing the series with a lot of attention towards the iconography, it's very clear in this episode that the representation of the cross and other images bear thematic weight. Thank you for the feedback and support, I really appreciate it!
Story for another day? Another day too long! Awesome work. As captivating your writing is, your voice captivates me just as much. Thank you for doing this. Ps, have you done a dive into the music/soundtrack used ? Perhaps they have are used the same as how shots are set up.
Aww, you flatter me, really! But honestly, thank you for the kind words: I'm glad the subject and presentation are proving equally captivating. I touched on music for the first time in this video, and while I don't have plans to dedicate a video to the soundtrack, there will definitely be more discussed on the use of music as we continue through the series. Thank you for your feedback and support, it means the world!
Shinji is perhaps the boy who has been most neglected and crushed by unscrupulous adults in all of fiction. Other characters such as Harry Potter, Naruto, and Denji share with Shinji the tragedy of having been neglected since their earliest childhood, to then be called into adventure poorly trained and instructed, as well as being burdened with a hero role by callous and neglectful guardians, who cared little about the well-being of these children compared to their personal agendas. The big difference with Shinji is that these characters at least had the opportunity to forge friendships and find a purpose that gave meaning to the unfair chaos and suffering in their lives, while the young pilot never had a chance. After his father abandoned him, Shinji was raised by an apathetic sensei who made the minimum effort to raise him, that is, teaching him to do housework and all the Japanese etiquette so that he would be submissive like a dog and would not bother him. The damn sensei did nothing for him to develop character or develop ties with the community he was supposed to defend, much less motivated or pushed him to have the determination to excel academically and athletically for his own self-esteem. How could someone in these circumstances have acquired character, determination and independence if everyone ignored his feelings and treated him like he's a nuisance? Asuka was at least informed of her big role as a toddler, her ego stroked and she was methodically trained before her first fight, circumstances that mitigated her immense spiritual trauma, Shinji was instead thrown naked and starved against the lions by his own father. That makes Asuka's fall even more pitiful and tragic than it is, the fact that she could have been in Tokyo 3 from the beginning and covered herself in glory by defeating the angels, that is, if the adults had not been such incompetent idiots, specially Misato Katsuragi, who at no time bothered to offer support to the girl even though she had met her before in Germany, knew about her personality and that she was much more capable than the boy, in a display of negligence and apathy that is difficult to believe. And speaking about the devil, throughout this episode and rest of the series, I detested the "guardian" more and more, considering her the most awful parental figure, second only to the pilots' parents. Asuka comes out of the shower and for once she says something meaningful and true in her usual abrasive way: Shinji's monotone apologies are a pathetic attempt to avoid confrontation and he needs to have confidence in himself. The really infuriating thing is the reaction that the children's "guardian" has. She completely ignores Asuka's words and responds with a stupid, fake smile and a dismissive hand gesture saying that it is "just Shinji's way", in other words, her polite way of telling the kraut to stop bothering her. Of course it doesn't bother you that Shinji is a spineless doormat, because it suits you, right, you slob bitch? For you it's like having a little pet dog, he does everything you ask of him, you pet his head and you make him happy just like that, without having to make an effort. Why don't you put down the beer, get up from your chair and try to get the redhead to behave and contribute to the housework? Oh i get it, because Miss Katsuragi would have to put up with Miss Asuka's yelling, disrespect, and insults, and her free time is too valuable to waste like that. You do dare to lecture Shinji and boss him around, because you know he won't stand up to you, but you don't have the courage to do the same with Asuka, you miserable coward? And of course, Misato doesn't have the courage to drop the mask and at least admit that the emperor has no clothes either. "You're right Asuka, I am an irresponsible and selfish tutor and if it were up to me I would go with Kaji to get drunk and forget about my problems, that is, you, who are just a nuisance that I put up with to do my job. Don't expect any help from me." Nope, better to ignore it all and sweep it under the rug, right? At the end of the day, when the Angel shit is over, what do you care if the day of tomorrow Shinji gets fooled and exploited like a little sheep by everybody because of his passivity and Asuka ends up being rejected by everyone for her lack of manners? This makes his death in EoE karmic rather than tragic. SEELE rewards her for the work she sacrificed those children for by marking her and her NERV pals for extermination, the children she abandoned in their off hours because she didn't want to bother helping them are incapable of saving her useless skin (one in a coma, the other is a depressed load), and she ends up shoot and bleeding out like a pig in an elevator while lamenting her mistakes while trying to console herself by asking Kaji if she did the right thing. No, bitch, you didn't do it, you ended up dead because of your laziness and your selfishness and you have ruined these children , and the rest of the world, too. Perish with remorse on your conscience.
While I haven't seen the End of Evangelion and therefore can't comment on the ultimate demise of Misato's character, I agree with you on many of your points regarding her behavior and irresponsibility. Misato and Asuka's relationship is without a doubt one of the greatest wastes of potential in any narrative. Misato's chance to steward, rebuke, and correct the Second Children is squandered, her own insecurity and selfishness pitting her in a position of powerlessness she suffers through to the end of the series. This being a story about broken people accepting the various vicissitudes of life, however, does, as it must, reveal the imperfections in even those doing their best in any given situation. I see Misato as paralyzed by trauma and ignorance regarding Asuka, unable to help a girl in a position all too similar to her own. As with many other characters, I think the tragedy of Misato's decisions and lack thereof is to be learned from, her failures a standing lesson for all to avoid personally. I don't believe she deserves all the vitriol you've expressed due to her actions being partially in ignorance, as opposed to other more sinister forces like Gendo, but the criticism is much warranted, and I appreciate everything you shared on this. It definitely forces one to think, and I'll always take the chance to see another perspective.
Amazing as always, kudos! Your analyses are so over the bar. Can't wait for ep. 23. At this point we start getting so dense in symbolism and character development we'll just go one episode at a time, right?
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! I'm super excited to cover the rest of this series. Yes, the smart thing would be to cover only one episode at a time from here on out. Fortunately, I'm not always smart.
I wish I had the stamina for two-hour videos! Maybe once I hire an editor, lol. In the meantime, all that means is that what we get will be distilled to only the best (hopefully)!
Incredible Work Amazing Analysis So Many Great Concept to to Compare So Many Metaphors to Miss Fair Coverage of Some of Them Thanks for Reminding Me of Some of Them It Can Be Hard to Remember even if I Just Rewatched Them Thank You Immaculate Comfort Horrible Part Marking Per Your Series Style
Another sign of Shinji's fatal overconfidence during this episode was he went in with Unit 01 armed only with a pistol while Asuka and Rei are carrying rifles. The gun being designed as a Desert Eagle is also intentional since it's more commonly associated with power and confident heroes in media.
Do you remember that fanfic I recommended you, "Advice and Trust" ? Most people believe it's the positive version of the original's post-kiss, a fair interpretation. But I think it goes beyond that: -My parents constantly tell me we have to be happy with ourselves before being happy with someone. And while it is true their issues aren't as notiçable, parts of it still remain. For example, to prevent Asuka's self destruction and Shinji's arrogance surge, the author had to make the redhead pass the test instead of him. I mean, she does boost his confidence later, kinda creating a friendly/teasing version of their previous rivalry, which seems to disappear over time, true (you know, honeymoon phase of the relationship and all), but they can't stand being apart from each other for long, particularly at night. And I heard in that age, that accidental co-dependence can be problematic. Of course, I can't blame them. Not only they're child soldiers who are required to have a small circle, their individual friends also explore their own sexual lives (no details, too many spoilers). And both Misato and Kaiji actually try to smooth things over. But my interpretation is that the author is actually exploring the other spectrum of suffering. Overreliance. I still think the "Third Impact" is gonna happen (a sentence of Rei implies it), but under different circunstances. If it's for better or worse, that remains to be seen. Do you think love can be THAT poisoned ?
0:10 that's only 50% of it. The times he did try and was almost there were sabotaged by everyone, particularly Gendo. I think I did the healthy thing, and was able to direct my anger more at the adults than the teens. I mean, hello ! You're their guardians and they're clearly not well ! Not only that, bad mental health means bad soldiers. At least search for counsel for them ! Or group therapy ! The only times the protagonists managed to be somewhat happy was when they were with people their age. If that ain't telling, I don't know what is.
Ah you changed the (blue water ripple?) from the intro of the show to orange. Not red like blood, but the opposite of blue, maybe to show that the show changes to more directly challenge and attack its setting.
In a world bloated by endless analyses of EVA, The Edit Of Evangelion has somehow managed to become the series to which I most look forward. Thanks for all of your hard work!
That really means a lot; thank you so much. I'm glad to know this series has helped others and that people are looking forward to it. The support has been amazing, and I'm excited to release more soon!
@@timberw0lfstudios Nerds need to shut the f up about Shinji. He's a Nepobaby loser. He's not special nor has skills. He's a Mary Sue
I never said he was special, nor that he possessed a particular set of skills. The accusation of nepotism is a peculiar one, but I could stand to see an argument for it.
As for being a Mary Sue, I'm not sure you have a firm grasp on the meaning of that term, but perhaps that's why these discussions are had.
@@timberw0lfstudios I am just sick and tired of Shinji videos. People like to excuse his behavior, he's really just a self insert for all these nerds... and he's a disgusting little human I can't stand. If you want LOVE then work for it. He acts like a baby.
TOTALLY AGREED. I love the series and it also just reaffirms that love for me and proves how masterfully done it is in ways I didn’t even notice. I find a mindblowing revelation about the direction in every new video.
Misato slapping Ritsuko was honestly a chilling moment. These two women have been friends since their college years, and Misato is being confronted with one of two scenarios, even if she doesn’t realize the full scope yet. Either Ritsuko was always like this, willing to sacrifice one person for a grander vision, or she’s changed over time.
This is the same woman who watched her father die saving her from his mistake. She’s realizing Ritsuko is willing to risk the same disaster, and kill a kid, for some greater ambition she can only guess at. It’s the moment she realizes she’s caught up in something far more sinister than “kill the evil space monsters and save the world.”
More than anything, it’s a deeply sad moment. It’s two people realizing that not only are their objectives vastly different, but that their paths diverged long ago and neither realized it until now.
As usual my friend, well said. I hadn't fully considered Misato's perspective as a guardian over a child in the same way her father was over her, and how that affects her position here. And as sad as this breakdown of their friendship is, I can't help but feel worse over the even more divergent ends they eventually meet.
@@timberw0lfstudios And we haven’t even gotten to the worst parts yet!
No indeed!
But even then, Ritsuko still loves Misato, and she still believes in some of the same virtues as her, even if it is shown subtly; she still holds out hope for Shinji, pushing the salvage forward if it means giving Shinji even the *tiniest* chance of survival. Ritsuko never completely gave into Gendo's ideaology of goals mattering over people, as she ultimately ends up betraying him in the name of doing what's 'right' - even if it is done quite literally self-destructively.
You are single handedly making me respect Shinji more and more.
Maybe because we all want to project ourselves into the stereotypicall anime underdog protagonist rather than what it feels like a real and flawed human being, we so easily dismiss Shinji.
I can't wait for the next episode, and as always thank you for your hard work. This is nothing short of excellent.
Happy Holidays to you!
Aww thank you so much! I take your words as high praise, and receive them humbly.
The more I diagram Shinji's character, the more impressed I am with how he's written, and I'm glad to know I'm helping others to see that as well. Just wait until we get to the end!
Thank you so much for the support and feedback. I really appreciate it, and nothing encourages me more to keep doing my best.
God bless and Happy Holidays!
One of the major points of eoe was that shinji was still the same pathetic and disgusting person at the end of the story did you not watch eoe??
No I did not! Is it good? Do you recommend it?
@@timberw0lfstudios that response wasnt to you but the point still stands. what do you think the point of the hospital scene and the final scene of eoe are.
I do love those sunshine protagonists. But I could never project into them. I know what I am, ever since the age of 12. And I actually like it. Could use one or two improvements, but in general, I love what I am.
That scene of Eva-01 scaping Leliel's body is my favorite moment in Eva. It's so full of meaning a symbolism, masterclass visual storytelling
Absolutely. It was so much to discuss and dissect, and the spectacle alone is incredible, never mind the multitude of layers behind it.
Yeah, this scene is simply amazing.
I'm so glad your analysis puts emphasis on Shinji and Misato's mother/son relationship, I feel like it gets overlooked
Totally. It quickly becomes the backbone of their relationship, and I think it's important to keep in mind as their dynamic progresses.
@@timberw0lfstudios one has to kinda wonder who's the parent and who's the child though.
@@JabamiLainSo true^^ It's part of the charm of their relashionship.
You just blew my mind with the idea that "young Shinji" is actually Leliel. It makes a whole lot of sense though. It's impressive how much depth is in the Eva series, yet a lot of it is left to one's own ability to interpret the subtle symbolism.
Glad I could reveal that to you! There's definitely a lot to digest throughout the show, and it only gets more complicated from here on out.
Don't feel bad for missing it, though! I didn't catch nearly any of this on my first watch, and now having gone back through, I feel like I'm watching a completely different show. I thought others might be in the same boat, and I wanted to offer a paddle!
I'm glad you found it valuable and enjoyable!
@@timberw0lfstudios Yeah, of course. It's a very well thought-out analysis and a great source of information. It opens up a lot of new perspectives on EVA and the series just seems to be a gift that keeps on giving. The more I've matured between re-watches, the more layers I discover that never originally stood out to me. When I was younger, what pulled me in was the mecha and how cool Asuka was. Then my appeciation deepened after discovering Anno's past and how the story reflected his coming of age. Then I began recognizing the challenges the characters were faced with were also present in my every day life, and so on and so forth. But yeah, thank you for these analyses, I watched up to the analysis of Asuka before taking a small break, but now I got the Christmas holidays to catch up. Speaking of which, happy holiday season!
Thank you so much! Happy Holidays to you as well!
The time has come.
Just to clarify- Episode 16 is ABSOLUTELY my favorite in the entire show other than EOE.
So I’m so SO hyped up of your take of “Splitting of the Breast.”
It's my favorite too! Hopefully I did the episode justice; you'll have to let me know!
@@timberw0lfstudios 😊👍👍
@@timberw0lfstudiosI LOVED THE VIDEO!
Got chills by realizing every “analysis” type angel accepts death after understanding- or when you put Shinji’s return as RESURRECTION! Another brilliant video!
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed and found it insightful!
@@timberw0lfstudiosYes you did it justice^^
As I understand the scene where Rei questions Asuka originally had them not in complete black shadows, but there was some kind of error with the tape, so they used a lower quality grade version. Look it up if you're interested. Also, Thanks again for another episode of this series! This has taught me a lot about how scenes work, and enabled me to have more respect for so many other pieces of media I've watched.
Yes indeed, the only surviving copies of this episode are low-grade digital prints, with washed out colors and a few film errors, but nevertheless, it lives on.
Thank you for your support and feedback, I really appreciate it, and I'm so glad to hear the retrospective has helped you analyze and appreciate media more!
Yes, the original master negative for episode 16 was lost, so they couldn't use the negative to remaster the episode, sadly.
Either way it looks cool and works well
He mentioned it back when he analyzed the episode
Ironically, that accident made that scene more interesting^^
Interesting, my reading of the "I just wanted to see you one more time" line was always that Shinji was directing that at Yui and not Misato.
Also my take on Asuka's reason to pilot in episode 16 is that it doesn't refute the previous one but adds onto it: She pilots the Eva for the praise of others(or to prove she exists in Shinji's words) so that she can praise herself. In other words she is completely dependent on others for her self-worth.
Edit: I also wonder if Rei's statement that Shinji is still there might be something she can actually sense instead of just inferring. Some corroborating evidence for this might be how in Episode 23 she can tell that Armisael is coming/going on the offensive before anybody else or even the audience(we see Armisael actually attacking right after she finishes her sentence). There's no real way to prove this and I'm not even sure how much I beleive in it, but it's food for thought.
Totally. I think, as with many things, Shinji's line is directed at both Misato and Yui: at the protective force of motherhood exemplified to him by both women as opposed to either one specifically. Regardless, the subject of the line is intentionally vague, so who knows what the right answer is, if it exists.
And I think you're right with Asuka! I'm excited to cover her in more detail later in the series.
Rei definitely has a unique connection to the Evas and Angels, and I'll be on the lookout for that voiceline of hers in Episode 23!
Thank you for all the feedback and support, I really appreciate it! I'll definitely keep it in mind as I continue covering the series.
I think the same, that Shinji's words at this moment are about Yui. I probably think that because, in French, Shinji says "all I wanted was to see her", pointing at Yui, even if this moment definitely solidify Misato in the role of mother to him. I will try to find if someone have a direct translation from the Japanese.
Also agree about Asuka.
Not really sure about Rei sensing Shinji , it's possible, but the most important aspect of this moment is that she is questioning/rejecting orders to try to save him.
Incredible, Episode 16 is often overlooked but I think its the most important and my favorite episode in the series, this is probably one of the best EVA video essays out there
Thank you so much! You flatter me, honestly!
Episode 16 is incredibly important as it marks a discernable turning point for the series, and I'm glad to see so many others also love it! Thank you for all the wonderful feedback and support!
Rei's hair was also extraordinarly long after being trapped in an eva in the reboots.
this just reminded me that no matter how much i try to understand evangelion its meaning and plot, there will remain some aspects of it that i may never fully understand, and that might be a reason why i like it so much.... great video man
It truly is a multi-dimensional and timeless artwork, and I don't think we'll ever be done discussing it. I for one am no expert, merely a fellow traveler searching for more lamps to light.
Thank you so much for your support, I really appreciate it!
I am currently writing journal entries from Shinji’s perspective for a book project, and was having a bit of trouble. So i put on your video and listened to it while taking a shower, and I must thank you!
You're very welcome! Glad my video was able to help you in your endeavors, and best of luck with your project!
watching evangelion in general but this episode especially always makes me cry. all the the themes and subjects the show deals with resonate so much with me and to have this series to be able to deconstruct those emtions and the show is amazing, thank you so much for such a wonderful and thoughtful analysis of my favorite show
Aww thank you so much! I'm so glad you found the video valuable and are enjoying the series thus far.
This episode always gets me misty eyed for the same reasons, and to examine some of what makes it so great was such a joy, and I'm glad others are appreciating it also. Thank you again for the feedback and support!
It is an amazing episode, it perfectly encapsulate Evangelion.
Shinji was always a character I respected. It's simple to go against horrible behemoths when one is fearless and virtuous. But it takes true bravery to be paralyze by terror, and still manage to solo four of your life's biggest challenges. Shinji is almost admirable for the time. Of course, the show then shattered him over some hubris, and kicked him while he's down repeatedly. Even then, he still came back, unlike even some soldiers. The fandom did him dirty for a long while. Now let us watch.
5:04 I had always speculated that this was the episode where Anno changed directions with the series, and that the whole crew started to feel the strain. That could have easily come after Bardiel tho.
6:34 I actually never thought about that when I first watched the series. I just realized two years ago ehen I read a fic where Leliel survives in outer space. Very interesting
8:13 Still, it usually backfires, like against Zeruel. And in many fics it allows Shinji to resist the Dummy Plug
8:31 That was good news, as Anno had no clue what to do with her after Decisive Battle in Tokyo-3
10:27 I love this series so much. I didn't know this was referring to this concept! Lack of greyscales is one of the most prevalent defects in Shinji's thinking (and by extension, the demographic that he represents). Leliel symbolizing it cements them as my favourite Angel. Thanks for the info!
11:07 Brutally mistaken about an outdated theory, but you do what you can
12:26 Sure will! Thanks for the cool source
20:35 I always wondered what the other Angels thought of using one of their heavy hitters, the quantum spatial anomaly, for mere intel gathering, instead of making a world out of them. Eiher they didn't like a planet populated by 300.000 Leliels, or they might have been real pissed XD. Riddle forthe ages, unless Shinji being purifiedstripped Leliel from all willpower or something obtuse like that.
21:18 Another part I like is that the Black and White part is not real, it's a mirage. What is dangerous to Shinji is the apparent Shadow (the implications of that way of thinking, or the trauma that causes it to remain), that is much more real than any of it. If you attack the so-called Windmill, you hit nothing, and the consequences of a misguided worldview catch up to you at once. Acting on wrong information. But when that worldview is corrected? That mirage suddenly becomes VERY real. The Eva comes out from it, victorious and wiser than ever before. And the implications? They crack and dry up without even releasing their captor. It's an amazing way of seeing it imo.
25:26 Truly admirable. I reiterate that hiu are one of the greats. You could take on most of my favourite essayists, and you are absolutely on their level. Congratulations.
I am very happy to see the majority opinion of Shinji swinging back into a positive light. Criticism is always warranted, but hopefully, as more discuss the series, more grounded and realistic perspectives will spread across the scene. I think that may be the case already, it's just that the most unhinged angles tend to be the most widely shared.
@@timberw0lfstudios Sorry, I didn't manage to complete my comment yesterday due to some violence outside my house. I'm sorry you had to see an incomplete version. I'll keep updating it now.
Sorry to hear about the disruption! I'm looking forward to replying once your whole reply is available!
@@timberw0lfstudios I edited my original comment, at the expense of you heart tag. Thank you so much! The new stuff is after 8:13. Much appreciated!
you're probably the most dedicated eva creator i know, good stuff
Aww thank you so much! I'm excited to branch out into other projects soon, but for now I have no problem being "The Evangelion Guy."
Thank you for recognizing the work that goes into these videos!
I am not particularly keen on exposing my life on social media, but i watched this video after a mental breakdown I had yesterday (xmas). I relate very much to shinji, his trouble with confronting his trauma, his avoidance of suffering and his self esteem. Your video told me about him, but also a bit about myself. I am deeply moved and I am feel helped. Thank you very much for your original and very on point work on evangelion. I am looking forward for my own resurrection.
I'm not usually one to expose my personal life online either, so as someone who understands that sentiment, I want to commend you for your courage in reaching out and being willing to share something so personal.
Firstly, my condolences to you regarding the tough times you went through recently. I'm praying for you and hoping that things improve and that you discover your personal resurrection soon.
I also want to thank you for letting me know that these videos are helping others to understand themselves, and making days brighter. As a creative, knowing what kind of impact these projects are having is the greatest fulfillment I know.
Thank you again for reaching out, and for your support. I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and I hope you find even more to enjoy soon.
God bless you.
God bless both of you guys 🙏 i hope the OP is doing fine right now
Cried again. This is so incredible I can't bear to not see it be as successful as it deserves to be.
Thank you so so much. Knowing these videos are reaching others in such a way drives me to continue producing them. Thank you for your support and encouragement.
This is such high quality content, I’ve watched Eva multiple times but this is the first time I feel I’m getting more than surface level from it, can’t wait for the next one! ❤️
Thank you!
Aww thank you so much! I'm glad the quality has been up to par and worth your time.
Thank you for your feedback and support; I'm excited to release more soon!
wow, i'm really early this time! what perfect timing- we're in the throes of lonely winter break, and i've been feeling like rewatch eva. really excited for this one! will leave more feedback when i've finished watching
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy, and I for one will always encourage an Eva rewatch.
@@timberw0lfstudios this was a great episode!!!! as always, I'm really excited to see more. The cross motif is a really excellent one to point out- I had mostly dismissed it due to how frequently it appears. I'm really excited to hear your takes on Rei and Asuka in their deconstructions coming up. Excellent work, keep it up!
Shinji always struck me as a good kid pushed to the limits of his mental capacity due to abandonment, no father figure, and growing up in a world post existential threat and during an actual, literal biblical reckoning.
The scene where Gendo offers praise, and Shinji's face lights up, is to me, the single cruelist thing in anime, considering his future transgressions on his son.
The angels were never the antagonists, nor were Seele. Gendo's sheer arrogance and the depths of his emotional immaturity and myopic worldview did far more damage than either Seele or the angels ever could. Gendo is beyond evil to me.
For the limited screen time he's given, Gendo certainly leaves an imprint on the audience as well as his son. Their relationship warrants more than a bit of study, but the toxicity and irreverence displayed within it is more than obvious. I'm certainly looking forward to covering their relationship more, and seeing just how intricate their dynamic becomes. Without a doubt though, Gendo's effect is the most intimate and arguably important in the entire series.
Thank you TimberW0lf, been looking forward to this episode. It is one of my favourites and I learnt a lot from this. To me this was the episode where NGE went from being a good Mech show to becoming an experience and cultural phenomenon that is Evangelion as we think of it today. I Also thought this was the first time Rei used the name Shinji and not "Pilot Ikari" when she questioned the retreat order (at least when watching the ADV dub). It was the first time Rei showed any emotion to Shinji and that she had feelings towards him (conscious of it or not), rather than protecting him due to mission requirements. A rebirth for Rei as well where she becomes less like a doll and more human. A big episode for all the pilots and Misato in retrospect.
Absolutely. From here on out, the show becomes fundamentally different, and I'm very excited to dive into the multilayered nuance of its narrative. You're right that there's a massive shift for Rei and Misato as well as Shinji, and I'm excited to go further in depth when it comes to covering those characters later.
Thank you for your feedback and support, I really appreciate it!
No, thank you. I was really disappointed that this episode wasn't included in the new Eva Rebuild movies in some way, as it symbolised Eva so perfectly. But I may be in the minority there. I lost a lot of interest in the next films after that. Greatly looking forward to your next upload! Incredible work.
Thank you so much! I'm excited to release more soon!
I love how comprehensive you are with these analysis videos! Can't wait for the next one.
Aww thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying them, and I'm excited to release more soon!
I dare say this is your best work yet. The episode really marks a turning point for me when, as Shinji also does, I started to join the dots as it were. Your explanation is masterful, being comprehensive but remaining accessible (where other similar vidoes would have indulged too heavily on jargon and overly complicated analyses). It was a joy to watch beginning to end, and I am more excited than ever to see the continuation of this series on Eva.
Aww thank you so much! You flatter me, honestly!
I'm glad the video is being received so well. I try my best not to bog down with superfluous detail or facts many viewers might already know, and hearing the presentation is streamlined let's me know I'm on the right track!
Thank you so much for all your feedback and support, I really appreciate it, and it keeps me going!
ever since i first found your video on the deep dive into Asuka and I went back to watch all of them, you've helped me understand evangelion in ways none could have before! I think what really helps is the visuals, which help me understand the reasoning behind everything. Your explanations and takes on different shots and how they correlate is so wonderfully done, I admire your hard work so much. I have watched your asuka video so many times just because of that reason, all the little bits and signs throughout the episodes indicating different meanings and feelings. You help shine that light on everything!!! Thank you so much, I cant wait to see more from you.
Awwwww thank you! You're gonna make me cry, dude, seriously.
I am so glad to know all the work going into these videos is paying off in more ways than I ever could've imagined. And your feedback, support, and encouragement motivates me like nothing else.
Thank you so much for all your kind words. I'll keep doing my best as we continue with this retrospective, and we'll see where things go!
God bless!
This is by far my favorite episode from the original TV series. I'm glad you took the time to do a deep dive solely on this episode.
I'm with you: this episode deserved my full attention, and I'm so glad I could give it!
When you finish the original series, do you plan to keep going through EoE and the Rebuild series?
@@drigondii I haven't seen the Rebuilds yet, so I can't say with certainly that I'll be covering them; but having finally seen the End of Evangelion last month, I can confidently say I'll be covering that film at some point in the future.
Just wanna leave a quick comment to say this series still kicks ass. Been here since the first one, and it's great to see how it's continued to build. This, unsurprisingly, is one of my favorite episodes -- and considering the "first finale" is such a good way to put it. I always take a deep breath before this episode in rewatches for that very reason. It's the beginning of the end, and it sets up the final act and finale itself so well.
Absolutely. This easily tops my list of favorite episodes, and the more I study it, the more I discover and appreciate the fine details and messages. To the point that the emotional conclusion always has me choked up a bit. Makes me even more excited to continue and cover the capstone of this series!
Thank you so much for your continued support, feedback, and encouragement. It really means the world to have so many wonderful people backing this retrospective, and I'm excited to keep doing my best in exploring it. Thank you again!
I love these breakdowns, it puts words to a lot of the feelings I had when I watched the show.
Thank you so much! I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the series and that it's helped verbalize your thoughts and outlook on the series!
Everyone I have seen so far believes that the silluete Shinji sees inside Unit 01 is his mother, even TimberW0lf think that but somehow mixed with Misato.
I see it differently.
From what I understood from taking everything from Evangelion at the same time each E.V.A has it's own "soul", which to me is their own mind and personality, and the synchronization is the pilot merging with the E.V.A's mind to take control over the body.
We know that Shinji's mother reached a high synchronization and was absorbed into the E.V.A, like shinji will be, but I don't believe she is inside unit 01 like that but that her mind and the E.V.A's mind became one. The sillouette Shinji sees is a representation of the E.V.A's mind reaching out to him so they don't die in that situation and shinji offering his "soul" to it was the way for them to survive, since the reason the E.V.A needs outside energy is becuase it's mind is somehow disconnected from the body and the mind of a human is not capable to power the body by itself but is capable of it when it gives a direct conection to the E.V.A's mind to it's body, which is how the unit 01 moved on it's own in the first episode.
That could still be taken as Shinji's mother "soul" being inside unit 01, since her mind and body has fused with unit 01, but I don't believe she still has any concience to be able to act as herself like that.
While I think we're treading into the semantic weeds here, I do agree with you. As I said, I believe the entity Shinji interacts with within Eva 01 is an evolved and transformed manifestation of Yui: not Yui as she was, but a new entity that has emerged from her that is as much the Evangelion as it is Yui.
For the purposes of the theme the show is trying to convey, it's clear we as the audience are intended to see the entity as "Yui" and "motherhood" more than "the Eva," since the Evangelion as a dissociated entity holds no thematic weight. Still, it is a good distinction to keep in mind, especially when discussing other instances of interaction, as you mentioned.
Fun fact : as stated in Shinji Ikari raising project (an Eva official video game,) Shinji is canonically androgynous. Which makes sense since he also canonically looks VERY much like his mom. Which is kind of adding onto Gendo’s character, as he continues to search for a way to bring back Yui, making a recreation of her, even ending the whole world, when he had a ‘recreation’ of her the whole time. His own son, in which he pushed away due to his own selfish and ignorant ambitions.
That is a fun fact! (Well, maybe not fun in the typical sense)--but I love that perspective. Thank you so much for sharing!
Wait ! He is ? Dang it ! I feel SO dense right now.
I can't wait til you get to EP 19 which is my favorite episode.
Episode 19 is a close second for me when it comes to best episodes. Might even take top place after I cover it. I'm super excited to get around to it!
Best ep yet
Totally agree. EP 16 goes hard.
Interesting to hear about the theory of Gendo sabotaging Unit 01's plug, I remember when I first watched the series being annoyed how often the Eject failed.
Theories abound, but who knows! Could be sabotage, or the mother within the shell simply unwilling to release her prodigal son.
Or, of course, it could always just be a technical failure. Half of Evangelion's delight comes in the headcanon it fosters.
Love this video series. They helped me understand better evangelion.... It's deep underlying complexity and storytelling puts me in awe
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying the series so far! Evangelion definitely deserves all the praise it receives, and I'm glad so many are still excited about it.
Your videos are always the highlight of my day!there's so much work and thought put into them. Thanks!
Thank YOU! Your feedback, support, and encouragement makes all this possible! I'm so glad to know these videos are making your day just a little brighter; God bless!
This and ep 19 were my favorites. Jeez. How many PhD's do you think this anime spawned?
That aside, another beautifully crafted analysis. This anime really deserves the accolades and the permanent mental space in the cultural zeitgeist.
Absolutely. I'm very excited to get to Episode 19, for a multitude of reasons. As for the PhD's, who knows! Probably a lot!
Evangelion definitely stands the test of time, and I'm glad to see so many others are still interested in discussing and dissecting it.
I've always looked at everything leading up to episode 16 as something of a prologue. Setting the stage for the true story that is the last 10 episode. Episodes one and two, especially the visceral shocking violence of Unit-01 going berserk in episode two, foreshadowing the true nature of the story. It primes us so that when we see that same violence again we are ready for and will recognize that this is it. This is the roller coaster dropping off that hill we've been climbing.
Absolutely. Couldn't have said it better myself!
The first three acts are effectively setup for the thematic and emotional discourse that occurs afterwards.
@timberw0lfstudios I'm sure you could've said it better but thank you =^.^=
I have been going through this series..
..every couple of days I watch one
After each, I am confident that I will watching the next
This honestly doesn't happen often for me
Super glad these videos have proved to be insightful and valuable to you; I hope they continue to be so!
I just found this analysis series and watched through all the episodes and i really appreciate the special attention to the way Eva is storyboarded! I feel like you document the character development really well and in a way that can be easily followed. I really like your analysis of Shinji's character especially cause ever before I watched nge, most of what I heard about him were what I feel like, are huge misinterpretations of him and the core themes of the show. I can't wait to see the final three episodes under your analysis: Everything with Kaworu's heart wrenching episode and the very sweet sentiment of the final episode has me super excited.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your feedback and support. I'm glad you're enjoying these videos and finding them insightful, and I'm super excited to cover the series finale. Hard to believe we're nearly to the end! Thank you again for your encouragement, it means the world!
@@timberw0lfstudios No problem! And don't forget to take care of yourself while making the videos - it's a lot of hardwork ^^
It is a lot of work, but don't worry, I'm pacing myself. Personal health always comes before the job. Thank you for the reminder and encouragement!
23:00 Water sybolizes birth according to Sigmund Freud. So, as if the rest of the episode wasn't obvious enough, I think this watery thing was to further communicate that Shinji is being reborn. Like a baby, he emerges from the womb while blinded by light before seeing his mother.
Misato's silhouette mirroring Yui's was a cool observation. I didn't notice. There's a lot of mommy symbolism in this one.
It would be a right shame to have an episode 17 analysis without 18 being a part of it as well, but I realise as the analysis get deeper, as the Eva gets Eva-er, they will ballon in workload, so expecting 17-19 in one fell swoop may be unrealistic. However, due to their flow as essentially a 3 parter, is that what you're planning on doing?
At this point, expecting me to cover Episodes 17, 18, and 19 all in one video is completely unrealistic and impossible.
So yes, that's exactly what I'm doing.
Amazing video. Thanks for making it.
You're very welcome! Thank you for enjoying it!
Another intelligent analysis of the show’s directing, characters, and themes.
One thing that surprised me was this episode’s visual quality looks different from the others. I assumed you’d go into the production of why, like in previous vids. I can see how focusing too much on the production might hinder the power of this video tho
Thank you so much!
Yes, there's so much I wanted to touch on with this video that was cut for time, but another reason I didn't cover the production quality of the episode is that there are many other wonderful videos explaining that, and I didn't want to take away too much time from the many viewers who are already aware of it. I appreciate your understanding!
I always thought the church with the cross (and I don't quite remember if there was a church bell in that scene) signifies more like a cemetary :o it felt deathly like that. Like we're supposed to start thinking about death at this point.
Ooooh, I really like that interpretation, and I think it's totally valid! That's a great perspective!
Your uploads are the highlight of my day! Amazing as always. Interestingly enough you didn't mention the noticeable lower quality of the episode, some people say it's because the original tape was lost! Although I'm not sure since the animation quality through out the anime has inconsistencies.
Aww, I'm glad! Knowing others are excited for these videos makes it so much easier to produce them.
And yes indeed! I avoided mentioning the quality because I think most viewers, even casual ones, are aware of the reasons for the dip, and I didn't want to clog runtime with details many likely already know. More quality shifts will arise later, and I'll likely touch on those, but I'm definitely trying to keep focus on the creative decisions behind the show as opposed to technical explanations or applications.
So I'm wondering if the soul we see is actually Misato's. If Shinji is currently dead, then the surface of the water is the veil of life and death separating them, and from the other side, he can only see the light she casts, but once he crosses back over, he can see her properly.
HOLY COW I hadn't even considered that! I'm not sure it reads given the shots we see in Episode 19, but boy do I love this interpretation! Thank you for sharing!
I'm loving these series so much, from all of the thousands Evangelion analysis, yours is so effective and cut to the chase.
I'm looking forward to the next episode! Also merry christmas and happy holidays!
Aww thank you so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying the series and finding it valuable! I do my best to trim the fat, so hearing that others are finding the videos engaging is a delight. I'm excited to release more soon; thank you again for the feedback and support!
Increadible as always! Thank you so much for what you do! This show is timeless so I hope these vids popularity can grow over time!
Aww thank you so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying them! And thank you for the well wishes that the series may continue growing in popularity; we'll see what happens!
Shinji is my favorite character in all of entertainment because i relate to him the most
Animator: forgets to draw stripes on a shirt
Timberwolf: A SICKNESS UNTO DEATH!!!
THE SYMBOL IS SYMBOLIC!
This analyses of a piece of medium I hold dear to my self, is such a breath of fresh air and i am so happy some one such as your self, who not only makes new points, but also makes the story of Evangelion even more captivating as well. Please keep going and keeping it up dude you are doing such a great amazing job
Aww thank you so much! You flatter me, honestly!
I'm glad this retrospective is helping others to digest and enjoy Evangelion even more, and I'm super excited to continue covering it, especially as we venture into the really deep stuff. Thank you again for all the support and encouragement; it makes producing these videos so much easier!
Wow that was a lot. So many references I missed. "Splitting" is a technical term? I pretty much just thought yeah remembering the pain of birth, and sure the Angels are, in their otherworldly ignorance, trying to help but are inflicting harm instead, but here you really connected the dots. It makes sense! Not that it didn't make sense to me before but the dept, the links - thank you for your work, this is so much clearer now! But there is always more to discuss with Evangelion - did the city sinking into Leliel remind you of anything? It reminded me of Hitchcock's Psycho, how the swamp can be interpreted as the subconscious that hides all these hideous secrets. I don't think there's a visual reference for that, so it's probably just me. Belladonna of Sadness has cities sink into the black death but that looks nothing like that. I last watched the show in july, I thought I had a good grasp of it! Its as thick as a neutron star! When you eventually finish Eva, Utena would be the obvious next choice, shows actively trying to be Eva are much less like Eva than Utena is, it uses much of the same tools and methods to do its own thing, and its brilliant! Much less biblical tho.
Hey Mike! I'm glad you found this one just as entertaining as the others! Glad to know I'm keeping viewers engaged.
For real though, I'm so glad these videos are continuing to prove valuable and insightful to others. I absolutely love your comparison to Psycho's swamp--while I agree in not seeing a direct inspiration for it in Eva, I think the core themes behind both are incredibly similar. Great catch!
I have a long list of anime to get to, especially once I'm done rewatching Eva (over and over again, it seems), but Utena is definitely on that list, I'm hoping I can experience it before long. I appreciate the endorsement and will move it up on the watching order!
Thank you so much for all your continued support and feedback; it's always a joy to read your replies! Hope you're doing well; God bless!
@@timberw0lfstudios Timberw0lf, you flatterer you! I'm sure you know this but the third Eva Rebuild film has a shot for shot recreation of a scene in Utena, as Utena referenced Eva, not in an obvious way, but they have a character who is as cryptic and duplicitous as Rei is. Also you know Yukio Mishima, the writer? His flamboyant house is used as a location on the show. Just to name a few crazy facts. Looking forward to your next video, happy holidays!
BABE WAKE UP, TIMBERW0LFSTUDIOS UPLOADED!!
!!!
omg your analysis is so good, i'm loving this series, thanks sm!
No thank YOU so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying this series and finding it valuable! Thank you for all the kind words and encouragement!
After watching this whole video, yeah episode 16 is the best episode. Radical. I am glad Shinji grows during this show. I completely forgot about all that. The stuff that The End of Evangelion insists makes life worth living were in this show the whole time. Wow! I love to live.
Thank you for a clear and concise show. You really have a skill for this. Will you be covering EoE and the rebuilds as well?
Thank you so much, I really appreciate your kind words!
At this time, I am fully planning on covering the End of Evangelion, and I'd love to cover the Rebuilds as well, but that's all going to depend on if I find enough worth discussing in those projects. It's still Anno though, so I have no doubts there will be plenty.
Another Amazing video!
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed!
This video series has made me realize how important the theme of motherhood is in this show. Perhaps in absence of a supportive father figure, Shinji doubles down on motherhood to achieve his goals. He literally pilots EVA 01 (his mom) in order to conquer his struggles (represented by the angles). That might’ve been obvious to everyone else but I just got that.
Yes indeed. The more I analyze the show, the more I realize how pivotal motherhood and parenthood in general is to it's core themes. And there are so many other layers as well!
I would've missed so much if it weren't for these videos. Thank you.
You're very welcome! I'm glad I was able to point out some cool details!
Yes! This was superb. Episode 16 is also my favorite episode, so seeing your attention and care poured into this brilliant and succinct analysis was breathtaking. Everything was great, I learned a lot. Probably the best analysis so far, (although that may be biased because I love the episode itself so much). Excited to see more, but I also feel like I can relax. My favorite episode was done well by you. Great stuff!
Aww thank you so much! You offer high praise, and I don't take that lightly.
I'm glad to see so many others who love this episode and this series, and I'm excited to continue covering it.
Thank you again for all the feedback and support! You make this possible!
Your editing and narration never cease to amaze. Thank you for continuing this series.
Aww thank you so much! I'm glad you're continuing to find it valuable and enjoyable. Thank you for your feedback and support! It means the world!
whew this episode rocks. amazing vid once again
Thank you so much! It is a totally rocking episode; I'm glad you liked the video!
Very good analysis of episode 16,. It's always hard (at least for me XD) to choose my favorite episode, but if I have to pick just one, I think it would be this one. At the very least, it's the one that encapsulate Evangelion the most. I never thought about why Yui soul have long hair at this moment, it's a good point. Maybe because she represent not simply Yui but Misato too as you say, or maybe a way to shows that her soul, even inside the Evangelion, continue to evolve one way or another. Speaking of Misato, I don't want to undermine her relationship with Shinji, you are right when you say that she is a mother figure, they have a deep and beautiful connection, but I just want to point something that can be caused to the difference in translations. In French, Shinji says "all I wanted was to see her", pointing at Yui and not Misato even if she undeniably assume the role. Since I'm curious I will try to find which version is closer to the Japanese one.
On a side note, I wonder what Rei was thinking when she saw EVA 01 scalping the Angel. During the baptism of EVA 01, Ritsuko speak with Gendo and worries that Shinji and Rei will never forgive them if they discover the secrets of the EVA. Rei is clever, she is clearly someone who understood a lot of things by herself, but at this point it confirms that their are fundamental elements that she don't know. I think that at this moment, she was a also scared like everyone else.
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the analysis: this was definitely one of my favorite videos to produce.
And I think you're right about Rei: she's clever, but some secrets are kept even from her. Who knows how she really felt when everything went down.
My favorite series in the entirety of CZcams. Enamoring, as always.
Aww you flatter me, honestly! I'm so glad you're enjoying it so far; thank you for all the encouragement!
I always read it as electricity was required to control an Eva/force it to move, but a berserk Eva, acting of it's own will, didn't require electricity.
Very close! While a berserk Eva still requires energy to move (as seen in Unit-00's rampages), when a pilot and Evangelion bond, as seen here, they establish a perpetual energy similar to an S2 Drive.
I can't wait to see how this analysis continues, so exciting!
Aww thank you so much! So glad you're enjoying it, and I'm super excited to release more soon!
Bro you got a new subscriber. Man the parallels you drew with the imagery of this episode where mind expanding! I've always loved Shinji personally ❤😢😊
Aww thank you so much! Welcome to the Pack!
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and discovered new parallels! And yes, I love Shinji as well; I'm excited to keep exploring his character!
Shinji has always been this shy little boy trying to make his father proud and make people like him, but when he gets into the mech you can see he always suddendly turns into this person full of fury, anger and an odd lust for blood, like him straight up declining Misato's order to retreat and refusing to run away before slamming the Knife in the core of the Angel even while being impaled, he gets this power that he doesn't normally have when when he gets into Unit-01 and in a practical way, causing his true self to show. Shinji is a scared teenager, but when given the chance, he shows that he truly is more than just that. Which is one thing that made me never truly hate him as a character. He doesn't want to get in the Eva, he doesn't want to suffer anymore. And he has all the rights to not do, he has all the rights to just run away, but even with or without the tears he still gets into it at the end of the day to fight for his friends, Shinji is a good person. Masterpiece of an Anime.
Completely agree with everything you said. Masterpiece of an anime.
As always a fcking spectacle! Thank you so much for your work, wolfie!
Aww thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed; thank you for recognizing the work that goes into these videos!
Thank you for all the time and effort you've put into this video essay series so far. Its clear you really appreciate and know the source material and videos like yours help other people appreciate it even more too. This is one of the few really really quality video essays / essay series' about anything, and especially about Evangelion. Looking forward to the next part!
Aww, thank you so much for all your kind words, seriously! Knowing others are finding these videos insightful and enjoyable is a huge inspiration to me, and it keeps me going. Thank you for all your support and encouragement. I'm excited to release more as soon as possible, and I'll keep doing my best with them!
Amazing video, some new things to think about.
Thank you so much! I'm glad you found it valuable!
All music in this video was orchestrated and created by my good friend and fellow creator Dominus Maestro, and you can find his work on his personal CZcams channel. The track you're most likely recognizing is a remixed version of the song Resonance by the artist HOME.
so excited to hear what you have to say about the next episodes :) incredible series
Aww thank you so much! I'm excited to cover more soon!
It shocks me how mercilessly people judge a literal child under pressure to save the world, whose mother has died and father abandoned him. Yeah, he is fucked up, just as you would be. Kids end up in his state over fucking cyberbullying, nothing compared to what Shinji went through.
I will never understand how people hate and judge him instead of feeling pity and compassion for him.
Without a doubt, the myriad of perspectives surrounding this character are often perplexing and, in many cases, unjustified. I'm just glad the majority of viewers seem to share a more grounded outlook! The series is about broken people finding their way in the world, and having a disturbingly flawed character is only natural in that circumstance. Hopefully, as more people discuss the series, more dynamic and enlightened opinions crop up, but there will always be a full array of angles to consider, and I'll always be grateful for that.
YESSSS! I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE!!
It's here!!
Great video as always, have a merry christmas.
Thank you so very much! A Merry Christmas to you, and a Happy New Year!
Thx Timberwolf and merry Christmas!
You're very welcome! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Yes, back with another amazing upload :)
Aww thank you so much! Yes, we're back, and just in time for Christmas!
He just like me fr
You continue to produce banger after banger
Aww, thank you so much! You flatter me, honestly!
It's all thanks to your continued support!
I believe in the original translations and ADV dubs, Shinji's line is "I just wanted to see *them* again." Which Ive always taken as a reference desiring to see his parents, Yui and Gendo, again.
Very interesting. I can't say much about the original Japanese, as I don't speak the language, but you're absolutely right that the ADV line is "I just wanted to see them again."
The change in pronoun definitely lends a very different sense of context to the situation, and while I'm not sure I agree on that mirroring a desire to see Yui *and* Gendo again, I find that perspective very intriguing.
Thank you for pointing out that difference! I'll definitely have to think more on this.
Its one of those things that's up to interpretation, I'm very curious to see what you say about who shot Kaji and what Gendo's final line to Ritsuko was in your future videos. @@timberw0lfstudios
Ooooh, you're very right to be excited. I'm making sure to take my time with both topics, and I'm looking forward to releasing my findings soon.
Great analysis & Merry Christmas! 😊
Thank you so much! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Beautiful thumbnail! I cant believe I'm 43 mins late to this party.
Aww thank you so much! I'll admit I agonized over this thumbnail, so I'm glad to know it's landing! And don't worry about being late--you and I know you're still and always will be one of the firsts!
What a wonderful Christmas present
Thank you so much; I'm glad you enjoyed it!
@@timberw0lfstudios always a pleasure to see your videos, this was my favourite episode too
i know we're still ways away from it, but i cannot wait for when you finally can talk about kaworu
Me neither! I'm so excited to get around to him!
Great as always.
I would just like to add/comment that while we have on record that the Christian iconography was done for flavour, I don't fully buy that. Close to Impossible to believe that while at the same time aknowledging the influence of European philosophers/psychologists that were clearly influenced by Christian philosophy (Kierkegaard, Jung, Freud).
Absolutely. As I said, while I'm not reviewing the series with a lot of attention towards the iconography, it's very clear in this episode that the representation of the cross and other images bear thematic weight.
Thank you for the feedback and support, I really appreciate it!
“Get in the robot and die for me”
“Bruh I’m a literal child”
Sounds different coming from a hot chick, though
Awesome analysis and happy holidays!
Thank you so much; I'm glad you enjoyed it! Happy Holidays and God Bless!
Story for another day? Another day too long! Awesome work.
As captivating your writing is, your voice captivates me just as much. Thank you for doing this.
Ps, have you done a dive into the music/soundtrack used ? Perhaps they have are used the same as how shots are set up.
Aww, you flatter me, really! But honestly, thank you for the kind words: I'm glad the subject and presentation are proving equally captivating.
I touched on music for the first time in this video, and while I don't have plans to dedicate a video to the soundtrack, there will definitely be more discussed on the use of music as we continue through the series.
Thank you for your feedback and support, it means the world!
Yo new thumbnail!
Yes indeed!
Shinji is perhaps the boy who has been most neglected and crushed by unscrupulous adults in all of fiction.
Other characters such as Harry Potter, Naruto, and Denji share with Shinji the tragedy of having been neglected since their earliest childhood, to then be called into adventure poorly trained and instructed, as well as being burdened with a hero role by callous and neglectful guardians, who cared little about the well-being of these children compared to their personal agendas.
The big difference with Shinji is that these characters at least had the opportunity to forge friendships and find a purpose that gave meaning to the unfair chaos and suffering in their lives, while the young pilot never had a chance.
After his father abandoned him, Shinji was raised by an apathetic sensei who made the minimum effort to raise him, that is, teaching him to do housework and all the Japanese etiquette so that he would be submissive like a dog and would not bother him.
The damn sensei did nothing for him to develop character or develop ties with the community he was supposed to defend, much less motivated or pushed him to have the determination to excel academically and athletically for his own self-esteem.
How could someone in these circumstances have acquired character, determination and independence if everyone ignored his feelings and treated him like he's a nuisance?
Asuka was at least informed of her big role as a toddler, her ego stroked and she was methodically trained before her first fight, circumstances that mitigated her immense spiritual trauma, Shinji was instead thrown naked and starved against the lions by his own father.
That makes Asuka's fall even more pitiful and tragic than it is, the fact that she could have been in Tokyo 3 from the beginning and covered herself in glory by defeating the angels, that is, if the adults had not been such incompetent idiots, specially Misato Katsuragi, who at no time bothered to offer support to the girl even though she had met her before in Germany, knew about her personality and that she was much more capable than the boy, in a display of negligence and apathy that is difficult to believe.
And speaking about the devil, throughout this episode and rest of the series, I detested the "guardian" more and more, considering her the most awful parental figure, second only to the pilots' parents.
Asuka comes out of the shower and for once she says something meaningful and true in her usual abrasive way: Shinji's monotone apologies are a pathetic attempt to avoid confrontation and he needs to have confidence in himself.
The really infuriating thing is the reaction that the children's "guardian" has.
She completely ignores Asuka's words and responds with a stupid, fake smile and a dismissive hand gesture saying that it is "just Shinji's way", in other words, her polite way of telling the kraut to stop bothering her.
Of course it doesn't bother you that Shinji is a spineless doormat, because it suits you, right, you slob bitch? For you it's like having a little pet dog, he does everything you ask of him, you pet his head and you make him happy just like that, without having to make an effort.
Why don't you put down the beer, get up from your chair and try to get the redhead to behave and contribute to the housework? Oh i get it, because Miss Katsuragi would have to put up with Miss Asuka's yelling, disrespect, and insults, and her free time is too valuable to waste like that.
You do dare to lecture Shinji and boss him around, because you know he won't stand up to you, but you don't have the courage to do the same with Asuka, you miserable coward?
And of course, Misato doesn't have the courage to drop the mask and at least admit that the emperor has no clothes either.
"You're right Asuka, I am an irresponsible and selfish tutor and if it were up to me I would go with Kaji to get drunk and forget about my problems, that is, you, who are just a nuisance that I put up with to do my job. Don't expect any help from me."
Nope, better to ignore it all and sweep it under the rug, right? At the end of the day, when the Angel shit is over, what do you care if the day of tomorrow Shinji gets fooled and exploited like a little sheep by everybody because of his passivity and Asuka ends up being rejected by everyone for her lack of manners?
This makes his death in EoE karmic rather than tragic. SEELE rewards her for the work she sacrificed those children for by marking her and her NERV pals for extermination, the children she abandoned in their off hours because she didn't want to bother helping them are incapable of saving her useless skin (one in a coma, the other is a depressed load), and she ends up shoot and bleeding out like a pig in an elevator while lamenting her mistakes while trying to console herself by asking Kaji if she did the right thing.
No, bitch, you didn't do it, you ended up dead because of your laziness and your selfishness and you have ruined these children , and the rest of the world, too. Perish with remorse on your conscience.
While I haven't seen the End of Evangelion and therefore can't comment on the ultimate demise of Misato's character, I agree with you on many of your points regarding her behavior and irresponsibility.
Misato and Asuka's relationship is without a doubt one of the greatest wastes of potential in any narrative. Misato's chance to steward, rebuke, and correct the Second Children is squandered, her own insecurity and selfishness pitting her in a position of powerlessness she suffers through to the end of the series. This being a story about broken people accepting the various vicissitudes of life, however, does, as it must, reveal the imperfections in even those doing their best in any given situation. I see Misato as paralyzed by trauma and ignorance regarding Asuka, unable to help a girl in a position all too similar to her own.
As with many other characters, I think the tragedy of Misato's decisions and lack thereof is to be learned from, her failures a standing lesson for all to avoid personally. I don't believe she deserves all the vitriol you've expressed due to her actions being partially in ignorance, as opposed to other more sinister forces like Gendo, but the criticism is much warranted, and I appreciate everything you shared on this.
It definitely forces one to think, and I'll always take the chance to see another perspective.
Amazing as always, kudos! Your analyses are so over the bar. Can't wait for ep. 23.
At this point we start getting so dense in symbolism and character development we'll just go one episode at a time, right?
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! I'm super excited to cover the rest of this series.
Yes, the smart thing would be to cover only one episode at a time from here on out.
Fortunately, I'm not always smart.
@@timberw0lfstudios Excellent, I'm very excited to be moving into two-hour-long segments! lol
I wish I had the stamina for two-hour videos! Maybe once I hire an editor, lol.
In the meantime, all that means is that what we get will be distilled to only the best (hopefully)!
Incredible Work
Amazing Analysis
So Many Great Concept to to Compare
So Many Metaphors to Miss
Fair Coverage of Some of Them
Thanks for Reminding Me of Some of Them
It Can Be Hard to Remember even if I Just Rewatched Them
Thank You
Immaculate Comfort
Horrible Part Marking Per Your Series Style
Your vidyas are nice and I like them, please make more :3
Aww thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying them; I'm excited to release more soon!
Another sign of Shinji's fatal overconfidence during this episode was he went in with Unit 01 armed only with a pistol while Asuka and Rei are carrying rifles. The gun being designed as a Desert Eagle is also intentional since it's more commonly associated with power and confident heroes in media.
Great point! He really dove in unprepared on that one. Good catch!
Episode 16 is YOUR favorite? But episode 16 is MY favorite! WHAT?!
We're practically the same person lol
Do you remember that fanfic I recommended you, "Advice and Trust" ?
Most people believe it's the positive version of the original's post-kiss, a fair interpretation. But I think it goes beyond that:
-My parents constantly tell me we have to be happy with ourselves before being happy with someone. And while it is true their issues aren't as notiçable, parts of it still remain.
For example, to prevent Asuka's self destruction and Shinji's arrogance surge, the author had to make the redhead pass the test instead of him. I mean, she does boost his confidence later, kinda creating a friendly/teasing version of their previous rivalry, which seems to disappear over time, true (you know, honeymoon phase of the relationship and all), but they can't stand being apart from each other for long, particularly at night.
And I heard in that age, that accidental co-dependence can be problematic. Of course, I can't blame them. Not only they're child soldiers who are required to have a small circle, their individual friends also explore their own sexual lives (no details, too many spoilers). And both Misato and Kaiji actually try to smooth things over.
But my interpretation is that the author is actually exploring the other spectrum of suffering. Overreliance. I still think the "Third Impact" is gonna happen (a sentence of Rei implies it), but under different circunstances. If it's for better or worse, that remains to be seen. Do you think love can be THAT poisoned ?
Great series
Thank you so much; I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Alright, i seen a comment somewhere on a Ben shapiro video about uhh this guy, this video. I must be getting old. 😅
0:10 that's only 50% of it. The times he did try and was almost there were sabotaged by everyone, particularly Gendo.
I think I did the healthy thing, and was able to direct my anger more at the adults than the teens. I mean, hello ! You're their guardians and they're clearly not well ! Not only that, bad mental health means bad soldiers. At least search for counsel for them ! Or group therapy !
The only times the protagonists managed to be somewhat happy was when they were with people their age. If that ain't telling, I don't know what is.
Ah you changed the (blue water ripple?) from the intro of the show to orange. Not red like blood, but the opposite of blue, maybe to show that the show changes to more directly challenge and attack its setting.
Someone get this man an award and a gift card to Olive Garden.
Yes indeed! You're spot on; good catch!