Evangel-Again: Recent Episodes
Mike Kelly
Two nerds return to the groundbreaking show Neon Genesis Evangelion after its re-release on Netflix. 20 years after their initial watch, what do they think of it? How have their perceptions of the series changed?
We've done it. Our final episode tackles the controversial 1997 movie End of Evangelion. We see Third Impact, the Human Instrumentality Project, and Asuka going full warrior. It's been a hell of a ride.
CW: Abuse, sexual assault, sexualization of minors
The final two episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion were controversial when they aired, and they're ripe for discussion. We go in on this crash course of metaphysics, psychology, and philosophy as we try to work through how we feel about it.
The finish line is in sight, but the final two "traditional" episodes of Evangelion are packed with reveals as well as more mysteries, deaths and rebirths. We are introduced to the final Child, Kaworu Nagisa, and the world starts to unravel.
These are some heavy ones. We discover the origins of NERV, see what lies in Asuka's past, and see Shinji being born. Again. Plus we get an up-close tour of the damaged psyche of pretty much everyone in the cast. So just your normal set of Evangelion episodes, really.
Oh boy, now we're in it. A new pilot, two new angels, and the absolute shattering of whatever normalcy remains in this world. Evangelion passes the point of no return, and nothing will be the same again.
CW: Abuse
Evangelion takes a hard turn in these episodes, as we delve into the psyches of Rei, Shinji, and the rest of Nerv. These are unlike the episodes we've experienced before as we begin the long descent into the second half of the series.
We close out the first half of Neon Genesis Evangelion by considering the various themes that the series has begun to address - Humanity vs. Technology, Heaven vs. Hell, and how we as people face and process our past.
We've finally gathered all the major players together as we discuss episodes 8-10 of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Asuka enters the scene with all of her chaotic energy, as does Kaji with his slightly-sinister charisma. At the same time, we begin to learn more about the world of Evangelion as the chess board is set for the next act.
This week's pod covers episodes 5-7, closing out Eva's prologue arc. We discuss the nature of Rei Ayanami, the women of NERV, and how Shinji and Gendo are more alike than they think they are.
We start our journey into rewatching Neon Genesis Evangelion with the first four episodes. How does this show hold up? And how do we feel about Shinji all these years later?