新世紀エヴァンゲリオン
"Mankind's greatest fear is mankind itself."
Neon Genesis Evangelion - Episode Highlights
Episode Highlights
Angel Attack
The series premiere establishes the bleak, post-apocalyptic world and introduces the protagonist, Shinji Ikari. He is thrust into the cockpit of Evangelion Unit-01 without any training to fight the Angel, Sachiel. The episode powerfully conveys his terror and powerlessness, culminating in the Eva going berserk—a shocking and violent introduction to the show's true nature.
It perfectly sets the tone, deconstructing the typical 'hot-blooded hero' trope of mecha anime from the very first moment. It establishes Shinji's psychological fragility as the series' central focus and introduces the brutal, terrifying reality of the Eva battles.
Asuka Strikes!
This episode introduces the vibrant, confident, and aggressive Second Child, Asuka Langley Soryu, and her red Evangelion Unit-02. Her dramatic arrival and flawless takedown of an aquatic Angel provide a stark contrast to Shinji's hesitant and introverted nature, establishing a crucial dynamic for the rest of the series.
It introduces a main character who will become central to the show's exploration of pride, trauma, and interpersonal conflict. Asuka's arrival marks a shift in the series' dynamic, completing the trio of pilots and setting the stage for their complex, often painful interactions.
Both of You, Dance Like You Want to Win!
Forced to defeat an Angel that can only be destroyed by a perfectly synchronized dual attack, Shinji and Asuka must spend weeks living together and practicing coordinated movements. The episode is a brilliant mix of comedy, character development, and a stunningly choreographed battle sequence set to classical music.
This episode is a masterclass in character-driven action. The final battle is not just a fight, but the physical manifestation of Shinji and Asuka's brief, hard-won moment of harmony. It serves as a high point of their relationship before it begins to disintegrate under the weight of their respective traumas.
Introjection
After being absorbed by the Angel Zeruel, Shinji has a profound out-of-body experience within his Eva, communing with the soul of his mother, Yui. Eva-01 goes berserk in the most terrifying way yet, regenerating its armor, devouring the Angel, and absorbing its S2 Engine, thus becoming a self-sustaining, god-like being.
A major turning point in the series. It fundamentally changes the nature of Eva-01 and Shinji's connection to it. The episode reveals the true, organic nature of the Evas and marks the beginning of the end game for Gendo's and SEELE's plans.
The Last Cometh
The final Angel, Kaworu Nagisa, arrives as the Fifth Child. He quickly befriends the emotionally shattered Shinji, showing him the unconditional affection he has always craved. The shocking revelation that Kaworu is the final Angel forces Shinji into an impossible choice: kill the only person who has ever truly shown him love, or allow humanity to be destroyed. Shinji's agonizing decision to kill Kaworu is depicted in a single, excruciatingly long static shot.
This episode is the final emotional blow that breaks Shinji completely, setting the stage for the abstract finale of the TV series and the events of The End of Evangelion. It is a devastating exploration of love, betrayal, and the crushing weight of responsibility.
The Beast that Shouted 'I' at the Heart of the World
The highly controversial final episode abandons the conventional narrative entirely. Instead, it takes place within Shinji's psyche as the Human Instrumentality Project commences. Through abstract visuals, sketches, and philosophical monologues, Shinji confronts his fears and self-hatred, ultimately arriving at an epiphany: he can learn to love himself and that his existence has value. He chooses individuality over a collective consciousness, and the cast congratulates him.
This episode cemented Evangelion's legacy as a deeply divisive and endlessly analyzed work of art. It completely subverts audience expectations of a finale, prioritizing thematic and psychological resolution over a plot-based one. The intense backlash led to the creation of the film The End of Evangelion.