Incisivis: In 018, Shinji says, “I knew I shouldn't have come”.
161:Shinji says, “Of course. He wouldn't have sent me a letter unless he needed me for something”.
These are both key lines, I think. They display a cynicism that, to me, is not quite in keeping with his reaction to the fact that he's expected to pilot EVA-01 (cuts 221~222, 242, and 252 in particular). Yes, the anger that Shinji displays in those scenes would fit his cynicism, but I think there's an air of disappointment there, too. I think Shinji subconsciously hoped Gendo was showing interest in him at last, even though Shinji's common sense would argue against it. This increases his anger and sadness.
