thewayneiac: This is a look of supreme confidence.Gendo knows that this will work.
Reichu: Of course he does. He's read the script.
thewayneiac: Or he knows who is really going to be in charge of this mission.
Gundampilotspaz: Commander Ikari smiles like this only a few times during the series. Could be only when he KNOWS he is right — or when he is taking a big risk even he isn't sure about.