Episode 24: Difference between revisions

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| number = #24
| number = #24
| japanese_title_k = 最後のシ者
| japanese_title_k = 最後のシ者
| japanese_title_r = Saigo no Shisha
| japanese_title_r = Saigo no Shisha<ref>"シ者" includes two Japanese words read as "shisha" (the character "シ" only represents the sound "shi"). The first is "messenger" or "apostle" (使者, shisha?), while the other is "dead (person)" (死者?).</ref><ref>[[Character Name Origins]]</ref>
| japanese_title_e = The Final Messenger
| japanese_title_e = The Final Messenger
| english_title  = The Beginning and the End, or "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"
| english_title  = The Beginning and the End, or "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"
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| first_aired = 3-13-1996
| first_aired = 3-13-1996
| video_release = 3-5-1997 (Japan-Video/LD), 6-26-2001 (US-DVD)
| video_release = 3-5-1997 (Japan-Video/LD), 6-26-2001 (US-DVD)
| angels    = [[Kaworu Nagisa|Tabris]], [[Evangelion Unit-02|Eva-02]] (Under control by Tabris)
| angels    = [[Kaworu Nagisa|Tabris]], [[Evangelion Unit-02|Eva-02]] (Under control by Tabris), [[Lilith]](Crucified)
| eva_sorties = [[Evangelion Unit-01|Eva-01]]
| eva_sorties = [[Evangelion Unit-01|Eva-01]]
| prev = [[Episode 23]]
| prev = [[Episode 23]]
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==Overview==
==Overview==
Too frightened to face [[Misato Katsuragi|Misato]] or [[Rei Ayanami|Rei]], [[Shinji Ikari|Shinji]] runs away yet again, only to meet and strike a friendship with [[Kaworu Nagisa]], the replacement pilot for [[Evangelion Unit-02|Eva-02]]. Kaworu's openness and friendliness provide much-needed comfort for the disturbed Shinji. However, suspicions abound over Kaworu's incredible synchronization abilites, and when he reveals that he is the Seventeenth Angel, Shinji must battle his newfound friend or face the threat of world annihilation.
Unable to find Asuka and too frightened to face [[Misato Katsuragi|Misato]] or [[Rei Ayanami|Rei]], [[Shinji Ikari|Shinji]] runs away yet again, only to meet and strike a friendship with [[Kaworu Nagisa]], the replacement pilot for [[Evangelion Unit-02|Eva-02]]. Kaworu's openness and friendliness provide much-needed comfort for the disturbed Shinji. However, suspicions abound over Kaworu's incredible synchronization abilities, and when he reveals that he is the Seventeenth Angel, Shinji must battle his newfound friend or face the threat of world annihilation.


==Synopsis==
==Synopsis==
The episode begins with [[Asuka Langley Soryu|Asuka]] remembering [[Kyoko Zeppelin Soryu|her mother]] hanging herself as well as finding out about [[Ryoji Kaji|Kaji's]] death from Shinji. She considers herself worthless because she can no longer pilot an Eva. [[Nerv]] Intelligence Agents find her in a bathtub in a ruined house, apparently after slitting her wrists in a suicide attempt.


A despondent Shinji stands at the edge of the crater lake by sunset, too afraid to go home or face Misato or Ayanami. His attention is drawn by a boy humming the Ode to Joy. Shinji is drawn to Kaworu on their very first conversation.
[[File:24 C001 dc.jpg|thumb|A child Asuka running to her mother. It is unknown what day of the week it was.|left]]
The episode opens on a flashback to the young [[Asuka Langley Soryu|Asuka]] running to inform [[Kyoko Zeppelin Soryu|her mother]] that she has been chosen as an Eva pilot, only to walk in on the aftermath of Kyoko's suicide. The narrative then jumps to a more recent flashback of Asuka finding out about [[Ryoji Kaji|Kaji's]] death from Shinji. Though she accuses Shinji of lying, the news still have a visibly devastating effect on her. Finally, we catch up with the present, where a desolate and haggard Asuka [[Theory and Analysis:Asuka and the Bathtub|lies naked in a bathtub]] in the ruins of a house. She weakly that declares that she is worthless because she can no longer pilot an Eva, and therefore feels she no longer has any reason to go on living. Just then a [[Nerv]] Intelligence Agent happens upon her.


Misato is suspicious of Kaworu, and Kaworu's awesome synchronization scores befuddle everyone. He soon makes contact with Rei, revealing her true nature to her, and takes a late shower with Shinji, expressing his empathy for him. Shinji lands up spending the night in his room, talking to him about his past and his feelings about his father, so coming even closer to Kaworu.
[[Makoto Hyuga|Hyuga]] relates the news of Asuka's recovery to [[Misato Katsuragi|Misato]], who notes that it took an unusually long time for the agents to find Asuka, and that the timing is suspicious, due to it coinciding with the arrival of the Fifth Child. Back in his room in the apartment, Shinji lies on his bed in solitude, trying to process the recent disturbing revelations about [[Rei Ayanami]]. He realizes that there is a definite connection between her, [[Yui Ikari|his mother]], and the strange presence inside [[Eva-01]], and he wonders what [[Gendo Ikari|his father]] is planning to do with them.


Early in the morning the next day, Kaworu stands on the statue of an Angel, in the center of the crater lake. He talks to himself at first, speaking about how humans are not [[God]]s, before fifteen monoliths appear and speak of [[Gendo Ikari|Gendo]]'s agenda. They urge him to go on his mission, telling him that he is the vessel of [[Adam]]'s soul and that Adam's body is with Gendo. The monoliths make a vauge reference to a previous request, which they describe as humanity's "hope." Misato watches Kaworu from a distance, but only sees him speaking to himself. Confused, she is even more surprised when he apparently notices her at such a great distance.
Back at Nerv Headquarters, [[Ritsuko Akagi|Ritsuko]] is being held in a security cell for her actions in the previous episode. She is confronted by Gendo, who tries to interrogate her on why she destroyed the Dummy System. Ritsuko only bitterly responds that her intention was to destroy Rei, and that she feels nothing for him anymore. Gendo then tells her that he is disappointed in her, but Ritsuko just replies that he never expected anything of her to begin with, before he leaves her alone in her cell.


Meanwhile, [[Makoto Hyuga|Hyuga]] steals Kaworu's synch data on Misato's behest, and his ability to set his synch rate to any level deepens the mystery. Misato pays a visit to an incarcerated [[Ritsuko Akagi|Ritsuko]], who thinks Kaworu might be the Final [[Angel]].
Later, a despondent Shinji stands at the edge of the crater lake by sunset, too afraid to go home or face Misato or Rei, and unsure of what happened to Asuka. His other friends have been evacuated from Tokyo-3, and Shinji is unsure of what to do, as he is unwilling to reach out to anyone. His attention is drawn by a strange boy about his own age who sits perched on a nearby statue, humming the Ode to Joy. The boy introduces himself to Shinji as [[Kaworu Nagisa]], the Fifth Child, and reveals that he already knows who Shinji is, asking him to just call him by his first name. Because he is utterly alone, Shinji is drawn to Kaworu in their very first conversation.<ref>As per other signs of rushed production, [https://imgur.com/YFEUXdQ the storyboard] for the beach encounter scene does not feature Shinji blushing.</ref>


Soon enough, Ritsuko's suspicions are proved true. Kaworu activates Eva-02 externally, and he and his controlled Eva head down to [[Terminal Dogma]]. Grim shock replaces initial confusion, and Shinji is ordered to sortie in [[Evangelion Unit-01|Eva-01]]. He finds the idea of Kaworu being an Angel unacceptable, and he considers Kaworu as having betrayed the love and faith he placed in him.
[[File:24 C070b dc.jpg|thumb|left|Kaworu achieving unprecedented synch rate with Eva-02]]
Misato is suspicious of Kaworu, and meets in secret with Hyuga, who reveals that he hacked into the Intelligence Department's database, but he was not able to find very much on Kaworu there. All there was to find in his classified personal file was a birthday, which in an ominous coincidence is the exact same date as [[Second Impact]]. While snooping around, he did, however, discover where Ritsuko is being held. Hyuga asks what their next move should be regarding Kaworu, but Misato tells him that they need to see what he is capable of first.


Newfound friends meet each other on the way down, and Shinji battles Eva-02 while shouting for Kaworu to stop. Kaworu continues, and tells him the truth about the [[A.T. Field]] along the way. Approaching Terminal Dogma, Kaworu sets up an A.T. Field barrier of unprecedented power to block out Nerv's view. Despite Shinji's best efforts, Kaworu enters the [[LCL]] Plant. Hyuga prepares to self-destruct the facility.
The next day, Kaworu participates in a sync test alongside Rei and Shinji, and his awesome synchronization scores befuddle everyone. He soon makes contact with Rei, attempting to give her clues as to her true nature.<ref>Kaworu's line to Rei about "being the same as him" implies that Rei is the vessel of Lilith's soul, just as Kaworu is the vessel for Adam's. This is proven as Rei deploys an A.T. Field in Central Dogma.</ref><ref>Rei is repeatedly likened to Kaworu by Anno and other staff - [https://wiki.evageeks.org/Statements_by_Evangelion_Staff#Hideaki_Anno:_Eva_Special_Talk_with_Anno_Hideaki_and_Toshiya_Ueno_.28Newtype_11.2F1996.29 Eva Special Talk with Anno Hideaki and Toshiya Ueno (Newtype 11/1996)]</ref> Rei, meanwhile, responds to Kaworu by being uncharacteristically suspicious of him. He goes to NERV's public bath with Shinji; here he muses on the paradox of the human condition, noting that man is caught between the fear of being hurting by other people, yet also fears being alone just as much, and expresses his empathy for Shinji. Shinji lands up spending the night in his room<ref>Kaworu and Shinji lie down just like Asuka and Hikari did in the previous episode, but while Hikari seemed disturbed at Asuka's condition and Asuka was sobbing away and unwilling to face her, Shinji opens herself up to Kaworu, who listens to him attentively, despite not saying much on his part. Shinji still chooses to stay on the floor, however.</ref>, talking to him about his past and his feelings about his father.<ref>Some early fansubbers misheard this as "koi", "love", but the scripts for this episode make it clear it is "koui". The ADV VHS, ADV DVD and Netflix/Khara subs render this as "sympathy", "regard" and "grace", respectively. ADV  As for "suki", the original ADV VHS subtitle translation gives the word as "like," while Platinum and the English dub use "love." The Netflix release, translated by [[Khara]], chose to use "like" again. Khara's own official translator has publicly defended this change, and the ambiguity it retains from the original text.</ref>


However, a second A.T. Field, generated by Rei, shows up before vanishing. She watches Kaworu as he approaches the crucified giant. After initially referring to the giant as Adam, Kaworu realizes his mistake, and identifies it as [[Lilith]]. He has a brief moment of realization before Eva-01 throws Eva-02 through the door and grabs him. Kaworu asks Shinji to grant him his final wish-to kill him, or let humanity die. Grudgingly, after a long hesitation, Shinji kills him. Misato tries to convince him he did the right thing, but he remains haunted by his action.
Meanwhile, Seele meets to discuss Gendo's betrayal of their trust, and that they need to wrest control of Nerv away from him before the promised day comes. [[Keel Lorenz]] ends the meeting by declaring that Gendo is going to pay for his treachery. In the Eva cage, Gendo discusses his goals with Eva-01, directly addressing it as Yui. He notes that with the [[Spear of Longinus]] out the way, all hindrances for their plans are out of the way, and all there is left to do now is to wait for the right time. It is revealed that Gendo has grafted Adam's embryo into his hand.


==On-Air Version==
[[File:24 C132a dc.jpg|thumb|Misato says goodbye to Pen Pen]]
*Asuka's shocked expression after slapping Shinji at the news of Kaji's death (along with the spilled coffee-pot from [[The End of Evangelion]]) is absent from the on-air version.
In her apartment, Rei ponders Kaworu's words in her apartment; she feels that he is somehow right about them being the "same", but she cannot explain why. Meanwhile, Misato bids a tearful farewell to [[Pen Pen]], stating that Tokyo-3 has become too dangerous for him to stay there, so she will send away him to live with [[Hikari Horaki|Hikari]] and her family.


*The expanded conversion of Kaworu saying Rei is "the same as him" is absent from the on-air version.
Early in the morning the next day, Kaworu stands on the statue of an Angel<ref>Kaworu is sitting where the head of the winged statue should be. In the On-Air version, it isn't clear if the statue is even humanoid, but in Death and in the Director's Cut version, the statue is very clearly a winged Angel, one with the head missing. Kaworu either sits on the head of the statue or stands on its neck.
*That he's on the statue of an Angel is a direct giveaway that he is the last Angel, and the missing head foreshadows his own death. Kaworu standing on top of the neck while talking to the monoliths is another subtle revelation. The statue strongly resembles a Mass-Production Eva from End of Evangelion, and those have Kaworu dummy plugs inserted through the neck to control them.</ref>, in the center of the crater lake. He talks to himself at first, speaking about how humans are not [[God]]s, before fifteen monoliths appear and speak of Gendo's agenda<ref>See [[Theory and Analysis:  Kaworu's Agenda]] for details of Kaworu's talk with the monoliths over the lake (only in the [[Director's Cut episodes|Director's Cut]] version), his monologue as he made his way to Terminal Dogma and his realization when he was there.</ref>.  In an apparent reference to an earlier conversation,  they remind him that they have entrusted him with their wish, and tell him that he is the vessel of [[Adam]]'s soul and that Adam's body is with Gendo. Misato watches Kaworu from a distance, but only sees him speaking to himself. Confused, she is even more surprised when he apparently notices her at such a great distance.


*The 15th Seele Monoliths Scene is absent from the on-air version.
[[File:24 C327c dc.jpg|thumb|left|Kaworu talking with the Seele monoliths, as Misato snoops in]]
Meanwhile, Hyuga steals Kaworu's synch data from Maya's computer on Misato's behest. When he shows her the data, Misato summarizes that they imply that Kaworu seemingly has an ability to set his synch rate to any level at will, which deepens the mystery, as Hyuga says that such a thing should be theoretically impossible. Misato decides she has to look elsewhere for answers and pays a visit to Ritsuko in her cell. Ritsuko reveals that Kaworu might very well be the Final [[Angel]].


*Rei's face as she looks at Kaworu in Terminal Dogma is drawn differently in the OA version, although differently drawn faces is something all of the DC episodes have.
Ritsuko's suspicions are soon proved to be true<ref>Kaworu/Tabris is the last of a triad of Angels to try to understand and contact humans. As such, he forms part of the classical depiction of an Angel as a beautiful human being with a halo and wings. Arael, representing a pair of glowing wings, and Armisael, representing a halo, complete the form of an Angel along with him.</ref>. Kaworu enters the [[Evangelion Cage]], where he activates [[Eva-02]] externally, and he and his controlled Eva head down to [[Terminal Dogma]]. As the initial confusion settles, Gendo and Fuyutsuki both realize that Seele themselves has sent an Angel directly to the Geofront and is shocked that they would make such a bold move. Shinji is ordered to sortie in [[Evangelion Unit-01|Eva-01]]. He finds the idea of Kaworu being an Angel unacceptable, and says he has betrayed him, just like his father.


Write this from the perspective of how the OA differs from the DC, not vice versa.  
Newfound friends meet each other as enemies on the way down, and Shinji battles Eva-02 while shouting for Kaworu to stop. Kaworu continues undeterred, using Eva-02 to block Eva-01. Shinji apologizes to Asuka, as he is fighting her by proxy, as he draws the Eva's knife and counterattacks. As they continue downward, Kaworu shares his philosophical musings on human nature with Shinji and tells him the truth about the [[A.T. Field]] along the way. Meanwhile, Misato and Hyuga prepare to self-destruct the facility, considering their own deaths a preferable alternative to the Third Impact. But as he approaching Terminal Dogma, Kaworu sets up an A.T. Field barrier of unprecedented power to block out Nerv's view, and even knocks out the self-destruct mechanism. Despite Shinji's best efforts, Kaworu enters the [[LCL]] Plant.


==Analysis==
[[File:24 C315 dc.jpg|thumb|Misato attempts to comfort a devasted Shinji]]
*Whether or not Asuka attempted suicide is a matter of debate. Although ironically enough, this is upon remembering her own mother's successful suicide.  
However, a second A.T. Field, generated by Rei, shows up before vanishing. She watches Kaworu as he approaches the crucified giant. After initially referring to the giant as Adam, Kaworu realizes his mistake, and identifies it as [[Lilith]]<ref>According to a translation of the original script (as opposed to the final version used in the show), Kaworu originally referred to Eva-02 as the "slave of the Night Demon(Lilith)" instead of "servant of the Lilin."[http://eva.onegeek.org/pipermail/oldeva/1999-June/028928.html]</ref>.  He has a brief moment of realization before Eva-01 throws the defeated Eva-02 through the door and grabs him. Kaworu thanks Shinji for stopping him. He explains that his destiny is to wipe out all humanity, but he wishes for mankind to go on existing, as he doesn't want Shinji to die. But he knows that as long as he is alive he poses a danger to humanity, so his life must be ended to ensure their future. He looks up at Rei and smiles as he says the latter. He then asks Shinji to kill him, telling him that it was a privilege to get to know him. Grudgingly, after long hesitation, Shinji kills him.<ref>''Shinji: A human of flesh and blood, who enjoys sweet solitude and petty pleasures in the closed-off world of his own, all the while suffering between the thesis that is a breakaway from relative happiness and establishing oneself'' ''Kaworu: A vulnerable yet at the same time proud, pseudo-human from an idealized world that could be a target of self-insertion. The symbol of escapism that must be broken. (Then was it the predetermined necessity that Shinji had to kill him?)'' -  [https://twitter.com/Talking_Eva/status/1771114653881647464 Neon Genesis Evangelion Genesis0:0' the light from the darkness], minute [https://archive.org/details/genesis-00-the-light-from-the-darkness 14:40]</ref>


*Kaworu and Shinji lie down just like Asuka and Hikari did in the previous episode, but while Hikari seemed disturbed at Asuka's condition and Asuka was sobbing away and unwilling to face her, Kaworu and Shinji end up facing each other: they have succeeded in communicating with each other.
In the aftermath, Eva-01 is washed clean of Kaworu's blood. Gendo overlooks the cleaning, with Rei standing in place of Ritsuko. Shinji sits on the beach where he met Kaworu, emotionally devastated to have killed the first person who ever got so close to him. Misato tries to convince him he did the right thing, but he remains haunted by his action.


*Whether or not Kaworu and Shinji have a homosexual attraction for each other is a matter of serious debate.
==On-Air Version Differences==
**The word Kaworu uses is "Suki", which could mean "love" or "like", depending on the situation. The original ADV subtitle translation gives the word as "like", while Platinum and the English dub use "love". The word "like" is probably closer to what Kaworu meant.
Main Article: [[Guides:Episode 24 OA vs. DC]]
**Kaworu places his hand on Shinji's the same way Misato placed her hand on his in the previous Episode. While the sexual intentions on Misato's part were plainly obvious, and drew Shinji's immediate disgust, Shinji doesn't seem to mind Kaworu's touch that much, and is in fact confused about what he has in mind. Despite the overt implications, Kaworu's gesture might merely have been a sign of friendliness rather than anything else.


*Kaworu/Tabris is the last of a triad of Angels to try to understand and contact humans. As such, he forms part of the classical depiction of an Angel as a beautiful human being with a halo and wings. Arael, representing a pair of glowing wings, and Armisael, representing a halo, complete the form of an Angel along with him.
*Asuka's shocked expression after slapping Shinji at the news of Kaji's death (along with the spilled coffee-pot from [[The End of Evangelion]]) is absent.
 
*The brief appearance of the embryo of Adam is absent.
 
*The expanded conversion of Kaworu saying Rei is "the same as him" is absent.
 
*The 15 Seele Monoliths at the Lake Scene and Misato spying on Kaworu is absent.
 
*Rei's face as she looks at Kaworu in Terminal Dogma is drawn differently in the OA version, although differently drawn faces are something all of the DC episodes have. Lilith's legs have been added due to her growing back her legs in the DC version of [[Episode 22]].


*See [[Episode 24' Analysis]] for details of Kaworu's talk with the monoliths over the lake (only in the Director's Cut version), his monologue as he made his way to Terminal Dogma and his realization when he was there.
==Notes==
==Notes==
*Kaworu's line to Rei about "being the same as him" implies that Rei is the vessel of Lilith's soul, just as Kaworu is the vessel for Adam's. This is proven as Rei deploys an A.T. Field in Central Dogma.
*The Next Episode Preview after the end of Episode 24' is a preview for the video-released version of [[The End of Evangelion|EoE's]] first episode, [[Episode 25']] (Which consists of animatics of Asuka battling the MP Eva Series as well as Misato saying goodbye to Shinji).  The video version of [[Episode 26'|26']] Next Episode Preview is shown after Air's video version (This consists of live-action footage of Studio Gainax). The video version of The End of Evangelion was released on LD and VHS along with Episodes 25 and 26 of the series as Genesis: 13.
*There is a rather popular theory that Asuka attempted to commit suicide, such as by sliding her wrists in the beginning of this episode, but there is sufficient evidence to prove she instead was starving herself and simply waiting to die, having lost the will to live, but did not want to die either. See [[Theory and Analysis:Asuka and the Bathtub]].
* The episode title is a straight reference to Bob Dylan's 1973 song [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knockin'_on_Heaven's_Door Knocking on Heaven's Door], in which a dying lawman, aware that he is soon to pass away, addresses his wife as "mama" and asks her to remove his now-useless badge and guns. "The Beginning and The End" can refer to both the process of birth and death as well as refer to Kaworu, who is the final Angel but possesses the soul of [[Adam]], the first Angel and their progenitor.
*[[Akio Satsukawa]] was responsible for writing this episode alongside Hideaki Anno. Two early drafts of the episode, [[Resources:Episode_24_Draft_1_(Translation)|Draft 1]] and [[Resources:Episode_24_Draft_2_(Translation)|Draft 2]] both credited to Satsukawa, were released in the September 1996 issue of the magazine ''JUNE'' Supplement. These have numerous plot and characterization differences with the final episode, such as making the romantic subtext between Shinji and Kaworu completely explicit, and suggesting that Kaworu has attempted suicide in the past.
*Kaworu places his hand on Shinji's the same way Misato placed her hand on his in the previous Episode. While the sexual intentions on Misato's part are plainly obvious, and drew Shinji's immediate disgust, he does not react to Kaworu's touch, and is in fact confused about what he has in mind.  Despite implications, Kaworu's gesture might merely have been a sign of trying to comfort Shinji rather than a sexual advance. In one interview, [[Masayuki]] mentions the storyboard says Kaworu merely touches Shinji's hand, instead of holding it, but he did not notice this when animating it as Gainax was in a hurry to deliver the episode.<ref>H: Why hand-holding though? M: Because that's what the script said. H: (flips to the relevant page of the script) it says “touched his hand”. Isn’t it touched, but you drew "hold" (laughs). M: Because that's what the artist drew and I wasn't really too concerned and ok-ed it. (laughs) there was basically no time. - NGE Storyboards Collection, Vol.3-4</ref><ref>Hideaki Anno has also denied "carnal feelings" on Shinji's part:<br>''"—— Speaking about the blushing, is it because Shinji was happy that someone said they like him?<br>Anno: Yes, Shinji-kun didn’t experience carnal desire there"'' - June Interview</ref>
* Official supplemental material also notes the angle of Kaworu as interested in humanity, explaining that Kaworu evolved from his early role on Proposal as an Angel disguised as a cat possessing a human boy, as ultimately "This act of having his life ended by his friend Shinji was symbolic of Kaworu's desire for humanity to choose the path of life"<ref>"Kaworu Nagisa was sent to NERV headquarters by the Human Instrumentality Committee, specifically by SEELE. The unusual circumstances surrounding Kaworu's assignment were met with more than a little reservation by a portion of NERV personnel, including Misato Katsuragi. Despite their misgivings, Kaworu became a cherished friend to the first NERV employee he met, Shinji Ikari. Kaworu deemed Shinji to be "favorable," an almost peculiar and straightforward appraisal that Shinji had never experienced before. Perhaps as a result of this unusual approach, Kaworu managed to quickly secure a special place in Shinji's heart, especially because Shinji had only recently lost most of the people he had considered close friends. Tragically, Kaworu would later be revealed as an Angel, an enemy that Shinji was fated to destroy. When he saw the pain and inner struggle in Shinji's eyes upon discovering the truth, Kaworu willingly offered up his life to Shinji. This act of having his life ended by his friend Shinji was symbolic of Kaworu's desire for humanity to choose the path of life. In those last moments, it seemed to be Kaworu's sincere wish that humans continue to exist. Kaworu also briefly interacted with Rei Ayanami, and the two confessed to sharing a sense of empathy for one another. This exchange demonstrated that both individuals were aware on some level that they were different from everyone else.<br>
Kaworu took an instant liking to Shinji Ikari and was quite assertive in his efforts to forge a friendship with him. The actions Kaworu took as a "human" moved Shinji on a relatively deep level and encouraged him to open up. However, this also resulted in a devastating sense of hopelessness when things ended tragically between them." - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtD8pbqwSlU The Essential Evangelion Chronicle Side B] </ref><ref>"After bathing together, Shinji spent the night in Kaworu's room and expressed a fondness for his new friend. The next morning, Misato felt uneasy about the fact that she had not been able to uncover any definitive information about Kaworu's identity and went to visit Ritsuko, who had been imprisoned. In response to Misato's inquiry, Ritsuko responded that Kaworu was the final messenger. These words proved to be true when Kaworu revealed himself to be an Angel by taking control of EVA-02 and infiltrating Terminal Dogma. Shinji was dumbfounded and had a hard time comprehending this unexpected truth. Kaworu made it all the way to "Adam" only to discover that the giant was not Adam at all, but rather Lilith. EVA-01 showed up shortly thereafter, and Kaworu was captured willingly. Kaworu begged for Shinji to kill him, and after some hesitation, Shinji conceded. Shinji raged over his own actions and declared that Kaworu, if anyone, deserved to live. Misato replied that only those who actually desire life deserve that privilege." - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtD8pbqwSlU The Essential Evangelion Chronicle Side B]</ref><ref>"Kaworu Nagisa, the mysterious boy who had been popping up in the opening sequence for so long, finally made his debut in this episode. The proposal for the series structure clearly indicated that Kaworu was an Angel disguised as a human boy who would first appear toward the end of the series, so it is clear that Kaworu was specifically designed to fill this vital role. When Shinji and Kaworu are sharing a conversation before falling asleep, the situation somewhat mirrors the episode 8 scene in which Shinji sleeps near Kaji. The significant difference between the two situations is that Shinji speaks while looking directly at Kaworu's face, which suggests that he felt comfortable enough with Kaworu to truly open up to him." - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtD8pbqwSlU The Essential Evangelion Chronicle Side B] </ref>
*Episode 24 was originally going to comprise Episodes 22 and 23, but Kaworu's role was somewhat diminished later in production, and some details like information on NERV's secrets were moved to other episodes.<ref>This episode number was later produced as episode 24, “The Final Messenger”. [From Iso:] “At this point in time, the name ‘Kaworu’ wasn’t decided yet, so in memos we called him things like ‘the transfer student’ and ‘bishounen’. The Proposal had a humanoid Angel accompanied by a cat, but he was changed to an Angel that could transform from a boy into a cat. Setting him against the human-sized Eva-05, we created a story with a showdown on a human scale. The Proposal also called for the laboratory’s secrets to be revealed, and in my own version of the screenplay I proposed a climatic scene wherein Eva-05 dropped down before the eyes of the boy Angel (who had invaded ever deeper into Central Dogma) and blocked the way forward.”  - ''[https://arqacrypha.net/wiki/Mitsuo_Iso_Animation_Works Mitsuo Iso Animation Works: Preproduction]''</ref>
*''"I believe this is a memo I sketched right after reading Junichi Sato’s ards for episode 5. Rei lived in a desolate room as though imprisoned there, and the only nice thing she saw was the light that passed through the beaker. Rainbows have long conjured up images of a pathway to heaven, and I suggested, “wouldn’t the scene leave an impression if [a rainbow?] looked like it formed just from the moonlight?”[1] At the time, I was working on proposals for multiple episodes simultaneously, and I forwarded the notion of this beaker room appearing again in the much later episode, 'The Cat and the Transfer Student'."'' - ''[https://arqacrypha.net/wiki/Mitsuo_Iso_Animation_Works Mitsuo Iso Animation Works: Preproduction]''


*The Next Episode Preview after the end of Episode 24' is a preview for the video-released version of [[The End of Evangelion|EoE's]] first episode, [[Episode 25']] (Which consists of animatics of Asuka battling the MP Eva Series as well as Misato saying goodbye to Shinji).  The video version of [[Episode 26'|26']] Next Episode Preview is shown after Air's video version (This consists of live-action footage of Studio Gainax). The video version of The End of Evangelion was released on LD and VHS along with Episodes 25 and 26 of the series as Genesis: 13.
==See also==
 
[[Theory and Analysis:Kaworu's lines in Episode 24]]


==Quotes==
==Quotes==
*Shinji, before meeting Kaworu: ''Everyone, including Toji and Kensuke, lost their homes and left. My friends...I don't have anyone I can call a friend anymore. There's no one. I can't go see Ayanami. I don't have the courage for it. I don't know how I'm supposed to face her. Asuka, Misato-san, Mother...What should I...What should I do?''
*Shinji, before meeting Kaworu: ''Everyone, including Toji and Kensuke, lost their homes and left. My friends...I don't have anyone I can call a friend anymore. There's no one. I can't go see Ayanami. I don't have the courage for it. I don't know how I'm supposed to face her. Asuka, Misato-san, Mother...What should I...What should I do?''


*'''Kaworu and Rei:''' '''Kaworu:''' "You're the First Children, aren't you? Rei Ayanami...You're the same as me.So, both of us ended up in the same form as the Lilim while we inhabit this planet." '''Rei:''' "Who are you?"
*'''Kaworu and Rei:''' '''Kaworu:''' "You're the First Children, aren't you? Rei Ayanami...You're the same as me. So, both of us ended up in the same form as the Lilim while we inhabit this planet." '''Rei:''' "Who are you?"


*'''Kaworu and Shinji talking in the Shower:'''  '''Kaworu:''' "I see. Humans constantly feel pain in their hearts. Because the heart is so sensitive to pain, humans also feel that to live is to suffer. You're so delicate, like glass, especially your heart." '''Shinji:''' "Me?" '''Kaworu:''' "Yes, you have my regard for it." '''Shinji:''' "Regard?" '''Kaworu:''' "It means, I love you."
*'''Kaworu and Shinji talking in the public bath:'''  '''Kaworu:''' "I see. Humans constantly feel pain in their hearts. Because the heart is so sensitive to pain, humans also feel that to live is to suffer. You're so delicate, like glass, especially your heart." '''Shinji:''' "Me?" '''Kaworu:''' "Yes, you are worthy of sympathy." '''Shinji:''' "Sympathy?" '''Kaworu:''' "It means, I like you."
   
   
*'''Rei:''' "Why am I here? Why am I alive again? For what? And for whom? The Fifth Children... That boy... I feel as if he's the same as me. Why?"
*'''Rei:''' "Why am I here? Why am I alive again? For what? And for whom? The Fifth Children... That boy... I feel as if he's the same as me. Why?"
Line 75: Line 94:
*'''Shinji:''' "You betrayed me! You betrayed my feelings! You betrayed me, just like Father did!"
*'''Shinji:''' "You betrayed me! You betrayed my feelings! You betrayed me, just like Father did!"


{{stub}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{-}}
 
==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200509122007/http://www.evaotaku.com/html/dircut/eps24.html Bochan_bird translation of DC added scenes]
 
{{Episode List}}
{{Episode List}}
[[Category: Neon Genesis Evangelion Episodes]]
[[Category: Neon Genesis Evangelion Episodes]]
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Latest revision as of 21:54, 22 May 2024

Episode Information
Episode #24
Title 1: 最後のシ者
Saigo no Shisha[1][2]
The Final Messenger
Title 2: The Beginning and the End, or "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"
Written By Hideaki Anno, Akio Satsukawa
Directed By Masayuki
First Aired 3-13-1996
Video Release Date 3-5-1997 (Japan-Video/LD), 6-26-2001 (US-DVD)
Angel Appearances Tabris, Eva-02 (Under control by Tabris), Lilith(Crucified)
Eva Sorties Eva-01
Episode chronology
← Previous Next →
"Episode 23" "Episode 25/Episode 25′ "

Overview

Unable to find Asuka and too frightened to face Misato or Rei, Shinji runs away yet again, only to meet and strike a friendship with Kaworu Nagisa, the replacement pilot for Eva-02. Kaworu's openness and friendliness provide much-needed comfort for the disturbed Shinji. However, suspicions abound over Kaworu's incredible synchronization abilities, and when he reveals that he is the Seventeenth Angel, Shinji must battle his newfound friend or face the threat of world annihilation.

Synopsis

A child Asuka running to her mother. It is unknown what day of the week it was.

The episode opens on a flashback to the young Asuka running to inform her mother that she has been chosen as an Eva pilot, only to walk in on the aftermath of Kyoko's suicide. The narrative then jumps to a more recent flashback of Asuka finding out about Kaji's death from Shinji. Though she accuses Shinji of lying, the news still have a visibly devastating effect on her. Finally, we catch up with the present, where a desolate and haggard Asuka lies naked in a bathtub in the ruins of a house. She weakly that declares that she is worthless because she can no longer pilot an Eva, and therefore feels she no longer has any reason to go on living. Just then a Nerv Intelligence Agent happens upon her.

Hyuga relates the news of Asuka's recovery to Misato, who notes that it took an unusually long time for the agents to find Asuka, and that the timing is suspicious, due to it coinciding with the arrival of the Fifth Child. Back in his room in the apartment, Shinji lies on his bed in solitude, trying to process the recent disturbing revelations about Rei Ayanami. He realizes that there is a definite connection between her, his mother, and the strange presence inside Eva-01, and he wonders what his father is planning to do with them.

Back at Nerv Headquarters, Ritsuko is being held in a security cell for her actions in the previous episode. She is confronted by Gendo, who tries to interrogate her on why she destroyed the Dummy System. Ritsuko only bitterly responds that her intention was to destroy Rei, and that she feels nothing for him anymore. Gendo then tells her that he is disappointed in her, but Ritsuko just replies that he never expected anything of her to begin with, before he leaves her alone in her cell.

Later, a despondent Shinji stands at the edge of the crater lake by sunset, too afraid to go home or face Misato or Rei, and unsure of what happened to Asuka. His other friends have been evacuated from Tokyo-3, and Shinji is unsure of what to do, as he is unwilling to reach out to anyone. His attention is drawn by a strange boy about his own age who sits perched on a nearby statue, humming the Ode to Joy. The boy introduces himself to Shinji as Kaworu Nagisa, the Fifth Child, and reveals that he already knows who Shinji is, asking him to just call him by his first name. Because he is utterly alone, Shinji is drawn to Kaworu in their very first conversation.[3]

Kaworu achieving unprecedented synch rate with Eva-02

Misato is suspicious of Kaworu, and meets in secret with Hyuga, who reveals that he hacked into the Intelligence Department's database, but he was not able to find very much on Kaworu there. All there was to find in his classified personal file was a birthday, which in an ominous coincidence is the exact same date as Second Impact. While snooping around, he did, however, discover where Ritsuko is being held. Hyuga asks what their next move should be regarding Kaworu, but Misato tells him that they need to see what he is capable of first.

The next day, Kaworu participates in a sync test alongside Rei and Shinji, and his awesome synchronization scores befuddle everyone. He soon makes contact with Rei, attempting to give her clues as to her true nature.[4][5] Rei, meanwhile, responds to Kaworu by being uncharacteristically suspicious of him. He goes to NERV's public bath with Shinji; here he muses on the paradox of the human condition, noting that man is caught between the fear of being hurting by other people, yet also fears being alone just as much, and expresses his empathy for Shinji. Shinji lands up spending the night in his room[6], talking to him about his past and his feelings about his father.[7]

Meanwhile, Seele meets to discuss Gendo's betrayal of their trust, and that they need to wrest control of Nerv away from him before the promised day comes. Keel Lorenz ends the meeting by declaring that Gendo is going to pay for his treachery. In the Eva cage, Gendo discusses his goals with Eva-01, directly addressing it as Yui. He notes that with the Spear of Longinus out the way, all hindrances for their plans are out of the way, and all there is left to do now is to wait for the right time. It is revealed that Gendo has grafted Adam's embryo into his hand.

Misato says goodbye to Pen Pen

In her apartment, Rei ponders Kaworu's words in her apartment; she feels that he is somehow right about them being the "same", but she cannot explain why. Meanwhile, Misato bids a tearful farewell to Pen Pen, stating that Tokyo-3 has become too dangerous for him to stay there, so she will send away him to live with Hikari and her family.

Early in the morning the next day, Kaworu stands on the statue of an Angel[8], in the center of the crater lake. He talks to himself at first, speaking about how humans are not Gods, before fifteen monoliths appear and speak of Gendo's agenda[9]. In an apparent reference to an earlier conversation, they remind him that they have entrusted him with their wish, and tell him that he is the vessel of Adam's soul and that Adam's body is with Gendo. Misato watches Kaworu from a distance, but only sees him speaking to himself. Confused, she is even more surprised when he apparently notices her at such a great distance.

Kaworu talking with the Seele monoliths, as Misato snoops in

Meanwhile, Hyuga steals Kaworu's synch data from Maya's computer on Misato's behest. When he shows her the data, Misato summarizes that they imply that Kaworu seemingly has an ability to set his synch rate to any level at will, which deepens the mystery, as Hyuga says that such a thing should be theoretically impossible. Misato decides she has to look elsewhere for answers and pays a visit to Ritsuko in her cell. Ritsuko reveals that Kaworu might very well be the Final Angel.

Ritsuko's suspicions are soon proved to be true[10]. Kaworu enters the Evangelion Cage, where he activates Eva-02 externally, and he and his controlled Eva head down to Terminal Dogma. As the initial confusion settles, Gendo and Fuyutsuki both realize that Seele themselves has sent an Angel directly to the Geofront and is shocked that they would make such a bold move. Shinji is ordered to sortie in Eva-01. He finds the idea of Kaworu being an Angel unacceptable, and says he has betrayed him, just like his father.

Newfound friends meet each other as enemies on the way down, and Shinji battles Eva-02 while shouting for Kaworu to stop. Kaworu continues undeterred, using Eva-02 to block Eva-01. Shinji apologizes to Asuka, as he is fighting her by proxy, as he draws the Eva's knife and counterattacks. As they continue downward, Kaworu shares his philosophical musings on human nature with Shinji and tells him the truth about the A.T. Field along the way. Meanwhile, Misato and Hyuga prepare to self-destruct the facility, considering their own deaths a preferable alternative to the Third Impact. But as he approaching Terminal Dogma, Kaworu sets up an A.T. Field barrier of unprecedented power to block out Nerv's view, and even knocks out the self-destruct mechanism. Despite Shinji's best efforts, Kaworu enters the LCL Plant.

Misato attempts to comfort a devasted Shinji

However, a second A.T. Field, generated by Rei, shows up before vanishing. She watches Kaworu as he approaches the crucified giant. After initially referring to the giant as Adam, Kaworu realizes his mistake, and identifies it as Lilith[11]. He has a brief moment of realization before Eva-01 throws the defeated Eva-02 through the door and grabs him. Kaworu thanks Shinji for stopping him. He explains that his destiny is to wipe out all humanity, but he wishes for mankind to go on existing, as he doesn't want Shinji to die. But he knows that as long as he is alive he poses a danger to humanity, so his life must be ended to ensure their future. He looks up at Rei and smiles as he says the latter. He then asks Shinji to kill him, telling him that it was a privilege to get to know him. Grudgingly, after long hesitation, Shinji kills him.[12]

In the aftermath, Eva-01 is washed clean of Kaworu's blood. Gendo overlooks the cleaning, with Rei standing in place of Ritsuko. Shinji sits on the beach where he met Kaworu, emotionally devastated to have killed the first person who ever got so close to him. Misato tries to convince him he did the right thing, but he remains haunted by his action.

On-Air Version Differences

Main Article: Guides:Episode 24 OA vs. DC

  • Asuka's shocked expression after slapping Shinji at the news of Kaji's death (along with the spilled coffee-pot from The End of Evangelion) is absent.
  • The brief appearance of the embryo of Adam is absent.
  • The expanded conversion of Kaworu saying Rei is "the same as him" is absent.
  • The 15 Seele Monoliths at the Lake Scene and Misato spying on Kaworu is absent.
  • Rei's face as she looks at Kaworu in Terminal Dogma is drawn differently in the OA version, although differently drawn faces are something all of the DC episodes have. Lilith's legs have been added due to her growing back her legs in the DC version of Episode 22.

Notes

  • The Next Episode Preview after the end of Episode 24' is a preview for the video-released version of EoE's first episode, Episode 25' (Which consists of animatics of Asuka battling the MP Eva Series as well as Misato saying goodbye to Shinji). The video version of 26' Next Episode Preview is shown after Air's video version (This consists of live-action footage of Studio Gainax). The video version of The End of Evangelion was released on LD and VHS along with Episodes 25 and 26 of the series as Genesis: 13.
  • There is a rather popular theory that Asuka attempted to commit suicide, such as by sliding her wrists in the beginning of this episode, but there is sufficient evidence to prove she instead was starving herself and simply waiting to die, having lost the will to live, but did not want to die either. See Theory and Analysis:Asuka and the Bathtub.
  • The episode title is a straight reference to Bob Dylan's 1973 song Knocking on Heaven's Door, in which a dying lawman, aware that he is soon to pass away, addresses his wife as "mama" and asks her to remove his now-useless badge and guns. "The Beginning and The End" can refer to both the process of birth and death as well as refer to Kaworu, who is the final Angel but possesses the soul of Adam, the first Angel and their progenitor.
  • Akio Satsukawa was responsible for writing this episode alongside Hideaki Anno. Two early drafts of the episode, Draft 1 and Draft 2 both credited to Satsukawa, were released in the September 1996 issue of the magazine JUNE Supplement. These have numerous plot and characterization differences with the final episode, such as making the romantic subtext between Shinji and Kaworu completely explicit, and suggesting that Kaworu has attempted suicide in the past.
  • Kaworu places his hand on Shinji's the same way Misato placed her hand on his in the previous Episode. While the sexual intentions on Misato's part are plainly obvious, and drew Shinji's immediate disgust, he does not react to Kaworu's touch, and is in fact confused about what he has in mind. Despite implications, Kaworu's gesture might merely have been a sign of trying to comfort Shinji rather than a sexual advance. In one interview, Masayuki mentions the storyboard says Kaworu merely touches Shinji's hand, instead of holding it, but he did not notice this when animating it as Gainax was in a hurry to deliver the episode.[13][14]
  • Official supplemental material also notes the angle of Kaworu as interested in humanity, explaining that Kaworu evolved from his early role on Proposal as an Angel disguised as a cat possessing a human boy, as ultimately "This act of having his life ended by his friend Shinji was symbolic of Kaworu's desire for humanity to choose the path of life"[15][16][17]
  • Episode 24 was originally going to comprise Episodes 22 and 23, but Kaworu's role was somewhat diminished later in production, and some details like information on NERV's secrets were moved to other episodes.[18]
  • "I believe this is a memo I sketched right after reading Junichi Sato’s ards for episode 5. Rei lived in a desolate room as though imprisoned there, and the only nice thing she saw was the light that passed through the beaker. Rainbows have long conjured up images of a pathway to heaven, and I suggested, “wouldn’t the scene leave an impression if [a rainbow?] looked like it formed just from the moonlight?”[1] At the time, I was working on proposals for multiple episodes simultaneously, and I forwarded the notion of this beaker room appearing again in the much later episode, 'The Cat and the Transfer Student'." - Mitsuo Iso Animation Works: Preproduction

See also

Theory and Analysis:Kaworu's lines in Episode 24

Quotes

  • Shinji, before meeting Kaworu: Everyone, including Toji and Kensuke, lost their homes and left. My friends...I don't have anyone I can call a friend anymore. There's no one. I can't go see Ayanami. I don't have the courage for it. I don't know how I'm supposed to face her. Asuka, Misato-san, Mother...What should I...What should I do?
  • Kaworu and Rei: Kaworu: "You're the First Children, aren't you? Rei Ayanami...You're the same as me. So, both of us ended up in the same form as the Lilim while we inhabit this planet." Rei: "Who are you?"
  • Kaworu and Shinji talking in the public bath: Kaworu: "I see. Humans constantly feel pain in their hearts. Because the heart is so sensitive to pain, humans also feel that to live is to suffer. You're so delicate, like glass, especially your heart." Shinji: "Me?" Kaworu: "Yes, you are worthy of sympathy." Shinji: "Sympathy?" Kaworu: "It means, I like you."
  • Rei: "Why am I here? Why am I alive again? For what? And for whom? The Fifth Children... That boy... I feel as if he's the same as me. Why?"
  • Shinji: "You betrayed me! You betrayed my feelings! You betrayed me, just like Father did!"

References

  1. ↑ "シ者" includes two Japanese words read as "shisha" (the character "シ" only represents the sound "shi"). The first is "messenger" or "apostle" (使者, shisha?), while the other is "dead (person)" (死者?).
  2. ↑ Character Name Origins
  3. ↑ As per other signs of rushed production, the storyboard for the beach encounter scene does not feature Shinji blushing.
  4. ↑ Kaworu's line to Rei about "being the same as him" implies that Rei is the vessel of Lilith's soul, just as Kaworu is the vessel for Adam's. This is proven as Rei deploys an A.T. Field in Central Dogma.
  5. ↑ Rei is repeatedly likened to Kaworu by Anno and other staff - Eva Special Talk with Anno Hideaki and Toshiya Ueno (Newtype 11/1996)
  6. ↑ Kaworu and Shinji lie down just like Asuka and Hikari did in the previous episode, but while Hikari seemed disturbed at Asuka's condition and Asuka was sobbing away and unwilling to face her, Shinji opens herself up to Kaworu, who listens to him attentively, despite not saying much on his part. Shinji still chooses to stay on the floor, however.
  7. ↑ Some early fansubbers misheard this as "koi", "love", but the scripts for this episode make it clear it is "koui". The ADV VHS, ADV DVD and Netflix/Khara subs render this as "sympathy", "regard" and "grace", respectively. ADV As for "suki", the original ADV VHS subtitle translation gives the word as "like," while Platinum and the English dub use "love." The Netflix release, translated by Khara, chose to use "like" again. Khara's own official translator has publicly defended this change, and the ambiguity it retains from the original text.
  8. ↑ Kaworu is sitting where the head of the winged statue should be. In the On-Air version, it isn't clear if the statue is even humanoid, but in Death and in the Director's Cut version, the statue is very clearly a winged Angel, one with the head missing. Kaworu either sits on the head of the statue or stands on its neck.
    • That he's on the statue of an Angel is a direct giveaway that he is the last Angel, and the missing head foreshadows his own death. Kaworu standing on top of the neck while talking to the monoliths is another subtle revelation. The statue strongly resembles a Mass-Production Eva from End of Evangelion, and those have Kaworu dummy plugs inserted through the neck to control them.
  9. ↑ See Theory and Analysis: Kaworu's Agenda for details of Kaworu's talk with the monoliths over the lake (only in the Director's Cut version), his monologue as he made his way to Terminal Dogma and his realization when he was there.
  10. ↑ Kaworu/Tabris is the last of a triad of Angels to try to understand and contact humans. As such, he forms part of the classical depiction of an Angel as a beautiful human being with a halo and wings. Arael, representing a pair of glowing wings, and Armisael, representing a halo, complete the form of an Angel along with him.
  11. ↑ According to a translation of the original script (as opposed to the final version used in the show), Kaworu originally referred to Eva-02 as the "slave of the Night Demon(Lilith)" instead of "servant of the Lilin."[1]
  12. ↑ Shinji: A human of flesh and blood, who enjoys sweet solitude and petty pleasures in the closed-off world of his own, all the while suffering between the thesis that is a breakaway from relative happiness and establishing oneself Kaworu: A vulnerable yet at the same time proud, pseudo-human from an idealized world that could be a target of self-insertion. The symbol of escapism that must be broken. (Then was it the predetermined necessity that Shinji had to kill him?) - Neon Genesis Evangelion Genesis0:0' the light from the darkness, minute 14:40
  13. ↑ H: Why hand-holding though? M: Because that's what the script said. H: (flips to the relevant page of the script) it says “touched his hand”. Isn’t it touched, but you drew "hold" (laughs). M: Because that's what the artist drew and I wasn't really too concerned and ok-ed it. (laughs) there was basically no time. - NGE Storyboards Collection, Vol.3-4
  14. ↑ Hideaki Anno has also denied "carnal feelings" on Shinji's part:
    "—— Speaking about the blushing, is it because Shinji was happy that someone said they like him?
    Anno: Yes, Shinji-kun didn’t experience carnal desire there"     - June Interview
  15. ↑ "Kaworu Nagisa was sent to NERV headquarters by the Human Instrumentality Committee, specifically by SEELE. The unusual circumstances surrounding Kaworu's assignment were met with more than a little reservation by a portion of NERV personnel, including Misato Katsuragi. Despite their misgivings, Kaworu became a cherished friend to the first NERV employee he met, Shinji Ikari. Kaworu deemed Shinji to be "favorable," an almost peculiar and straightforward appraisal that Shinji had never experienced before. Perhaps as a result of this unusual approach, Kaworu managed to quickly secure a special place in Shinji's heart, especially because Shinji had only recently lost most of the people he had considered close friends. Tragically, Kaworu would later be revealed as an Angel, an enemy that Shinji was fated to destroy. When he saw the pain and inner struggle in Shinji's eyes upon discovering the truth, Kaworu willingly offered up his life to Shinji. This act of having his life ended by his friend Shinji was symbolic of Kaworu's desire for humanity to choose the path of life. In those last moments, it seemed to be Kaworu's sincere wish that humans continue to exist. Kaworu also briefly interacted with Rei Ayanami, and the two confessed to sharing a sense of empathy for one another. This exchange demonstrated that both individuals were aware on some level that they were different from everyone else.
    Kaworu took an instant liking to Shinji Ikari and was quite assertive in his efforts to forge a friendship with him. The actions Kaworu took as a "human" moved Shinji on a relatively deep level and encouraged him to open up. However, this also resulted in a devastating sense of hopelessness when things ended tragically between them." - The Essential Evangelion Chronicle Side B
  16. ↑ "After bathing together, Shinji spent the night in Kaworu's room and expressed a fondness for his new friend. The next morning, Misato felt uneasy about the fact that she had not been able to uncover any definitive information about Kaworu's identity and went to visit Ritsuko, who had been imprisoned. In response to Misato's inquiry, Ritsuko responded that Kaworu was the final messenger. These words proved to be true when Kaworu revealed himself to be an Angel by taking control of EVA-02 and infiltrating Terminal Dogma. Shinji was dumbfounded and had a hard time comprehending this unexpected truth. Kaworu made it all the way to "Adam" only to discover that the giant was not Adam at all, but rather Lilith. EVA-01 showed up shortly thereafter, and Kaworu was captured willingly. Kaworu begged for Shinji to kill him, and after some hesitation, Shinji conceded. Shinji raged over his own actions and declared that Kaworu, if anyone, deserved to live. Misato replied that only those who actually desire life deserve that privilege." - The Essential Evangelion Chronicle Side B
  17. ↑ "Kaworu Nagisa, the mysterious boy who had been popping up in the opening sequence for so long, finally made his debut in this episode. The proposal for the series structure clearly indicated that Kaworu was an Angel disguised as a human boy who would first appear toward the end of the series, so it is clear that Kaworu was specifically designed to fill this vital role. When Shinji and Kaworu are sharing a conversation before falling asleep, the situation somewhat mirrors the episode 8 scene in which Shinji sleeps near Kaji. The significant difference between the two situations is that Shinji speaks while looking directly at Kaworu's face, which suggests that he felt comfortable enough with Kaworu to truly open up to him." - The Essential Evangelion Chronicle Side B
  18. ↑ This episode number was later produced as episode 24, “The Final Messenger”. [From Iso:] “At this point in time, the name ‘Kaworu’ wasn’t decided yet, so in memos we called him things like ‘the transfer student’ and ‘bishounen’. The Proposal had a humanoid Angel accompanied by a cat, but he was changed to an Angel that could transform from a boy into a cat. Setting him against the human-sized Eva-05, we created a story with a showdown on a human scale. The Proposal also called for the laboratory’s secrets to be revealed, and in my own version of the screenplay I proposed a climatic scene wherein Eva-05 dropped down before the eyes of the boy Angel (who had invaded ever deeper into Central Dogma) and blocked the way forward.” - Mitsuo Iso Animation Works: Preproduction



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