Evangelion Unit-00
| Unit-00 | |
| |
| {{{japanese}}} | |
| Model Type | Prototype |
|---|---|
| Pilot(s) | Rei Ayanami |
| Soul(s) | Rei 1 |
| First Sortie | Episode 06 |
Creation
EVA-00 is the first Evangelion completed, and although originally intended as a prototype, due to budget constraints she was upgraded for combat-readiness and she was forced into battle against the Angels.
Purpose
Ostensibly, like all the Evangelions, EVA-00's stated purpose is to defend Tokyo-3 and the whole world from the Angel threat.
Abilities
In addition to incredible size and strength, Eva-00, like all Evangelions, possesses the ability to generate an A.T. Field. Eva-00 does not possess an S² Engine, and relies on electrical power supplied via its Umbilical Cable, and internal batteries. Eva-00 is also seen to possess retro-rockets in its shoulder-fin armor in Episode 10. Eva-00's Progressive knife is only seen once, briefly during Episode 12, and it appears to be identical to the one used by Eva Unit 01.
Analysis
The evidence that the soul in Eva Unit-00 is that of Rei 1 is conclusive and overwhelming. Among other things: in episode #14, Shinji sees Rei 1 emerging from EVA-00's core. After EVA-00 goes berserk in this same episode, Ritsuko states that the Eva was after her (Rei 1 trying to kill her murderer's daughter). In #23, when the Angel Armisael begins to establish psychological contact, Rei momentarily mistakes her for "the me in Eva."
The other popular theory, that the soul is that of Naoko Akagi, seems to rest mostly on Misato's speculation that EVA-00 was after Rei in episode #14 (Naoko trying to kill Rei once more), but this is immediately refuted by Ritsuko's statement that the Eva was after her. Ritsuko is in a position to know whose souls are where; Misato is not. Another bit of (weak) evidence that has been cited by the Naoko proponents is that the other souls are those of mothers, and Naoko is a mother. The problem with this is that she is not Rei's mother, and there were never any plans that we know of to make Ritsuko a pilot. In fact, she would have already been the wrong age when Naoko died. Naoko would seem to be the absolute worst soul to use in Rei's Eva; it would make no sense to choose her.
(A repetitive pattern: Not only EVA-00, but even the simulation body in episode #13 reacts in a remarkably similar manner, and Ireul does not seem to be fusing with it. Gendo, Misato and Rei herself stand behind a window while EVA-00 or a body connected to it go wild and strike it, and Ritsuko is in the room each time.)
Go here for a detailed analysis including pictures. (When we finish preparing it.)
| Evangelions |
| Evangelions (general) |
| Failed Evangelion Prototypes | Simulation Bodies |
| Eva-00 | Eva-01 | Eva-02 | Eva-03 | Eva-04 | Mass Production Evangelions (Evas 05~13) |
| Rebuild of Evangelion: Mark.04 | Eva-05 | Mark.06 | Eva-08 | Mark.09 | Eva-13 |
| Eva 8+2 | Mass Production Evangelions | Failures of Infinity |
| Other: Extracanonical Evas |
