Misato and Shinji (Relationship)

Misato and Shinji have one of the deepest, most heavily implied, and one of the most confusing relationships in the Evangelion series. Though trying to act as a guardian, she ends up openly flaunting her sexuality in a way in which provokes response from Shinji. The two exist on far enough planes from each other to promote enough bewilderment to make for a difficult yet truly intriguing relationship until the onset of Instrumentality, in which the full strata of their relationship is unearthed.

First Meeting

1.The Photograph

Shinji first meets Misato not in person, but through and invitation photograph that Misato sends him. The image in and of itself is arousing, depicting Misato more as a potential love interest for Shinji than a mother figure or guardian. Further sexual objectification of her character occurs when one directs their attention to the writing scribbled on the picture. (writing, oddly enough, that is written in similar handwriting of the director, Hideaki Anno; along with lipstick from one of the few female Gainax members)

Naughty Picture

Episode #1 Cuts

Writing:

To Shinji-kun I'll be picking you up, so wait for me, okay? ♥ → Check this out!!

Obviously, choosing this picture was no accident. Though it is unclear exactly what she was trying to get across by sending him this picture: Is she just a tease? Does she see him as a valid interest? Or is this just the way she can relate to people? All three of these possible response can be valid explanations.

2.The Pick-Up

Shinji's first in-person meeting with Misato occurs in glorious fashion. Misato, just prior to his pick-up voices her concern that she has lost him, and it appears quite worried. In an interesting contrast between Misato's photograph, the picture she possesses of Shinji, attached to the dashboard of her car, presumably from the Marduk Institute, shows Shinji tight-laced and prim in what appears to be his school uniform. While she searches for him, Shinji finds himself in the proximity of Sachiel's, war path. Misato arrives just in time to pick him up, in this fashion:

Misato's Arrival

Episode #1 Cuts

Misato arrives in the nick of time to rescue Shinji.

Her first words are: “I'm sorry to keep you waiting.” Oddly enough, these first lines to Shinji, and her last lines to him, (and later, to herself) all follow the theme of waiting-- waiting for something that will never happen (Shinji and Misato having sex as per her implication) in 25' (more on this later), her last words prior to her death (angry at herself for waiting too long to replace the carpets), and of course, her first words spoken in the series and to Shinji. End of Digression.

Then comes the scene in which Misato and Shinji watch the N2 bombing of Sachiel. Though the nature of the scene is ambiguous, the nature of Misato's character seems to be suggesting that this position is not just an attempt to get a better look at Sachiel (binoculars, anyone?). She's put her breasts in such a way that it's damn near impossible to look at anything else, though it seems as if Shinji's interest is torn between her mammary glands and the cross around her neck.

3. Arrival at Nerv

Misato's View


Episode #1 Cuts The question arises? Is she actually trying to get a good look, or is she being flirtatious?

Following Misato having to justify to the up-tight Shinji her theft of car batteries to run her damaged car, the two enter a transportation tunnel while they await arrival at Nerv Headquarters. After some small talk, Shinji reveals the complicated nature of his relationship with Gendo. Misato sympathizes with him, making note of her own "daddy issues" i.e.) the estrangement of her and her mother from her father, Dr. Katsuragi, due to his involvement in the events that lead up to the Second Impact.

After Shinji is set-up for piloting, Misato gains a very business-like persona aboard the command bridge. Her concern for the saftey of Shinji does shine through however, with her voiced-over line "Shinji, don't get killed out there." With the exception of Fuyutsuki, Misato appears to be the only one deeply concerned about the condition of the pilot.

"I'm Home"-- Episodes 2, 3, and 4

1. Episode 2

Shinji's first night at Nerv is spent in a hospital, recovering from the wounds he incurred as a result from the injuries he recieved as a result of fighting Sachiel the previous evening. After his release, there is some debate as to where he will stay. Both Ritsuko and Shinji advocate for him living on his own, with Shinji going as far to say that he's "always been alone". Shinji's situation must have really made an impression on him, for she pushed for Shinji to share her apartment, much to Ritsuko's behest.

Big Irony Bomb Part 1:

The scene in which Misato makes her case to be Shinji's guardian holds particular significance to the Episode 23 Big Irony Bomb scenario. In this scene Misato states the following in her conversation with Ritsuko:

Big Irony Bomb Part 1


Episode #2 Cuts Misato: Like I said, I'll take care of Shinji-kun. I've already got permission from the brass……And don't worry, it's not like I'm going to "put the moves" on a kid. Ritsuko: (OFF - TEL) "Of course you're not! What the hell are you thinking? You're always like that. Honestly!" And then, twenty or so episodes later... (see episode 23)