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Screenshots Cut # Description/Dialogue Commentary

001

Panoramic view of NERV headquarters.

IKARI (OFF):“...Once again, I owe you.”

MAN (OFF - TELEPHONE):“Not that you mean to repay me.”

thewayneiac: The man on the phone sounds like Kaji, and is played by his seiyuu, Koichi Yamadera, but it's far from certain that it's supposed to actually be Kaji. Kaji should be in Germany with Asuka at this point, or maybe even already at sea with Asuka and Unit-02. So it may just be an instance of economy in casting.


ath: First of all, I'd like to thank ObsessiveMathsFreak for sponsoring the translation of this episode. We haven't heard from him in a while, but without his support we would've been stuck here for who knows how long. Also, this is the first episode translated by our own Numbers-kun - and it looks really good. Enjoy!


Sailor Star Dust: Given the various scenes in Episode 08, I was under the impression that Kaji himself is in secret talks with Gendo here. Kaji being the go-between for Nerv and Seele fits this. (Skipping ahead to Episode 11, extra-canon sources like the NGE2 game confirm Kaji caused Nerv's power outage under Seele's order, too.)


002A

The Commander's office. Ikari in silhouette, speaking on the phone.

MAN (OFF - TELEPHONE):“About the materials they've been pressing for using the Freedom of Information Act...”

ath: It looks like they've turned off the lights in Gendo's office. Or someone at Gainax thought that adding random Kabbalistic symbols and trails from bubble chambers made the office look way more cool. Not that I'm complaining, mind you.


imprimatur13: Freedom of Information Act? I thought that was just an American thing... Anyone know anything about Japanese law here, could shed some light on what exactly this covers?


Kendrix: Another example of Anno making good use of the visual medium to create atmosphere, by contrasting the mysterious conversation with with images of what is being referred to (such as the documents, or, in later episodes, the damaged EVAs being shown when repairs are being discussed) - much more interesting than, say, a near-static shot of the characters talking in a room.


002B

An official document concerning the Angel sample that has been blacked out in many places.

MAN (OFF - TELEPHONE):“I handled things by mixing in false data.”

TEXT:“First Interim Report Concerning Objects Referred to as Angels and the Human Instrumentality Project”

UrsusArctos: Without a translation of whatever is visible, it's pretty hard to say what's blacked out and why. Is it the real material or the fake stuff? A note on the biology terms here - Apoptosis is a form of cell death that is beneficial within certain limits (and indeed essential for the development of an embryo and differentiation of fingers and toes), while Apobiosis is a largely obsolete term referring to local death of part of an organism.


Kendrix: The reference to political statutes and the shots of the documents not only uses the screen to create a sense of what is being discussed like in a natural thought process but also creates a sense of richness and mystery for the setting and at least the appearance of information density, while the blackened documents alone convey the notion that NERV is hiding something and that something potentially shady or morally ambiguous is going on. Interesting to know that it was an angel sample - So team JA was trying to build more effective countermeasures, and the sample being referenced may, in fact, be a product of Shamshel' dissection.


002C

The Commander's office. Ikari in silhouette, speaking on the phone.

MAN (OFF - TELEPHONE):“Behind the scenes, the government is preparing legal action, but I expect that to fall through in the next few days. So, how about it? Shall I do something about a certain project as well?”




003

Ikari lit from behind. Only his glasses are shining with light.

IKARI:“No. Judging from your materials, there shouldn't be any problems.”

Kendrix: Very sinister shot accentuating the scary shiny glasses and the angles of his face.




004

A document on top of the table. A still of a robot's head.

MAN (OFF - TELEPHONE):“Then, I'll proceed according to the scenario.”

UrsusArctos: We hear that "proceeding according to scenario" line an awful lot, and not just from Gendo.


Kendrix: Because how could we have a deconstruction of the giant robot genre without deconstructing the idea of a giant robot itself?


Title1
SUBTITLE

Episode #07
"A Human Work"

imprimatur13: Worth pointing out that the Nihongo/Eigo titles are straight translations for this one.

Anyway, the title is an obvious reference to JA (which appears immediately before). A "human", that is, "not divine" work. The true difference? Humans themselves are divine works, and humans have souls. However, humans cannot create something with a soul (outside of reproduction). Demonstrates the importance of a soul, and the failings of "superior" automatons. (Because one could make the argument the Eva's are human works too...)


Kendrix: This episode is at an in-between point between the prologue arc where Shinji is getting used to and reaching a level of acceptance for his new role, and the action arc with the often partially-comedic, one-off plots centered around a theme of cooperation ("The characters becoming one to defeat the enemy", as I believe it was stated in one of the DVD commentaries). It sort of finishes off the process of Misato and Shinji growing into a quasi-family, but also presents a 'monster of the week' scenario for Shinji and Misato to overcome through creativity and teamwork. Another relevant aspect about this episode is that it gives us a look at the larger world beyond Shinji's immediate circle and gives a little more time to the 'political' aspects of the setting, while also sparking Misato's suspicions about NERV and Ritsuko, something which is compounded once Kaji comes in.


005

The toaster on the kitchen table. Browned toast pops out with a “ding.”

SE <<(Sound of the timer)>>

SE <<Ding! Ker-shak!>>

Kendrix: So we get the morning sequence to establish the new 'status quo' after the events of the prologue act, in which Shinji is already relatively 'settled in' and comfortable at Misato's place. Note that Shinji already seems to have taken over the breakfast-making.




006
BGM Start: B-16 rhythm only [MISATO]

Close-up of Shinji biting into a piece of toast he's holding in his hand.

SE <<Chomp>>

UrsusArctos: If Shinji were a real person, he'd have a really small bite.


007

Likewise, Pen-pen biting into a fish.

SE <<Chomp!!>>

imprimatur13: I know it's just camera angles, but that fish seems QUITE surprised to find itself being eaten.

Reichu: The fish appearing in Pen-Pen's dish this episode appear to be of the species Trachurus japonicus, the Japanese horse mackerel. An entire specimen can be seen later, in Cut 097.


008
The kitchen. Shinji, with Pen Pen in the foreground.

The two of them eating breakfast. Pen Pen rises up and swallows the fish.

DevRei17: Amusing how Shinji and Pen Pen eat in sync. Perhaps foreshadowing? (I'm overthinking.)


imprimatur13: Huh. Well, if we want to overthink it, there are several possible reasons. For one, Shinji and PenPen are both looked at by Misato as objects of her nurturing. So, they're conflated from her perspective.

(There's also the alternative: That PenPen is secretly Gendo. This can be proven by the fact that the two are never seen in the same room together. It makes sense, because Gendo does secretly love Shin-chan, and would want to keep an eye on him at home. Not as if Misato can necessarily be trusted to do so, much as I adore her.)


Kendrix: I guess it's just supposed to show that they've gotten acclimatized to each other, as per that anecdote of pets and their owners growing more and more similar to each other over time.


009

The sliding door opens and Misato, just having woken up, appears. She's a mess! She's hunched over a little and scratching her belly.

SE <<Hssshhh>>

Kendrix: Still not a glamorous morning person.




010

Shinji and Pen Pen, with Misato's legs in the foreground. For a moment a look of disillusionment appears on Shinji's face, but he gathers himself and greets her. Pen Pen glances at her, but, since he's accustomed to this sight, he goes on eating his fish as if nothing has happened.

SHINJI:“Good morning.”

DevRei17: You'd think Shinji would be used to Misato's beer-guzzling home life by now? Surely Pen Pen would.


Kendrix: It's saying something that he's actually at a point where he'd express discontent (and openly complains later on) rather than being surprised he's even being tolerated.



011

In a truly vulgar manner, and without any sense of shame, Misato lets out a huge yawn. Her hair is disheveled and her eyes are bleary and drowsy.

MISATO:“Yawwwwn... (sighing) 'Morning.”

Sailor Star Dust: It's no secret that I'm a huge Mitsuishi Kotono fangirl. Misato's sloppy vs cheerful nature is spot-on in this sequence, props to the voice acting!


DevRei17: Kotono Mitsuishi brings Misato to life in only a way she can.


imprimatur13: Indeed. I personally happen to adore the sloppy side of Misato. Very endearing (and relatable).


012

Close-up of her hand pulling a tab open with a practiced manner.

SE <<Psshh>>




013

Shinji with an expression of disillusionment.

MISATO (OFF to begin with):“*guzzle* *guzzle* *guzzle*”

FrDougal9000: It's a relatively minor cut, but I just love the expression on Shinji's face. In general, Evangelion is a show full of excellent character expressions that tell us exactly how the character is feeling, whether they're comedic and silly, solemn and quiet, or horrifying and distressed, while looking incredibly appealing and well-drawn at the same time. I'll make sure to note other expressions that catch my eye throughout the episode, but hats off to both Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (the character designer) and the animators who come up with these awesome faces!


014

Misato, first thing in the morning, chugging back a beer. She makes an ostentatious display of finishing her beverage. Misato, first thing in the morning, relishing her happiness.

MISATO:“Pwaaah! Kuuuuuu~! This is the way to start your day! ♡”

UrsusArctos: She must have rehearsed chugging the beer and yelling to the point of perfection, because she does it exactly the same way every time! Of course, this is a recolored and slightly altered version of cut 123 from Episode 02.


ath: If you look at this sequence frame-by-frame, you'll notice that they've actually reanimated it from scratch! They didn't feel the need to cut corners this early in the series, it seems. Oh, and they forgot to fix the Yebichu/Yebisu branding issue in the Video releases, so enjoy your hamster-themed beer one more time.


015

Shinji, with the beer can in the foreground.

SHINJI:“Not with coffee?”

imprimatur13: From here, until Cut 23 (and Cut 31, too), Shinji seems to be acting very paternally... This brings to mind Misato's Case. The "not wanting to be a good girl" bit is here (and elsewhere) exemplified by her untidiness, and general "un-ladylike" behavior. Juxtaposed with Shinji talking down to her, with a disapproving look on his face; and the "still single" comment in Cut 021, and I think there're some nice parallels. Especially considering the continuation, where it shows that Misato equates Shinji(+Kaji) with her father.


016

Misato leans across the table to object. Shinji is unimpressed. Pen Pen is silently eating something.

MISATO:“It's been established since ancient times that the Japanese have rice, miso soup and sake in the morning.”

SHINJI:“You mean, established that Misato-san does.”




017

Misato, annoyed, with Shinji's coffee cup in the foreground. Her face says: what a nerve this guy has!

MISATO:“annoyed sound* What's that supposed to mean?”

UrsusArctos: She looks a bit like an older Usagi in this scene.


Sailor Star Dust: It's gotta be Usagi's Sadamoto-styled hair bangs!



018

Shinji lowers the coffee cup he has been drinking from and speaks coolly.

SHINJI:“Making the breakfast this morning...”




019

Misato averts her gaze with a look of embarrassment.

SHINJI (OFF):“Just WHOSE turn...”

ath: Oh, look. It's Tuesday!


Sailor Star Dust: The attention to detail in this series is excellent.


020

Shinji, coolly.

SHINJI:“...was it supposed to be?”

Kendrix: So he hasn't completely given up on making her do her part yet - a battle he is not going to win.




021

A degree of sarcasm unusual for Shinji. Pen Pen is still eating.

SHINJI:“Misato-san, I think I understand why you're still single at your age.”

thewayneiac: Shinji must feel right at home here by this point in order to be comfortable enough to make that comment.


Kendrix: Even the script notes that he hasn't been this outspoken since before they first strapped him into the EVA.



022

Misato suppressing her anger.

MISATO:“Excuse me for being coarse.”

Kendrix: Oooh, he hit a NERV(e). Which at this point seems like a standard joke about marriage expectations but we'll later see that there's more of a story behind it.




023

Shinji's cold assertion.

SHINJI:“And a slob, too.”

Kendrix: He's even piling it on!




024

Misato is unable to formulate a comeback. Shinji's coffee cup is lowered.

MISATO:“S-shut up!”

SE <<(Left side) Clack>>

Kendrix: And she responds with all the dignity of a pouty four-year-old.




025

Paying no attention to Misato's reaction, Shinji presses his palms together.

SHINJI:“I'm finished.”

Kendrix: But he maintains some minimum politeness, though it comes off as a snarky cherry on top in this context.




026

Close-up of the faucet. A water purifier is attached to it.

SE <<(Sound of water)>>




027
Misato, sitting cross-legged on a chair, eating bread, with Shinji doing the dishes in the foreground.

SHINJI:“Are you really coming to school today?”

MISATO:“(Eating bread) Of course. It's your career guidance meeting.”

imprimatur13: I do wish we could see what went on at the career guidance meeting... Sounds interesting.

In addition, I love the look on Misato's face here. Classic :).

She takes the bread out of her mouth and continues speaking.

Shinji is hesitant.

SHINJI:“But you're so busy with your work.”

MISATO:“It's fine, it's fine, this is part of my job too.”

Misato jokes around in order to hide her embarrassment.

Shinji, taking her words at face value, is a little bit shocked.

SHINJI:“...Your job?”

SE <<Sound of the water shutting off>>

Kendrix: Misato looks a bit like a dog in the above shot XD And here comes technique of having background sounds punctuate important changes in the conversation and the very lifelike dialogue, the way it goes from lighthearted to "oh" and never lets you quite forget that this is a semi-serious show.


028

Misato worries that saying this might have been a little bit thoughtless of her.

UrsusArctos: Amidst all the comedy, a hint of something else shines through. It's little moments like this that make this show brilliant.


Kendrix: Her inner tryhard is never too far behind the cheery bluster - this is a lot how awkward moments happen IRL, I mean at first she was just saying it so he wouldn't worry that he's being a burden, but she was kind of on autopilot here and realizes only too late that it could be taken the wrong way considering their past conversations and Shinji's whole complex about whether anyone really cares about him instead of just what they can get out of him; After all, he's spent his whole life so far being looked after by people who were paid to do it and though he generally tries to keep his expectations low, some part of him must have been hoping that maybe this time it would be different - it's only natural to have an undercurrent of frustration that he of course wouldn't express in a direct way because that would necessitate a more direct assertion of what he believes he deserves which still isn't that much at this point.


029

The faucet, shut off. A drop of water seems like it will fall, but it does not!

SE <<(OFF – FROM LEFT) Front door bell>>

MISATO (OFF):“Yes?”




030
Once again, Shinji with Misato's legs in the foreground. To the side is Pen Pen (reading the TV listings in the newspaper).

MISATO:“Thanks for coming all this way. Yes, wait just a minute.”

Dr. Nick: So, is this the most creepily human-like thing Pen Pen does?


imprimatur13: I don't know what you mean by "human-like". Sounds quite species-ist to me... far as I'm concerned, Pen-Pen is possessed of superhuman intellect, much like Douglas Adams' dolphins.

In the background, Shinji gets up, carrying his backpack.


031

Shinji has reddened a little. The speed with which Misato changed her demeanor has put him in a bad mood.

SHINJI:“Misato-san, don't go out like that.”

Kendrix: On the other hand Misato seems to have made it into "Embarassing Parent" territory lacking the enchantment of first contact (soon to be contrasted with Touji & Kensuke who still very muh see her as "that cool hot babe" because they haven't lived in close quarters with her long enough to see her messier side or grow annoyed with it if they'd have seen it as a minor tradeof at first).




032

Misato, with Shinji in the foreground.

SHINJI:“It's embarrassing.”




033

Misato makes a show of covering up her chest area.

MISATO:“Okay, okay.”

Kendrix: As per her usual pattern, Misato covers her doubt about having made things awkward with her usual playful/flirty manner which at this point probably just makes Shinji think that she doesn't take his concerns too seriously.




034
BGM End: B-16 rhythm only [MISATO]

Shinji blushing with Misato's uplifted chest in the foreground. He's feeling all kinds of embarrassment. He turns abruptly away.

SHINJI:“....”

imprimatur13: This is a great example of the disconnect between Misato's genuine desire to connect to/help Shinji, and the actual results of her actions. Here, she actually is trying to cover her chest, but it just makes it worse for him. Sasuga Anno, reinforcing his themes even in these small, seemingly trivial ways.



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Screenshots Cut # Description/Dialogue Commentary

035

The front door opens to reveal Toji and Kensuke standing there.

SE <<(Sound of the door opening)>>

TOJI/KENSUKE:“Good morning, Ikari-kun!”

imprimatur13: What, in the name of all that is holy, is on Toji's forehead? It looks like straps for a bag, or something... I've got it! It's TOILET PAPER!

In all seriousness, it appears that it is actually common in some parts of the world (such as Nepal) for peasants to carry large packs using forehead straps. This would then fit right in with Toji's "country folk", Kansai-dialect-speaking persona.

(Thanks to Mr. Tines for the info)


Kendrix: Another part of this scene's function in highlighting the "new status quo" is to show how these days, Shinji apparently gets picked up by his new friends on a regular basis, and they generally walk to school together.


036

Toji and Kensuke stick their heads inside, practically pushing Shinji, who is standing in the entryway, backwards. Peering inside, they waste no time calling out to Misato.

TOJI/KENSUKE:“(In a little bit of a loud voice) Well, we're heading off. See you, Misato-san!”

Kendrix: Granted, their motives for coming to his place rather than the other way around may not have been entirely pure. :P




037

Misato sticks out her hand, with Toji and Kensuke in the foreground. Only her hand appears to greet them. She greets them with a friendly manner.

MISATO (OFF):“(In a beautiful and sensual tone of voice) Have a nice time!”

imprimatur13: She's so obviously enjoying their attention... Classic Misato.


Kendrix: At least she was considerate enough not to come out in her shorts, though she certainly seems to enjoy playing the "cool big sis" character the boys expect her to be.


038

Toji and Kensuke are profoundly affected by Misato's voice. Shinji gets angry, but doesn't know exactly why (in fact he is feeling something akin to jealousy). He urges them out in an irritated tone of voice.

SHINJI:“Let's go already!”

imprimatur13: Toji's tears flow like waterfalls.


Sailor Star Dust: Ahh, Excel Saga. Yet another anime with Kotono-san as the lead!

Additional Commentary  

imprimatur13: And what a wonderful job she did there, too! Lord, the woman is truly a treasure, able to switch between hyperactivity, sweetness, and near-comatose lethargy at the drop of a hat. Voiced a similar character in Fruits Basket as well.


Kendrix: Changing the topic to Shinji, he's not supposed to be purely embarrassed here but also lowkey jelly, as in not so different from them after all/ not actually that much more mature or enlightened, just temporarily annoyed!


039

Close-up of beer in the refrigerator. A can is quickly pulled out. (Her second already!)




040

Misato shuts the fridge with her rear end. She pulls the tab open with a “psshh.” She has finished her morning bath. There is a towel around her neck.

SE <<Thud (sound of fridge door closing)>>

SE <<Psshh!>>

imprimatur13: Apparently Misato bought her towel to match her refrigerator, so that she looks her best when leaning against it. And/or intentional color-coordination for the objects in the scene. Either way, nice.




041

Misato talks to herself holding her beer in one hand. She reveals her true feelings: she's actually a little pleased.

MISATO:“Sarcasm, eh...”

Kendrix: While Shinji has yet to learn this, Misato herself isn't unaware that his more honest complaining means he must be feeling more comfortable around her, which may be part of why she enjoys teasing him by acting purposely silly




042

The three boys heading to school along a sloping road. They are talking about something or other as they walk.

MISATO (OFF):“Well, I guess it's good that he's loosening up and expressing himself more.”

Kendrix: ... and the juxtaposition with him walking to school with his friends lampshades how this hasn't only taken place at home but in general and how she's genuinely glad to see his life going better




043

Shinji smiling with the shoulders of the other two in the foreground.

SE <<(Sound of a push button phone being dialed OFF) Beep, boop, beep>>

Kendrix: Look at him being so happy about getting to have relatively normal things many take for granted




044

Close-up of Misato's face in profile. She holds her beer in one hand and wears a serious expression. She cradles the telephone receiver with her shoulder.

SE <<Sound of a telephone ringing, then the sound of a receiver being picked up immediately after the first ring>>

MAN (OFF - TELEPHONE):“Yes?”

MISATO:“He just left. Please guard him from here.”



Sailor Star Dust: I love that subtle creepiness of Nerv watching the every move of their pilots. (I really like how Eva 1.0 reinforced that, with Shinji and the bridge scene.)


Kendrix: As with the earlier "awkward moment", they don't let us forget for a moment that all this is taking place within the framework of this large ominous organization and that he really IS part of her job. She's still telling strangers who want to use him about his every move, something that would be considered a huge breach of trust if your real mother/sister did it. And though he's enjoying a little bit of normal schoolboy life, he's being surveilled in ways a normal schoolboy wouldn't be, they're ready to rip him out of his normal life at a moment's notice. Even in its more lighthearted moments, this show never quite lets go of the subtle background tension and the atmosphere that creates.



045

The “ding” of the toast popping out takes the place of a reply.

SE <<Ding!>>

UrsusArctos: Toasters replying on behalf of intelligence agents? Is Shinji guarded by Cylons from Battlestar Galactica? (BSG jokes or not, this little moment is pretty funny.)




046

The remains of the Angel from episode six in the midst of the city. Scaffolding has been erected, and the remains are in the process of being dismantled.

SE <<Construction noises – Sounds from the dismantling>>

Kendrix: This looming sense of danger and unnormality is likewise underlined by the decomposing angel from last episode's desperate battle just chilling out in the sunny background cityscape like a regular construction project.




047

Shinji, staring out of the window by himself. He notices the sound of a car.

SE <<The faint sound of construction in the distance, as background noise>>

SE <<The faint sound of a car>>




048

Close-up of the front tire of a car speeding along ostentatiously.

SE <<Vrooom>>




049

The school courtyard, with Shinji in the foreground. A red sports car lands in a parking spot with a single ostentatious turn maneuver!!

SE <<Screeeech>>

UrsusArctos: Good lord. It's a miracle she hasn't had a serious accident yet.


ath: I'm too lazy to look for my copy of the Evangelion Encyclopedia right now, so EML's translation will have to do:
EML: In ep. 7, Misato reaches Shinji's school in a red (with black soft top) Ferrari 328 GTS (production date 1985, 3184.96 cc 4 valve V8 (90° V) cylinder engine). This sample has the driving place to the right, Japanese way. Even if not one of the most expensive Ferraris, it undoubtely is much more than the A310.

I'm sure I saw a few other Ferraris in another well-known TV series Misato's seiyuu was involved in...


imprimatur13: What happened to the famous Renault? This must be either a company car (well, considering NERV's budget, maybe not), or a rental that she took in order to complement her composed/cool image. Notice suspicious lack of dents.


050

Toji opens the window and leans out, pushing Shinji aside. Kensuke does likewise, filming with his video camera. Shinji is once again treated like an obstacle to be removed.

SE <<Sliiide>>

TOJI:“Oh!! She's arrived!”

SE <<Sound of a car door being opened OFF>>




051

Another close-up of Misato's legs as she gets out of the car.

SE <<Step>>




052

The woman comes to her feet with a beautiful motion. Misato's figure, clad in a suit, stands in sharp contrast to her appearance this morning. She wears sunglasses and carries an expensive-looking bag.

General male student chatter: (through 053):“Ohhhhhhh.”

Kendrix: She's not trying to be inconspicuous... at all




053

Close-up of her face. With a cool-looking motion she removes her sunglasses.

ALL (stereo):“Ohhhhhh!”

Dr. Nick: The car lady pulls a Quattro.


Kendrix: Note the little musical jingle underlining the first impression, as well as the fancy earrings


UrsusArctos: Misato's cross earrings don't just go with the cross pendant - they nicely hide the fact that the pendant has its own, special significance.


FrDougal900: Maybe it's the lighting or the angle of the shot, but Misato's neck looks really long here. What's that French term used on Phineas & Ferb? Cou de crayon, I think...



054

The school building, with Misato's chest in the foreground. The male students are at the windows in a state of excitement.

SE <<Sound of the door closing>>

BOY A:“She's so cool! Who is she?”

BOY B:“Ikari's guardian?”

Male student chatter. (through 058):“”

Kendrix: As if Shinji needed more unwanted sudden fame!




055

Rei in the foreground, perfectly unconcerned. Behind, female students looking highly displeased. Hikari looks as if she has bitten into something sour.

BOY C:“What!? Ikari's got someone that gorgeous looking after him!?”

HIKARI:“What morons.”

UrsusArctos: After two episodes that were so heavily focused on her, Rei is seen for just this moment - and in the next episode, she isn't seen at all. Enjoy your two seconds of fame, Rei!


ath: From the introduction to Chapter Four of Shizo/Parano (many thanks to Numbers-kun for his translation):
Anno: Even in the midst of making Eva, I suddenly realized I had forgotten her. Her very existence. In episode seven, I remembered, and added a single shot with Rei. I had no emotional attachment to her at all. I think that was fine, because she didn’t appear in episode eight, not even for a single shot.


imprimatur13: I s'pose Hikari's jealous, 'cause of Toji.


Dr. Nick: Even this single shot of Rei is kind of meaningful since it shows her in Gendo's trademark pose.

Speaking of this so-called Gendo pose, when I was younger and more eager, I had the bright idea of trying to catalogue instances of anime characters sitting in that pose (Ed. note: link), be it a probable reference or not. Just for shits and giggles. It was not until later on that I realized it was a dumbass idea, since the pose is everywhere, from Patlabor porn parodies to Oliver Stone's W., and even in anime it's been around decades before Eva. It's the sort of generic thing that you can hunt for when playing a drinking game (a double shot for both the pose and reflecting glasses).


056

Misato sashays along with her bag in one hand. The perspective is that of the viewfinder of Kensuke's video camera. Following a noise, the camera suddenly zooms in on Misato. She notices Kensuke and the others. She flashes a peace sign towards the camera.

TOJI (OFF):“(Sighing) Ah.... Misato-san really is amazing. ♡”

(Slight bleed)

Sailor Star Dust: Gotta love when the script goes for the ❤ !


Kendrix: And again she plays right into the surface role that she sees as being expected of her.



057
Kensuke and Toji respond in turn with their own peace signs.

Shinji is deeply embarrassed.

KENSUKE (conc):“Mm-hmm.”

SHINJI (conc):“I'm not so sure.”

Toji, crossing his arms, is emphatic.

Kensuke signals his agreement while continuing to film.

TOJI:“What's even more amazing is that she's NERV's Chief of Operations.”

Toji and Kensuke look at Shinji with pity and and the same time coldly, as though he were a heretic.

Shinji (“huh?”) does not understand.

KENSUKE (conc):“Mm-hmm.”

SHINJI (conc):“I'm not so sure.”


058

Shot from inside the classroom. The boys have gathered at the window. Some are jostling with the others in order to get a look. The girls are perfectly unconcerned.

TOJI:“Good thing Shinji's such a baby, Kensuke.”

KENSUKE:“Well, he's certainly no competition for us.”

GIRL (Ad-lib):“It's just a counseling session but my mother had to dress up!”

GIRL (Ad-lib):“Don't you think she's silly?”

thewayneiac: Whoever ad-libbed that must not have been in the know.


Sailor Star Dust: Hmm. If you wanted to stretch things, perhaps it was a stepmom?


059

Shinji, upset that the others can't understand his point of view. A close-up of Shinji in profile, with Toji leaning forward in the foreground.

SHINJI (MONO):“Toji and the others don't know -”




060

Shinji's perspective. Misato's back is turned as she sashays along.

SHINJI:“- what a slob she is...”




061
Toji looks up to the sky in a state of reverie.

Kensuke leans even further out in order to capture his distant subject.

TOJI:“Ohhh, if I had a girlfriend like that....”

Kendrix: Interesting bit of opinion in the script - of course, it's only later that they elaborate on what they mean here - I guess we're supposed to get that Shinji's a bit too uptight because he never used to have any friends or family to be silly with, so it's partially a new concept to him.

Shinji is dealing realistically with the situation.

SHINJI:“I don't think you'd have an easy time of it.”

In the true sense of the term the other two are still more realistic than Shinji. Once again they gaze at him with pity.

TOJI/KENSUKE:“You just don't get it, do you, boss.”

Classroom chatter (through 063):“”


062

Shot from inside the classroom. The two suddenly step away from Shinji, crossing their arms. Shinji looks back and forth. The two suddenly raise their arms (both at the same time). Shinji looks at them confusedly.

DUO:“All right! We'll leave protecting the peace of the Earth to you! So you just leave Misato san -”

kuribo-04: Toji and Kensuke say the exact same thing at the same time, showing they are gifted with some sort of telepathy.

This show is really more cartoonish starting with this episode.


imprimatur13: No, it makes sense. Because... how?

I got it! They are both channelling the Great Spirit of Masculinity, and therefore are reciting his words in a possessed trance. Obviously.



063

Shinji gets whacked on the back with a “thump.” There is also, in their actions, a sense of the other two beating up on the thick-headed Shinji. The shot continues until Shinji reacts, lifting up his head. Shinji does not understand.

DUO:“- TO US!!”

SE <<Thump!>>

SHINJI:“Uwaa!”

Kendrix: Let's just appreciate the expressions here.



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Screenshots Cut # Description/Dialogue Commentary

064

Unit-01 inside the cage.

IBUKI (OFF):“Unit-01 has cleared the cooldown threshold ---. Please shift operations to the second stage.”

Kendrix: And of course we go straight from comedic homeroom antics to explicitly sketching out some parts of the greater scope that have so far only been implied. That Shinji's still going on about that same train of thought suggests that he went to this experiment right after school.




065
Close-up of Shinji.

SHINJI (MONO):“Protecting the Earth... That's what Eva is for.”

UrsusArctos: The entry plug is explicitly compared to a womb here. Shinji's finally starting to figure what he's getting into...but the full significance of it eludes him until the bitter, bitter end.

ath: Here's Cut 328 from Episode 02 in all its Freudian glory.

Kendrix: His expression, conveyed just through the eyes is this very effective kind of lowkey disturbed, "Whats the ground I'm even standing on", like when you ask yourself the sort of existential questions you can't tolerate for long because they would make you question the points and implications of everything you do every day. He never quite addressed it, but he IS still processing what he saw and was subjected to back in Episode 02.

(Insert the “eye” scene from episode two).

SE <<Sound of the inside of the womb>>


066

Only his eyes change.

SHINJI (MONO):“Just what is Eva...? The entry plug smells like blood...”




067

Interior of the entry plug. Shinji looks up. He looks into the camera.

SHINJI (MONO):“So why do I feel so relaxed here?”

Kendrix: He may be used to working with Eva-01 but he's still very much disturbed by the sense that there's something very living, even outright human about it, which is why this sense of calm must be rather paradoxical and uncanny to him. It does fit with how he generally views the Eva as this paradoxical object that "protected" him early on and gives him purpose and usefulness and the right to all these new friends and perks, but at the same time subjects him to suffering and is just plain wrong.




068

Close-up of Shinji. He talks to himself as he looks through a book.

SHINJI (MONO):“--In the end, I don't know anything at all.”

Sailor Star Dust: I've always loved the sudden cut from 067 to here. (Funny how Shinji's finally giving that Nerv manual(??) a proper read, when you consider Episode 01...)




069
A moving platform. Five people – Misato, Ritsuko, Ibuki, Hyuga, and Shinji – in a variety of poses.

They're chatting during a break from work. (Silhouettes with no mouth movement)

Kendrix: Anno always maintains a "mature"/"cynical" mood with these constant background discussion of technical and political concerns as they would be encountered in real life - the importance of saving the earth doesn't suddenly negate all other concerns.

UrsusArctos: There's a strange mixture of real-world logic and a lack of it here. Manufacturing logic dictates that they should've built a stock of spare parts to go through in the event that the Evas were damaged. As we'll see later, Nerv wastes money in weird places.

RITSUKO:“What's the status of Unit 00's

bio-chest component?”

IBUKI:“Heavily damaged. We'll make a new one, but it will barely fit within our supplementary budget.”

RITSUKO:“I wonder if things will get a bit easier after Unit-02 arrives from Germany?”

HYUGA:“It might be just the opposite. It's not cheap to dispose of Angels that have been killed on the surface.”

MISATO:“This place really is tight when it comes to money. I thought the fate of mankind was at stake here.”

RITSUKO:“It can't be helped. Man does not live by Eva alone. It's going to cost money if those who survive are to keep on living.”

MISATO:“Budgets...! So, the Commander has gone to another conference?”

RITSUKO:“Yes, he's on the plane now.”


070

Extreme long shot of the scene.

IBUKI:“It's nice and quiet here when the Commander's away.”




071

Close-up of the tail of an SSTO aircraft flying at ultra-high altitude. It emits a deafening roar!

SE <<ROOAR>>

UrsusArctos: The "ROOAR" is ridiculous - at that altitude there should be no atmosphere, and hence no sound.


FrDougal9000: Hey, it works as a pretty decent joke when you consider the dialogue in the previous shot. I can deal with physics suddenly being tossed out the window for a second.


072

The interior of the aircraft, seen from the front. All the seats are empty. Just the head of a man (Ikari) can be seen in silhouette. At the end of the cut a door opens (revealing the shadow of a man).

SE <<Background noise – sounds inside the aircraft>>

UrsusArctos: This shot is a tribute to two of NGE's science fiction inspirations, 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Andromeda Strain. Comparison HERE.


073

Ikari stares out a window with his arms crossed. The reflection of his face can be glimpsed in the window. The man comes up to him.

MAN (OFF to begin with):“Excuse me. As we're sharing this flight, do you mind if I sit here?”

SEELE-01: I only just realized that this is actually one of the few scenes in the entire series in which we see Gendo outside of NERV.

The only other times: In episode 5, he goes to see the remains of the 4th Angel; episode 12, in Antarctica; episode 17, in a train with Fuyutsuki (and even then, going into NERV); and some scenes in episode 21 (which pre-date NERV).


Kendrix: This seems to be where Rei got her tendency to sit next to and look out of windows all the time - if anything, Gendo's body language is even more closed off, and the indirect shots (such as announcing the other dude's arrival by showing us the hem of his jacket) helps to frame this whole scene as an impersonal business conversation



074

Long shot from the back of the aircraft. A news program is being shown on the monitor. The man sits down.

MAN (BACK):“(Once he has seated himself) So the revised budget for the sample collection passed without difficulty.”

IKARI (BACK):“The committee members think first and foremost of their own survival. They'll spend willingly to that end.”

MAN (BACK):“And their argument had been that no further Angels would appear. I have another piece of good news. Except for the U.S., all council members have approved the budget for Unit-06. Well, it's probably only a matter of time before the U.S. approves.”


UrsusArctos: To the disappointment of mecha fans everywhere, Eva-06 and Eva-08 (mentioned two shots below) had to wait until a whole new continuity to appear. That aside, the scheming that goes on between these two is couched in indirect talk and subtleties.


Dr. Nick: Definite shades of early installment weirdness in this scene, even though we're already in episode 7.



075

The man, with Ikari in the foreground. He is watching with his eyes upturned. His gaze is cold. The man holds a pocket-sized bottle of alcohol in his hand.

MAN:“They have an allergy to unemployment, that country.”

IKARI:“...And your country?”

UrsusArctos: Post-2008 this little bit of dialogue has turned painfully ironic.


076

Long shot of the aircraft interior. The faces of the two men cannot be seen.

MAN (OFF):“We will participate in the construction of Unit-08 onwards, as the second development project remains viable. However, there is the problem of a pilot not having been discovered...”

IKARI (OFF):“The Angels have appeared once again.”

Kendrix: And here we have another reinforcing statement on how hard it supposedly is to build Evas and how rare compatible pilots supposedly are.




077

Ikari remains looking out the window.

IKARI (ON):“We have no other option but to defeat them.”




078

Close-up of the man. He looks at his pocket-sized bottle of whiskey as he speaks. At the end of the cut he looks out the window.

MAN:“I, too, have no wish to see a repeat of Second Impact.”




079

Antarctica, an enormous crater, with the SSTO aircraft in the foreground. The color of the oceans has changed, and both ice and landmass have disappeared.

SHINJI (OFF):“... Then the Second Impact which vaporized Antarctica ...”

FrDougal9000: One of my favourite things about Evangelion is how the storytelling flows naturally from scene to scene; even though we jump to a completely different location and cast of characters, we're never left confused as to what's going on. That can be seen here, when we transition from the man mentioning Second Impact to Ritsuko telling Shinji about what really happened with the Second Impact.


080

A junior high school history textbook.

RITSUKO (OFF):“Right. In the history textbooks, it's a catastrophe that was caused by the fall of a massive meteorite.”

Dr. Nick: ADV's old home video releases of Evangelion actually dealt with certain text-heavy shots such as this by using "overlays", a curious VHS-era method of on-screen text translation distinct from the more well-known "hard-subs" (for details, see svenge's explanation, kindly preserved for posterity by the EvaMonkey).

Perhaps owing to the less-than-stellar image quality of that era, some viewers didn't even realize it was an American edit and were left wondering why these Japanese kids were using English-language schoolbooks. I've seen this happen on the forums.

ADV's translation of this page can be found here, in its full image-glory (plus some translator's footnotes).

(For those who, for whatever reason, cannot load the picture, click the "Additional Commentary" tag below.)



Additional Commentary  

Dr. Nick: Second Impact and the World Afterwards

1. Second Impact In the final year of the 20th century on September 13. 2000 a massive meteorite fell on Mt. Markham in Antarctica. More than two billion people in he southern hemisphere were immediately killed by the tsunami and rising water levels caused by the melted ice. This was the worst disaster mankind had faced in recorded history.

2. Upheaval in the Northern Hemisphere The Nations of the Northern Hemisphere also suffered severe damage from the flooding and chaos ensued. Two days after the fall of the meteorite on September 15. 2000, collisions between refugees sparked a war on the India-Pakistan border, and armed conflicts began all over the world. On September 20, an N-Bomb was dropped on Tokyo and 500 000 people were killed. Until the Valentine Cease Fire was signed on February 14. 2001, hostilities continued all over the world.

3. Transferring Second Tokyo The Temporary Government of Japan gave up on restoring the Tokyo that had been destroyed by the N-Bomb, and the decision was made to transfer the capital to Matsumoto City in Nagano. Construction of Tokyo 2 began in 2001. Redevelopment proceeded rapidly and by early 2003, Tokyo was fulfilling its functions as the capital. In 2005 a second transfer was approved by Congress. Tokyo 3 is currently being built in Fuji-Hakone.

1. First Impact This is also called the Giant Impact, a collision between a meteorite and Earth that resulted in the creation of the Moon. It is believed to of happened 4 billion years ago.

2. Fall of a Massive Meteorite The object which fell on Antarctica was less than 4 inches in diameter, a very small meteorite. However with an enormous velocity of 95% of the speed of light, its effective mass was more than 4.02 times 20 squared to the 10th. Fifteen minutes before its impact, it was sighted by the Mexican astronomer Ceimoa Nan.

(picture of Nan)

Ceimoa Nan (1971~)


Translation Notes:

  • "N-bomb" should be "a new type of bomb".
  • "Ceimoa Nan" should be "Seymour Nunn".


081

An extra edition newspaper (from 15 years ago). There are water stains, traces of patchwork, and so on.

RITSUKO (OFF):“However, truth is often suppressed. Fifteen years ago, mankind...”

TEXT:“Giant Explosion at the South Pole”

ath: From the Evangelion Encyclopedia, once again:

The Evangelion Encyclopedia:The newspaper Maiasa Shinbun, episode 7: The name of the Maiasa Shinbun (lit. "the newspaper of all mornings") that is used to show the official version of the reasons for Second Impact) is most probably the fusion of the names of two existing newspapers, the MAInichi Shinbun ("the newspaper of all days") and the ASAhi Shinbun ("the newspaper of the Rising Sun"). The head office address is the same of Gainax's.

So, MAInichi Shimbun (毎日新聞) + ASAhi Shimbun (朝日新聞) = Maiasa Shinbun (毎朝新聞).


082

The three on a moving walkway. Misato looks like she's gone away from the subject at hand.

RITSUKO:“...discovered in Antarctica the first object, humanoid, designated as an “Angel.””




083

Misato is averting her gaze. (She doesn't have good memories of the incident.) A wind blows at the end of the cut.

RITSUKO (OFF):“However, in the midst of the investigation, they set off an enormous explosion, the cause of which is unknown.”

SE <<The sound of a door opening OFF>>

Sailor Star Dust: This is why the scripts feel like such a treasure trove of information! Though various things can be inferred, it's nice to see what the script flat-out says about a character's thoughts.


Kendrix: So there's already a quite deliberate allusion to the existence of some backstory there.



084

Long shot of the moving walkway!!

RITSUKO:“That's the true identity of Second Impact.”




085

Shinji, with Ritsuko in the foreground.

SHINJI:“Then, what we're doing is...?”

Kendrix: I wouldn't trust Shinji if he didn't have this little ""Oh shit!" reaction here. He probably realized that giant monsters rampaging weren't a good thing, but no one told him it was THIS dire. One wonders how far it would have helped or made things worse.




086

Shinji and Misato behind Ritsuko, who is in the foreground.

RITSUKO:“To prevent the occurrence of a potential Third Impact... That is the purpose...”




087

Misato's folder. The NERV logo is visible.

RITSUKO (OFF):“...of NERV, and...”

FrDougal9000: I can't help wonder if there's something similar to the Kuleshov Effect going on with this cut. It's just a shot of Misato holding her folder, but with Cut 083 implying her anger at Second Impact, it makes this shot look like she's angrily holding the folder.


088

Shinji and Misato behind Ritsuko, who is in the foreground. At the end of the cut Ritsuko takes notice of Misato. Without otherwise moving, she turns her gaze towards her.

RITSUKO:“...of Evangelion.”




089

Ritsuko looks towards Misato. Among other reasons, Ritsuko wishes to change the subject.

RITSUKO:“By the way, I understand that it will be held tomorrow as scheduled.”




090

Misato has been averting her gaze. She still feels something painful when Second Impact is discussed. Without otherwise moving, she brings her gaze back towards Ritsuko. She wears a serious expression.

MISATO:“I understand.”



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Screenshots Cut # Description/Dialogue Commentary

091

The exterior of Misato's apartment.

SE <<Morning sound effects・chirping, the voices of cicadas>>




092

Browned toast pops out with a "ding".”

SE <<Ding! Ker-shak!>>

imprimatur13: This whole scene is quite obviously meant to parallel Cuts 5-34. Misato's actions, and Shinji/Pen-Pen's reactions, are completely opposite.


093
BGM Start: B-16 rhythm only [MISATO]

Close-up of Shinji biting into a piece of toast he's holding in his hand.

SE <<Chomp>>




094

Likewise, Pen-pen biting into a fish.

SE <<Chomp!!>>




095
The kitchen. Shinji, with Pen-pen in the foreground. The two are eating breakfast. Pen-pen rises up.




096

When the sliding door opens, she appears - in sharp contrast to her appearance yesterday - dashingly clad in formal NERV uniform!!

SE <<Hssshhh>>

UrsusArctos: That, Misato, is the way to go!


The Flying Fortress: Because Misato can not dress like this during the whole series ?, especially in her work, I think this would help more to highlight her professional personality of the personal personality, besides, I have a small fetish for women wearing military clothes or the like.


Sailor Star Dust: Related, I wish Misato wore her Nerv beret more often. (It's super cute on her!)


097
With Misato's legs in the foreground, Shinji and Pen-pen are frozen in their poses from yesterday.

Shinji is unable to speak.

BGM End: B-16 rhythm only [MISATO]

Overwhelmed by astonishment, Pen-pen lets the fish drop from his mouth.

SHINJI / PEN-PEN:“......”

imprimatur13: The fact that even Pen-pen -- who's known Misato for (presumably) a long time -- is shocked, shows that it is VERY rare for her to dress this way upon waking. Seriously, poor fella looks like he's gonna have a heart attack.


Kendrix: It sure shows a different side to her, and that despite Misato's superficial inappropriateness, there exists a tendency in her to play situational roles. At this point Shinji has seen her be the workaholic military person often enough, the contrast exists more in seeing her do this and calling it to mind in the environment where you usually get Silly!Misato. As alluded to in Episode 02, the silly exists probably more so that SHE can have an outlet, as a sort of compensation. They're both useful masks underneath of which she's not quite so cool or confident, and perhaps reluctant to interact without working herself into either of those "modes" (if need be with the help of booze or caffeine). PenPen, on the other and, probably sees her in silly mode 95% of the time... and Shinji's not so above it after all!


098

Misato, with a serious expression and an austere manner.

MISATO:“(Austerely) Good morning.”

imprimatur13: 2 possible reasons she's speaking so formally to Shin-chan:

1. She wants to rebuild her AT field, which had been damaged last time, when Shinji hit a nerve.
2. She's preparing for the demonstration, and for the level-headed-ness and formality necessary there. So, she's practicing on him.


099

Shinji finds something frightening about her.
He greets her despite his being overwhelmed.

SHINJI:“G-good morning.”

He holds in his hand the toast he had started to bite into.

Kendrix: Silly!Misato is like an embarrassing sister almost on his level. Military!Misato is his superior.,. and of course the transformation itself probably makes him a tad uncertain about what social script to follow around her, a situation Shinji was never too good with




100

Misato's feet. She is using a shoehorn to put on her heels.
She speaks using a serious manner of delivery.

MISATO (OFF):“I'm going to Old Tokyo on business.”

imprimatur13: The use of the shoehorn to force her foot into the heels symbolizes how she's forcing herself into a role she's unaccustomed to. (And that she's unaccustomed to wearing heels... ;) )


Sailor Star Dust: Heh. Just like Kaji's comments to her in Episode 15!


101

Misato (her face is not visible) stands up before Shinji and Pen-pen, who are still stunned.

MISATO (BACK):“I might be late coming back, so get something delivered.”

Kendrix: The perspective here helps to make her a tad more 'opaque' just as Shinji thought he was kind of getting used to her.




102

Misato with an austere expression.
She speaks gravely, looking towards the camera.

MISATO:“Well then...”

SE <<(OFF・RIGHT) Sound of the door opening (as though in response to her words)>>




103

Shinji, overwhelmed.
He remains holding onto the toast he had started to bite into.

SHINJI:“R... right.”

imprimatur13: Shinji's overwhelmed, because he's been given the cold shoulder by the one person he was beginning to feel loved him. He probably worries that his sarcastic remarks from before are the cause of this distance.


thewayneiac: It looks more to me like he's just shocked at her business-like demeanor; sort of the same look Dilbert would get if he caught Wally actually working.


ath: Look! Someone accidentally mentioned Dilbert on Evageeks, finally giving me a valid reason to post a link to the legendary New Products Evangelist in the Commentary!


thewayneiac: Glad to have been of service.


Eyecatch



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Screenshots Cut # Description/Dialogue Commentary

Title2

EYECATCH B:“EPISODE #07: A HUMAN WORK”




104

A group of intelligent buildings, submerged and abandoned.
An iridescence sparkles upon the dark surface of the water.

SE <<Sound of waves>>

TEXT:“Abandoned Zone 28 (Center of Old Tokyo)”

imprimatur13: "Intelligent buildings", you say... Sentience? Or just referring to the MAGI that control them? Mysteries...


Dr. Nick: Right next door are located the submerged ruins of Otakuland.


105
Missing Cut

A point of light comes into view behind a sign in the foreground.

SE <<[Sound of waves]--->>

SE <<The sound of a jet turbine engine becomes faintly audible.>>

Translator's Note:

The writing on the sign reads "Shinjuku Station." The directions indicate the shot should move upwards so that the light enters the frame.


106

A NERV VTOL aircraft flying in the skies above Old Tokyo (towards a reclaimed landmass larger than the surrounding waters).

SE <<The sound of a jet (the sound of a turbine's rotation)>>

MISATO (p.d.):“To think this was once...”

UrsusArctos: That VTOL is going to be guzzling fuel the way it's flying, engines pointed downwards and at low speed. Nerv doesn't have money to spare for its most critical weapons (the Evangelions), so why the fancy VTOLs?


107
Misato within the VTOL aircraft.

MISATO:“...the great metropolis they called "“the city of flowers"...”

She speaks with detachment, seen through the window.
She reacts to Ritsuko's words only by shifting her gaze.

RITSUKO (OFF・RIGHT):“We've arrived.”


108

An enormous building standing in the midst of the wasteland comes into sight, seen through the window.

MISATO (p.d.):“...There was no reason...”

Kendrix: It might certainly be considered ostentatious to put a big, attention-grabbing display complex in a place like this. You could certainly speculate that its builders chose this location for some sort of political posturing.




109
Ritsuko and Misato, with the pilot in the foreground.

Ritsuko is using a notebook computer. Misato is a little bit fed up with things (her hat is in her hand).

MISATO:“...for them to hold it in a place like this. And, are the JSSDF involved with this project?”

Without otherwise moving, Misato shifts her gaze towards Ritsuko.

Ritsuko speaks (in a detached manner, as always) without changing her position.

RITSUKO:“The Strategic Self Defense Force? No, they've been forbidden from interfering.”

Misato's expression says, "“ah, what a pain".”

MISATO:“So these guys are doing whatever they please.”

FrDougal9000: Fairly minor one, but I just love the last face Misato makes in this shot.


110

The VTOL aircraft descending.
Below, a group of helicopters and VTOL aircraft landed as though they were parked in a parking lot.

SE <<(Sound of the turbine) Fssshhhh!!>>

UrsusArctos: The description says "Helicopters and VTOL aircraft", but as the next shot shows, the only VTOL in that lot is Nerv's.


Mr. Tines: Aircraft being a word that doesn't decline in the plural, of course.


UrsusArctos: Of course. I meant that either the translation is a bit off, or there were initially meant to be other VTOL aircraft in the shot because the English wording suggests the presence of VTOL aircraft in plural.



111

A bird's-eye view of a dome, the lower half underground.

SE <<Music (fanfare), followed by applause>>




112

A signboard on display, surrounded by red and white.
"A Celebratory Banquet Announcing the Completion of J.A."

SE <<Applause (an excessive amount)>>

TOKITA (OFF・SPEAKERS):“Today...”

Dr. Nick: And now, a brief corporate satire detour.


113

A name placard on top of a table.
"The Party of NERV"
Beside it are some beer bottles that have been opened, but are otherwise untouched.

TOKITA (OFF・SPEAKER):“...you have taken time out of your busy schedules to attend a live demonstration hosted by ourselves, the Japan Consortium of Heavy and Chemical Industries.”

UrsusArctos: Beer? Not mineral water?


Mr. Tines: Srs bzns Misato is not "Beer, more than just a breakfast drink" Misato.

(also Cuts 118, 121, 133)


UrsusArctos: I meant to express my surprise that corporate Japan, at least in the NGE world, uses beer the way the corporate culture in North America would use mineral water. I don't know if this is the case in real life, but if it were, I imagine a lot of formal events would get quite undignified very quickly.



114

Long shot of the scene.
The two of them isolated, all by themselves (they only have two chairs as well).
A number of beer bottles stand uselessly on the table.
Ritsuko is wearing a chic dress.

TOKITA (OFF・SPEAKERS):“For that, we sincerely thank you.”

Dr. Nick: No wonder the bottles are untouched. Would anyone even reach them?


115

A panoramic view of the scene (seen from the direction of the stage).
There are tables lined up in rows.
The room is full, with the exception of NERV's place in the center.

TOKITA (OFF・SPEAKER):“Later on, you will be observing the official demonstration from the control room.”

UrsusArctos: This shot gives the impression that the tables are arranged like the Sephirot, with Misato and Ritsuko in the "Da'at" position. A subtle inclusion of a recurring motif in the show, or am I reading too much into this?


imprimatur13: Are you, UA? Well, maybe, but still cool :).

Anyway, I notice there are not NEARLY enough chairs for everyone there... I guess the standing people aren't important enough to warrant seats? Lower-level government employees, reporters, etc., I imagine.


116
Tokita standing upon the stage.

TOKITA:“If anyone has any questions, please ask them here.”

imprimatur13: Can I over-analyze here? This is, of course, yet another hand shot. The interesting thing about this one, is what it represents. Here, Ritsuko is raising a hand against Tokita and his characterization of the Eva as a "hysterical woman".

Now, Ritsuko's hand here looks quite rough from work. Doesn't look like she moisturizes often, or takes any particular care to her hand's appearance. Perhaps, this is supposed to represent that she rejects traditional femininity and its passive ideal. She's assuming a more "masculine" role, which is why she's raising her hand as an act of "rebellion" against Tokita's male dominance? Does this make any sense?

There are wreaths of flowers lined up behind him.

Instantly Ritsuko has raised her hand (high and straight).

RITSUKO:“Yes!”


117

Tokita leans forward a little as he speaks.

TOKITA:“The famous Dr. Ritsuko Akagi.”




118

Ritsuko, holding a microphone.
The beer bottles are in the foreground (the amount in the bottles remains entirely undiminished).

TOKITA:“It is an honor to have you here.”

RITSUKO:“May I ask a question?”

Kendrix: Ritsuko, ever professional, is of course prepared and trying to direct the conversation. Alas, she is a scientist, not a PR person; It tends to require people with nearly opposite personalities




119

Panoramic view of the room. Slow pan.

TOKITA:“Yes. Please, ask whatever you wish.”

RITSUKO:“According to the explanation we had earlier, it comes equipped with an internal combustion engine.”

UrsusArctos: Why she used the entirely inappropriate term "internal combustion engine" for JA's reactor beats me.


120

Pan from the flower wreaths over to Tokita.

TOKITA (OFF to begin with):“Yes, it's a major feature of this unit. Continuous operation for 150 days is assured.”

ath: Look at the first column of text from the right — "イクハラ電子電波(株)" — or, if you prefer, "IKUHARA Radio Electronics (Corp.)", or something close to that. We sure knew of the special friendship between Anno and Ikuni, but this is getting a little creepy...

Thanks again to the Evangelion Encyclopedia for the find.


121

Pan from the beer bottles over to Ritsuko.

TEXT:“The Party of NERV”

RITSUKO (OFF to begin with, then ON):“However, incorporating a reactor into a land-based weapon intended for hand-to-hand combat would seem to entail too great a risk from a safety perspective.”

Dr. Nick: Such negativity. If anything, Imagawa's Giant Robo taught me that having an onboard nuclear reactor in your robot is the greatest form of insurance to have.


122

Tokita, with no loss of composure, replies sarcastically.

TOKITA:“I believe that it is more useful than a weapon which operates for less than five minutes.”

Kendrix: She tries a logical objection, but he immediately tries spinning it into a positive, and just generally baits her into a "Yes!" "No!" type argument knowing that it would make her look illegitimate.




123

Bust shot of Ritsuko.

RITSUKO:“Problems remain in dealing with emergency situations via remote operation.”




124

Ritsuko, worked up, with Misato in the foreground, playing with a straw in her mouth.
Misato is like "“how about giving up already?”"
She speaks with disgust.
However, Ritsuko doesn't stop.
She leans forward slightly as she speaks.

TOKITA (OFF・RIGHT):“I think that it is more humane than burdening pilots and bringing about their mental contamination.”

MISATO:“Cut it out. This is childish.”

RITSUKO (OFF):“There is also an issue with manual control.”

UrsusArctos: Misato's childish playing with the straw hints at who's really being childish. We'll see what they're actually thinking soon enough - complete with an ironic callback to her line.


imprimatur13: To expand a bit on what UA said: Tokita and Ritsuko's exchange here reminds me of Misato and Shinji's earlier, when they were casual. Here, Tokita is talking down to her the way Shinji was to Misato (but more so). The difference, is that unlike Mitchan, Ritsuko is able to formulate a response. However, Misato still calls her behavior "childish". Why, when she did the same thing before (and not as skillfully)?

I think that, between the first Misato/Shinji scene and the second, she realized how ridiculous she had behaved, and was a bit embarrassed. Now, she's calling out Ritsuko for a fault she herself has. This is typical of NGE's characters. (Asuka calls out Rei in the elevator for being a "doll", which is exactly what Asuka was as a child.)


FrDougal9000: Another great face, and I'll admit to feeling like that at many a social occasion.


125

Tokita, head-on. There are microphones in the foreground. He holds up a written report with the characters for "“Top Secret"” alone written on the cover.

TOKITA:“I think it is safer than an extremely dangerous weapon susceptible to going out of control and running berserk.”

Kendrix: He was probably trying to maneuver Ritsuko into a situation like that where he could play his trump card - the information they probably didn't know he has.




126

Insert of the contents of the report.
Eva, from episode two, is pictured.

TOKITA (OFF):“A weapon that cannot be controlled is utter nonsense.”

UrsusArctos: Taken right out of Episode 02 Cut 260 with camera graininess added, as if to suggest they took it from one of Nerv's cameras. Note the use of the word "Berserk" in English.


ath: Is this the official source of the "bousou" / "berserk" translation, by Gainax themselves?


127

Tokita, striking a deliberate pose, cracks a joke.

TOKITA (ON):“It's just like a hysterical woman.”

thewayneiac: This guy should really go into politics; he has the foot-in-mouth disease down pat.


128
Ritsuko, head-on, at a slightly elevated angle.

TOKITA (OFF):“It can't be dealt with.”

SE <<General derisive laughter OFF (STEREO)>>

Kendrix: Despite obviously being very insulting, the functions of such comments is often to be a sort of bonding moment from which some people are, of course, exempt due to being the butt of the joke. In a room full of military and heavy industry dudes, Tokita can probably count on the room being on his side. It's a deliberate strategy to make Ritsuko's objections seem silly - you deliberately say things that would trigger someone's emotions, and then accuse them of being emotional as if it weren't a universal human reaction.

Ritsuko continues regardless.

RITSUKO:“...That's what we have our pilots and our technology for.”


129

Tokita speaks, appalled.

TOKITA:“Surely you can't be saying that "“science" and "the human heart”" will bring that beast under control?”




130

Close-up of Ritsuko. She affirms the point emphatically.

TOKITA (OFF):“Are you serious?”

RITSUKO:“Yes, of course I am.”

UrsusArctos: This is practically a battle of gender stereotypes. Ritsuko does an exceptionally good job at pretending to be "an emotional woman" when she's actually entirely unfazed.


131

Long shot. Everyone is focused upon the two of them.

TOKITA:“NERV permitted a loss of control like we saw because it relies on nebulous things like the human heart.
As a result, the UN has been compelled to pass enormous supplementary budgets. In one country, more than twenty thousand people are on the verge of dying from starvation.
On top of that, to think that, despite the severity of that incident, the cause of it remains unaccounted for -”

imprimatur13: Of course Tokita doesn't care about the starving people; he just wants the money for his JSSDF. But, because of politeness (and self-respect), not as if he can just come out and say that...


Dr. Nick: You know, twenty thousand starving people doesn't sound too bad in a post-2I world.


imprimatur13: Well, I know it seems like a small number, considering the drastic climate change post-2I. However, think of it this way: It's very possible that millions of people would've already died within the first few years. So, we could be dealing with a much smaller world population in general, which would make 20,000 seem like a much bigger number in comparison.

Especially considering the possible resource-hoarding on the part of wealthier countries/individuals, war... [/tangent]


132

The two alone at their table.

TOKITA:“As the responsible party, I wish you would at least carry out your duties.”

imprimatur13: As before, the shot of the 2 alone at their table shows how alone they are; nobody else in the room is on their side. (Which is why they laugh at Ritchan.)


133

The beer bottles on the table.
Pan over from the name placard.
Ritsuko listens stoically to what is said.

TEXT:“The Party of NERV”

TOKITA:“It must be nice.
NERV is afforded extralegal protection. You can get away without assuming responsibility.”

RITSUKO:“Say what you will, but...”

imprimatur13: "It must be nice." Tokita's jealousy of NERV's privileges is really showing.


134

Close-up of Ritsuko in profile.
She is adamant.

RITSUKO:“...excepting the use of NERV's core weapon, the enemy organisms cannot be defeated.”




135

Tokita, with a triumphant look.

TOKITA:“You mean the A.T. Field?
That's now just a matter of time.”

Kendrix: Again he wins the audiences' support by basically arranging things so he looks like the more honest one. At the same time, he's the one talking about what he doesn't know, because the A.T. Field is actually super crucial - but no one apart from Ritsuko might really know that.




136

Ritsuko, her face reddening.
She endures the humiliation.

TOKITA (OFF):“The age of NERV will not last forever.”




137

Misato, keeping her face composed, plays with a straw.
In the background Ritsuko's hand, holding the microphone, is trembling.

SE <<Resounding general derisive laughter>>

Male chatter:“(derisive laughter).”

imprimatur13: Misato seems unbothered, but I think she's upset on the inside. See 140.


138

Nameplate on a door: "The Party of NERV”"

SE <<A banging sound of someone kicking metal OFF>>

TEXT:“Nerv Party”




139

A pamphlet which has been rolled up and thrust into a garbage can.
The can also contains a sample disk, crushed paper cups, and so on.

Mr. Tines: It's the future and they're still using floppy disks.


140
Misato kicking at a locker.

It is already substantially dented.
She vents her anger, kicking and kicking.

UrsusArctos: From childish apathy to locker-wrecking rage. Jeez, if that had been Tokita, he'd have been hospitalized by now.

Kendrix: In Misato's case she's overtly and unfilteredly angry in a way she wouldn't let Tokita see earlier, she didn't want him to see that he "got" her emotionally while Ritsuko didn't want to stand there without an answer.

For a moment, it looks like she might have calmed down, but...

SE <<(SE come ON here)>>

MISATO:“Bullshit!
Those damn stuck-up bastards!
This is just them taking revenge for not getting a cut of the action!
IT – PISSES – ME - OFF!!”

...once again she continues kicking!!


141

Ritsuko, her back turned, with Misato in the foreground.
She is sitting with her back hunched over. From her pose she seems to be doing something.

RITSUKO (BACK):“Cut it out.
It's childish.”

imprimatur13: Ritsuko says that, but the only reason she's not doing the same is because she's already planning something much worse. Which is why she takes out her anger on an innocent pamphlet. It'll hold her until she exacts her real revenge.


FrDougal9000: I wish the characters' pupils would thin out more often. It looks really good at the end of this cut.


142

The same from the reverse angle.
Ritsuko setting fire to a pamphlet with a lighter (her face cannot be seen).

RITSUKO (BACK):“He's just a braggart who wants to be praised.”

Kendrix: Not that Ritsuko's own "private" reaction isn't just as telling. She has this cold, detached, methodical anger than in a way seems more frightening and "deeper" than Misato's more transient "hot" anger.




143

Ritsuko, lit from below.
There is an "Eko Eko Azarak"-esque atmosphere to the shot.

RITSUKO (ON):“He's not worth thinking about.”

UrsusArctos: The script comment is right - it really looks like Ritsuko is cursing Tokita and Jet Alone with old-fashioned witchcraft. As Episode 13 demonstrates, Ritsuko's computer wizardry is immensely potent, and no one at Nerv would be better qualified for staging the events that happen next.


ath: Are we sure that Nerv's hacking of JA wasn't planned right from the start? Ritsuko herself says later that "everything proceeded according to the scenario". I mean, as dense as Misato sometimes appears to be, I'm quite sure she would have suspected something if she saw Ritsuko messing around with her laptop with that expression on her face.


imprimatur13: Most definitely, ath. See my comment on 141.

By the way, the "Eko Eko Azarak" reference here is to a horror manga serialized 1975-1979; which spawned 6 (or 7? Wikipedia's unclear...) live-action movies, 2 TV dramas, and an anime OVA.


SEELE-01: I second UrsusArctos' comment on "Witch-suko"; I also found her expression hilarious first time I watched it.


144

Misato, unable to contain her anger, with Ritsuko's legs in the foreground. Only her face is turned in Ritsuko's direction.

MISATO:“But how did those guys know about the A.T. Field?!!”




145

Smoke rises from where Ritsuko is sitting.
Ritsuko looks coldly at Misato.

RITSUKO (BACK):“There's been a huge leak of classified information.”

MISATO:“The intelligence section...”




146

Shift to close angle. Ritsuko's expression looks like she is confident of something

MISATO (OFF):“...what the hell are they doing?”

thewayneiac: Could this be foreshadowing the existence of everyone's favorite triple-agent?


Sailor Star Dust: I very much think so. This nicely fits in with Cut 001, after all.

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Screenshots Cut # Description/Dialogue Commentary

147A

Pan through a control room.




147B

A monitor screen suddenly coming to life.
For a moment we see the startup screen, but it suddenly vanishes and the word "“DELETE"” appears.

UrsusArctos: Heh, JA's software is made by "Reset Co, Ltd"! I wonder what the little bits of Kanji say. Otherwise, the computer screen is an astoundingly good piece of work for a shot that's seen momentarily.



Mr. Tines: The green screen looks like it could have been taken from, or made in imitation of, something real. The red screens look like they were built around a capture from one of the office PCs booting to DOS, but with "k" going to "T" to show it's the future. So maybe that was a 1.4PB storage disk in the trash earlier.


148

An enormous hangar, dividing to the left and right. From within it J.A. (Jet Alone) makes its appearance.

SE <<Ghhhhhhh>>

thewayneiac: Jet Alone is named after Jet Jaguar from Godzilla vs Megalon.

Renewal Liner Notes: The name of JA comes from the robot, Jet Jaguar, which appeared in the special effects film Gozilla vs Megalon (1973). Jet Jaguar was a robot whose design was chosen from submissions from the public, and when it was initially announced, its name was Red Alone. Jet Alone is a name made by combining Red Alone and Jet Jaguar. It is truly a geeky GAINAX-like name.


149
BGM Start: E-5 [EVA-00]

The hangar splitting open with the dome in the foreground.

SE <<GNNNNNNN>>




150
Missing Number

SE <<{{GNNN]NNNN}}>>

The sound of [the mechanism] stopping is a resounding one.

Its image upon the monitor. (Partway through it switches to a side or back view)

The monitor pans upwards. Should this be a bit more of a long shot?




151
Shot from inside the bunker.

At the front is an enormous monitor screen.
There are windows directly below that.
The two sides of the bunker are decorated with red and white fabric. There are many people in the galleries.

TOKITA (OFF・SPEAKER):“We will now begin the J.A. activation test.
There is no danger involved.”




152

Tokita, with the console and controllers in the foreground.
He wears a jacket over a shirt and tie.

TOKITA (ON・SPEAKER):“Please observe from the windows there without concern.”




153

All at once, the group raise their binoculars.

SE <<Clickclickclick>>




154

Two young women, wallflowers, with the group leaning forwards in the foreground. Misato and Ritsuko.

VOICE (OFF・SPEAKER):“...Ready to activate.”

Kendrix: Again they start in something of an outsider position.




155

Shift to close angle. The two beautiful women, their gazes cold.

TOKITA (OFF・SPEAKER):“Begin the test.”

CONTROLLER A (OFF・SPEAKER):“Open all power circuits.”

SEELE-01: You can almost see Ritsuko cracking a rib holding in the desire to cackle wickedly at the upcoming mayhem.


156

Shot from inside the bunker.

CONTROLLER B:“Pressure levels normal.”

CONTROLLER C:“Coolant system circulation, no abnormalities.”

MAN:“Dual conduit system, no problems.”




157

Shift to close angle of the monitor.
The control rods on the unit's back extend.
The slit on the head also changes color.

CONTROLLER A (OFF):“Control rods, full release.”

CONTROLLER B (OFF):“Power levels have passed the critical point.”

CONTROLLER C (OFF):“Output, no problems.”

MAN:“Pressurizer system, no problems.”

imprimatur13: The control rods remind me a bit of wings.


thewayneiac: I can't see control rods without thinking of the nuclear reactor on Voyage to the bottom of the Sea. The bad guys can just walk in, knock out a guard, and pull them out by hand to make the thing run wild.


158

Close-up of Tokita, slightly low angle.

TOKITA:“Begin walking.”




159

J.A. with Tokita in the foreground. The foreground is in silhouette.

CONTROLLER A (BACK):“Walking. Slow advance. Forward, right foot.”

CONTROLLER B (BACK):“Roger. Walking. Slow advance.”




160

Lamps on a control panel.
The indicator light changes from “"stop"” to "advance・slow".”

CONTROLLER B (BACK):“Forward, right foot.”

TEXT:“Forward Stop Reverse
Slow
Half Speed
Normal
Flank speed”

UrsusArctos: That's an awfully limited set of speed settings.


FrDougal9000: When you've got a giant robot walking around with a nuclear reactor inside, I'd rather it NOT have the running speed of Sonic the Hedgehog.



161

J.A. takes a step forward.

SE <<Rrrrwwwwhhhh>>

SE <<The sound of motors and pumps throbbing>>

Kendrix: Of course, the JA's very "robotic", smooth, faceless look and wavelike motions is a total contrast to the humanoid Evangelions with their human-like joints and movement patterns.




162

Close-up of the right foot coming to the ground.

SE <<THUD>>




163
Missing Number

The crowd watching through binoculars (looking toward the camera). They all cry out at once.

Can be done as a still frame. Track up slightly.

CROWD (Impressed):“Ohhhhhh!”




164

Shot from inside the bunker.
J.A.'s inspiring figure is depicted on the monitor.

CONTROLLER B:“Balance is normal.”

CONTROLLER C:“Power, no abnormalities.”

CONTROLLER A:“Roger.”

Male chatter (emotionally moved):“Ohhhhhhh.”

MAN:“All absorbers normal.”




165

Tokita in close-up, in his own way deeply moved.

CONTROLLER A (OFF):“Continuation, forward left foot.
Keep her steady.”

Kendrix: It's like Tokita himself can't believe it's actually working


UrsusArctos: Interesting that someone this slimy is capable of "being moved". We get to see more of this shortly.



166

The perspective from a pair of binoculars. J.A. walking.

MISATO (OFF):“Gee.”




167

Misato, with Ritsuko's chest in the foreground.
She's hunched over looking through a pair of binoculars.
Misato glances over at Ritsuko.

MISATO (ON):“It's walking properly. I guess they did have something worth bragging about.”

ath: I kind of remember Team Nerv being a bit more excited back when their own robot was making his first step. As for the "walking properly" part, though...


168

A pair of eyes coolly feigning indifference.

SE <<(OFF・FROM LEFT) Warning sound・beep>>




169

Tokita, with the controllers in the foreground.
He reacts only by shifting his gaze.

TOKITA:“(Calmly) What's wrong?”

CONTROLLER A:“It's strange. The reactor's internal pressure is increasing.”




170

Close-up of a monitor.
Red lights are coming on.

CONTROLLER B (OFF):“The primary coolant temperature is also increasing!”

UrsusArctos: The display is identical to those used by Nerv - the same font, the same orange text, the same rainbow pattern.


171
Tokita leans forward.

He responds calmly.

UrsusArctos: Of course its no good - a moderator slows down neutrons to speeds at which fission is possible. It would make things worse by increasing the rate of fission!

TOKITA:“Open the valves. Inject the moderator.”

Controller A looks at Tokita as he speaks.

CONTROLLER A (BACK):“No good!”

Tokita reacts only by shifting his gaze.

MAN 2:“Internal pressure increasing. 10.5. 11.8. 14.6. It's not stopping.”


172

Close-up of a monitor. A graph and numerical readings, flickering about at low values.

CONTROLLER A:“Pump output...”




173

J.A. on the monitor, advancing.

CONTROLLER A (OFF):“...is not increasing!”

SE <<Thud thud thud>>




174

J.A.'s foot comes down in the foreground before the half-submerged bunker with a thud.

SE <<THUD>>




175

Close-up of Tokita. He makes a swift decision.

TOKITA:“No!
Shut off the power. Emergency shutdown!”




176

Shot from inside the bunker.
J.A. walking on the monitor.

CONTROLLER A:“Shutdown signal, transmission confirmed.”

CONTROLLER B:“It's not being received!”

CONTROLLER C:“The radio circuit has been cut off!”

MAN 1:“Primary coolant temperature continues to rise! It's entered the warning zone.”




177

Tokita, disbelieving. He is dumbfounded.

CONTROLLER A (OFF):“It's out of control!!”

MAN 2:“The reserve water supply system is not functioning!”

TOKITA:“(In a murmur) This can't be.”

MAN 3:“Recirculation pump output has fallen to 20 percent!”

Sailor Star Dust: I almost feel bad for him, here.




178

With Tokita, facing away, in the foreground, J.A. approaches on the monitor!!

CROWD (OFF):“Uwaa!! Run away!! (Ad-lib other things)”

SE <<The sound of chairs etc. falling over>>

SE <<Footsteps (approaching)>>

Male chatter (through 179):“Uwaaa! Run away! Help! ect.”




179
The crowd, fleeing towards the sides and crouching down.
There are folding chairs that have fallen over, and so on.

SE <<(Sound of the ceiling groaning)
Rapidly progressing snaps and cracks>>

Sailor Star Dust: Were there...implied casualties in this shot? I was never quite sure.

Pieces of the ceiling and so on are falling to the ground.
The monitor goes out.

J.A.'s foot comes down right through the ceiling.

SE <<CRRRRASSSSHHH
(Sound of breaking through the ceiling)>>


180

Long shot. J.A. walking right through the dome!

SE <<(Sound of the motor's roar)
Rrrrrrrrr.
THUD THUD>>

It just goes on walking like nothing had happened.




181

Bird's-eye view of the scene. The ceiling, with a foot-shaped hole in it, is in the foreground. Beyond it can be seen the foot-shaped piece of the ceiling that has come out of it.
Suddenly Misato sticks her head out.

MISATO:“*cough* *cough* *cough*”

Nuclear Lunchbox: Cute shot, but from the way JA was walking, its legs should have kept shearing through the ceiling in a straight line like in cut 183.


182

Misato reflexively makes a sarcastic remark.

MISATO:“That robot's as badly behaved as the guy who built it.”

Nuclear Lunchbox: Zing!


imprimatur13: Oh, Mitchan... You and your persistent habit of comparing giant inanimate objects/kaiju to men...


183
J.A. walking away, with the half-submerged bunker in the foreground.

Use sliding. Another new warning sound.

SE <<(Footsteps) Thud thud thud>>

A new warning sound - beep




184
BGM End: E-5 [EVA-00]

Close-up of a warning display.
The flashing word DANGER.

CONTROLLER C:“There has been an anomalous occurrence within the pressurizer!”

ath: The presence of a pressurizer implies that Jet Alone is using a pressurized water reactor, the same type of reactor used in most nuclear-powered military vessels and power stations around the world.

Note that an anomalous occurrence in the pressurizer (a malfunction of a relief valve, which caused inconsistent readings from the instruments) was one of the primary causes of the Three Mile Island accident in 1979.


185

Shredded wires dangle in the foreground.

CONTROLLER B:“The control rods aren't working!”

CONTROLLER A:“At this rate, we will be at risk of a meltdown!”

Tokita, dumbfounded, with the controllers closer to the foreground.




186

Tokita, dumbfounded, talking to himself.

MAN 1:“Primary coolant temperature still increasing! It's entered the danger zone.”

MAN:“There is a problem with the dual conduits!”

TOKITA:“...I can't believe it...
J.A.'s programming was designed to foresee and cope with every possible error... This kind of situation should not be possible.”

MAN:“The backup break system is non-operational! It's not switching over to manual control!”

MAN:“Recirculation pump output is not increasing!”

ath: You have no idea how many times I've heard that at work. (No, they don't let us play with nuclear reactors, unfortunately.)


Kendrix: This is an early indication that this all seems a tad too convenient. Big mouthed and arrogant they may be, but it's hard to believe that they would be THAT stupid concerning a project with so many people working on it and their reputation on the line.


187

Misato with Tokita in the foreground.
She looks at Tokita as she speaks.

MAN 2:“Reattempting to inject the moderator!”

MAN:“No use! The sub-circuit isn't operating either!”

MISATO:“But the reality now is that we are facing the risk of nuclear meltdown!”

MAN 3:“Internal pressure has exceeded 21.5 percent! It's continuing to increase! It's not stopping!”

MAN:“The control system has still not recovered!”

Kendrix: Of course, now it's time for Misato to get her cool moment; She immediately has her mind on the objective here, and she refuses to accept that there isn't a better way, a quality that is perhaps strangely intertwined with her general optimism.




188

Tokita with Misato in the foreground.
His confidence and strength are gone.

TOKITA:“...Under the circumstances, waiting for it to come to a stop by itself is our only...”




189

Misato, speaking resolutely (but not shouting).

MISATO:“How likely is it to come to a stop by itself!?”




190

Misato's chest in the foreground.
A technician responds immediately.

TECHNICIAN:“0.00002 percent!
It would be nothing short of a miracle.”

UrsusArctos: I guess the technician is an ex-Nerv employee, eh?


191
Close-up of Misato, at a slightly high angle.

Her first line expresses, perhaps, how this woman approaches life.

MISATO:“A desperate effort is better than waiting for a miracle!”

UrsusArctos: Mitsuishi's performance leads me to believe that she was cast as Juri Arisugawa in Revolutionary Girl Utena on the basis of this scene. Juri has the same attitude towards miracles as Misato.

She delivers her second line sternly! And with resolution!
(But not shouting)

MISATO:“Tell me how to stop that thing!”


192

The two facing one another with rubble in the foreground.
(The two in silhouette)

TOKITA:“We've tried every possible method.”

MISATO:“No. There must still be a way to wipe out everything, a last-ditch measure. Tell me what the password for it is.”

TOKITA:“The password to delete everything is top secret. It's beyond my jurisdiction.
...I don't have the authority to disclose it.”

Kendrix: Their poses and the devastation between them speak for themselves.




193

Misato, resolute.

MISATO:“Then get the clearance!”

Kendrix: In other words, "Do what needs to be done no matter how". This moment certainly shows her to be something of a natural leader; she takes charge and responsibility while everyone else just stands around panicking.




194

Shift to considerably closer angle. Extreme close-up of Misato's mouth.

MISATO:“IMMEDIATELY!”

The Flying Fortress: When they zoom in on Misato's mouth like this, they seem to be giving her an air of authority. Almost as if she's taken control back from Tokita, in revenge for his humiliating her and Ritsuko.
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Screenshots Cut # Description/Dialogue Commentary

195

Close-up of a telephone receiver.
The call light is flashing.

SE <<Briiiing>>




196

Close-up of Tokita holding the receiver.

TOKITA:“It's me. Please get me Manda-san in Tokyo-2.
Yes, the Secretary of the Interior.”

UrsusArctos: Manda is named for Masaomi Manda in Ryu Murakami's Ai to Gensou no Fascism, the Prime Minister of a leftist revolutionary government who is overthrown. All the characters in this sequence - Tokita, Manda, Yasugi and Witz - are named directly after characters from the Murakami novel, as are Toji and Kensuke. (See Character Name Origins for more).




197

An opulent office.
A man on the telephone, with a woman who appears to be a secretary off to one side.

MANDA:“Oh, I've entrusted that matter to Yasugi-kun.
Ask him about it.”

FrDougal9000: The massive window, overall room layout and shot composition reminds me of the Japanese governor's office in EOE (right down to the secretary standing to the side). I wonder if this is the same guy; if so, maybe he took the credit for preventing this crisis and got promoted to an office with a giant pendulum.


imprimatur13: On that tangent, I've always wondered what the symbolism of that pendulum was. It looks symbolic, but I can't figure it out...


ath: Sounds like everyone's favorite triple-agent has a fourth job on the side...


198

Close-up of a golf ball.
Suddenly a golf wood strikes it.

SE <<SHWACK>>




199

A man on a golf course with a haughty demeanor.

YASUGI:“I can't hand down such an important decision over the phone.
Could you submit a formal written request?”

Dr. Nick: If you look up the fanciest status symbols in Japanese society, golfing is pretty high up there. It was especially so during the bubble economy years.


200

The group, listening, with the receiver cord in the foreground.

TOKITA (OFF):“So, I just have to obtain permission from Yoshizawa-san?”

Kendrix: I like how they manage to convey a sense of ineffectual helplessness with just that dangling telephone wire




201

Closer shot. Close-up of Misato.
(She doesn't show it directly, but) she feels a measure of disgust. She speaks in a murmur, coldly.

TOKITA (RIGHT・OFF, DISTANT):“Yes, I've received authorization from Mr. Witz - Yes. ...Yes, goodbye.”

MISATO:“(In a murmur) Passing the buck, huh? (Overlapping)”

SE <<The sound of a receiver being replaced OFF>>

Kendrix: Bureaucracy ahoy! No one wants to take responsibility either. You can basically see the "He's useless!" thought bubble above Misato's head.


imprimatur13: This is an example of what makes NERV great. It's an organization run by idealistic free-thinkers, who aren't bound by bureaucratic red tape. (Gendo. The bridge bunnies are quite interesting folk too, especially Maya with her pillow, and Aoba with his long hair/air guitar.) They would fit in nowhere else, but NERV. (IIRC, Anno said NERV was based on Gainax, because of that attitude.)

Anyway, "Mr. Witz"? Sounds German... UN representative?


ath: Compare (and contrast) with the bureaucrats in Shin Godzilla. One of whom is supposedly the protagonist.


202

Tokita turns around and speaks.
He is a man earnest to a fault.

TOKITA:“From here, we'll be receiving a written authorization.
The operation will be made official.”




203

Misato, irritated.

MISATO:“We don't have time for that!
Anything we do will be too late once that thing has exploded!!”




204

An image of ruins occupying the entire screen. It quickly disappears off-screen, and the advancing J.A. appears (walking at fast speed).
It is alone in the wasteland, and does nothing but advance...

SE <<Resounding footsteps・also, the sound of the wind>>




205

A long shot of the bunker.
The ceiling etc. has been destroyed. The monitor has gone dead, and the galleries are already evacuated.
The controllers have remained where they were. A large number of cords dangle from the ceiling.

SE <<(Sound of a buzzer) Breeeee>>

SPEAKERS:“J.A. (Jet Alone) is currently progressing in the direction of Atsugi.”




206

Misato looks towards Tokita and speaks.

MISATO:“There's no time left. From here on out I'll be acting on my own authority.”

WOMAN:“The rate of movement is increasing at a rate of 0.2 percent each minute.”

Kendrix: She is totally taking charge, inadvertently creating very good propaganda for Ritsuko and Gendo. For not only did JA's creators get embarrassed, the day will now be saved by NERV.




207

Tokita with a sullen expression.

MISATO (OFF):“Excuse me.”

He is dissatisfied, but he understands what Misato is saying.
Perhaps he is angry at himself...

FrDougal9000: Another thing to gush about Evangelion (besides for its production side) is its script. It's very concise, but says everything that needs to be said to help the animators, the actors and everyone else involved figure out exactly what they need to do. In this case, it really helps bring a lot more character and even a bit of subtle development to Tokita, who would otherwise be a no-name idiot that gets swiped aside when things hit the fan.


208

Nameplate on the door of the waiting room:
"“206・The Party of NERV"”

MISATO (p.d.):“Ah, Hyuga-kun?”




209
BGM Start: E-1 rhythm only [Spending Time in Preparation]

Misato changes clothes while talking on a red telephone (seems like she is taking off her trousers).
Her formal uniform is on a hanger in the foreground.

MISATO:“I've arranged matters with Atsugi, so get Shinj-kun and Unit-01.”




210
Ritsuko leaning against a wall with Misato in the foreground. Misato stands up.

Ritsuko is stunned but speaks to her remonstratively.

MISATO:“Send them here with the F-type equipment installed.
Yes, this is an emergency.”

thewayneiac: This must be some of that sabisu she keeps promising us.

ath: The Evangelion Encyclopedia seems to suggest that the "F" in "F-type equipment" stands for "fly".

Misato passes through the foreground.

RITSUKO:“This is pointless. Put a stop to this, Captain Katsuragi.”

FrDougal: I just realized that Ritsuko's watching Misato strip down to her underdress. That's not odd.


ath: That's definitely not odd. (from Die Sterne, for those interested)


211

Shift to a close angle of Ritsuko. She speaks in earnest.

RITSUKO:“How, to begin with, do you intend to stop it?”




212
Misato in front of a locker.
Her hair is bound up in a ponytail.
She looks toward the camera and speaks.

MISATO:“(Earnestly) By human hand, directly.”

Kendrix: It speaks for her that she doesn't mind risking her own life in her often suicidal wacky plans, rather than just sending others into the fire.

When she is done speaking, she flips a switch.

SE <<Kachack psssh>>

The door opens with a "“psssh",” and a protective suit can be seen inside.


213

A large-scale transport aircraft in the midst of descent.
It's a giant (STOL) aircraft dedicated for Eva transport.
Unit-01 can be seen on the underside of the aircraft.

SE <<(Engine roar) RROOARR>>

TOKITA (OFF):“Are you serious?”




214

Misato and Tokita facing one another, with a surviving console in the foreground.
The guests have all escaped.

MISATO:“Yes.”

Misato is not wearing her helmet.

TOKITA:“But the interior will already be fully contaminated.”




215

Close-up of Tokita in profile.

TOKITA:“It's too dangerous!!”




216

Close-up of Misato in profile.
She speaks matter-of-factly.

MISATO:“If it works, everyone will be saved.”




217

The two, motionless, with the console in the foreground.
But, the silence is suddenly broken by an axe plunging into the console.

ーPauseー

SE <<Crash! (plus the sound of glass breaking)>>




218
The remaining controllers, all together, entrust everything to Misato.

CONTROLLER D:“When this control signal is cut off, the hatch opens manually.”

Controller E, in the background, draws out a cord as he speaks.

CONTROLLER E:“You can get inside through the backpack.”


219

Misato nods silently
(with only her head turned towards them.)
There is suddenly heard a word spoken by Tokita.

TOKITA (OFF・RIGHT):“Hope.”




220

Tokita, his back turned, bereft of power and staring into space, with Misato in the foreground.

TOKITA (BACK):“That's the password to delete the programming.”

Kendrix: That password is a telling detail that certainly adds to the flavor of the setting. For all their flaws, Tokita and he others wanted to protect the world in their own way.




221

Misato speaks in earnest, with her gaze alone directed towards Tokita.

MISATO:“...Thank you.”

FrDougal9000: See what I mean with the script? In only a couple of lines of dialogue and brief descriptions, there's so much more conveyed than what most writers would take several exchanges to get across! Goddamn, I love this show!
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Screenshots Cut # Description/Dialogue Commentary

222

Auxiliary take-off boosters igniting. Close-up of the rockets!

SE <<FWOOOOSH>>

UrsusArctos: For military nerds out there, the Eva transporter looks like a scaled-up Northrop XB-49, a jet-powered flying wing from the late 1940s/early 1950s. Rocket-assisted takeoff (RATO) was used during the turbojet era, but it fell out of service because modern turbofan engines generate their maximum thrust at sea level.


ath: Wait, wasn't Northrop's aircraft called YB-49? If I remember correctly, the 'Y' prefix designates a prototype of an aircraft intended for production, while the 'X' prefix is reserved for purely experimental aircraft. That said, the distinction can be a little fuzzy at times (compare YF-22/YF-23 to X-32/X-35, for example).

The Evangelion Encyclopedia seems to be confused on this point. It notes the resemblance to a real aircraft they call "XB-49"; but seems surprisingly sure that the official designation of this aircraft in the Evangelion universe is in fact "YB-49". Does any official source confirm this?


UrsusArctos: Interesting! You're right, and I was mistaken. There's no XB-49, the designation jumps straight to YB-49. I suppose the XB-35 was meant to be the prototype to the YB-49 pre-production aircraft? This is new to me. EDIT: Confirmed, the real-world aircraft is a YB-49 (no "XB" involved), developed straight from the XB-35 and YB-35.


223

The large-scale transport aircraft taking off.

SE <<ROOAR>>




224
Missing Number

Out from a full screen of clouds (show for 12 frames), suddenly (use about 4 frames), when the clouds part, the giant aircraft can be seen. It is flying at a fairly low altitude.

SE <<Engine roar>>

ath: That plane is ridiculously huge. Assuming a Reichu Standard Measurement (RSM) for the height of an Evangelion unit of 40 meters, we can roughly estimate the wingspan of that aircraft at around 350 meters (almost 1150 ft). The current record holder for "largest wingspan" is the Scaled Composites Stratolaunch at only 117 meters. For comparison, the real YB-49 is way down the list at slightly less than 53 meters.


225

Shot from behind the back of the Eva looking forward.
The scene is only lit by interior lights.

MISATO (OFF to begin with):“The target is J.A. There's a danger that its reactor could melt down within the next five minutes.”

imprimatur13: What is it with these people and their arbitrary (and true for any given value of "5") 5-minute limits?


226

The unexpectedly narrow interior.
Misato and Shinji, seen through gaps in the ceiling.
It is so cramped that their knees are almost pressed together.

MISATO:“Therefore, we cannot allow the target to get closer to a more densely populated area. (Looking towards Hyuga) Hyuga-kun?”

Kendrix: They're sitting across from each other, both in action gear. This time its a lot more apparent that they'll be risking their lives together and that if she could be with him on the front lines all the time, she would be.




227
Hyuga, in the co-pilot's seat, with Misato and Shinji in the foreground.

HYUGA:“Yes?”

MISATO (BACK):“Withdraw immediately once you've released the Eva.
Ascend until you reach a safe altitude.”

UrsusArctos: Yet another instance of "the main characters do everything". Hyuga being qualified to sit in the pilot's seat is a bit of a stretch - they could've gotten a nameless pilot to follow Misato's orders just as well.

imprimatur13: Obviously, what happened is, they put out a notice on the NERV PA system: "We need someone to pilot the transporter to pick up Captain Katsuragi. Any-"

Hyuga: "I'll do it."

Maya: "But you don't know how to fly a plane!"

Hyuga: "Maya, there comes a time in every man's life when he must do the impossible, disregarding all thoughts of personal safety. That time, is now."

singing quietly to himself: "Do the impossible, see the invisible; Row Row, fight the power..."

ath: To be fair, the scripts says he's sitting in the co-pilot's seat. Note that he's actually sitting in the left seat, which in reality is the captain's seat in virtually every fixed-wing aircraft. Right-hand-drive confusion on part of the storyboarder, I guess...

imprimatur13: Well, I see your point... Counterpoint! Misato tells Hyuga to withdraw the transporter, not the pilot (whom we don't actually see at all; and who, for all we know, isn't even there). Apparently, he is expected to know how to pilot it on his own. Somehow.

(Spiral Power, I guess.)

Misato turns her face back towards Shinji.

MISATO:“(Looking towards Shinji) Shinji-kun.”


228

Misato and Shinji seen through gaps in the ceiling.

SHINJI:“Yes.”

MISATO:“Run alongside the target, and place me on its back.
After that, prevent the target from moving as much as you can.”




229

Shinji with Misato in the foreground. Shinji is alarmed.

SHINJI:“You're going to board it?
Misato-san?”




230

Misato, speaking readily, with Shinji in the foreground.

MISATO:“That's right.”




231

Shinji, alarmed.

SHINJI:“You're doing something that crazy!?”




232

Misato, composed, speaks matter-of-factly.

MISATO:“I know that it's crazy. There's just no other or better way.”




233

Shinji trying to put a stop to it.
That's understandable.

SHINJI:“But it's too dangerous!”




234

Here, too, she speaks straightforwardly.
Misato knows what he meant but diverts the conversation.

MISATO:“Don't worry. If it comes down to it, the Eva can withstand a direct explosion.”




235

Shinji's concern is seriously felt. He becomes irritated, not realizing that she had missed the point deliberately.

SHINJI:“That's not what I meant!
I meant you, Misato-san, will...”

Sailor Star Dust: Episode 07 always felt somewhat underrated to me, but this exchange is so important. Shin-chan's already begun to think of Misato as family that he doesn't want to lose (again?).


Kendrix: Here at first Misato thinks he's afraid for his own sake, but he's reached a point where he's way more worried about her.



236

Close-up of Misato in profile.
Her face is kind as she speaks. She finishes with a slight smile.

MISATO:“Well, if I don't give it my best shot (her facial expression becomes kind) it will leave a bad taste in my mouth afterwards.”

Kendrix: Life lesson time, I guess, as well as a bit of a telling moment. She pursues these wacky dangerous strategies because she couldn't forgive herself if she didn't try her best - which, for all her flaws, makes her pretty inspirational. And we've previously see in Episode 06 that Shinji has a certain admiration for people who seem to have the kind of determination he can't always bring himself to muster.




237

Shinji is worried, but he is persuaded by Misato's resolution.
His face becomes stern.

SHINJI:“...”

Kendrix: ...and here, too, the result is that he tries to live up to their example.




238

Hyuga's words break in as though interposing between the two.

HYUGA:“Direct visual confirmation of the target.”




239
J.A. running through the wasteland, casting a long shadow.

SE <<(Distantly) Thud thud thud thud>>

Kendrix: JA has this creepy long wispy shadow


UrsusArctos: Yes, the shadow gives it a touch of the Lovecraftian, something like a Flood carrier form from Halo.





240
BGM End: E-1 rhythm only [Spending Time in Preparation]

Misato and Shinji on the other side of the window, looking out with serious expressions.
Shinji displays a reaction.

SE <<Distantly heard footsteps OFF>>

MISATO:“Okay, let's go.”

Kendrix: Let's appreciate that little nod of determination they give to each other - in a sense they're already functioning as an unit, at least to a certain extent (It's telling that most of Shinji's greater fuckups happen when they're cut off from each other).




241
Eva, within the aircraft.
The socket on the back is disconnected with a "GAN".

BGM Start: A-3 [NERV]

SE <<GAN>>




242

Unit-01 is withdrawn backwards out of the aircraft.
After it stops moving Hyuga is heard on the radio.

SE <<Whirrrrrrrr>>

HYUGA (OFF・RADIO):“Eva in drop position.”




243

Misato, speaking from between the fingers of Unit-01.

MISATO:“Docking release!”

UrsusArctos: This is actually crazier than boarding JA. Had Shinji accidentally clenched Eva-01's hand in the drop, or had Misato slipped out, she would have been killed instantly. She would have done better to lash herself to Eva-01's horn on the way down!


ath: Not sure that's necessarily a good idea.


244

Shinji within the entry plug.

SHINJI:“Roger!!”




245

The locks all disengage at once.
The Eva's body drifts backwards.

SE <<Ka-chack.
Vooooosh>>




246

Unit-01 falling away from the giant aircraft.




247

The sky.
Unit-01's legs enter the frame.

SE <<WHOOSH>>

It passes onwards from there.




248

Close-up of the legs hitting the ground with a SKREEEEE!!




249

Unit-01 bracing itself against the shock of landing.
As soon as the camera stops, it immediately dashes forwards!!

SE <<SKREEEEEEE>>

Mr. Tines: Momentum, how does it work...


250

The giant aircraft, turning right and ascending.
Unit-01 running in the foreground.

SE <<Rooooooar thudthudthudthud>>




251

Close-up of Unit-01, running.

SE <<Thud thud thud>>




252

The two giant humanoids running on through the ruins of Old Tokyo.

The Flying Fortress: I always found it very strange how Eva-01 runs so quickly to catch up to JA, compared to when the Eva's rush to stop Sahaquiel from invading the Geo-Front in Episode 12. The way they run there makes much more sense, considering their height and weight.


253

Shinji in the entry plug.

SHINJI:“We've caught up!”




254

Misato, speaking from between the fingers of Unit-01.

MISATO:“We have less than four minutes left.
Put me on now! (bleed)”




255
Missing Number

Close-up of Unit-01 running. Reuse from previous.

SE <<Thud thud thud>>

Translator's Note:

The direction on the image indicates the background element is to be moved.


256

Unit-01, right on the heels of J.A.

SE <<Thud thud thud.>>

Joseki: This is one of the worst looking cuts in the entire Evangelion. Oddly animated, totally uninspiring; Unit 01 is too dark and it doesn't match the Jet Alone style at all. They look like they're mecha from two different shows, with different character designers and animators.


257

Its hand draws near to the rear section!

SE <<Thud thud thud.
Thud thud.>>

It grabs onto it.

SE <<KATHUNK>>

J.A. is pulled backwards with a jerk.





258

Shinji firmly pulling back the lever.

SE <<Pull>>




259

J.A. trying to move forward despite that.
Unit-01, being dragged, slips.

SE <<Skreeeeee>>




260

Unit-01's feet, sliding, being dragged forwards.
Dragged along, they slide across the ground's surface.

SE <<Skreee.
Sliiiide>>




261

Misato, speaking from between the fingers.

MISATO:“It doesn't matter! Do it!!”




262

Unit-01 holds out its right hand.
It stretches it forth.




263

The palm of the hand in the foreground, with J.A.'s backpack beneath. Misato jumps down.

imprimatur13: Yet another of the MANY MANY hand shots. (Open palms, fists... The list goes on and on and on.)


264

She lands with a thud, but due to the instability beneath her she loses her balance and falls.

Sailor Star Dust: Despite the dangerous situation, Misato's little shriek is kinda cute.




265

Shinji, in a panic, leans forward.

SHINJI:“MISATO-SAN!!”




266

Misato rolls down the sloping surface of the backpack.
Luckily she is able to grab hold of a ladder.




267

Shinji, relieved.
Smiling, he speaks.

SHINJI:“*Phew*
(Smiling) Be careful.”




268

Close-up of Misato on the monitor.
Even in so dangerous a situation she flashes a peace sign.

Joseki: In an episode that I could rate as mediocre at best, this cut shines bright. The same shot is used again for Episode 26 for a reason: it's pleasant, and Misato's smile is full of positive emotions.


269

Misato rotates the lever of the emergency hatch half-way and then pulls on it.
When the hatch opens with a “"hsssh",” an extreme heat comes flowing out!!

SE <<Hsssh!!
ROAR>>




270

Her visor becomes fogged up immediately.
Heat rises up from Misato's body.

MISATO:“Incredible heat.”




271
The interior of the hatch, shot from within.

This is a world of diffusion filters, ripple glass, and red filters.

MISATO:“This isn't good.”




272
BGM End: A-3 [NERV]

Shinji, straining himself.

SHINJI:“STOP!
YOU-- !!”




273

Unit-01, suddenly thrusting its right hand into the foreground.
Towards the camera.




274

An enormous hand enters the frame from the foreground and grips J.A.'s head, holding it back.

SE <<Gwah-WHAM>>




275

The left hand against the chest area, Unit-01 holds it back.




276
J.A. with Unit-01 in the foreground.

After a while steam suddenly starts to spout out from the top of its shoulder!

SE <<CRACK!!>>

SE <<FSSSSSSHHHHHH>>

Unit-01 hastily uses its right hand to hold back the steam.


277

Shinji in a panic.
He is holding down the levers.

SHINJI:“Misato-san, hurry!”




278

Close-up of a map in a plastic case. It slides down, and a door can be seen.

TEXT:““Emergency Manual Operation Control Room””

UrsusArctos: No "Cauntion" or "Emargency" misspellings - this episode gets the English right!


Dr. Nick: Well, almost. There's "all molt beer" in cut 353.


imprimatur13: I hope she keeps the "all molt" stuff out of reach of curious superintelligent penguins. Wouldn't want Pen-pen to lose his proud crest.

(Also: Odd, because they do get the spelling right in 350.)


279

Misato, convinced. Right away, she is dripping with sweat.

MISATO:“...Here.”




280
The switch for the emergency door.
She opens it with a punch.

SE <<Crack>>

The plastic cover cracks and the door opens.

SE <<(Sound of the door opening・on the left) Vsshoom>>


281

Misato steps inside and the door closes.
Here, too, is the world of red filters, diffusion filters, and ripple glass.

SE <<A background noise composed of a mixture of the sound of air conditioning and electromagnetic noise>>




282

When she swipes her key card, with a "“wsssh"” a cover opens, and a keyboard can be seen.

SE <<Beep>>

SE <<Wsssh>>




283

The console in the foreground. Its light is reflected by her visor.

SE <<Sound of typing at a keyboard>>




284
Close-up of the monitor. Data pours forth, streaming by onscreen.

SE <<At the beginning there is a sound signalling a termination, then the sound of data pouring forth at a rapid speed>>

Mr. Tines: 1st image reuses the boot screen from before.

(Also in Cut 322)

3rd image is a hex dump of something; lots of 00 and FF bytes, so probably a chunk out of a random executable.

Suddenly this stops, and the word “"password"” flashes on the screen.

SE <<Beeeeeeeeeep>>


285

Misato with the console in the foreground.

SE <<Beep>>




286

She rapidly inputs the characters.
Close-up of the monitor.

TEXT:““PASSWORD: HOPE””




287

She hits the return key with a "“click".”

SE <<Beep>>



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Screenshots Cut # Description/Dialogue Commentary

288

The monitor changes suddenly.
The word “"ERROR"” appears.

SE <<Warning sound>>

BGM Start: E-7 [MARKING TIME, WAITING FOR DEATH]

MISATO:“Error?”




289
Misato is like, "huh?"

The monitor is reflected in her visor.
She tries again. The reflection upon her visor changes.

MISATO:“What is this?”

SE <<Sound of typing>>




290

She strikes the key again.

SE <<Click!!>>




291

Close-up of the word “"ERROR".”

SE <<Beeeeeep beeeeeep>>

ath: Is this the same font used for Rebirth's eyecatch?


292

Misato talking to herself.
The word "“ERROR"” is reflected in her visor.
Misato, convinced.

MISATO:“...There's no doubt.”




293

Misato sits up.
For a short time she looks around, stunned.

MISATO:“The program has been altered.”

UrsusArctos: Even a gumshoe detective would have been very suspicious of Nerv's involvement in the incident. Had Misato really thought back to this moment later, she'd have realized that Nerv was involved in something they weren't telling her about. But this moment passes, without further thought or comment.


FrDougal9000: The biggest criticism I hear of this episode is how 'pointless' it is: it doesn't advance the plot, and nothing particularly interesting of note happens. Now, I disagree with that opinion, but I feel that if Misato thought back to this moment, even just once, it would have made it clearer to viewers that this episode did matter (at least in the sense that episodes should only matter by their contributions to the plot).


Sailor Star Dust: Maybe she did, 'off-screen' in Episode 15 or 16? (A pity if that's what it came down to, since this episode is incredibly important regarding Nerv's shady side.)


294

Unit-01, holding back J.A.
J.A. suddenly loses its strength.

SE <<CRASH>>




295

With a “"fwssssh",” steam suddenly begins to escape from the hole covered by Unit-01's hand!!

SE <<Vwssssh>>

The Flying Fortress: I don't know much about physics, but I don't think he should've used 01's hand to plug the leak in JA. Wouldn't this have increased the pressure, and made it explode faster?


296

Shinji is like, "“uwaa~!”"

SHINJI:“Auh!?”




297

He frantically places the left hand over the hole as well.




298

However, another column of steam erupts from the back!!

SE <<Bang!! Pssssshhhhh!!>>




299

Close-up of a monitor. “"DANGER".”

SE <<Warning sound>>




300

Close-up of a monitor. There are only three green indicators remaining!
The number drops from three to two.

CONTROLLER B (OFF・RIGHT):“The power reactor is 0.2 short of critical!”




301

Tokita, glaring straight ahead.

CONTROLLER A (OFF・RIGHT):“The control rods are not functioning!”




302

Misato makes a decision. She shifts her gaze to the left.

MISATO:“...Now, it's all or nothing.”




303

Misato places her hands upon a protruding control rod.




304

Using all of her strength, Misato tries to push it in.




305

Close-up of the base of the rod. It only shudders.




306

Misato pushes with her entire body. She's dripping with sweat!!

MISATO:“Nnnnnnnnnnnnn!!”

Kendrix: Clearly these things were never meant to be operated by hand. She's got some determination!




307

The base of the rod begins to sink in a little.




308

Close-up of Misato straining herself.
Sweat is dripping onto her visor.

MISATO:“Urrrrrrrrrrgh!!”




309

Misato's efforts in vain, J.A.'s body begins to spout steam from a number of different places all at once!

SE <<Vssssssshhh!!>>




310

There is nothing that Shinji can do.
He is in a panic! (Half-crying)

SHINJI:“MISATO-SAN!!
GET OUT OF THERE!!”

Kendrix: Now he's really worried that she's gonna get herself blown up.




311

Misato, persevering.

MISATO:“MOVE!!
YOOUU- (bleed)”




312

The base of the rod, sinking inwards.




313

Further spouting!!
The steam strikes the Eva as well!!

SE <<Vshhhhuuuuuu!!>>




314

Extreme close-up of Shinji. He is almost in tears!!

SHINJI:“MISATO-SAN!”

Sailor Star Dust: Props to Ogata's voice acting in this scene. You can just feel Shinji's tension throughout this entire ordeal.


Kendrix: At this point, he's cried in more episodes than not, but we can forgive him here. We don't want Misato to get cooked either!



315

Misato, pushing.

SE <<Warning sounds multiplying, one after another!!>>




316

Close-up of the same.




317

A monitor. The green indicators are reduced to only one!!

CONTROLLER B (OFF):“0.1 to critical!!”

MAN 3:“Internal pressure has passed the limit point!”




318
Tokita, with the heads of the controllers in the foreground.

CONTROLLER A:“It's no use!!”




319

Tokita hangs his head, murmuring in despair.

CONTROLLER A (OFF):“IT'S GOING TO EXPLODE!!”

TOKITA:“... It's over.”

MAN 2:“The moderator has failed to inject.”




320

Shinji's tearful face. Ultra close-up.

SHINJI:“MISATO-SAN!!”




321

Extreme close-up of Misato, persevering.

MISATO:“Ugghhhhh.”

Kendrix: Perseverant to the end.




322

The monitor, showing the word "“ERROR",” suddenly changes. It goes back to the startup screen.

SE <<Beep>>




323

All the control rods start to sink in at once.
Misato suddenly falls over.

SE <<Beeeeeeeeeeep>>




324

Misato, dumbfounded.




325

The control rods have all completely sunk in. The lights turn to green.

SE <<Vree-eee-een>>

SE <<Ka-chack!>>




326
The steam suddenly stops, and all the control rods on the back sink in at once.


BGM End: E-7 [MARKING TIME, WAITING FOR DEATH]


SE <<Shooooooooon>>



Unit-01 slowly removes its hands from J.A.


327

Shinji is also dumbfounded.
He blinks once.




328

Close-up of a monitor. All at once, from the top down, the indicators change to green.

SE <<Beeeeep>>

CONTROLLER A (OFF):“She did it!”

MAN 2:“Moderator injection confirmed!”

SEELE-01: Ah... That running gag of being saved at the last possible square of a graphical representation of an abstract computer concept.


329

Tokita, dumbfounded.
A slight smile emerges.

CONTROLLER B (OFF):“Internal pressure decreasing!!”

CONTROLLER A (OFF):“All readings normal!!”

MAN:“Emergency brake mechanism is operational!”




330

The several staff members within the ruined bunker are delighted.

EVERYONE:“We're saved!! (Etc. - Ad-lib)”

Male chatter:“She did it! We're saved! (ect.)”




331

Ritsuko leaning against the wall.
The staff are noisily celebrating in the foreground.

The Flying Fortress: YEEEE! This guy celebrates giving little jumps, that's funny, you can not deny it.

Sailor Star Dust: Hey, it made me chuckle!


332

Close-up of Ritsuko. She speaks in a mutter.
(She's talking about Misato.)

RITSUKO:“...That idiot.”

Kendrix: Of course heroism would look idiotic to a cynic. Unlike her, Misato wouldn't know that the robot would not actually blow up.




333

Missing number.

Nuclear Lunchbox: The storyboards actually denote this cut as containing Ritsuko's lines, but the scripts moved the content to cut 332 instead. Script directions supersede storyboard directions, so this cut became obsolete.


UrsusArctos: If you look at the storyboards, you'll see that 331 is the missing number there. The cut's the same and contains her lines, it's just that the missing number was shifted to 333.


334

J.A., lifeless.
Unit-01 seems to be peering into it.

SHINJI (OFF):“Misato-san!?
Are you all right!?”




335

Inside the control room. Misato sitting down exhausted.
She replies weakly to Shinji's calls.

SHINJI (RADIO):“Misato-san!!”

MISATO:“Yeah. I feel like crap, though.”




336
Misato, appearing to be in a daze.

Shinji talks excitedly by himself. His voice, the only sound, echoes inside the chamber.

SHINJI:“Thank goodness! You're safe!?... Thank goodness, really, thank goodness... but that was amazing.
I'm so impressed! A miracle really occurred!!”

At the end of the cut she moves a little, and her face can be seen.

MISATO:“...Yeah.”


337

Shift to close angle. Close-up in profile.
She speaks in an undertone.
Her expression is extremely serious (something has occurred to her).

MISATO (MONO):“A miracle had been prepared.
...By someone.”

UrsusArctos: And which party has the motive and the ability to prepare this particular miracle, Misato? Why did your old buddy Ritsuko act so weirdly throughout the incident?


Kendrix: The German dub rendered this as "This Miracle has been pre-programmed by someone". Since Ritsuko's failsafe kicked in, we'll never learn if Misato's actions could have accomplished anything on their own, with the tendency being "probably not". She basically provided Gendo & Ritsuko with an alibi - but this is the first time she seriously starts to suspect shady dealings beyond just having general ethical qualms which she can still justify to herself.

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Screenshots Cut # Description/Dialogue Commentary

338

Panoramic view of NERV headquarters.

RITSUKO (p.d.):“The recovery of Unit-01...”




339

Ikari sitting at his desk.
Beside him are Ritsuko and a man.

RITSUKO:“...has been completed without incident. There is no fear of contamination.”

imprimatur13: So... does "the man" have a name? Besides for "That Man"?


340

Ritsuko and the man with Ikari, his back turned, in the foreground.
(The man is expressionless. He seems like someone from the intelligence section.)

RITSUKO:“(Glancing over at the man)
Except for Captain Katsuragi's actions, everything proceeded according to the scenario.”

Kendrix: Well, they waste no time in telling us whodunnit. Of course they couldn't foresee/understand that someone would act less cynical than they.


UrsusArctos: Ritsuko is using a variation on Gendo's classic "everything is proceeding according to the scenario" line. It also says a lot about Ritsuko's character - she's very likely one of the principal saboteurs, if not the saboteur responsible for the incident, but she was willing to let her old friend risk herself in a meaningless stunt rather than reveal that the incident was staged. Gendo, for his part, doesn't seem to be too worried about losing his tactical officer or about the expense of running Eva-01 in a needless operation. If nothing else, he probably judges the good publicity worth the cost, and Ritsuko just goes with him.


341

The usual close-up of Ikari. Somewhat backlit.

IKARI:“Good work.”




342

The exterior of Misato's apartment. Morning.

SE <<(Morning sound effects) Chirping– ・ the voices of cicadas>>

Kendrix: And, now for another of these "morning scenes", for a little "book ends" effect and a look at how these events have affected the status quo.




343

Browned toast pops out with a “"ding".”

SE <<Ding! Ker-shak!>>

FrDougal9000: And now to reprise the opening scene once more. I enjoy simple bookends like these.


SEELE-01: At this point in the series, reuse of footage began to be interpreted as great storytelling... By the time you get to episode 16, you can see they were clearly scratching the bottom of the budget-barrel.


344
BGM Start: B-16 rhythm only

Close-up of Shinji biting into a piece of toast he's holding in his hand.
(Just the action of biting)

SE <<Chomp>>




345

Likewise, Pen-pen biting into a fish.

SE <<Chomp!!>>




346
BGM Start: B-16 rhythm only [MISATO]

The kitchen. Shinji, with Pen Pen in the foreground. The two of them eating breakfast. Pen Pen rises up and swallows the fish.




347

Again the usual sight of Misato.
Her hair unkempt, she scratches her belly.

MISATO:“(Sloppily) 'Morning.”




348

Close-up of Misato's hand pulling open a tab.

SE <<Psshh!>>




349

Misato drinking her beer once again.
Draining it, she reacts in an exaggerated manner.

MISATO:“*guzzle* *guzzle* *guzzle* Pwaaah! Kuuuuuu~!”




350

Shinji, with the beer can in the foreground.
His expression is more of disappointment than disillusionment.

MISATO (OFF):“Now, next thing is my morning shampoo, my morning shampoo.”

imprimatur13: Why do I get the feeling that the juxtaposition of the beer shot implies she washes her hair with it?

Ad: "Intoxicate, for women.

Only available at macy's."


351
He finds something extremely aggravating about Misato's apparent frivolity, but he inwardly restrains himself.

Shinji, wearing a serious expression.
Shinji is like, "I wonder where the emotions I felt yesterday have gone..."

MISATO (OFF):“I wonder where my bra and panties are.”

SE <<(OFF・FROM LEFT) Ding-dong>>

BGM End: B-16 rhythm only [MISATO]

Kendrix: Another telling bit of narration here - she may be a hero, but that doesn't mean Shinji's suddenly immune to embarrassment. "No one is a hero to his valet" etc.




352A
Toji and Kensuke standing before the front entrance.

KENSUKE / TOJI:“GOOD MORNING, IKARI-KUN - ...?”

imprimatur13: Just imagine their faces had they heard what Misato just said...

They notice Shinji's demeanor.

352B
Shinji, highly aggravated, with the heads of the other two in the foreground.

SHINJI:“(Like he is holding back his irritation) Morning.”

Sailor Star Dust: Another scene that made me laugh. Shinji's pissy mood is comedy gold!

He looks back over his shoulder with a dark expression and speaks.

SHINJI:“(To Misato, in a bit of a loud voice) I'M HEADING OUT.”


353

In preparation for her morning shampoo, Misato is already naked from the waist up.
Only a towel is draped around her neck.
She appears cheerfully unguarded.

MISATO:“Hab a naisshe time. (Not a misprint)”

Sailor Star Dust: Talk about Misato's promises of fan service! Had the cut not pointed it out, I wouldn't have realized.




354
BGM Start: B-7 [When I Find Peace of Mind]

The three boys walking along the sloping road.
Toji, thoroughly impressed, offers up his sincere praise.

TOJI:“...She's just so cool, Misato-san.”

After having formed his own private convictions about her, Shinji feels as though he has been deceived.
Finally, Shinji angrily confesses his true feelings. (As though he is talking to himself and not to the other two)

SHINJI:“I thought so, too, but at home she's disgraceful! She's really a slob, and unsightly, and just a complete mess...”




355

Missing number.




356

In reaction to Kensuke's unexpected words, Shinji is like, "Huh?”"

SHINJI:“I'm embarrassed, looking at her!”

KENSUKE (OFF):“(In a murmur) I envy you for that.”

Shinji was convinced that he would be contradicted, that he would not be understood.




357
Shinji is puzzled. Unthinkingly he comes to a stop and questions them.

SHINJI:“...Why's that?”

Kensuke leans towards Shinji. He wears an expression of disgust (an expression that says, “this guy doesn't understand anything at all”), with the sense that he is deliberately making fun of Shinji.

KENSUKE:“Ikari really is a kid.”

Toji also enters the frame.

TOJI (BACK):“He sure is.”

Shinji asks them again, a bit irritated.

SHINJI:“Why's that?”


358

Shinji, with the other two in the foreground.
Toji smiles despite feeling scandalized.
Kensuke is also smiling!
These two are adults! They're good guys!

KENSUKE:“That's her real self, something she doesn't show to outsiders like us.”

Kendrix: Another of these underappreciated moments (see Episode 04 or 14), where Kensuke can actually be pretty insightful, even wise




359
Shinji, a little shocked.

He doesn't understand the meaning of Kensuke's unexpected words right there and then, but he somehow starts to feel happy, and, smiling, takes a step forwards!

KENSUKE (OFF):“That means the two of you are family...”

UrsusArctos: "Such a cool ending"...if only more episodes ended as happily as this!

Dr. Nick: As Joseki already mentioned, episode 7 is usually ranked one of Evangelion's worst episodes, at least until things get really weird and divisive at the very end. But if this is indeed the worst it gets, the overall product is remarkably solid, especially if you compare it to things like Nadia's filler episodes. This episode is a good Misato showcase, lets us see more of Nerv's shadier side, and allows Anno to flex his satirist's chops decades prior to Shin Godzilla. Storywise it is largely inconsequential, but the idea of a random civilian company butting in with their goofy robot essentially got a non-canon remake in the visual novel Girlfriend of Steel, so there's that.


Kendrix: Aww. Here's a bit of a life lesson, I guess. No one can be glamorous all the time and there IS some intimacy in seeing each others less put-together sides. Of course it also shows how Shinji has really come to form some real bonds, a proper social circle with good friends he can get this sort of advice from, something like a family environment and whatever you'd count Rei as... which of course means that it's high time to throw in a few novel disruptions before things get all too cozy around here. We've established something like a "closer circle" so it's time to bring in the "outer world".

This is a metaphor for the distance between Shinji and Misato growing smaller!

SE <<Footsteps!! Step>>

Such a cool ending!


END
BGM End: B-7 [When I Find Peace of Mind]

TEXT:“To be continued.”



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