In the second episode of Neon Genesis Evangelion, I cannot believe how quickly this show became mega fucked up. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to watch Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Trigger Warning: For trauma/PTSD
GOOD GOD, I WAS NOT READY FOR THIS SHOW.
The Aftermath
I think it’s fascinating that the show picks up where the last episode left off, and then splits that story in half, waiting until the end of the episode to reveal THE WORST THING. But even prior to the explanation of what the “beast” was, this was still extremely messed up. Without any training at all, Shinji is asked to pilot Unit 01, and it went exactly as one might expect: a complete fucking disaster. Y’all, no one even warned Shinji that he was connected to the nervous system of the Evangelion, so he (understandably) went into shock when the Angel broke Unit 01’s arm. IT HURT HIM, TOO. Surely, that’s something you should tell someone before they pilot one of these devices/creatures, right? And yet, no one does. No one prepares Shinji for anything at all, so I’m not surprised that he shut down in the face of that Angel. WHO WOULD EXPECT A CHILD TO BE ABLE TO DEAL WITH SOMETHING LIKE THAT???
An Unfamiliar Ceiling
I love the dual nature of the titles and the episode itself. Without learning how Shinji escaped his damaged Evangelion, we’re instead dropped into his recovery. There’s a common theme in Shinji’s life: he’s used to the unfamiliar ceiling. It’s a heartbreaking commentary on the fact that Shinji hasn’t quite found a home of his home. (Where was he before this??? I really need to know!) I also can’t believe I’ve lived for thirty-two years and only just realized what an amazing phenomenon this is. I know exactly what Shinji describes whenever he thinks about the unfamiliar ceiling above him. I’ve mentioned before that I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve moved since I was sixteen, and despite that I’m more comfortable than I was over a decade ago, I still haven’t lived in a single location more than two years since I left my parents’ home. So I know what it’s like to lie down for the first time in a new place and feel like I don’t belong. It takes a while for me to feel comfortable anywhere because I’m so used to having to pack up and leave.
So why does Shinji feel this way? Granted, the hospital room  and Katsuragi’s apartment are not exactly the most welcoming and friendly places. Shinji apparently rejected the chance to stay with his father. (WHY? WHAT DID IKARI DO?) So does that mean that Katsuragi is going to watch over him? Maybe as a mentor? If so, perhaps she should have told Shinji about THE PET PENGUIN SHE HAD. OH MY GOD. WHAT? WHAT???? WHO JUST KEEPS A SINGLE PENGUIN AS A PET AND LETS IT LIVE IN A FREEZER? IS THAT THE FUTURE WE WERE PROMISED BY THIS SHOW? I CALL BULLSHIT BECAUSE I DON’T HAVE A PET PENGUIN IN 2015. Where’s my Pen Pen?
The Committee
So, I missed another name here. The Human What Committee? Whoever this group is, I NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE HELL THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT. What project were they referring to? What’s more important for the human race besides protecting them from the Angels? I mean, now I have confirmation that there was an Angel attack fifteen years prior, and that there’s been nothing since then until this recent attack. So what has the UN or NERV been developing since then? How they’d come up with the Evangelion program? I HAVE QUESTIONS.
Tokyo-3
This show doesn’t give me much explanation for things, so I’m guessing that Tokyo-3 can move underground so that it can stay safe from Angel attacks. That makes a lot of sense to me! I was very confused as to why Shinji hadn’t seen this, but I’m guessing that’s because he had never actually been to Tokyo-3. Is it named that way because Tokyo had been destroyed? I NEED ANSWERS.
Evangelion
Well, I did get an answer in a big way. I’m wondering if the show will address the possible PTSD or trauma that Shinji or other pilots experience because after just one fight, Shinji is ALREADY EXPERIENCING FLASHBACKS. I understand that they’re part of the story, but Shinji is clearly upset by the whole thing. And why wouldn’t he be? He was connected to the being that he was piloting, and he received no training whatsoever to cope with that. And right as it seemed like the Angel would destroy Unit 01, the Evangelion came to life on its own. AND STARTING REGENERATING!!! HOW? HOW? What is that creature?
Y’ALL, THERE IS A CREATURE INSIDE THAT ROBOTIC SHELL. I know that the first episode told us it was a “sentient human,” but I wasn’t ready. What is that thing??? There was an eye! IT’S ALIVE. Is this ethical? Does that creature consent to what’s going on? I HAVE A MILLION QUESTIONS AND I’M SO DISTURBED BY THIS.
The video for “An Unfamiliar Ceiling / The Beast” can be downloaded here for $0.99.
Mark Links Stuff
– I am now on Patreon!!! MANY SURPRISES ARE IN STORE FOR YOU IF YOU SUPPORT ME.
– IÂ will be at numerous conventions in 2016! Check the full list of events on my Tour Dates / Appearances page.
– My Master Schedule is updated for the near and distant future for most projects, so please check it often. My next Double Features for Mark Watches will be Death Note and Neon Genesis Evangelion. On Mark Reads, Diane Duane’s Young Wizards series will replace the Emelan books.
- Mark Does Stuff is on Facebook! I’ve got a community page up that I’m running. Guaranteed shenanigans!
