Early Access - Neon Genesis Evangelion | Episode 18 "Ambivalence" Reaction & Review
Added 2023-08-15 18:23:51 +0000 UTCComments
Does anyone know if he said anything regading a reaction/analysis of the op once he finishes this part of the anime ?
lumine
2023-08-17 10:22:30 +0000 UTCOverall, I think I liked episode 17 more than 18, which I didn't expect. This episode is more of the climax, but the tone of last ep was always ingrained in my brain and the rewatch reminded me of how captivating it is. This ep has some great imagery don't get me wrong, I love Unit-03 approaching from the horizon and I really like the scene between Asuka and Hikari, and the final minute or so of this episode is dreadfully tense. But I don't know, it doesn't feel as savorable to me as episode 17's slow yet efficient burn (if anything this episode feels a bit like it's scrambling to get all the pieces together by the end, and the battle both with choreo, moving pieces and music choice doesn't feel up to the Eva standard for me). But hey it's a great episode overall and I don't think I was even this negative about Magma Diver so I'll shut up now xD. What you're about to enter into is truly a valuable experience, and you've done great so far with these reactions, exceeded my already pretty high expectations so I'm only more pumped for what's to come. And though it might be different from your pov, from an audience's pov not only was the transition from the break back to episodes seamless but I still can't tell when the episode is that you took a break on! Maybe we can find out after the series is over. Oh, and don't stress about the frame compilation. If it wasn't possible it wasn't possible, and this just gives more time to study the breathtaking storyboarding in the inevitable rewatch.
tom
2023-08-16 22:38:51 +0000 UTCI like Toji living, goes against expectations plus Shinji would be very broken after that, knowing he’s alive eases things for him, even if its just a little
Olga
2023-08-16 13:15:23 +0000 UTCI feel like their talk this episode is a very memorable iconic scene for me. I kept trying to place when it was, and realized it's this episode. It's shorter than I remember, but it goes to show how subjective memory is and which moments in a show will stick with you.
tom
2023-08-16 09:44:50 +0000 UTCThe shot of the electricity tower from the low angle has no right being that good
tom
2023-08-16 08:52:07 +0000 UTCToji surviving at the end might feel like a bit of a copout for many, but I like it. It creates another twist, even if it feels like the safer option, that I can't shake as feeling very Evangelion. Rewatching this episode I tried to imagine him dying at the end to see how it would feel if the story had went in that direction, and I don't think there's enough setup for it. It would feel like a very rushed death exploited for another character (though episode 17/18 has its critics who hold that position about the subplot regardless of Toji surviving the attack). Plus all the very overt death flags would feel a bit basic, whereas in this sense again there's an element of subversion with it still meaning something because it's not like Toji is unscathed or that this experience doesn't mean anything.
tom
2023-08-16 07:54:13 +0000 UTCThe Shinji VA gets a lot of credit for the gut-wrenching screams she delivers, but the delivery that legitimately sends a shiver down my spine is the very specific cadence in Shinji saying "Toji..." at the end. I don't know what it is, and there's only a few other cases of that tone being used, but it makes me feel so uneasy with how dead/disconnected/inhuman Shinji sounds in those moments.
tom
2023-08-16 07:47:52 +0000 UTCspoiler Jul jbhyq lbh vapyhqr gung dhbgr? Abj ur'yy xabj gung arvgure Fuvawv, Erv abe Nfhxn qvr va gur raq. Crbcyr fnl fhpu haarprffnel guvatf.
tom
2023-08-16 07:43:26 +0000 UTCAh this episode, one of the hardest for me to watch on rewatches The fight scene is just so upsetting to me, if there had been no one there it would be bad enough but having someone there, shinji being forced to witness it all and he of course is blaming himself, and is Toji, and is his father the one that caused this...its just hard to watch I do love Kaji and Shinji's scene, Kaji meant well but he probably confused Shinji more. Rei showing more growth, actually going to Toji to talk and realising is because she cares about Shinji and she's worried about him. Hesitating to attack..Rei from the first episodes...probably didn't even acknowledge Toji existed and had she been giving the order to attack she would have Asuka was great making Hikari feel better tho I will say she isn't as great at relationships as she seems to think she is Is bittersweet that is getting to last stages, I'm excited for the reviews but is sad is ending lol. I still think somehow having a way for anyone interested to talk about the series after EoE would be fun idk how it would go but yeah Episode 18 - B-4 guitar & piano
Olga
2023-08-16 01:33:19 +0000 UTCGlad you took the time to discuss that scene with Shinji and Kaji. Given everything else that happens this episode, it's a scene that could easily be overlooked, but the scenes with those two at this point in the show (this one and the scene in the melon patch from last episode? 2 episodes ago? I forget exactly) are in my opinion some of the most rewarding for me as a viewer, and feel like they're quite important moments for Shinji's character and perspective.
A Toilet Duck
2023-08-16 00:18:25 +0000 UTCTry not to single out episode numbers, it can be considered spoiler. It builds expectations and anticipation so for better enjoyment it would be better for him to just enjoy every episode as it is.
Kon
2023-08-15 20:37:46 +0000 UTCOh man, i can't wait for my fav episode (24).
Mati D.
2023-08-15 20:34:34 +0000 UTCJust as Shinji was starting to warm up to his father... this episode is easily one of the most memorable in the show. I remember being so shocked about the shift in tone during the dummy plug scene. And just like you mentioned in the discussion, seeing the reactions of NERV staff like Maya adds so much to moments like these.
haggy
2023-08-15 20:04:00 +0000 UTCI don't normally comment but I just wanted to drop one here to let you know that your NGE series has really become a highlight of my week. I watched NGE when I was younger, but coming back to it with your perspective on it is really giving me a whole new appreciation for the craft on display here. Thanks Im, keep up the good work :]
jibbmn
2023-08-15 19:50:59 +0000 UTCOnce again Megumi Ogata delivers stunning VA work. I'm not one to bash dubs at all but one reason to watch the sub is definitely for Ogata's screams that send shivers down my spine. More to come unfortunately for Shinji.
bondbond53
2023-08-15 19:26:53 +0000 UTCI believe Toji was supposed to die there, but the production company didn't want to show a child being killed. Anno: 'I made a certain promise, though I think I might have broken it by now. From the start, when we drew up the plot, I met with the producer, from King Records, who told me, “I will approve the plan you submit, whatever it is, because I have faith in you. However, there will be two conditions. The first one is that you will remain with me for five years. You cannot, for example, do a film version with another producer. The additional condition is that you will not kill any children. The adults can die, but I don’t want children dying.” Because of that condition I couldn’t kill Toji.' (interview excerpt from Schizo/Parano by Mitsunari Oizumi)
JayCyrZak
2023-08-15 19:08:38 +0000 UTC
