Episode 14: Seele, Throne of Souls/ Weaving a StoryAngel Invasion/Lilliputhian Hitcher
Though this episode at first seems like a recap of the series, the second half truly surprises the viewer. It marks a departure from the relatively light nature of the first 13 episodes and begins down a road of more darkness and introspection. The quotes from this episode will show how deep and powerful Evangelion is about to become.
The first half of this episode deals with SEELE reviewing the battles NERV has had with the Angels so far. They have a surprising amount of info: personal NERV records and the diaries of Hikari and Toji. They also list all of the Angels with their biblical names while reviewing. Here's a list of all the Angels they reviewed, with their biblical names:
- 3rd Angel: Sachiel
- 4th Angel: Shamshiel
- 5th Angel: Ramiel
- 6th Angel: Gaghiel
- 7th Angel: Israfel
- 8th Angel: Sandalphon
- 9th Angel: Matariel
- 10th Angel: Sahaqiel
- 11th Angel: Yrouel
An interesting note is that the SEELE files list the 11th Angel as having been rumored to have appeared and that there is no proof of its existence. The scene shifts to SEELE talking to Gendo and tell them things are happening too quickly. Their prediction of NERV been invaded by an Angel was set for a later date to which Gendo denies the 11th Angel having invaded NERV. It is also noted that SEELE's "scenario" for humankind is based on the Dead Sea Scrolls, which they use to predict Angel appearances. One should note that the Dead Sea Scrolls are real and it isn't confirmed whether the ones in Evangelion are the same Jewish ones that exist in the real ones.
The scene shifts to Rei's internal monologue. Between her words we flash to different images, mostly corresponding with the words she speaks. Of special note is one scene featuring hundreds of Rei's and she questions herself. Since it is such a powerful and deep monologue, I wrote it all down for you to read (it was taken from the dub).
"Mountains. Heavy are the mountains but that changes with the passage of time. Sky. Blue sky. What your eyes can't see. What your eyes can see. The sun. One, only one. Water. It is agreeable. Commander Ikari. Flowers. So many the same, so many without purpose. Sky. Sky red. Red the color, the color I hate. The liquid flows. It drips, ripples and pours. Blood. Scent of blood of a woman who does not bleed. From the red soil the humans come. The humans made by man and woman. City. A human creation. EVA. A human creation as well. What are humans? Are they creations of God? Humans are that which is created by humans. This is that which is mine. My life. My heart. I'm a vessel for my thoughts. The entry plug. The throne of the soul. Who is this? This is me. Who am I? What am I? What am I? What am I? I am I. This object that is, is myself. That which forms is me. This is the self that can be seen and yet this in not like that which is myself. Strange feeling. My body feels as if it is melting. I can no longer see myself: my form, my shape, it fades from view. Awareness dawns of someone who is not me. Who is here, there, beyond me here? Shinji? This person I know, Major Katsuragi. Dr Akagi. People. My classmates. The pilot of Unit 2. Commander Ikari? Who are you? Who are you? Who are you?"
Rei awakens in the cockpit of Unit 01, her first time, and tells Ritsuko "It smells like Ikari." Ristusko and Maya note that Rei's synch ratio with 01 is the same as with 00 and Ritsuko says it is because the personal data patterns are almost identical. The test ends, Rei returns to the observation room while Shinji is in Unit 00. Asuka wonders why she isn't have a compatibility test and Misato tells her it is because they assume she wouldn't want any EVA other than 02. In her own mind, Misato thinks, "I'm not sure if Unit 2 is even compatible." Shinji says he feels "weird" in Unit 00 and that it smells like Rei. Even though his synch rate is lower in 00, Ritsuko says it is ok to proceed with the "Dummy System." Maya objects to it and Ritsuko tells her, "People who develop too many scruples will always have some difficulty working amongst others. You'll learn once you've gotten your hands dirty. You'll see." Suddenly, Shinji has a headache and says he feels like something is trying to get into his brain. Images of Rei flash in his mind and he recognizes Rei's brain impression. The EVA 00 begins to go berserk and Ritsuko is unable to eject Shinji's entry plug. Ritsuko says, "Same error, same one. Is it trying to absorb Shinji?" The 00 continues to punch at Rei in the observation room and Ritsuko tells Misato that this may not be related to the other 00 accident. In her own mind, Ritsuko rationalizes the events by saying the EVA must be after her.
When Shinji awakens in the hospital he has no memory of what happened in the EVA and no signs of "mental contamination". Meanwhile, Asuka lies in bed and begins to wonder what Rei truly is. In Gendo's office, Kouzou tells the Commander that the SEELE is applying pressure since the 11th Angel's appearance was a deviation from their plans. Gendo says not to worry because they have control but Kouzou is worried about tipping their hand too early. Gendo says everything is going according to their own "scenario" and that the 00 incident doesn't affect it. Kouzou tells him "You care too much about Rei." Gendo informs him that Rei is handling the Lance of Longinus operation. As the episode closes, we see Rei in her 00 carrying a large lance down a NERV tunnel.
This episode proves that Evangelion is one intricate show. The religious tones of this show have stepped to the forefront, not only with the biblical Angel names but also the Longinus Lance. The Lance's name came from the name of a Roman soldier who pierced the heart of Christ in the cross to confirm his death. The Rei monologue is full of clues (too many to discuss) but it confirms that Rei isn't human. What her connection to the Ikari family is has yet to be seen. Even her comment that EVA 01 smells like "Ikari" could in theory mean any of the Ikari's. I'd try and describe the exciting events of this episode, but I think you have to watch the episode. Once you see it, you'll know why words don't describe the emotive experience of this episode.
This page, formerly NGE Canada Style, is devoted to the phenom of EVA and exploring all the aspects of this revolutionary anime. If you have any suggestions email them to runedog@arune.com
Special thanks to Ken Fong for image editing and to Will Fong for uploading files and to Cyberstation for hosting ARUNE.COM
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