Does Shinji care about Rei?

[NakedEYE666]

Okay, we all know Rei's feelings that exist for Shinji. The question is, does Shinji give a damn?

As much as "Shinji & Rei" is my favorite couple, I would be inclinded to say that Shinji doesn't care all that much. Rei's situation is thus (in a dumbed down/abridged fashion) Ikari Shinji is the only person in the world who's treated her like a real human, save Gendou. And yet, Shinji's situation is a bit different. He's just a guy with 2 fellow pilots. Off the top of my head, I can't think of any occurances what-so-ever that would suggest that Shinji had any kind of feelings for Rei beyond a sense of equality or comradery. I know that they make some connections in the manga, but (granted it's been a long time since I've seen Evangelion) any kind of equivelant in the actual series would seem to be less friendship and more comradery. I used to think that Shinji's habit of staring at Rei ment that he cared about her in some way, but it could just as likely be simple staring, or simple curiosity towards someone in a similar spot as him. Afterall, Shinji denied the connections that he & Rei had made during the conflict with the diamond shaped Angel, right in front of her face in the elevator talking to Asuka.

[GandalfsWhisper]

I think Shinji sees his mother in Rei (and he obviously has feeling for his mother) which more or less explains his occasional thoughts about her. As for Rei herself I'd say that Shinji has little or no interest in her as an individual.

[Onaa-Kenkaku]

Yes he does. You can tell it from the way he flips out when unit-0 self-destructs. He does see a mother in her, but doesn't really know which one till later on.

[HeWhoPostsStuff]

I think that he does care about her in some way or another, but isn't really quite sure to what extent he does. While he does say at a few points during the series that Rei "frightens" him, that doesn't stop him from trying to learn a little more about her...if simple curiosity was the only motivation for that which he had, I doubt he'd be able to keep up that kind of action for very long. I tend to believe that he admires her in some ways, for her stoic, long-suffering, uncomplaining attitude, something that he himself lacks...I think I recall him as saying "you're very strong, Rei" at some point, though I forget which one exactly. Of course, since he doesn't know just who she is (at least for a good amount of time), some romantic feelings may be mixed in there, but I doubt that he's ever thought of acting on those...though methinks this approaches the line where we croos over from solid evidence to how we think he feels, based mainly on speculation. And yes, Shinji does get closer to Rei in the manga, though there he candidly says that his feelings for her aren't romantic in nature...that's a whole new ball of wax though.

[Fuzzy Chickens]

I always have believed and always will believe that Shinji cared about Rei as more than just a friend, and definitely not as a maternal figure.

[NakedEYE666]

Originally posted by HeWhoPostsStuff
I think that he does care about her in some way or another, but isn't really quite sure to what extent he does. While he does say at a few points during the series that Rei "frightens" him, that doesn't stop him from trying to learn a little more about her...if simple curiosity was the only motivation for that which he had, I doubt he'd be able to keep up that kind of action for very long. I tend to believe that he admires her in some ways, for her stoic, long-suffering, uncomplaining attitude, something that he himself lacks...I think I recall him as saying "you're very strong, Rei" at some point, though I forget which one exactly. Of course, since he doesn't know just who she is (at least for a good amount of time), some romantic feelings may be mixed in there, but I doubt that he's ever thought of acting on those...though methinks this approaches the line where we croos over from solid evidence to how we think he feels, based mainly on speculation. And yes, Shinji does get closer to Rei in the manga, though there he candidly says that his feelings for her aren't romantic in nature...that's a whole new ball of wax though.

Yeah.... and he says that she's a fricking part of him that was torn away!! If Shinji would actually say powerful lines like that to people other than himself, he might have a girlfriend! Maybe not, I've got no clue...

Anyway there's not much more I can add, since I have yet to truly do my character analysis of the characters, specifically Rei & Shinji. One thing to note is that Shinji calls for her last when he is being consumed by the angel.

[yjs]

I've always thought Shinji had feelings for Rei, at least early in the series. But those feelings were probably hormone-based attraction.

However I believe Shinji may have developed sisterly-love feelings for Rei.

[Stylus Of Chaos]

I believe that Shinji does care for Rei, but not in a romantic sort of way. He seems to have a physical/sexual interest in her. However this isn't all he has. When he calls out for her last as he's being consumed, that could be him thinking of her as a maternal figure. After all, soldiers dying on the battlefield more often than not cry for two things, water and mother. So I believe Shinji's feelings for Rei change over time. He sometimes thinks of her as a hot girl his age, other times she reminds him strongly of his mother, and other times he just thinks of her as a friend who has to go through what he goes through.

[NakedEYE666]

Originally posted by Stylus Of Chaos
I believe that Shinji does care for Rei, but not in a romantic sort of way. He seems to have a physical/sexual interest in her. However this isn't all he has. When he calls out for her last as he's being consumed, that could be him thinking of her as a maternal figure. After all, soldiers dying on the battlefield more often than not cry for two things, water and mother. So I believe Shinji's feelings for Rei change over time. He sometimes thinks of her as a hot girl his age, other times she reminds him strongly of his mother, and other times he just thinks of her as a friend who has to go through what he goes through.

Good point. But at that point in time (the calling out) I don't think he's calling for her in a maternal way, because if he thought of Rei in that way I'd think he would call for her earlier than last. It seems more likely that in this particular case he would be calling to her as someone who may potentially be able to help, either that or simply as someone he knows and respects to some extent.

[Stylus Of Chaos]

Good point.

[Fuzzy Chickens]

Or maybe it's just that Misato and Asuka would be more likely to be able to help him somehow... Unit 00 is officially the Eva with the most chronic dysfunction...

[Reichu]

Originally posted by Fuzzy Chickens
Unit 00 is officially the Eva with the most chronic dysfunction...


Two temper tantrums qualify as "chronic dysfunction"? :P

And, hey, you never know, maybe EVA-02 was a very naughty girl before she was exported to Japan. Maybe every full moon she broke out of her restraints, scrippled graffiti onto random Hamburgian skyscrapers, and danced naked through the German countryside.

[HeWhoPostsStuff]

Should we consider this a doujinshi preview, or what? :D

But what exactly would she use for graffiti, anyways (do they make spray paint can that big?)? And what would she write?...

Angels suck sauerkraut!

Want a synchro test? Call Kyoko, 555-EVA2

I am the -gouki that says "NI!"

Sorry I asked. :D

[tv33]

I think Shinji is a very confused lad. I think he has feelings for all three of the main females, but he does not understand them, nor does he know what to do about them. I think he had feelings for Rei but they are greatly overshadowed by his feelings for Asuka. I have no doubt that is there was no Asuka. Rei and Shinji would have been much closer.

I also think that Shinji wanted to be accepted; who it was is almost irrelevant. The fact that he is surrounded by three attractive females, who he shares his unique experiences with only makes those feelings stronger.

[Incisivis]

Originally posted by tv33
I think Shinji is a very confused lad. I think he has feelings for all three of the main females, but he does not understand them, nor does he know what to do about them. I think he had feelings for Rei but they are greatly overshadowed by his feelings for Asuka. I have no doubt that is there was no Asuka. Rei and Shinji would have been much closer.

I also think that Shinji wanted to be accepted; who it was is almost irrelevant. The fact that he is surrounded by three attractive females, who he shares his unique experiences with only makes those feelings stronger.

I disagree somewhat. Like some of the other posters on this thread, I don't see Shinji's "feelings" towards Rei as anything sexual/romantic. He does "care" about her, I think, but doesn't understand why. Eventually, Shinji comes to fear Rei because of her strange nature, and the connection to his mother. In the latter case, because Shinji couldn't define his feelings for Rei, he might have thought they were *feelings* (ahem). I just felt it was a sort of "maternal magnitism" that made Shinji interested in Rei, an unconscious recogniton of a "spiritual bond". However, because Rei is not simply "Yui" it could easily be taken other ways.

The way I see it, Shinji fears the possibility of being attracted to Rei or Misato, more than the actuality of it, because he is afraid of literal or metaphorical incest. Since I don't follow the psychological theory that what we hate and fear is what we want, I don't think he's attracted. There's random hormonal awkwardness regarding Rei and Misato's bodies, but that's far from attraction. I see it more with Asuka, not because there's no incest angle, but because there are emotional reasons for him to be drawn to Asuka as well.

[tv33]

Originally posted by Incisivis
There's random hormonal awkwardness regarding Rei and Misato's bodies, but that's far from attraction.

I don’t think Shinji much knows the differences. He being young and awkward towards these new feelings, coupled with being starved for attention, I think he would make the feelings if need be.

I think he could have been attracted to either Rei or Asuka (Mistao is a different story because of the age, but I think he was still attracted to her, and on some level wanted her affection). Shinji wanted someone badly (Even if he did not understand how), Asuka was just the best somebody.

[Sharp-kun]

Originally posted by HeWhoPostsStuff
Should we consider this a doujinshi preview, or what? :D

But what exactly would she use for graffiti, anyways (do they make spray paint can that big?)? And what would she write?...

Angels suck sauerkraut!

Want a synchro test? Call Kyoko, 555-EVA2

I am the -gouki that says "NI!"

Sorry I asked. :D
:scared: :scared:

[NakedEYE666]

Originally posted by tv33
I think Shinji is a very confused lad. I think he has feelings for all three of the main females, but he does not understand them, nor does he know what to do about them. I think he had feelings for Rei but they are greatly overshadowed by his feelings for Asuka. I have no doubt that is there was no Asuka. Rei and Shinji would have been much closer.

I also think that Shinji wanted to be accepted; who it was is almost irrelevant. The fact that he is surrounded by three attractive females, who he shares his unique experiences with only makes those feelings stronger.

I think you're probably right. Judging by the early Evangelion episodes it's obvious that Rei & Shinji would have been closer without Asuka. I mean, when they where at the pool during the class trip they couldn't go to, Shinji glanced at Rei and then Asuka interjects with "Shinji! Shinji!" ;)

[HeWhoPostsStuff]

Hmm, less than a month here and I've already earned not one, but two Severely Frightened Smilies from a mod in a single post! Is that a board record or something? Or does it just mean that there's a big ol' ban headed my way...? Or maybe...

*is led off in straitacket*

...c'mon, I said I was sorry!

[Fuzzy Chickens]

Originally posted by Incisivis
I don't see Shinji's "feelings" towards Rei as anything sexual/romantic. He does "care" about her, I think, but doesn't understand why.... There's random hormonal awkwardness regarding Rei and Misato's bodies, but that's far from attraction.

Awesome way to contradict yourself, especially depending on what you meant by "care". Physical attraction is a purely hormonal phenomenon.

Originally posted by Incisivis
there are emotional reasons for him to be drawn to Asuka as well.

Yeah sure, if you prescribe to Phyrexian General's proposition that Shinji was a masochist (I know I'm going to bring all kinds of hell down upon myself now for mentioning PG, but I had to say it)

If you pay attention to what happens in the series, there are WAY more "emotional reasons for him to be drawn to" Misato and Rei. Specifically, they actually give a crap about how he feels, and vice versa.

Originally posted by tv33
Shinji wanted someone badly (Even if he did not understand how), Asuka was just the best somebody.

Not the best, just the only one that he didn't have totally the wrong idea about.

[Sharp-kun]

Originally posted by HeWhoPostsStuff
Hmm, less than a month here and I've already earned not one, but two Severely Frightened Smilies from a mod in a single post! Is that a board record or something? Or does it just mean that there's a big ol' ban headed my way...? Or maybe...

*is led off in straitacket*

...c'mon, I said I was sorry!
Reichu's earned far more :)

[HeWhoPostsStuff]

Originally posted by Fuzzy Chickens
Awesome way to contradict yourself, especially depending on what you meant by "care". Physical attraction is a purely hormonal phenomenon.

Methinks that what he meant by that was that, while Shinji is physically/hormonally sttracted to all three women, the "untruths" of Misato and Rei (that you alluded to in your last statement) drive him away from them...Asuka tends to be more straightforward with him (or so he thinks) and thus he is able to develop a different type of emotional relationship with her, though he does care for all three in one way or another.

Yeah sure, if you prescribe to Phyrexian General's proposition that Shinji was a masochist...If you pay attention to what happens in the series, there are WAY more "emotional reasons for him to be drawn to" Misato and Rei. Specifically, they actually give a crap about how he feels, and vice versa.

The whole masochism thing isn't entirely far-fetched, actually...it's driven into the viewer's head over and over again how much Shinji hates himself. Granted, he doesn't exactly "enjoy" the pain he inflicts on himself, so he's not a masochist, strictly speaking, but still, it's not a big stretch of the imagination to say that Shinji, consciously or not, could respond to pain without revulsion, because he thinks he deserves it. As for the "giving a crap" statement, methinks there's a good amount of evidence that he and Asuka do care about each other's feelings, even if they don't see eye to eye with them all...in several of the trippy interior monologues, and just plain ol' conversations between them, throughout the series and movies, much of the focus is on Shinji and Asuka's feelings towards each other...one that pops to mind is the "You can't help me! You won't even hold me!" thing with Asuka, though there are others on both sides. Besides, what evidence is there that Rei or Misato dwell as much on Shinji's feelings as Asuka does? And for the record, I have no idea who or what the Phyrexian (gesundheit! :D) General is, heh.

Sharp-kun, I'm very well-aware that I'm never gonna even come close to Reichu's Pinnacle of Pure Disturbance, but dag nab it, I'm gonna try. :D

[Incisivis]

Originally posted by HeWhoPostsStuff
Methinks that what he meant by that was that, while Shinji is physically/hormonally sttracted to all three women, the "untruths" of Misato and Rei (that you alluded to in your last statement) drive him away from them...Asuka tends to be more straightforward with him (or so he thinks) and thus he is able to develop a different type of emotional relationship with her, though he does care for all three in one way or another.

That's kind of what I think, too. Shinji does care about all of them, but his attraction is to Asuka, or so I think.

Why that is...well, besides the fact that Asuka doesn't represent literal or metaphorical incest, I think Shinji saw in her the closest path to redemption. He saw her as a strong person, who would confront him directly about his inability to cope with things, unlike Misato who said important things to Shinji, but did so from a distance. Shinji "loves" that strong image Asuka projects, because deep down he knows that he's not doing himself any favors, and hates the way he's stuck in a rut. He sees Asuka as someone helpful, even though that is a very wrongheaded view of her.


The whole masochism thing isn't entirely far-fetched, actually...it's driven into the viewer's head over and over again how much Shinji hates himself. Granted, he doesn't exactly "enjoy" the pain he inflicts on himself, so he's not a masochist, strictly speaking, but still, it's not a big stretch of the imagination to say that Shinji, consciously or not, could respond to pain without revulsion, because he thinks he deserves it.

Yes, possibly. The "masochism" could be another reason he's attracted to Asuka.

[Reichu]

Originally posted by HeWhoPostsStuff
Should we consider this a doujinshi preview, or what? :D

Heh heh, naw. Most of the doujinshi is slated to be on the serious side, though it will occasionally be interjected with silly strips called "Holy Shito!" (if you get the joke, gawd bless ya) for a good healthy dose of self-irony and disclaimers galore. So I suppose Kyoko doing some nude dancing isn't completely out of the question (nor would having Sammael downing an ice cream cone ;))...

But what exactly would she use for graffiti, anyways (do they make spray paint can that big?)?

Heck, maybe the guys who make the Eva-sized replicas of X-acto Knives (my yellow PK-02 isn't no box cutter, dagnammit!) got bored and decided to make said spray can. Or Kyoko could have swiped Bigglypuff's paintbrush... (On second thought, nevermind.)

And what would she write?...

If anything, I woulda thought she'd write slander about her dishonorable hubby. He was cheating on her while she was hospitalized, after all (and with her doctor, no less!).

I am the -gouki that says "NI!"

:lol:

Originally posted by HeWhoPostsStuff
Hmm, less than a month here and I've already earned not one, but two Severely Frightened Smilies from a mod in a single post! Is that a board record or something?

Sorry, lad. Like Sharp-kun said, there's no beating me in that department! But start posting pictures of Evas in kinky bikinis or Santa Claus outfits and you should start seeing the ":scared:" smilies roll in. (I've mellowed out a bit since I first showed up here... Gawd, the old days, those were good times. :D)

Originally posted by Fuzzy Chickens
Physical attraction is a purely hormonal phenomenon.

It just might turn out our noses get our engines going more than we give them credit for. Ah, the power of pheromones.

[NakedEYE666]

Originally posted by Reichu
Ah, the power of pheromones.

Sorry to be the spam-master :spam: (but afterall, that's my lot)

I'd like to see a commercail for that... or atleast a T-shirt.

[Fuzzy Chickens]

"Don't say you have nothing else. Don't say goodbye when you leave on a mission like that..."

Best damn lines of the first 20 episodes, IMO. Show me one conversation between Asuka and Shinji that even remotely approaches that degree of beauty.

[NakedEYE666]

Originally posted by Fuzzy Chickens
"Don't say you have nothing else. Don't say goodbye when you leave on a mission like that..."

Best damn lines of the first 20 episodes, IMO. Show me one conversation between Asuka and Shinji that even remotely approaches that degree of beauty.

:cheers: Yeah... too bad Shinji denies it's meaning afterward. Reminds me of Jesus Christ Superstar. But I agree never the less.

[Fuzzy Chickens]

Originally posted by NakedEYE666
Shinji denies it's meaning afterward.

Only in the Manga...

[HeWhoPostsStuff]

Somehow I doubt you'll find something that poetic between Shinji and Asuka, not because there's no affection involved, but simply because that's not the way that the two interact with each other...seriously, when you put the conquistador and the wuss together, how much romantic language are you gonna expect? Poetic language doesn't define the nature of a relationship, after all...on one end of things, poets write stuff about people and things that they don't necessarily feel romantically inclined towards, but rather respect or admire in any number of different ways...methinks that most of the interaction between Rei and Shinji seen in the series (what comes most readily to mind is Shinji's complement of "You're very strong, Rei...") suggests that sort of thing more than a romantic tendency between the two. On the other hand, I know couples that are always out to land a zinger at each other, and yet they've been married for decades. Every couple's different...some like to pour on the schmaltz, others prefer something a bit less removed from the rest of their lives.

Granted, that line to Rei is nice and sentimental, but I don't think you can really base an assumption about romantic feelings on that sort of thing alone...and even if there is something there, that's from early in the series, before Shinji really knows who Rei is, which could very well change his feelings for her...your point's well-taken, but it isn't exactly conclusive.

[NakedEYE666]

Originally posted by Fuzzy Chickens
Only in the Manga...

Not to my rememberence. In the manga Shinji denies it while alone with Asuka, while at the same time mentally giving us another sweet line about Rei being a part of him that was torn away (Shinji's such a smooth... thinker!) but in the anime Shinji denies it pretty much in Rei's face in the elevator when Asuka teases "oh how intimate you two are..." and Shinji replies "It's not like that!" Well, I dare say it IS like that. :D

[Fuzzy Chickens]

The Literal Translation Project has the line as "My, what good friends you are..." Personally, I think the "intimacy" version has a bit more kick to it...

Anyway, just because it's "not like that" doesn't mean Rei and Shinji don't want it to be "like that" :) .

[Reichu]

Originally posted by Fuzzy Chickens
The Literal Translation Project has the line as "My, what good friends you are..." Personally, I think the "intimacy" version has a bit more kick to it...

A lot of lines in the LTP sound awkward as hell. While I suppose this is a necessary repercussion of doing a "literal" translation, I've found several instances where the ADV translation is truer to the original Japanese than the LTP! So ein Mist!!

Anyway, just because it's "not like that" doesn't mean Rei and Shinji don't want it to be "like that" :) .

For someone who seems like such a huge Rei fanboy, you're surprisingly dillusional about matters involving her.

[NakedEYE666]

Originally posted by Reichu

For someone who seems like such a huge Rei fanboy, you're surprisingly dillusional about matters involving her.

What are you implying here? (I know you weren't talking to me, but ;) )

Anyway, I'm certain that it was like "that" for Rei. ("that" being the ammount of intamicy gathered from the 2 Rei episodes 5&6 - there's no question that those episodes contained important moments for Rei) So iy wasn't good that Shinji denied it right to her face. But if I remember correctly, Rei didn't ever show any care over that instance. Of course I'd have to watch the series again...

[Fuzzy Chickens]

Originally posted by Reichu
I've found several instances where the ADV translation is truer to the original Japanese than the LTP!

Goddammit.

Originally posted by Reichu
For someone who seems like such a huge Rei fanboy, you're surprisingly dillusional about matters involving her.

"Dillusional"? Is that even a word? Is it pronouced similarly to "delusional"?

[Reichu]

Originally posted by Fuzzy Chickens
"Dillusional"? Is that even a word? Is it pronouced similarly to "delusional"?

Considering that my writing and grammar are probably way above average in Internet terms, you sure make a huge fuss whenever I -do- spell something wrong.

[Fuzzy Chickens]

I know. It's more fun to make fun of the spelling mistakes of people who take pride in not making any spelling mistakes :)

[Reichu]

Originally posted by Fuzzy Chickens
I know. It's more fun to make fun of the spelling mistakes of people who take pride in not making any spelling mistakes :)

Odd. I can't say I'm one of those people. I'm quite aware that I chronically mispell certain words (not to mention being human, I am subject to the "typo" phenomenon). If you can hold off the sarcastic "humor" in the future, I'd appreciate it, since I for one don't find it at all amusing.

[Fuzzy Chickens]

Originally posted by Reichu
I for one don't find it at all amusing.

I do :)

[Reichu]

A fun one to bump. :evil laughter:

[Joeshie]

Fuzzy Chickens = Troll :O

[Reichu]

Fuzzy Chickens = Troll :O

Yes, that observation was made numerous times during his stay here. ;)

[Z Metalla]

No kidding, Joeshie. Say, i wonder whatever happened to ol' Fuzzy?

[MagicianCamille]

He took a bite out of a poisonous goat. ;)

[Daktion]

wow this thread has gone pretty off track... i guess i'll try to get it back on


This is based off of my psychology knowledge( sry just a minor in psych so I'm by no means a pro)

Looking at shinji's personality and his history, we can conclude that he is a kind of guy that is slow to warm up to people. Very reserved (evident in the series and how he likes to listen to his music and keep to himself). He is the kind of person that wants something but is afraid to make the first move.

Rei is also very reserved. This is just the way she is. We can also see that from how she had been in school for a long time and no one talks or cares about her.

When you pair up two people with similar traits like these two (especially when they are the unsocialable traits) any development / bonding takes extra slow. Many personal barriers must be broken down before they can open up to each other. From the series I did feel that there was movement in this direction (seen from Rei especially)

Asuka: Well we obviously know her personality. She's very vocal and outgoing. In human psychology, a personality like this can easily influence a more reserved one like shinji's. It's not because of any romantic involvement but it has more to do with the fact that shinji likes and prefers others to take the lead if possible and Asuka likes to lead. This relationship works as it seems like they are more of an interlocking puzzle.

Personal opinion: i think if given enough time, Shinji and Rei could actually have something develop. But with Asuka arriving and how the series stopped focusing on Rei's development, we are lead to believe that Asuka is the right one for Shinji. So in conclusion, would Asuka and Shinji actually start liking each other to possibly a gf/bf status? if realism of people interaction plays a part, then yes they would.

[NakedEYE666]

Ooooh fun thread. It's like a thousand years old though.... or is it? I know I haven't made any Rei/Shinji threads for a long time but I'm not sure exactly how old this one is.

[Mr. Tines]

Okay, we all know Rei's feelings that exist for Shinji. The question is, does Shinji give a damn?

Episode 6 says yes, at least at that point. Even if he sees her as just a colleague; even if he is doing it to try and displace his father in her affections.

[Reichu]

even if he is doing it to try and displace his father in her affections.

That sounds uncharacteristically calculated for poor, clueless Shinji.

[Mr. Tines]

That sounds uncharacteristically calculated for poor, clueless Shinji.

... even if I try to put the worst possible construction on his motivations, a kernel of feeling for her remains.

[Reichu]

You could have taken it a little further and proposed a scenario in which said kernel existed solely in the groin region.

[Magami No ER]

Nah, I really and truly think he's reserved that for Asuka....a curious liken to her Shinji has....probably has to do with his whole "o'kasa" thing.

[Starx]

In the manga Shinji really cares about Rei, more than just a friend.
Unlike in the anime.

[Stelok]

Okay, we all know Rei's feelings that exist for Shinji. The question is, does Shinji give a damn?

.

Of course he gives a damn. He cares for Rei as a comrade, a friend, a lover and a mother.

[Magami No ER]

How as a lover? He wants Asuka, in most cases....

[Joeshie]

Of course he gives a damn. He cares for Rei as a comrade, a friend, a lover and a mother.

A lover? Where did you draw that ridiculous conclusion? :huh:

[OMF]

Episode 6 says yes, at least at that point. Even if he sees her as just a colleague; even if he is doing it to try and displace his father in her affections.

He doesn't actually try to displace Gendou in her affections, it just happens. He's totally oblivious to it, and more critically, so is Gendou. It a sense, this was Gendou's one, fatal, oversight. He failed to notice Shinji seeping in through the cracks in Rei's facade until it was far too late.

[Stelok]

How as a lover? He wants Asuka, in most cases....


A lover? Where did you draw that ridiculous conclusion? :huh:

Shinji jumped on a naked Rei who just came from bathing and fondled her naked boob right in her apartment in both anime and manga.

[Reichu]

In the manga, he didn't even get to cop a feel.

And I would hardly call what happened in the anime "fondling".

[Mr. Tines]

Shinji jumped on a naked Rei who just came from bathing and fondled her naked boob right in her apartment in both anime and manga.

Got off balance while trying to maintain a safe interpersonal distance and forgetting to mind the furniture is more like it. The outcome was purely serendipitous; the relishing of the unexpected tactile memory entirely realistic.

Even in the manga, it's not until vol.8 that they get to negotiating to hold hands, so I think lover is a bit extreme, much as I would have liked to see that relationship develop further.

[Joeshie]

Shinji jumped on a naked Rei who just came from bathing and fondled her naked boob right in her apartment in both anime and manga.

With that reasoning, anyone who fondles a girls package automatically becomes their "lover". Not to mention, it's not like he jumped on her on purpose. I would hardly call an accidential fondling as proof that he desires her as a lover.

Besides, most of us know that the boobies that Shinji is really after are Asukas. Asuka no mune anyone? :naughty:

[Reichu]

Well, I would like to point out that the script doesn't specify whose boobage Shinji sees before he explodes into a puddle of Tangy bliss. It just says 'josei no mune' -- 'a woman's chest/breasts'.

But, really -- who are they fooling? ;) "Eat cleavage, baka-Shinji!"

[OMF]

Well, I would like to point out that the script doesn't specify whose boobage Shinji sees before he explodes into a puddle of Tangy bliss. It just says 'josei no mune' -- 'a woman's chest/breasts'.

I don't think Shinji ever actually got tanged. I think he was the only person that didn't.(With the possible exception of Asuka, maybe...)

[Shin-seiki]

I don't think Shinji ever actually got tanged. I think he was the only person that didn't.(With the possible exception of Asuka, maybe...)
#25 (LTP)
Shinji: What feeling is this?
That I feel like I have experienced before.
My body seems like it's disappearing.
Agreeable.
I feel like I'm spreading, and becoming large,
to here, there and everywhere.

That was the very beginning
of the complementation of the people
by the instrumentality of man.

the thing people lost.

the lost minds.

complimenting the vacuum in the mind.

The complementation
by the instrumentality of minds and soul begins.

This is concurrent with Shinji fading out with the goofy smile on his face in #26'. "like I have experienced before" is an obvious reference to #20, when he lost physical form within the entry plug for the first time.
Once Shinji goes sploosh in #26', 3I follows in a matter of seconds.
Reichu can quote you the relevant script notes from #26' that indicate that Shinji is, in fact, turning to LCL here...

[Reichu]

A matter of seconds? Depends on how long pre-3I instrumentality took...

Script? Okey-dokey.

Yui from the side UP doubles.
Shinji’s face doubles.
An expression of ecstacy.
The flow of LCL doubles.
A woman/female covering her chest with her hands.

"Double" here (being used as a verb) I think is some sort of jargon for the effect of these various elements being laid on top of one another... if anyone can think of a better way to put it.

[OMF]

But doesn't he wake up for just a moment right after Eva Unit One embedded in the lance enters the GNR. When he sees all the Rei's swimming inside? I'm fairly sure Unit One itself wasn't complemented, so maybe the pilot was spared?

Also, regardless of his eventual tangification status, when he's got that goofy grin on his face, I think he's just falling asleep. Complementation doesn't actually begin until after Asuka rejects him in the following dream sequence. Only after this does his response reach "absolute zero", and his destrado begins to manifest.

Also, from episode 24:

Kaoru: The life that escapes the time of annihilation,
and that obtains the future, is only one.
And, you are not the one who must die.
All of you need the future.
Thank you. I am glad to have met you.

I always took this to mean that Shinji hadn't been complemented like everyone else, rather than he was the last man on earth. Maybe Kawrou is talking about mankind in general though?

For me, it's ambiguous as to whether or not Shinji escaped the whole ordeal with his cell membranes intact. I can't see anything wrong with him being complemented either.

[Shin-seiki]

A matter of seconds? Depends on how long pre-3I instrumentality took...Well, that's my own subjective interpretation, but I've always felt that time is meaningless in Instrumentality, and that when the "real world" narrative resumes with the bridge crew, it is picking up immediately from just before where Shinji goes sploosh; in other words, just a few seconds, at most, later...

[Shin-seiki]

But doesn't he wake up for just a moment right after Eva Unit One embedded in the lance enters the GNR. When he sees all the Rei's swimming inside? I'm fairly sure Unit One itself wasn't complemented, so maybe the pilot was spared? That is a little problematic, but I just figure that close-up of his eyes as he enters GNR is there for cinematic reasons, to let us know that he is able to somehow perceive what is going on around him (remember that he and Unit 01 are embedded within the Tree of Life here, and also note that the Tree has eyes).
Also, regardless of his eventual tangification status, when he's got that goofy grin on his face, I think he's just falling asleep.No offence, but I think that what I quoted from #25, and what Reichu quoted from the #26' script notes indicates rather firmly that you're wrong Complementation doesn't actually begin until after Asuka rejects him in the following dream sequence. Only after this does his response reach "absolute zero", and his destrado begins to manifest.That entire sequence is NOT a dream. Shinji loses physical form within the entry plug, and his mind is merged into a shared consciousness with those of Misato, Ritsuko, Asuka (the three major characters that were just killed off in #25'), and Rei (who has returned to Lilith and assumed Goddess status, and is acting as a medium to link Shinji's mind with the others)

Also, from episode 24:

Kaoru: The life that escapes the time of annihilation,
and that obtains the future, is only one.
And, you are not the one who must die.
All of you need the future.
Thank you. I am glad to have met you.

I always took this to mean that Shinji hadn't been complemented like everyone else, rather than he was the last man on earth. Maybe Kawrou is talking about mankind in general though?I believe Kaworu is talking about the Lilim in general, as opposed to the Angels

[Reichu]

Well, that's my own subjective interpretation, but I've always felt that time is meaningless in Instrumentality, and that when the "real world" narrative resumes with the bridge crew, it is picking up immediately from just before where Shinji goes sploosh; in other words, just a few seconds, at most, later...

Time may be meaningless to the participants, but it still passes in the real world. Shinji acid-tripped for a month before he was coaxed out of Yui-sama's core, for one thing.

While Shinji was having his group therapy session with the ladies, it at least seemed to go from day into night.

[Shin-seiki]

Time may be meaningless to the participants, but it still passes in the real world. Shinji acid-tripped for a month before he was coaxed out of Yui-sama's core, for one thing.

While Shinji was having his group therapy session with the ladies, it at least seemed to go from day into night.Actually, the time cues in EoE, as regards sun and moon, etc, are pretty screwy all the way thru. For one thing, why is the sun at such a high angle in the opening scene (Shinji at the lake) but the JSDF's attack is launched in the early morning fog?

[Magami No ER]

^2 The way the manga made it seem,anyway, it took a while for him to "see" a sort of anything...that could have also been a contributing factor.

Edit: Not only that, but going from white stratues skies to cumulous clouds during Asuka's fight, grey funneling clounds that appeared when Eva 01 sprouted wings, then it dissapears...weird stuff.

[Mr. Tines]

Actually, the time cues in EoE, as regards sun and moon, etc, are pretty screwy all the way thru. For one thing, why is the sun at such a high angle in the opening scene (Shinji at the lake) but the JSDF's attack is launched in the early morning fog?

I'd not assumed that those scenes followed in quick succession, but that we were seeing more of a fast-forward over Shinji's final collapse. The end-of-term feeling to the banter amongst the bridge bunnies also seemed more plausible if there had been a day or two for the "It's really over." feeling to permeate.

I will admit to not having checked any sightings of the terminator on the disk of Earth in the large-scale GNR or geofront levitation shots, despite it being an obvious thing to do.

Not only that, but going from white stratus skies to comulous clouds during Asuka's fight, grey funneling clounds that appeared when Eva 01 sprouted wings, then it dissapears...weird stuff.

Weird meteorology when Yui emerges can be taken as part of the special effects - and then the Eva series ascend above the cloud deck in fairly shrt order.

That wasn't quite so obviously dubious as the clearing of cloud across the whole archipelago in just a few seconds after Rei hurls the lance, so much faster than supersonic that it has to be left to artistic license.

[RyoTD]

Actually, the time cues in EoE, as regards sun and moon, etc, are pretty screwy all the way thru. For one thing, why is the sun at such a high angle in the opening scene (Shinji at the lake) but the JSDF's attack is launched in the early morning fog?
I think there was a scene just before the JSSDF attack that featured Shinji "listening" to his SDAT at night...

[Reichu]

And it had Rei waking up and looking out at za moon.

I do think, however, that the JSSDF launches their attack the following morning, and Shinji decides that everyone should die that night.

[Dennisss]

Is there anyone who have read the latest manga stage 66?
After Rei's self-blast, Shinji collasped and cried to death. He shows his honest feeling in this chapter.

Big hint showing obviously Shinji does get feelings for Rei. :naughty:
GO AND SEE IT! :D again, the chapter is emotionally intense. Sadamoto really did a very good job!

[Reichu]

"Cried to death"? Is that sort of like laughing to death?

Characterization cannot be compared between anime and manga, BTW.

[Dennisss]

:P yea, i agree that manga and anime are totally different.
but in the manga, it's obvious that Sadamoto try to develop something between Shinji and Rei.

not laughing -__-" ..
i mean Rei's death brings a great impact to him. He collasped and kept on crying =*( , and he say out he doesn't want to lose Ayanami. Wow..

but the pain is too much i think, POOR SHINJI :(

[Soluzar]

:P yea, i agree that manga and anime are totally different.
but in the manga, it's obvious that Sadamoto try to develop something between Shinji and Rei.

not laughing -__-" ..
i mean Rei's death brings a great impact to him. He collasped and kept on crying =*( , and he say out he doesn't want to lose Ayanami. Wow..

but the pain is too much i think, POOR SHINJI :(

You know, sometimes I really like the way that Sadamoto develops the characters. Other times, not so much. This is one of the times I like it.
The one thing that really gets in the way of my enjoyment of the manga, though, is that I don't think he depicts the action scenes very clearly. It all just gets very confusing.

[fieldy]

I think Shinji does have feelings for Rei but not in a sexual boyfreind/girlfreind kinda way he sees his own mother in Rei he even says this when she is wiping the floor with a cloth (not to sure of the exact episode) the connection between them is much deeper, however in the first few volumes of the show we are led to belive that Shinji has a more physical attraction to Rei. the whole Auska Shinji thing is not obvoius to the casual observer however this is who he is really attracted to physically, Ithink auska almost sees Rei as a threat (seeing as she is attracted to shinji) and that is why she's always overly defensive when around her. i Think Rei herself is not physically attracted to shinji but in the same way she can sense a deep connection between the both of them, maybe thats why she sacrificed herself and self destructed her eva

[Dennisss]

[QUOTE=fieldy]I think Shinji does have feelings for Rei but not in a sexual boyfreind/girlfreind kinda way he sees his own mother in Rei he even says this when she is wiping the floor with a cloth (not to sure of the exact episode) the connection between them is much deeper.


Yup, that's the difference between anime and manga. In the manga, Shinji never sees his own mother in Rei. He blushed when he thought of Rei in the first few volumes, he even say Rei is a part of him that was torn away in the vol.5, they hold hands for a few times. After Rei's self-blast, the reaction of Shinji in the manga is totally different from the anime! So far i can see that kind of CARE is not simply a kind of care over friends.

ANyway, i just want to say Shinji does care about Rei, but the kinds of care in anime and manga are totally different. :naughty:

[TheGoose]

Many people have seen Rei and Shinji's relationship because Shinji often says that he feels the impression of Rei is like his mother's. If Shinji is attracted to Rei based on that then he would have the Complex.

However, many people say that Shinji cares for Rei because she is like him. Lonely, quiet, alone. Also Shinji never shows any sexual urges for his mom, but shows them for Rei. If Shinji does have an Oedipus complex then he show sexual feelings towards his ma. Considering this and Shinji's statement on impressions, it could show that Shinji is reminded of his ma by Rei, but still love her for herself.

Also considering that one of the shows stories is about Shinji letting go of his ma, then why would he be invested in a relationship that would cause him not to grow away from his ma. Plus, if Rei were to be her own person, she would be recongized by Shinji as herself instead of his ma.

[KatayokuのTenshi]

Nicely put,

It's ALIVE

^ Old thread.

[Mr. sickVisionz]

Rei and Shinji saved each other's life numerous times and I think that that gives them a deep level of respect for each other and really increased theirfriendship. However, I don't think Shinji wants to have like a sexual relationship with her. Well, not anymore than what you'd expect from a 14 year old male going through puberty.

I'd almost say that he feels sorry for her at times and that makes him extend his kindness to her, which she doesn't get too often. Those two things kinda pull them together and give them a deeper relationship. Plus, Asuka and him are always going at it so that exagerates he and Rei's friendship.

[The Million Dollar Prons]

I think Shinji wants to bang her, when you think about it, love and wanting to bang someone are pretty easy to get confused, and can lead to "nice" things like saving her life (Granted, that's also a basic human instinct)

Longstory short I think he wants to ram it into her dirtiest hole(s).

[DarthMigit]

Shinji and Rei's relationship is...complicated. It's not as clear cut as a romance or a sexual attraction (though I would imagine that elements of these do exist at some level).

Both have admitted caring for (or at least feeling an affinity with/wishing to protect) eachother at some point in the series. Their connection is misunderstood even by themeselves-the closest Shinji comes to clarity is when he compares Rei to his mother.

I definately believe that Rei feels a fraternal bond with Shinji but doesn't understand it: she is the utimate mother role, willing to give up her own life to save Shinji. It has been suggested that the two may be in some way remotely connected, as evidenced when Shinji glimpses Rei in episode one; and when Rei claims that Shinji is "calling her" in EoE.

What a futile attempt at summerising the situaton I have made!:redface:. Best just to look through earlier, more well informed posts submitted in this thread.

P.S. Oh, and by the way PronsAmuro. That stuff belongs in Lemon, not a respectable forum<_<. I understand your point however, the difference between love and sex is USUALLY ill-defined. But Rei and Shinji have an UNUSUAL relationship.

[Ejinathan]

Well i was also checking if Ikari really cared for Rei. I even think that he loved Rei more ten Asuka even when he said to Asuka that she's the only one for him(but got denied too). Loners can live in darkness, loners understand other loners more too. Shinji really care about Rei, and if i'm right he want to see Rei happy and that makes him sad too on the other way (like in ep 6 wanted to see a smile from Rei etc...). Also Rei is in fact the reflection of his Shinji's mother (more explainable why he wanted to know more about Rei on one or another way).

They really would be a good couple and because the manga is also diferent from the anime (but goes to the same point, but explained more) you see they try to learn each other better but the most subjects goes about Shinji's father (kinda sad :s). But still when he discovered the cruel reality about Rei he closed himself. he really is an unlucky boy but still, its proved that he liked Rei even when you could think he hated her. In his heart he never could hate her or don't care about her. Also one of my favorite moments that made me sad too.



About the ones who think it has to do with sexual feeling i'm pretty sure tehy are not even near.
Okay he went red by watching nude things, but who doesn't... It stil doesn't prove he wants to ***. He's more one of the romantic type ten sexual type because hes a helpless defensive child who needs help and is scared of women. He was more concerned about Rei smile ten wanting to see her nude. On the other hand if Rei would be like Asuka i just would say its provocation ;)

[Mr. sickVisionz]

They really would be a good couple and because the manga is also diferent from the anime (but goes to the same point, but explained more) you see they try to learn each other better but the most subjects goes about Shinji's father (kinda sad :s). But still when he discovered the cruel reality about Rei he closed himself. he really is an unlucky boy but still, its proved that he liked Rei even when you could think he hated her. In his heart he never could hate her or don't care about her. Also one of my favorite moments that made me sad too.

I felt the same way. Thats was made the episode Rei III so depressing for me. I was like, "and they were really starting to seem like normal kids." I was actually depressed for like the rest of the day and I still feel sad.

*** off topic: But thats why this new Eva movie interests me. They say they're basically going to switch up some of the events of the show and I really hope there never is an episode like Rei III. ***