Why TOJI SUZUHARA Had to Die in Neon Genesis Evangelion

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Firstly, thank you everyone for the continued support, feedback, and encouragement on the video. It means the world! Secondly, I am aware of the Media Offline frame around 12:30; thank you to so many of you for pointing it out to me. Had a number of issues during the editing process this time around, and evidently wasn't able to catch everything. I'll keep doing my best to improve, and thank you all for your patience and grace. Until next, thank you all again, and God Bless!

[@hollowify_tensa_zangetsu]

Toji is my FAVORITE Character! Toji should of been the MC. I do believe he should died..very much like karou and shinji.

[@MasoMate]

your videos are some of the videos that i went to on my initial watch when i was depressed by the ending and looking for more. keep it up brother

[@timberw0lfstudios]

@@MasoMate Thank you so much! I'm really glad the videos proved to be insightful and valuable to you and others. I'm excited to cover more, and I hope future productions live up to expectations.

[@onojioboardwalk9748]

.. Japan does NOT have a ''Population crisis.'' Please keep your very false and dangerous propaganda you swallowed about that to yourself - It has no use in real life. +

[@onojioboardwalk9748]

@@timberw0lfstudios ​ @timberw0lfstudios .. JP does NOT have a ''P0pulat!0n cr!s!s.'' Please keep your very false and d@ngerous pr0pag@nda you swallowed about that to yourself - It has n0 u$e in real l!fe. +

[@thelastcrow5660]

If you ever feel useless just remember that Toji is on the poster of Neon Genesis Evangelion in his plugsuit.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Oh my goodness, no kidding

[@whosilence]

THIS HAS BOTHERED ME FOR AGES FINALLY SOMEONE SAID IT

[@bad_pilot13official]

Yeah idk why they didn’t just have Kaworu there instead

[@arabajlony]

​@@bad_pilot13officialBecause he existed for one episode.

[@bad_pilot13official]

@@arabajlony true…

[@merryoldgrinkh9020]

Somehow Toji’s incapacitation at the end of the episode hit me harder than any other’s injury. Toji felt like the only “sane” person who fully grasped how heavy piloting an Eva is

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Absolutely. Taking him out of the narrative was a huge blow to the rest of the cast. It's not hard to understand why everything went downhill from here.

[@ynraider]

@@timberw0lfstudios Just like in a real war. Comrades get crippled for life/die...

[@timberw0lfstudios]

@@ynraider This is very true. The show doesn't hold back punches.

[@Astraea4]

"Alright Anno you can make your weird children mecha show but just don't kill any kids" Kid named Rei: Kid named Rei 2:

[@timberw0lfstudios]

XD Honestly Anno broke and bent so many rules with this show it's a miracle it ever made it to air.

[@Mr.Needle-Hamster]

​@@timberw0lfstudios Let's not forget End of Evangelion...

[@dottysdokis]

rei (and kaworu) aren't fully human children so it's fine i guess

[@amadeus5889]

In the manga, Toji does die. There’s a full panel of his face as his lifeless body is hauled from the plug, with speech bubbles detailing the extent of his fatal injuries. The shot of his face is…it’s hard to describe. His eyes are open, clouded over, and his expression is pained but spent. Like he died after everything was taken out of him beforehand. It makes me think that being inside Unit 03 while Bardiel infested it, Toji went through the same hallucinatory psychosis Shinji did inside Leliel, but worse. Enough to shatter him entirely. “Shatter” is a good word for this part of the series. The fragile relationships built up between characters over the preceding episodes are, if not completely destroyed, permanently tarnished. Shinji’s self worth takes an irrecoverable hit, and he, Rei, Asuka, and Misato keep each other at arm’s length for the rest of the series, to say nothing of the wreck of Gendo and Shinji’s relationship. It is very much a breaking. Also, I wanted to note, Production I.G. assisted in the production of Episode 18, and like Episode 13, the other episode they helped animate, there’s something about the characters’ eyes. The irises and pupils are more detailed, with greater depth and expressiveness. Makes sense that they would work on this episode, which has so many close-ups and focus shots of the characters’ faces. Makes you really feel the moment when Shinji breaks at the very end of the episode. The light leaves his eyes, and they go flat. God, this fucking show was designed to hurt.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

As always, Amadeus, your commentary never fails to disappoint. I didn't know Production I.G. helped with these episodes--thanks for sharing! I can see how the shift and focus on faces aligns with their forte. As for all the "shattering," there's a reason I call Act IV the Act of Deconstruction. I'm super excited to keep analyzing and discover more. Thank you again for the continued feedback and support!

[@amadeus5889]

@@timberw0lfstudios Your timing uploading this was perfect-I had a formal observation at my job recently and this was a nice distraction. Sometimes you need to turn your work brain off once you do what’s expected.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Totally. I know exactly what you mean. Glad I was able to serve this up at just the right time!

[@blutroyale8072]

Even worse, in the manga's version of events, Shinji actually knew Toji was in Eva Unit 03's entry plug, because earlier, of all people, Toji himself told Shinji he was going to be an Eva pilot and was scared as hell. And Shinji even replied that as scary as it was, everyone at Nerv would protect and support him. The irony of that statement...

[@areiko6245]

We're so back

[@timberw0lfstudios]

So so back

[@laineylois]

Let’s go lads

[@sensidog1]

Can we get much higher?

[@Kazooples]

Even though Toji didn’t technically die, I loved seeing him on the train with the others, it’s never really explained but it seems like it’s only the children affected by angels who end up there, and I wonder if it’s kind of a shared unconsciousness, all of us being lilim maybe it’s a tiny taste of human instrumentality

[@timberw0lfstudios]

That is a fantastic perspective I'd never considered before. I'll have to keep it in mind while analyzing future episodes. Thank you!

[@Kazooples]

@@timberw0lfstudios ehehe, I’m honoured, I say it every time but I love this series! I’ll be a bit sad when it’s over but I look forward to whatever you do next

[@ViviBuchlaw]

Spoilers for EoE: Misato appears in the train during Shinji's pre instrumentality breakdown, when he's worried about how ambiguous his relationships with the three women are and how anxious it makes him

[@Kazooples]

@@ViviBuchlaw I’ve never been sure if that was actually Misato or just “the Misato that lives in Shinji Ikari’s mind”, but I also thought this was also a part of instrumentality, because at this point we saw Rei appear next to her as she died, so relating to my first comment it could be that she was affected by an Angel, the Angel just happened to be Lilim. Obviously this is speculation, EoE can be analysed till the end of time and we still wouldn’t understand it 100% imo and that’s why I love it, it’s a never ending mystery. Everyone is probably a little bit right with their own theories, which.. in a sense is very similar to human instrumentality, all fans and viewers attempting to understand the same thing, hadn’t thought of that till now, thank you for bringing it to the front of my mind.

[@adondon5774]

I like this idea because after Asuka makes contact with that Angel that invades her mind, during EOE we see Asuka in that same train cart too.

[@birchwwolf]

2:50 everybody memes on the "EVA-01 holding Kaworu" shot from Ep. 24 for being too long, but this held shot on Misato's silhouette is 20 seconds _longer_ than that one. What makes these 80 seconds go unmentioned is the constant dialogue over the held shot. Every other long shot -- Shinji and Misato at the train station, Rei and Asuka's elevator ride, etc. -- is near-silent. It's an interesting contrast, to me anyway.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I completely agree. Evangelion gets away with many more long shots than most people realize because of the clever use (but not overuse) of voice over. And I think it makes the silent shots stand out so much more and demand an extra level of introspection. Thank you for pointing this out!

[@dakka123]

The Non-Assassination of Toji Suzuhara by the Coward King Records

[@FLY1NF1SH]

Best comment

[@InitiateDee]

alternate title to this episode of Edit of Evangelion

[@bluewings2]

Sadamoto : hold my beer.

[@lionheart4424]

The shot of the sun behind Toji's Eva is by far the frame that I think the most when anything Eva related comes up. I just love it, its badass, ominous and thanks to your video now is also a reminder that our demons always come back to haunt us, and we should always confront the darkness within our hearts. I had completely forgotten that Shinji was not aware that Toji was the 4th pilot until after the fight. Man, poor Shinji. Waiting for your next videos, God bless!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much for the feedback and support! That sunset shot is brilliant, along with so much of this series' composition. I'm glad you're enjoying the retrospective so far!

[@FLY1NF1SH]

Honestly even from my first viewing of Eva I've always interpreted it as Toji dying. It makes more sense narratively, it makes what happens next with shinji hit way harder, and of course you never see or hear from him again for the rest of the show. I'd almost go as far as saying the way that the edit makes us infer that Toji is the fourth way before it's confirmed to Shinji encourages the interpretation that he doesn't actually make it, that we should trust the subtext over the text... Anyways outstanding as always dude, best YT series going rn

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Absolutely. It's a stunning job from Anno and the whole team to achieve what they did in these episodes. Thank you so much for all the feedback and encouragement; I'm excited to keep going and see what we find!

[@reeserupprecht3818]

In the Neon Genesis Evangelion manga created by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (lead character designer for the series), Toji does die in the fight with Bardiel. We never see Toji during the fight itself, but we do see him right before the fight and after when his body is being dragged from the entry plug. Something I find even more interesting, however, is that in Evangelion ANIMA (a continuation of Evangelion where the Third Impact never takes place) Toji is comes back after recovering and getting prosthetic limbs to take the role of a NERV agent, and later becoming Commander while stepping in for Misato. In any case, I have really grown to appreciate Toji more as a character. The first time I watched Evangelion I didn't really like him or Kensuke because I felt that Shinji's interactions with them was wasted time seeing how little they contribute to the later half of the series, but seeing their value in other works as well as videos like this that show just how important they are to the greater story and development of its characters changed my mind about them. (less so for Kensuke, still not a fan). Loved the video! Can't wait for the next one

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I also tend to overlook Toji and Aida, but going through the show and supplemental material with a fine-toothed comb really reveals just how pivotal they are. Thank you for your feedback and support; I really appreciate it!

[@fentimablader]

Damn, I’d never heard about the king records thing. Totally changes my perspective

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I know, right?? Definitely altered my perspective as well. Glad I could share!

[@fentimablader]

@@timberw0lfstudios keep up the amazing work, this series is phenomenal 💪

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much; I'll keep doing my best!

[@melfox4578]

Babe wake up, new TimberW0lf Studios video essay just dropped

[@voidnull4282]

Toji's favorite cereal must be captain crunch

[@ViviBuchlaw]

💀💀💀

[@FLY1NF1SH]

Unit 01 snapping into a Slim Jim fr

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Not Cinnamon Toast?

[@rb-afterdarkstudiosnsfw2035]

Bruh

[@blahblahblahbloohblah]

The arbitrary shots when Kaji and Misato talk is probably part of his paranoia, knowing he’s being watched and there may be people listening around any corner.

[@Grig_Orig]

About "captivating": I stop everything I'm doing and shirk my responsibilities to watch these when I see them pop up. Amazing analysis. Take your time, I'll be here for more.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, thank you so much! Seriously though, don't drop everything you're doing just for me! (I know you'll keep doing it, and I'm deeply complimented, but I'm just a dude on the interwebs.) Thank you so much for your continued support and encouragement. I'll keep doing my best!

[@Dougurasufilm]

23:07 - 23:52 godDAMN I knew some of these of course, but the hands at the end escaped my understanding until now. Ruthless. I love it. Very clearly this is one of the best analysis series on youtube, perhaps even ever :ooo

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! Glad we can continue showing each other the visual poetry of this series! You honestly flatter me with such high praise; I'll keep doing my best to cover it!

[@Dougurasufilm]

@@timberw0lfstudios haha I feel a sense of imposter syndrom as I did find a lot of these visual poetry moments, but not as much as you keep revealing in your videos :b It might inspire me to update my video at some point :o but I'd likely have to build it up from scratch again.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I know the daunting pain of starting from scratch. If you ever decide to go through with it though, be sure to let me know! I'd love to see the final product!

[@Dougurasufilm]

@@timberw0lfstudioswill do!

[@nhlcbj]

One thing I don’t understand, and I know we’re going outside the main show here, is why did they change it in the movies and Toji lived? I liked how his character wound up being a doctor and helped Shinji snap out of his funk. I’m curious to know what made Anno make that decision.

[@ensarhasanic4963]

Making Shikinami more involved with the movie's pacing?

[@Kidna]

Because NGE is a planet-wide "time"-loop where every time Shinji triggers the 3rd impact (by being either tricked into it or choosing it as the means to the end), he is left disatisfied, and wanting a redo. But you can(not) (truly) redo

[@runefaustblack]

Goddamn dude I haven't watched the Rebuilds! (just venting, this is not your fault, don't feel bad)

[@nhlcbj]

@@runefaustblack no need to apologize, but regardless I’m sorry. I usually go into the comments of videos like this thinking everyone has seen everything. I go back to the overall series now and again and forget there way more people who haven’t done that

[@gabrote42]

Supposedly it's because he arrived at the movies with a new perspective

[@XanderVJ]

The whole Suzuhara as a pilot arc was properly fixed in the manga. Not only does he unambiguously die during the Eva fight, he tells Shinji the day before that he was gonna be a pilot. Their last interaction is Shinji reassuring Suzuhara that everything is going to be fine, that he will have the entire team, including himself, backing him up. And Suzuhara apologizes to Shinji for being a dick to him at the beginning. That he now realizes more than ever that he had no freaking idea of what he was talking about. Not to mention, it makes Shinji's reluctance to fight back far, FAR more believable and relatable. The whole "I don't want to hurt another human being like me" thing never seated well with me. I just didn't buy for one second that Shinji would shut down his sense of self-preservation like that for a stranger. Now, "preferring to die before killing a friend", as he says in the manga? That's far more believable. Not to mention, it makes Shinji's wish to leave Nerv for good even more understandable. It even makes Shinji grows a bit of a spine, if just momentarily, when he almost punches Gendo in the face, and only doesn't because Kaji has to physically stop him. The face of surprise and utter disbelief in Gendo's face in the moment Shinji's fist is stopped half an inch away from his nose is one of the peak moments in the entire NGE franchise, ngl. After learning about that contract you mention at the end... maybe this is what it was supposed to happen in the anime all along. If so, I'm glad that it got a second chance.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

For sure. I'm glad to hear narrative aspects like this got their due diligence in the manga. I'm looking forward to one day reading it myself and getting that alternate perspective on the series. Thank you for sharing!

[@stephyworld8713]

Didn't shinji entered the EVA the first mostly because he had some empathy for a bloody, incapacitated Rei in ep. 1?

[@victorfergn]

@@timberw0lfstudios The anime is better, the manga is just more explicit (contrary to the real japanese culture)

[@victorfergn]

@@stephyworld8713 In the manga it's explicitly shown he does it because he wants Gendo's approval, in the anime it's implied.

[@victorfergn]

hmmm it's Japanese culture, not American. Things are implicitly stated in Japenese culture... in their culture... Shinji would've gotten drunk at an izakaya in a mandatory after work reunion with all his colleges and bosses, then he would've tried to punch Gendo in the face and on the next day they would've acted as if nothing had happened. They find excuses, they never state their real motives and feelings. So in the Anime it's implied Shinji doesn't want to be the one to kill the dude inside the Eva, not because it's his friend and not because killing is bad... it's just because he doesn't want to feel responsible for his death. He instead feels guilty because his decision is exactly what caused the pilot to almost die. If he had known the pilot was Toji... this entire issue could've not worked and it doesn't in the manga... Kaji telling him that he let Toji died sounds very unsensitive because Shinji's actions are very well justified in the manga... It's the exact opposite in the anime, his actions don't make much sense so the implication that he didn't want to fight just because he didn't want to feel guilty about the outcome lands perfectly.

[@BeegManOG]

LETS GOOOOO!!!!!!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

There's my number one supporter! Glad to see you're excited!

[@PPthePirate]

Let’s go another one

[@timberw0lfstudios]

One of many more to come!

[@FIREWALKER9]

Love the editing in these episodes. The symbolism was the easiest I was able to pick up when first watching the series. Media offline at 12:28? DaVinci resolve user spotted. I definitely think the reused animation is both a cost-cutting measure but an effective way to communicate symbolism to the audience. Really well done from Gainax's part. This analysis makes me sooo excited for Thrice Upon A Time Analysis (maybe? someday?) given the prevalence that movie places both on Toji and the connection with the earth. Also makes us, what, 4 episodes away from Asuka analysis with Arael? fucking pumped. keep it up man 👍❤ God bless & peace be with you

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos so far! Guilty as charged as a Davinci user! Had some trouble with the editing this time around, and obviously missed one or two issues. I'll keep doing my best to improve! I'm hoping to cover all the mainline Evangelion stuff eventually, especially if it retains the depth of the original series, so fear not: we'll get to everything eventually. I am also so excited to get to Asuka and Arael, and the others and their conclusions. Here's hoping it doesn't take so long to get around to!

[@yokie8472]

I love this series so much This Super analytical style is awesome

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying the format and videos!

[@jasonhurst1]

I want to relay to you how amazing your channel and your analysis is. Just know that this is amazing. Be proud of these videos, nothing else like this exists.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, thank you so much! You flatter me, honestly. I'm just trying to share my passion and help others find beauty in the things we both love. Knowing these videos are having such a tremendous and positive impact is one of the greatest gifts I've received as an artist. Thank you so much for all your kind words and encouragement; I'll keep doing my best!

[@hmds.6263]

I low key heard an angel choir when I saw this video pop up. I haven't even watched evangelion but love learning about storytelling, especially visual. These videos are always so thoughtfully put together. Thank you.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, thank you! Seriously, your kindness and support makes it so much easier to keep going. It's a joy to know so many are expectantly waiting for the next one!

[@hacim42]

I didn't know about that whole "don't kill any of the kids" deal, and it makes a lot more sense for Toji to die. The emotional impact wasn't lessened for me as a result, but knowing it could've been even more of a gut punch in retrospect is crazy.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Right?? Definitely my favorite trivia fact dug up during research. Explains a lot.

[@genesischaparro8954]

Can't wait to see what you have to say about Kaworu~

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Me neither! I'm excited to get to him!

[@dunngunkadoid]

I love seeing the care you take in the quality of your videos. Absolutely love your style, these are SO fun and satisfying to watch!!!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! I'm glad to hear they're still enjoyable and captivating! Thank you for your feedback and support!

[@nemo35383]

Thanks for this video series . One of the best long form explorations of Evangelion I've seen in my 25 years with this franchise.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! That means a lot, really. I'm glad you're enjoying it so far; I'll keep doing my best in covering it!

[@patrickst.pierre3452]

Hey bro, I am...not doing well right now. I'm having a lot of exhestential dred working in a corperate kitchen. So much in fighting, and HR mess, and I find myself in the middle just trying to stay in the relm of love and reject hate. Its getting harder everyday. I watch Eva and Eva content when i'm in this headspace to make me feel better. Thank you for the great content, its getting me through this time. Three things come to mind: #1 - at least I don't have to pilot an Eva. #2 - Get in the Robot. #3. "It all comes tumbling, tumbling down". I swear I'm getting better, I find comfort in the darkness of this series. Thanks again, looking forward to the next video. Take care of yourself, we can wait.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much for reaching out, and being brave enough to share in your vulnerabilities. I'm sorry for the hard waters you're treading now, and I pray you find peace as things resolve around you. I'm so glad these videos are proving valuable and insightful, and that you're finding them helpful. Stay strong and keep fighting. Rest assured, I'll be doing the same. God bless you, friend.

[@Echolotl3]

9:43 "um excuse me what the actual fuck are you doing in my house"

[@timberw0lfstudios]

XD

[@BirdGuy-wt5wo]

Another certified banger from the GOAT timberwolf

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Awwwww, you flatter me; thank you so much! Glad you're enjoying it!

[@anunknowninvididual2005]

Toji does live in the rebuilds

[@josedorsaith5261]

And he has a child with the class rep

[@tripledgaming1607]

Literally had the thought today that it should be time for a new Eva critique and here it isssss. So hype.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Yes indeed! Sorry for the delay; you know how life gets right as something fun comes up. Thank you for your continued patience and support!

[@BCBaron]

IMO the several minute long dismemberment of Unit-03 had already completely neutralized the Bardiel threat. Gendo had more than enough time to order the de-activation of the dummy system before Toji's entry plug was crushed if he cared enough to bother. He also flagrantly disregarded Fuyutsuki's recommendation to switch off Rei's synchronization with Unit-00 (which could have been easily accomplished in less time than it took to argue the point) before issuing the order to sever it's arm. In case there was still any lingering doubt, Gendo's actions here clearly demonstrate to his entire staff that the prevention of any physical/mental suffering to the Children doesn't even crack his top 100 list of personal priorities. I'm forced to wonder why exactly everybody at NERV remains so loyal to this guy. It's not like he pays them all that much. I'm shocked there were no examples of a hostile takeover or an attempted mutiny by any of his employees until EoE. Kinda makes me wish Shinji had perhaps waited just a bit longer enough before intercepting Zeruel so that Gendo could've been part of the collateral damage from that attack. One of the many issues with the Rebuilds is how they ham-fistedly try to shoehorn in a last minute redemption of his character. I just can't buy into it, no matter how much he used to enjoy playing the piano or whatever.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I can't say anything about the films, as I haven't seen them, but you make excellent points regarding Gendo's handling of the situation with Bardiel. It's clearly implied he's a sociopath of some sort, and a sadist as well. It's not difficult to see why Shinji develops the relationship he does with him by the end of the series.

[@BCBaron]

Still recall, after watching that entire sequence for the first time, just how much I wanted there to be an example of somebody, anybody at NERV demonstrating that they still possessed some remnant of a conscience and what they witnessed absolutely didn't sit right with them. Sure, war is ugly. Monsters are attacking and it's a fight for survival, but how does that translate to everyone basically condoning what took place? Have they all become so desensitized by this stage, that treating adolescent pilots as disposable fodder is considered completely acceptable? I get it. Times are tough and people are probably afraid of losing their jobs (plus, Gendo is in a very powerful position), so I wasn't exactly expecting all the underlings to unionize and go on strike or anything, but still, some small indications here and there that people were starting to have a few doubts seems warranted. At the very least, I thought perhaps Maya Ibuki might've expressed regret about the small role she played in the whole atrocity while conversing with the other two bridge bunnies or Misato, if not her Sempai. There's also Professor Fuyutsuki, who we eventually learn via flashback was never really all that big a fan of Commander Ikari to begin with. Could the way things went down with the dummy system be the straw that finally broke the proverbial camel's back? Unless I missed something, apparently not. I'm jumping ahead a little, but near as I could tell, the only negative consequence Gendo actually faces in the aftermath of this event involved Unit-01's refusal of both the dummy plug, as well as Rei. However, since Shinji bailed him out by returning at the last minute and managed to save the day (yet again), everybody seemingly just shrugs off the massively glaring red flag strongly suggesting that Gendo isn't the best candidate to run the show at NERV. For some inexplicable reason the rest of the cast retains such a consistent blindspot regarding Gendo's utter lack of humanity that they even allow him to share the stage at the end during the congrats scene. Weird...@@timberw0lfstudios

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I haven't deep dived into future episodes yet, so I'll refrain from saying anything on the events taking place after this episode, but I do think there are a number of cracks that begin forming in the organization following this showdown. Misato maintains her position to continue methodically dismantling NERV from the inside out, but Akagi is so interwoven with Gendo and his plans, I can't see her turning away. It would be nice to see more emotional depth around the issue, but barring that, Misato and Ritsuko's conversation in the latter's office has to suffice. I also wouldn't underestimate the lengths some people are willing to go to for survival, even if it costs the lives of those around them.

[@Mysticist]

I'll say two things. One, If Toji had been killed I think that would've destroyed Shinji sooner and would make the actual death that happens later in the series have less weight. Two, I really do like the very last scene with Toji. It really shows how inhuman they are treated and what the survival at any cost mentality of the adults is doing to them. Toji has nearly died and is now missing a leg. His whole life has been fucked up, His only family can't be there as they are likely working to deal with the damage that has occured. Only his crush can visit very briefly and she isn't even allowed to bring the food she made, a symbol of her love. And they languish in this sterile, lifeless room and Toji asks her to tell his sister that there's nothing wrong. It's cruelly poetic in demonstrating the terrible state of the world they exist in. It also lends weight to the most infamous hospital scene in the story, that because of it's shocking nature, is often misinterpreted and I think makes more sense if viewed with this scene in mind. All that being said, I do think the dramatic weight in the moment would've been served best by Shinji seeing Toji dead at his feet by his hands. I just think it benefited some later drama the way it was done and led to one of my favorite underrated scenes of the show.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Well said. I agree with you on nearly every point, and couldn't have vocalized it any better.

[@benthicc3262]

Great video! Just like to add that Toji in the manga was actually killed off, realizing Anos original plan.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! And that totally makes sense. I'm glad Anno's original vision was realized in some way.

[@CHROMAKOPI4]

I love this so much!!! honestly ive been hyperfixated on toji for a year and ive been waiting for a video like this instead of a website.. this is so goodly edited.. even if this wasn't a character analysis on toji, i still like it alot and it's very well!! i love this video so much

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed and found it so valuable!

[@TheJamesTish]

IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS DAY.

[@aso375]

Toji fulfilled the role of masculinity that Shinji needed. He was strong, aggressive, prideful, confident and at the same time responsible, protective and humble. Toji, having a stable home and a little sister, developed a maturity that the pilots lacked. He apologized to Shinji after he realized he had prejudiced him and became friends with him. He did not tolerate Asuka's bitching, he avoided talking to her and did not hesitate to repay her for her rudeness. Asuka would have just needed to be a little self-aware, take an example from Toji and apologize for her bad behavior to mend her relationships. Hikari was the natural partner for him, as well as a model of femininity for Asuka. She was mature and introspective enough to notice Toji's qualities, while Asuka was constantly finding faults in everyone, based on her stupid prejudices. Surely Hikari was not very happy with how Asuka behaved, but she was still patient with her and paid attention to her, qualities that the redhead would do well to learn. How do you expect someone to show you patience and kindness if you don't show it? Shinji and Misato gave you much more kindness an patience than you deserved, treat any of your classmates half as badly and not only will they leave you alone, they will make you their enemy. Collect a hundred enemies and see what your life is like. Or even one. You make an enemy at your peril, especially a real enemy. A real enemy will light themselves on fire to singe you. You don’t need many people like that around you before you’re in hell. And so, how do you get out of hell? Treat people like they are made in the image of God. There is no more practical advice than that. I think Shinji would have been much better off if he had gone to live at her house than with Miss Negligence. Let's be honest, wouldn't Shinji be much better off living with his best friend's stable family than with an alcoholic and irresponsible woman? Not even she bothered to notify the poor boy about things that concerned him, for God's sake. The young pilot would have had plenty of practice conversing with healthy adults and children and I sure as hell would have received more unconditional and authentic affection than Misato gave him. Not to mention that Miss Beer would have to take it upon herself the antisocial redhead in as a guest, so fucking fantastic! Let's see how long it takes to erase that stupid smile from your face when Asuka mercilessly starts pointing out all your flaws and rubbing them in your face when she wants to eat or have her clothes clean, Captain Katsuragi! What are you going to do then? Please ask her to shut up and do your housework for you like Shinji does? Hahahahaha, good luck with that! Although on better thought, Asuka should have also gone to live at her best friend's house.

[@bluewings2]

I like the way you present Toji, I like him. And yes, Toji and Hikari are perfect together. Maybe because when I think about them, I think about Yusuke and Keiko from Yu YU Hakusho. A little detail that made me smile is that Hikari wondered if Toji liked Rei who also had a lot of feminine qualities and disposition. Sometimes when I think about Evangelion, one of the few things I like to add is more interactions between Rei, Toji and Hikari. When I saw the last Rebuild movie, I was very surprised that maybe the staff thought the same thing XD

[@aso375]

@@bluewings2 Thank you. The pilots' relationships with their three classmates were a wasted opportunity that could have helped them a lot. Asuka was by far the worst, as she deprived herself of making friends her age even though she would have had an easier time making them than Shinji, that's if ,she had shown them basic courtesy (for example, refraining from stepping on Touji's cap and bothering to greet her classmates) You don't even need to speak Japanese to know that antisocial behavior will cost you social exclusion. Should she really be surprised that no one was there for her in her low moments? Well if you sow hate, what else do you expect to reap?

[@CHROMAKOPI4]

i already commented on this video, but no matter how many times I watch it I am always amazed! i love how you talked about toji, especially in this part: 16:46, 14:45 14:54 14:56 the way you talk about toji suzuhara's character makes me so glad, you have one of the most accurate interpretations of his characters, since I study tojis character a lot! i like the editing, and everything!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! So glad this video proved insightful and enjoyable, as well as captivating. Thank you for the incredible feedback and support, it means the world!

[@pietrayday9915]

Nice catch on just how weird the scene with Kaji is - always a delight to see insights like this! It's really not out of place, definitely not lazy: it fits what we get from Kaji completely as a "triple-agent": a lot of misdirection and deception... good luck getting a good look at Kaji in this scene, because he's a dodgy character, moving right out of focus faster than the "camera" can keep up with! Much like other key characters in this show, Kaji is mostly an act, though - he flirts with almost anyone and everyone that moves, as long as they are people he's sure won't reciprocate the flirting, with the notable exception of Misato, and even then, Kaji is putting on a weird show for her of being a careless rogue, when in fact he actually loves her very much, and her alone. The weird and dodgy angles come to an abrupt stop, though, the moment Kaji "hits on" Shinji, and Shinji gives an oddly grown-up and skeptical response to Kaji: that moment is followed by one of the few scenes where we get to see Kaji stepping out of character and acting like an actual human being, revealing a more vulnerable side of himself in his unexpected gardening hobby - something he didn't even reveal to Misato (recall that he mentions it in his final voice message for Misato, telling her that Shinji can tell her where to find the garden!) In sharp contrast to Kaji's ridiculous "pick up line" to Shinji in the break room, the conversation Kaji has with Shinji in the garden is strangely wholesome, honest, and fatherly - something Shinji for sure really needed to experience at that point, and something I think Kaji really needed, too, given that I think we can conclude that Kaji really wanted to marry Misato and no doubt build a family with her, only to be hurt when their relationship broke apart instead. A pain that Kaji seems to be masking behind his "careless rogue" performance, which serves as repeated, painful digs back at Misato as Kaji quite deliberately flirts with her friends and coworkers right where she can see it and fume! So, for all his pretense at being hard to frame up for the "camera" while playing for seemingly any team that amuses him at the moment in romance and espionage, Kaji is really, at heart, a rather simple guy, as we see in his interaction with Shinji, and Kaji eventually admits it to the one who really matters to Kaji romantically - Misato - in that final voice mail, tragically too late for the admission to do much good for the two of them as a healthy romantic partnership! Poor Kaji! He's another father figure for Shinji that, narratively, had to die - and by the same token, also a father figure for Asuka that had to die by order of storytelling! We see him step up to the role of co-parent with Misato for the children several times, with varying degrees of success: more successfully with Shinji in the garden, but probably less so when taking Asuka shopping for a bathing suit, for example, and trying to tell her that it was perhaps a little too mature and inappropriate for her... or when firmly brushing Asuka off while he was working on Toji's file in the scene where Asuka discovers who the "fourth children" is.... or maybe most importantly when Kaji "babysits" at Misato's apartment while she's away, quite accurately detects at a glance that the relationship between Asuka and Shinji was at an all-time low, and tells them that the best way to handle a problem like that is... to avoid it, by going to sleep, instead of confronting it head on? (Yeah, that ends up working out well! But, it's apparently exactly what Kaji seems to do whenever he has problems with Misato, resulting in the state that relationship is in, so it's really not out of character for Kaji, as misguided as the advice is! That moment of bad advice for the children was perhaps a moment where Kaji could really have used some backup from Misato, who would no doubt have had a very different take on the situation, but - alas! - Misato was necessarily absent, leaving Kaji to flounder on his own, and the children to spiral even lower in the wake of the whole would-be family's inability to lower their defenses and communicate with each other. The "Hedgehog's Dilemma" rears its spiky head yet again!)

[@blahblahblahbloohblah]

Toji also in case people forget, is coerced into piloting. He feels he needs to and it weighs on him because his sister is transferred and given better care because of his participation. It makes it all so much worse tbh

[@josedorsaith5261]

Same with Shinji. He was coerced with the threat of Rei being forced to pilot.

[@TZuqino]

devastating. I don't have anything else to say. just devastating.

[@gabrote42]

1:42 I am quite excited! I hope I can add some small comments here 2:53 The cinematography here is very basic but it does sell the transition to the monoliths later. You can really feel how this is the production rolling down the hill, slowly. From the wide sweeping messages that Leliel sent in conversations and deaths, to a more... restrained way of conveying meaning. A cloudy day, opressive but calm. 4:10 Well, as they say in my country: "Es fácil decirlo con el diario del lunes" (roughly analogous to "hindsight is 20/20"). This kind of editing is present on quite a few of my favourite shows, and it's very important in communicating something you expect the audience to know evn when there's no way to justify communicating it inside the script. It's been widely used in most mediums, but I associate it with my favourite anime the most. 5:23 That stuffis super abominable. Also, I still wonder if that was the salvaged Engine, because all the MP-Evas have manufactured ones. I thought it was just an imperfect copy. Some fics like to make it so Leliel didn't die and just hid before eating this site 6:06 PFFFFFFF. Yeah, and they did that for like 30 kids. Per site. Joy! I will come back to this for your episode 25 analysis 6:53 Just saying that the relationship between those three is messed up in more than four levels. I won't digress but damn. 9:36 Fun fact: I unconsciously referred to Hikari as "Luz" (Light, the meaning of her name) during my commentary on the series while watching with my family. This only happened with her and Shinji. Man, poor people. 10:17 It's interesting how, while Shinji was brought low by his own hubris at the tune of the slow and terrible The Beast-II, he is still propped back up by his friend here, really selling how the series didn't just get darker, but that it was a gradual slip down the slope. I like this scene a lot. But also weirdly reminds me of MHA. 11:20 Reminder that this is after 10 episodes of Anno banging his head against the wall, not knowing where to take her character. This is a good shift, even if by now a lot of interesting perspectives on the Command Crew are dead and buried, because it shows a better understanding of the character direction 12:31 I love Shinji's face structure in this episode. And while I think that Kaji has big Ls in his philosophy, I also appreciate his involvement a lot. He is much less horrible from here, and works perfectly for the themes and world 13:42 I didn't notice! Bjt yeah, how he's laid out makes him look like the blind nexus between the two worlds. I love Edit of Evangelion 15:12 That one hit close to home on the second viewing dueto paralells between one of my besg friends and Toji. Also a good showing of communication that is sorely lacking at this stage 16:54 Wow! That is tremendous. Truly a Hussie move there. I also, now that you mention it, interpret it as him closing off his finished bonding activities that did take place during basketball. He finished the match and left the socializing behind him. And it could have been forever! 19:29 Is it possible that in reaching that understanding he became subject to a lategame Mentor Occupational Hazard? He was too composed to be allowed to help Shinji? 20:37 I'd agree, and also shows how Asukka is still gradually decaying, but making an effort to not alienate her companionship with Hikari and Ikari. It backfires massively, but it's the thought that counts. Heck, maybe the woman in the magazine is meant as a stand-in for Misato in her Major uniform, andlooking at her is a reference to what you said. 21:48 Leaving an operative in the dark when he has a need to know is a terrible move. As they say "'Mercy', saith the Watchman, 'is found only in shadow'". And as you know, taking shots in the dark has never been a good idea. Gendo is so menacing throughout the battle, and everyone goes against Shinji's nature instead of integrating it into the plan. And Misato always feels very desperate here, in contrast to how she was more determined in Sahaquiel. I absolutely ADORE that shot of Bardiel marching against the setting sun and I am so sad it didn't get remade for Rebuild. I use it as a reaction gif! 22:27 I adored that. But it's especially worse because all he knew is that the pilot was a 14 year old boy like him, andnothing else. It could have been Taro Yamada from class 2-B, andhe _still_ felt he had a duty to protect him in a way that would have been sufficient had he known that his best friend was there. Noble, but mishandled by Command. 22:56 Had he been forewarned, he could have prepared himselfto obey, or Asukka could have instructed him in how to non-lethally disable an EVA, or at least would have avoided crushing the Plug in his hands. Yes, Shinji should have adapted, but it's hard to blame him here as much as Command, especially since he still offers to go out during Arael (after some mistakes inappropiate to his development level against the Angel Of Might). It's not irreversible, just a bad idea all around. 23:15 HOW DID I NOT SEE THAT PARALELL!? That hurts so much... Thank You! 24:54 I know it's not editing but damn his Seiyuu can scream TREMENDOUSLY well. That sold the whole sequence for me. One of my top 10 screams for sure. I forget the rest 26:03 King Records ended up vindicated later, as while he does die in the manga, Rebuild keeps him alive. What a mindset change. 27:12 Yes and yes. It was less so than the first few, but very interetsing and great!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you for all your comments! I had a great time reading through them, and I'm glad you're enjoying the videos so much. I hope they continue living up to expectations!

[@gabrote42]

@@timberw0lfstudios You're welcome. I hope to next time make a good enough comment to merit a timestamped response. Have a great week.

[@atrim07]

(On my first rewatch of these videos) This is my favourite video essay/analysis sereis on evangelion by a long shot. Funny enough, the better media to check out for Evangelion isn't anything i found. But things referred to or linked (under) in these videos Tysm

[@timberw0lfstudios]

You're so very welcome! Glad you're enjoying the videos and that they're proving to be rewatchable!

[@ViviBuchlaw]

Oh girl, you KNOW I'm watching this frame 1

[@whosilence]

I was just thinking it was time for the next installment the other day! I won't bother complimenting everything as everyone else did already (and I'm not really good at this). Just know you have us all hooked. I love how the secrets start to unravel at this point in the series, and how the whole Toji's suspense is foreshadowing that if you just "follow the script" you're gonna miss on some big stuff in the near future. Just like Misato was mislead into mistaking Lilith for Adam. Act IV is the tipping point of the series, really; it's where it truly starts to shine.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Super well said: from here on out, nothing is really as it seems, and it takes a keen eye to pick up on everything. We're definitely moving into the most challenging part of the series, especially from an analytical point of view. Thank you so much for the compliments, support, and encouragement. It means a lot to have these videos received so positively, and I'm excited to continue covering more soon!

[@wiitchiimage]

In all sincerity this series has become one of my favorites, if not, my most favorite in the entirety of KZbin. Your analysis and eye for detail is astounding. I feel as if I get to watch my favorite show for the first time again. Take all the time you need to continue to bring us this top tier content. I will have my notifications on in the meantime. ☺️

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, thank you so much! I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying the series and finding it insightful and valuable. I've loved getting to study one of my favorite shows in depth, and knowing others are enjoying it just as much warms my heart. Thank you for your support and encouragement; I hope the rest of the series continues to live up to expectations!

[@agostonpad4183]

11:48 for me, the fact that the cams keep on changing places shows the discomfort of the situation. But ofc its highly subjective

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I agree. Difficult to pin any particular reasoning to the technique, but a fun interpretation we get out of it.

[@MechasterReal]

It is pretty cool when he gets to be saved in the Super Robot Wars games, just wish he did a bit more in them.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Totally. He deserved so much better.

[@thekeithclan3041]

So, have to say that I just found this series of videos, and it is one of my favorite video essays I have seen, up there with the RyanStorm ones if you ask me. The emergence of this series is also just super well timed. Because I have been brainstorming and roughly story boarding an animation project that a friend and I are working on, and I was looking for inspiration for the editing and cinematography. The fact that I found this series this week as it is nearing its completion is just awesome to me. I am excited to see and hear your thoughts on the fascinating close of this series and also definitely hope for the possibility of a similar video essay or series on The End of Evangelion at some point after this series concludes. Know that your insights have highlighted some filmmaking techniques from NGE that I intend to make use of in my project with my friend.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much, both for the feedback and support, and letting me know these videos have helped you in your own creative journey. My hope was to share my passion and teach others about the beauty we see in the things we love, and knowing these videos are doing just that warms my soul. Thank you again, and I hope your project goes super well!

[@hug-the-raccoon]

I love it it when youtube recoomended you a video with spoiler on the title

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Is it a spoiler?

[@blahblahblahbloohblah]

When you mention the shoe thing with Rei it really makes a lot of sense, and why she stands out so much. She’s not Japanese. Even Asuka as a foreigner understands the customs, but Rei was never socialized.

[@RiqMoran]

We are so barack

[@idonnow2]

Another asbsolute banger. This episode is my favorite of the series because it's so masterfully crafted. I love how the end reveal HITS like a reveal despite the fact we as the audience kinda know, but since the narrative revolves around Shinji's ignorance and everyone dancing around it, what really hits you is the reveal to him rather than to the audience, which sets up the explosive wrath of next episode.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Absolutely. It's a fantastically crafted arc, and hits all the emotional beats perfectly. Super excited to cover next episode with all of its fallout!

[@AndrewDasilvaPLT]

21:00 - All I can think about is Mega64's "who is the pilot" skit during this part of the ep no matter how hard I try to stay with the show.

[@areiko6245]

"CONFIRMATION IT'S NOT MY BEST FRIEND INSIDE THERE?" can't blame that shit is the funniest thing ever

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Never seen it, but now you know I'm gonna check it out!

[@SnackMuay]

The scene with the dummy plug is the most revolting thing I’ve ever experienced in film. I feel gross. It makes my skin crawl. Shinji being completely helpless as someone else forcefully manipulates his “body” to cause him immense emotional harm. For me it’s more viscerally violating than any SA scene I’ve ever watched, and I don’t say that lightly. Just experiencing that episode felt traumatic for me as a viewer. I can’t imagine how the character of shinji is feeling in the aftermath.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Absolutely. In concept and execution, everything about the Dummy Plug is horrendous and petrifying. To feel trapped in a possessed body while engaging in the most brutal human act is nothing to take lightly, and the outcome is so starkly illustrated that it's difficult not to feel sick.

[@svipulvalke9913]

'Hikari prepares a meal for a man who will never return to her' This may seem like a nitpick, but I think it's important to remember that we're not talking about adults here. They're all fourteen. Toji is barely a teenager. I know you're aware of this, but I feel there's something concerning here about referring to Toji as though he is a grown adult simply bc we're talking briefly about romantic interaction. He's not a man away at war, he's a child that was put into a machine he had very little understanding of, and essentually sacrificed to it. Even with maturity, and being forced to grow up fast, we can't forget that this show is essentually about awful things being done to children for the sake of the human race. 'The end justified the means' as Gendo loves to say, and I feel as though through episodes like this we're being asked, 'well? does it?'

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Absolutely. The line between child and adult is so often blurred to help distinguish the definition of human, and these moments highlight the issue of justification in a world with steadily dwindling options. Well said, and totally right.

[@_GeneralMechanics_]

What's fascinating is how the manga adaptation of this chapter of the series is the complete opposite of the anime. There is no mystery for the audience that Toji was chosen, and Shinji is one of the first to know. Rather than coming along with Shinji to Rei's apartment, Toji invites Shinji with him to join him and his grandfather for dinner, at which time Toji breaks down and tells Shinji he's scared. Shinji tries to reassure him it will be okay, but as the events unfold like they do in the anime, Shinji is the one to tell Rei and Asuka the identity of Unit 03's pilot which causes them to hesitate and ultimately lose. Toji is killed, and so in the next chapter it's Shinji (having another dream) waking up in the hospital bed with Hikari at his bedside asking where Toji is before immediately accusing him of killing Toji.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Fascinating indeed. So the manga version definitely puts a lot more responsibility on Shinji and the part he played in Toji's death. I can see that having significantly divergent outcomes and moral quandaries compared to the original show. Very interesting; thank you for sharing!

[@_GeneralMechanics_]

@@timberw0lfstudios No problem, this was great video and I see I'm not the only one who thought it was worth sharing. Thinking about this moment's readaptation in the Rebuild films, what makes it far darker (besides the haunting children's song in the background) is the Dummy system doesn't just activate like a disk drive and turn the Eva into a pseudo-berserker mode, it physically "comes alive" so to speak with a figure that unfolds from the back of the entry plug that wraps itself around Shinji, not only making him watch what's happening through a monitor forced directly over his face, but it locks his hands onto the controls while doing it. He isn't so much a passenger of a rogue monster, but an unwilling participant to the implied death of Unit 03's pilot.

[@victorfergn]

I don't think it's stated it's his grandfather. Asuka finds out just like in the anime, she sees it on Kaji's computer. Hikari and Kensuke never find out Toji is dead. It's Kaji the one who tells Shinji that he let Toji die so he has to face the consequences of his actions so he has to learn the truth about Nerv... just like him (because Kaji betrayed his brother and friends when he was Shinji's age and caused their deaths)

[@steverowe6633]

Best series on youtube, hands down

[@timberw0lfstudios]

You flatter me, honestly. For real though, thank you so much! Glad you're enjoying it so far!

[@kena5217]

Now I'm excited about Asuka's scene in the evangelion. I'd like to see your opinion about it. Amazing episode, this series is my most anticipated one! Great work!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I'm also super excited to get to Asuka and her conclusion. So many wonderful and wonderfully crafted moments surrounding her as we move to finish the series. Thank you so much for your excitement and support!

[@zachbrehany2253]

Dude, this is beautiful. Completely beautiful work. Once a year I usually have whoever I crush on watch the complete OG series and EoE as a way to figure me out. These videos do so much to help with explaining what's going on. I can only imagine the field day you'll have when you start working on the end. Until then, here to studying your videos.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, thank you so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying the series and finding it insightful. I've really loved producing these videos, and I'm super excited to cover their conclusion. Thank you for your feedback and support, it means the world!

[@JodaroKujo]

24:50 honestly This scene just reminds me so much of Goku turning Super Saiyan for the first time Though the scream heard in this scene isn’t one of pure rage But one of horror

[@danielkaragic7057]

No way!! After the thousandth replay of your series i asked when we get new stuff just two days ago. Man that is my week. Thank you as always, there is so much depth and eye for detail in your analysisses-sis-e?

[@timberw0lfstudios]

You're so welcome! I'm glad this video dropped just in time, and I'm excited to cover more soon!

[@alucard96FB]

Will be waiting part 9 of this series with diminishing patience.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

That makes me even more excited to tease that it'll be here sooner than expected.

[@ComfortsSpecter]

It took Ten Years But He’s back Thank You

[@drewdanz1678]

This was absolutely amazing. I love the deep dive into all the little details I never noticed. Great job . I really appreciate you bringing all the small details to light that make this story so great. I'll definitely be checking out your other videos.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! I'm so glad you found the video entertaining and enlightening, and I hope the other videos live up to expectations! Thank you for your support!

[@ytsejam58]

When i was first watching the show, i thought Pen Pen was going to be the pilot of unit 3 (unit 4? Because 3 blew up. Right?)

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I believe Unit-04 was the under construction unit in Nevada. Unit-03 was already complete and flown in from Massachusetts. Either way, Pen Pen needs to pilot.

[@kennethshaw2619]

Man, your dedication to this series is inspiring!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, thank you so much! I'm glad you're finding it valuable and enjoyable! Thank you for your support and encouragement!

[@bluewings2]

Great analysis ! I like this guy, his attitude and development in the show were interesting. It makes me wonder if the fact that Toji dies in the manga was because the writer think it's a better story that way or an homage to Anno initial vision.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed! I think it's likely Toji's fate in the manga was both a streamlined writing decision and reference to Anno's original vision. Many details were refined in the pages of the manga.

[@ugatobekittenme]

Thank you again for making such a deep and thoughtful review of an otherwise looked over character. I look forward to more of your high effort videos!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, thank you so much! It was my pleasure to highlight Toji and his arc, and I'm excited to cover more in the future! I hope these videos keep living up to your expectations!

[@kurokun07]

i hope this video is not demonetized,, it's so well made and it will make me sad if the creator did not get any revenue for his effort

[@timberw0lfstudios]

No worries! As of now, KZbin has been kind enough to continue supporting the channel monetarily: no work going unpaid. Thank you so much for your concern and support!

[@tonii-chan]

Hi, new viewer here, and I would just like to say that I have been watching your evangelion analysis videos alongside my second rewatch of the anime in preparation for end of evangelion in theaters, and I gotta say, these are the best evangelion videos I have seen! Well structured with insightful commentary that helps me realize new things about the anime despite watching it for a third time! There is so much discussion to be had about evangelion and these videos are a wonderful addition to the franchise. Thank you very much for what you do!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! I'm so glad these videos are proving valuable and insightful to others. I was really hoping to have the whole series covered before the End of Evangelion's release, but alas, it wasn't meant to be. Thank you so much for your support and feedback, it really means the world!

[@Wawrzino]

Splendid episode as always. Don't rush, we can wait as much as needed for the next one ;) Also Toji in manga adaptation died

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, thank you so much, Piotr! It's such an encouragement to know I've got a loyal audience like you to always have my back. I'll keep doing my best! It makes sense that Toji passes in the manga adaptation. I can definitely see where Anno wanted to make that decision.

[@the8thsquare]

This was the moment of no return for me, where the series took a turn. Not friendship, but brutality and realism took over and this was way more than an anime that made me uncomfortable. What a scene, with more to come.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Absolutely. The commitment to the twist is brutal, and I'm glad the show maintained the new dynamic all the way to the end.

[@sigurdreinset4293]

you know i find it verry funny whenever you mention something being on the nose or unsubtle to you but every single time it's shit that compleatly flew over my head. that's not to mention the stuff you point out as subtly crafted

[@timberw0lfstudios]

It's my intention to make the obscure seem obvious, but never to insinuate anyone's lack of intellect while doing so. Sorry if it came off that way! I have to remind myself sometimes that what seems obvious on the third watch is...well, only obvious on the third watch.

[@sigurdreinset4293]

@@timberw0lfstudios pffft true that, and dw, no offense taken

[@silentPilgrimage]

It was worth to wait this long from last episode release. Great job guys! :-)

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! Glad you found the wait worthwhile; thank you for your patience and support!

[@Rx39]

Dude you need more subs your editing and content is so good

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying the content. Our community is small, but we're steadily growing. Thank you for your encouragement and support!

[@PeDr0.UY131]

ohhhhh it's true, you can't see his leg in the hospital bed. I hadn't seen it, it's too subtle. Thanks for another excellent analysis👏👏👏👏👏👏. I can't wait for you to review the Rebuilds movies.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! Honestly I also missed his absent leg during my first watch. It's amazing how many little details can get overlooked. Hopefully one day I'll cover the Rebuilds. Until then, thank you so much for your feedback and support!

[@phoebe.yusong]

Babe wake up a new Timberwolf vid just dropped🤭🥳

[@rei_frajernami_philleotardo]

12:12 soft drinks of choice, any kind you like

[@timberw0lfstudios]

So it seems!

[@rei_frajernami_philleotardo]

@@timberw0lfstudios no no I mean the sopranos, youve seen it ?

[@TBoneTony]

I guess we have the reason why the final 2 episodes of Neon Genesis happened the way they did. No way would the end of Evangelion be able to be shown in full context if King Records was still controlling what Anno was able to do behind the scenes.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

For sure. There's a level of censorship Gainax had to work around throughout the series, especially nearing the conclusion, and knowing about their limitations puts a lot of creative decisions into perspective.

[@Brennanrr]

Shame for posting this right as I’m going to bed. However, still great and I love your work

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! Sorry the timing was so inopportune for you: I hope you enjoy when you get around to it!

[@Brennanrr]

@@timberw0lfstudios watched it on my way to school! Amazing as always

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww awesome! And thank you so much; I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@raphi____6735]

6:18 also there is a lil red orb right where a core would be lool

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Good catch!

[@oblivi0nzer0]

Watching this made my day. I love how much content you are putting out and the depths of explanation with the appropriate cuts

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, thank you so much! A lot of work goes into all these videos (this one especially!), and knowing all that effort never goes unappreciated helps keep me going. Thank you for your feedback and support!

[@carlosblanco8818]

This was so good man really good take your time relax because this was really well made so keep it up👍

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! I really appreciate it, and I'll keep doing my best!

[@Velociferon]

Oh man i have been waiting for when i had time to savor this vid

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I hope it lives up to expectations!

[@SalvoVultaggio]

Brilliant as always! Incredible analysis. Thank you for keeping do it!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! I'm glad it's continuing to live up to expectations, and I promise I'll keep doing my best!

[@hermitena]

1:09 why did i get an ad after you said that

[@timberw0lfstudios]

KZbin timing, I suppose

[@billydablob]

I never comment but this was just excellent. Nice work

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed!

[@retroanimemike]

You butcher, those poor names! With that out of the way, great video! The fiendish brutality of Toji's death (how could anyone or anything survive THAT!) is a clear demarcation within Evangelion, not that there was no bloody murder before but now it is the death of a friend by our hands. In Episode 1 we saw conflict was ugly, Episode 2 shows us we are made ugly by conflict (the mirror), but Episode 18 lays it on thick with the extreme depths of depravity conflict can drive us to. And the Rebuild using Give Me Wings for this scene is mind-shattering levels of narrative dissonance, brilliant! But you talk about the "main course" the least, it is all about the "serving" isn't it. Setting up all the little details so the message isn't obvious but isn't lost either. The subtle symbolic hand gestures - I always snap back to Asuka clenching at the Sun, a hurt ego willing to destroy the world to preserve one's place, but is denied and thus suffers a fate worse than death. Hands talk a lot. When you said Toji is Shinji's most integral male role model and thus had to die i took that as you would be getting into some feminist theory on here, and you basically just namedropped a book on fascism - i feel these could have easily gotten a lot more time but now i got a book to read! Captivating is a good word for it.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I kid you not, as I was recording this episode, I had the thought "Mike is gonna wanna kill me for my pronunciations;" at least I wasn't disappointed! Seriously though, you're spot on: hands say a lot, and the layers of complexity from here on out become more and more nuanced. I didn't cover the Fascism of Fantasy and Love only because there isn't an English translation, but I did study a few in-depth summaries people online have been willing to share. By Anno's own admission, the book itself is quite boring, but there are a number of parallel arcs and themes he clearly took inspiration from. As always, thank you for your continued feedback and support. I always look forward to your replies, and I'm glad these videos are still captivating!

[@ChristianAlarcon1]

I was really looking forward to your next video and even though I haven't finished it yet I already feel all your hard work! I love it and keep them coming!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! Having such incredible support as yours helps keep me going! Thank you for all the encouragement!

[@tabryis]

stellar analysis

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@Shinji0Ikari007]

Dude, thank you so much!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

No, thank YOU for the constant encouragement and support!

[@KuroShiiiiro]

yessss. one day soon ima rewatch the show, but stuff like this gets me in the mood fr. act 4 was prolly my favorite and this reminded me why (:

[@timberw0lfstudios]

It's definitely worth the rewatch, but until you get around to that, I'm glad to know this series is putting you in the mood! Act IV is definitely one of my favorites, and I'm excited to continue covering it.

[@fiskmode3666]

Loving this series so much!!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much; I'm so glad!

[@systemverilog4727]

I remember showing NGE to my roommate and his GF a few years ago. There is a lot to appreciate about how painful they make the hints at Toji being the fourth. I remember when it clicked for my roommate when Toji shoots the basketball and he said, "oh! It's him, isn't it?" There is also so much to appreciate about the scene when unit 01 tears unit 03 apart. There is something so much more unsettling about showing the terror on the faces of everyone at Nerv more than the carnage itself; especially Maya Ibuki flinching and covering her face and eyes. (The Nerv employees stunned faces have been used before, but they just hit so much harder with the music too. OH MY GOSH the music also helps sell the scene!) And when unit 01 crushed the entry plug, my roommate's GF has to cover her mouth because of how horrified she was at Toji, a child, effectively dying in Shinji's hands. Anyway, the buildup of visual suggestions at Toji being the fourth, the music, the terror in everyone's faces, all really add up to be one of the best scenes in the show IMO.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Absolutely. It's directed to perfection, and built to masterfully. Definitely one of the best scenes in the show, and the consequences last till the end of the series.

[@systemverilog4727]

Dramatic Irony. That's the term I was looking for. The audience has all of the hints that Toji is the fourth pilot, so it just makes it more painful to see Shinji not know. But the fact that it's never actually said that it's Toji gives us as the audience hope that we could have been incorrect, all the way until Misato breaks the news to Shinji. We as the audience end up not wanting to hear the truth, even tho we deep down cannot deny what NGE has already given us.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Exactly. You're spot on.

[@josedorsaith5261]

I think i remember one of the NERV staffers vomiting in the background. None of them were happy about using dummy plugs, which makes Gendo taking control more shady

[@gadelhudoar1184]

A nice surprise to start the week.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I love surprises: figured some of you might as well!