![]() Interestingly, their roles are reversed as Asuka is the one that provokes and initiates the kiss, but it is Kaji that kisses a self-castigating Misato. While Shinji and Asuka come to a turning a point (the kiss in Episode 15) but fail to reach out to one another, at the very same time Misato and Kaji are able to rekindle their relationship and enjoy brief, but real intimacy and happiness. ![]() This is in contrast to Gendo and Ritsuko's relationship, who also follow similar patterns but are far more negative and escapist, with Gendo very clearly being associated as a Shinji that never got past his issues even into adulthood, particularly in Episode 21. Kaji and Misato can also be seen as relatively positive adult versions of them, that have gone through similar hardships and trauma but mostly overcome them, even though they still carry some scars. In episode 11 both pairs end up in compromising positions. ![]() This is also supported in a more subtextual manner via clever use of cuts during important moments to establish a parallel between the Shinji/Asuka relationship and that of Misato and Kaji. Then you realize that Hikari has already figured out that they are a couple, and feels that it is Shinji's responsibility to protect Asuka from this sort of humiliation. On the surface, it's hard to understand exactly how Shinji is responsible. After Asuka runs from the room Hikari says to Shinji: "Go after her! You made a girl cry!". Misato has momentarily substituted Rei for Asuka in the synchro-attack training and Rei aces it the first try. They are quarreling like a married couple.Īnother example would be in Episode 09. The classmates always know first: The pause in the second image before they deny their relationship typically shows that Toji's observation is correct. Friends see a relationship of which the character's themselves are blind, either teasing or offering advice, however their mutual insecurities keep them from attaining something deeper. Circumstances push them into continued proximity, with sexual tension and slowly building mutual acceptance, as Asuka and Shinji both begin to impact one another's development as a character and as a person. They have an eventful first meeting, complete with instant dislike and sexual misunderstandings. Throughout the Action Arc and into the beginning of the Descent Arc their interactions follow many conventions of romantic comedy. As such, the narrative consistently uses Asuka and Shinji's interactions to expose its themes, as the clashing of two characters that are superficially the opposite but in fact foils to one another, two sides of the same coin that allow the show to explore questions of individuality, intimacy, relationships, self-defense mechanisms, insecurity and many of the themes encompassed in the central metaphor of the show, the Hedgehog's Dilemma. However, it is the evidence presented in the show that makes it clear that they are the show's primary relationship. As stated above, there is no closure such as them accepting their feelings and acknowledging them to each other and possibly to others as well. There is no clear answer, as their relationship is unlike those traditionally portrayed in this sort of story.
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