n episode nine of this controversial series, German EVA pilot Asuka Sohryu
is still playing the prima donna. She prances about, flaunting her
popularity at school, bragging nonstop about her technical prowess, and
shrilly abusing the other two child pilots responsible for keeping Earth
safe from the mysterious invaders called Angels. She makes a point of her
independence, insisting on tackling each new alien attacker on her own.
When the newest Angel proves capable of splitting into two discrete
creatures, however, she and series star Shinji Ikari are forced to learn to
operate their battle mecha in perfect harmony to take both enemies down.
But first they have to learn to -- literally -- live together.
In episode 10, a new anomaly turns up -- an embryonic Angel enfolded in
a chrysalis deep in a bed of molten magma. Despite its critically dangerous
surroundings, it remains Earth's first real chance to capture and analyze a
live Angel. Asuka, naturally, is ready to storm in on her own, boasting all
the way. But the embryo isn't nearly as dormant as it looks.
Throughout both fast-paced adventures, the Evangelion cast
continues its more subtle development. Withdrawn EVA pilot Rei shows her
competence every time she opens her mouth, Misato's old love affair
threatens to heat up again despite her best efforts, and even Asuka briefly
threatens to reveal some hidden depths.
All this and brains too
Neon Genesis Evangelion 0:5 features the series' most
exciting and creative action sequences to date, as Asuka battles a
stingray-like Angel deep under the earth's surface, and she and Shinji
engage twin enemies in a perfectly stunning, highly stylized, synchronized
battle ballet.
These episodes are also far funnier than usual, as Asuka provides the
series with its first major outlet for slapstick humor and comedy relief.
The break is welcome, considering the story's usually somber, even brutal
tone.
If there's a false note in these latest episodes, it's Asuka's sheer
crassness, which stretches the boundaries even of hyperbole. Whether she's
whining about how her thermal suit makes her look fat or grabbing her
breasts to demonstrate thermodynamic principles, she's constantly over the
top. Fortunately, her main competition has toned down -- in an intriguing
development, Misato seems to spend both these episodes trying to be a
straight-faced commander in spite of her own notable character flaws.
The dichotomy of her character -- which has especially intriguing
ramifications considering Evangelion's ongoing emphasis on
internal change and personal responsibility -- continues to make this a
series for serious, thoughtful fans to follow. But these two episodes in
particular have something for just about everyone.
