Unlike traditional "Mecha" heroes who enjoy their power, Shinji is portrayed as a traumatized child soldier. The episode ends not with a victory lap, but with Shinji breaking down in tears and Toji unable to find the courage to apologize over the phone. Notable Dub Cast (Original vs. Netflix)
Depending on which version you are watching, the voices for these key characters change significantly: Original ADV Dub 2019 Netflix Dub Spike Spencer Casey Mongillo Misato Katsuragi Allison Keith-Shipp Carrie Keranen Toji Suzuhara Joe Pisano Johnny Yong Bosch Kensuke Aida Kurt Stoll Ben Diskin Neon Genesis Evangelion (Dub) Episode 3
We see Shinji repeating the mantra, "Target in the center, pull the switch," showing how he is trying to turn himself into a mindless tool to cope with the stress of combat. Unlike traditional "Mecha" heroes who enjoy their power,
Dr. Ritsuko Akagi uses this fable to describe Shinji's social anxiety—like hedgehogs, humans want to get close for warmth but fear being hurt by each other's "spines". Netflix) Depending on which version you are watching,
To protect them, Misato orders the two boys into the Eva’s entry plug (cockpit). There, they witness firsthand the sheer physical and mental agony Shinji endures while piloting. Defying a direct order to retreat, Shinji snaps and brutally destroys the Angel with his Progressive Knife just as the Eva's power runs out. Key Themes & Analysis
Three weeks after his first battle, Shinji Ikari begins attending school in Tokyo-3. While he tries to remain invisible, his identity as an Evangelion pilot is quickly discovered.