The End of Evangelion: Two Paths to the Same Question
For fans of the anime phenomenon Neon Genesis Evangelion, the question of "Why does Eva have two endings?" is as iconic as the series itself. It’s a debate that has raged for decades, sparking countless online discussions, academic analyses, and even inspiring in-universe explanations. The truth is, Evangelion didn't just have two endings; it had two distinct conclusions released at different times, each addressing the story's profound philosophical and psychological themes in unique, yet ultimately interconnected, ways.
The original television series, which concluded in 1996, ended with episodes 25 and 26, often referred to as "The End of Evangelion" (TV version). However, this conclusion was met with widespread disappointment and confusion from a significant portion of the fanbase. The episodes focused almost entirely on the internal psychological struggles of the protagonist, Shinji Ikari, and other characters, utilizing abstract imagery and philosophical monologues rather than a traditional narrative resolution. This introspective approach, while artistically bold, left many viewers feeling unsatisfied, craving a more concrete explanation for the events of the series.
This backlash led to the creation of a theatrical film, The End of Evangelion, released in 1997. This film served as an alternate, more action-oriented, and arguably more violent, conclusion to the story. It depicts the catastrophic climax of the Human Instrumentality Project, the series' overarching plot device aimed at uniting humanity into a single, collective consciousness. This version offered a visceral and often disturbing visual representation of the project's final moments and Shinji's ultimate choice.
The Original TV Ending: A Psychological Catharsis
The first ending, contained within the final two episodes of the TV series, is a masterclass in introspective storytelling. It eschews external conflict for an internal one, delving deep into the psyches of Shinji, Rei Ayanami, and Asuka Langley Soryu. Here's a breakdown of what transpired:
- The Solipsistic Journey: Shinji finds himself adrift in a surreal, abstract world where the boundaries between self and others dissolve. He confronts his own insecurities, his fear of intimacy, and his deep-seated feelings of worthlessness.
- The Power of Self-Acceptance: Through a series of introspective dialogues and vivid symbolic imagery, Shinji is forced to confront his past traumas and his inability to connect with others. He grapples with the idea that if he doesn't acknowledge himself, no one else can truly see him.
- The "Congratulations!" Moment: The climax of the TV ending sees Shinji, through sheer force of will and self-acceptance, break through this existential barrier. The abstract world solidifies, and he is met with the congratulatory applause of the other characters. This signifies his triumph over his internal demons and his ability to embrace life and his relationships, even with all their imperfections.
- Ambiguity and Interpretation: While presented as a positive outcome for Shinji, this ending remains highly ambiguous. Did he truly achieve a resolution, or is this merely a mental construct? The lack of concrete answers left many fans feeling bewildered.
Why the Controversy?
The primary reason for the backlash against the TV ending was its perceived lack of traditional narrative closure. Viewers had invested hours into a complex sci-fi story filled with mecha battles, apocalyptic threats, and political intrigue. The sudden shift to a deeply philosophical and psychological exploration of Shinji's mind felt like a bait-and-switch to many. They wanted answers about the Angels, NERV, SEELE, and the ultimate fate of the world, not just a lesson in self-love.
The Film Ending: The Brutal Reality of Instrumentality
The End of Evangelion film, on the other hand, delivers a much more overt and apocalyptic conclusion to the Human Instrumentality Project. This ending is characterized by its visceral imagery, intense action, and a deeply unsettling depiction of the project's final stages.
- The Attack on NERV: The film opens with the United Nations forces launching a brutal assault on NERV headquarters following the Second Impact. This sets a tone of desperate survival and escalating conflict.
- The Human Instrumentality Project in Full Swing: As the chaos unfolds, SEELE initiates the Human Instrumentality Project. The LCL fluid, a primordial soup that humanity originated from, begins to fill the world. Giant Lilith, the progenitor of humankind, is impaled by Shinji's Lance of Longinus.
- Shinji's Choice and its Consequences: In the midst of this catastrophic event, Shinji is presented with the choice to either embrace Instrumentality and merge with everyone into a single being, or to reject it and retain individuality, even if it means suffering. His decision is deeply influenced by his interactions with Rei and his own internalized pain.
- A World of Souls: The film depicts the world dissolving into a sea of LCL, with the souls of humanity floating within. Shinji, overwhelmed by the suffering and the desire to escape his own pain, ultimately rejects Instrumentality, choosing to return to a world where individuals can hurt each other, but also love each other.
- The Final Scene on the Beach: The film concludes with Shinji and Asuka standing on a desolate beach. Asuka, still traumatized, attempts to strangle Shinji, but then inexplicably strokes his face. Shinji, in turn, utters the now-infamous line, "I find the world disgusting." This ending is bleak, filled with despair, but also hints at the possibility of renewed connection.
Why the Film Ending?
The film ending was created to provide a more traditional narrative resolution and to address the criticisms leveled against the TV conclusion. It offers a visual and dramatic spectacle that fans had been anticipating. However, it also presented a darker, more cynical view of humanity and the outcome of the Human Instrumentality Project, leaving many viewers with a sense of profound sadness and existential dread.
Connecting the Two Endings: A Unified Vision?
Despite their vastly different approaches, many fans and critics argue that the two endings are not mutually exclusive but rather two sides of the same coin. The TV ending can be seen as Shinji's internal victory, his ability to find peace within himself. The film ending can be interpreted as the external manifestation of that internal struggle, the harsh reality of the world he must navigate with his newfound self-awareness.
Director Hideaki Anno himself has offered various interpretations over the years. Some believe he intended the TV ending to be the true resolution, while others see the film as a more complete, albeit brutal, narrative conclusion. The brilliance of Evangelion lies in this very ambiguity. It forces the audience to confront their own desires for closure and their own philosophical stances on individuality, connection, and the nature of reality.
"The point of Evangelion is not to give you answers, but to make you ask the questions." - A common sentiment among fans and critics.
Ultimately, the existence of two endings for Evangelion is a testament to its complex and challenging nature. It's a series that refused to conform to easy answers, instead opting to explore the depths of human psychology and the existential anxieties of its audience. Both endings, in their own way, force us to reflect on what it means to be human and the profound choices we make in the face of suffering and the desire for connection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How did the TV ending address the plot of Evangelion?
A: The TV ending, episodes 25 and 26, largely abandoned the external plot points of Evangelion. Instead, it focused almost exclusively on the internal psychological states of the main characters, particularly Shinji Ikari. Through abstract visuals and introspective dialogues, the episodes explored themes of self-worth, isolation, and the fear of human connection. The "resolution" came when Shinji accepted himself, leading to a moment of collective acknowledgment from the other characters.
Q: Why was the film, "The End of Evangelion," created?
A: The film was created in response to the significant dissatisfaction and confusion felt by many viewers and fans regarding the abstract and introspective nature of the original TV series finale. They were seeking a more concrete and action-oriented conclusion to the overarching narrative of the Human Instrumentality Project and the ongoing conflict with the Angels and SEELE.
Q: Can the two endings be reconciled?
A: Many fans and critics believe the two endings can be reconciled as different perspectives on the same events. The TV ending can be seen as Shinji's internal journey towards self-acceptance and mental peace, while the film ending depicts the external, often brutal, manifestation of the Human Instrumentality Project and Shinji's choice within that chaotic reality. The film ending can be interpreted as the world reflecting Shinji's internal state.
