Neon Genesis Evangelion Wasted Its Most Underexposed Character (And It’s a Shame)

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The anime series “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” first aired in 1995, is often hailed as one of the greatest anime productions ever made. This early prestige anime combines action, science fiction, and complex storylines with profound character analysis. However, despite its widespread acclaim from viewers, many acknowledge it as a flawed masterpiece, particularly due to its contentious conclusion, which was rectified in the 1997 film, “The End of Evangelion.” Yet, there’s another concern that arises from the series, and it’s one of the most disheartening aspects – its execution.

The animated series, titled “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” revolves around Shinji Ikari, a teenager chosen to operate a colossal robot, referred to as an Eva, in order to protect the planet from enigmatic beings called Angels. Notably, “NGE” boasts some of the most intricate and well-developed characterizations seen in anime, with Shinji, Asuka, and Rei each undergoing rich and substantial character transformations. However, when it comes to the show’s secondary characters, there were instances where the narrative didn’t always know how to utilize them effectively, resulting in missed opportunities for compelling storytelling.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Wasted One of Its Most Interesting Characters

Warning: This discussion may reveal key plot points from the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series. When not engaged in piloting EVA-01 or experiencing emotional turmoil, Shinji spends his time at school. Initially, he lacked companionship and sat on his own, but soon struck up friendships with Kensuke Aida and Toji Suzuhara. These friendships proved crucial for Shinji as he navigated the challenges of balancing his personal emotions with his duties as an EVA pilot, offering him solace and support during difficult times.

In the anime “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” Toji and Kensuke weren’t provided with extensive backstories, but their interactions with Shinji and their admiration for Misato made them likable characters on their own merit. As the story unfolded, the series delivered one of its most captivating twists. The question of who would pilot EVA-03 in Episodes 17 and 18 was left hanging, with Shinji, Asuka, and Rei expecting a foreign student to take the role. However, it was eventually disclosed that all students at Shinji’s school were potential candidates for piloting the Evas.

This crucial turn of events unfolds when it’s disclosed that Toji is now the pilot, with everyone except Shinji being aware of this fact. When Toji lost command over his EVA, Shinji was tasked with neutralizing the danger, but Gendo Ikari, his father, issued the order to annihilate the newly developed EVA (and consequently, its pilot). A chilling scene depicting Shinji’s shock and despair as Toji’s body is removed from the EVA’s entry port is one of the series’ most heart-wrenching instances. However, the show failed to fully explore or capitalize on this impactful moment.

Evangelion Could Have Done More with Toji

In the aftermath of EVA-03’s destruction and Toji’s grave injuries at the end of Episode 18, the series skillfully built upon the intricacies of Shinji’s troubled mind. Yet, surprisingly, the significant revelation in Episode 19 – Toji’s survival, though with a lost leg – seems to have been underutilized. The subsequent visit by Shinji to the hospital where Toji lay wounded is barely revisited. This neglect continues as we move further into the series, for it transpires that only a few episodes later, Toji and all of Shinji’s classmates, including himself, were evacuated from town and remain absent from the show thereafter.

There’s a lot of discussion among fans about whether the anime should have let Toji perish in the story. Whether you agree or not, the series missed a significant chance by not exploring the consequences of the EVA-03 event further. Given Shinji’s precarious mental condition prior to the battle, Toji’s brush with death could have been the catalyst for Shinji to eventually leave the EVA program. Moreover, additional scenes featuring Shinji, Toji, and Kensuke post-incident would have enriched their friendship dynamic.

Throughout its 26 episodes, “Neon Genesis Evangelion” (NGE) does an impressive job of many aspects that elevate it to an exceptional series. However, there are numerous instances where opportunities were missed, and these oversights have been appreciated more in the years since its initial release, thanks to movie reboots and sequels. Regrettably, even in these new versions, the character Toji remains underdeveloped.

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2025-07-22 17:10