Neon Genesis Evangelion, Collection 0:4 (Episodes 12-14)
Director Hideaki Anno explores the pasts of his characters in these episodes, revealing the events that molded their personalities. In a flashback, Misato, who has just been promoted to major, recalls how her father rescued her from the destruction caused by the Second Impact. Her resentment of his single-minded devotion to his work at the expense of his family mirrors Shinji's troubled relationship with his father, Commander Ikari. Misato's experiences, which left her physically and psychologically scarred, caused her to dedicate her life to fighting the Angels. Shinji, the reluctant warrior, is dumbfounded when his aloof father praises his performance in battle but realizes he became an Eva pilot to hear those words. Ritsuko reveals her difficult relationship with her mother, who helped to create the powerful trio of computers known as the Magi. A colony of microscopic Angels invade the Magi, threatening NERV and Tokyo 3, but are defeated at the last possible moment. After two hard-hitting episodes, Anno changes pace in "Seele." Commander Ikari recaps the Angel attacks and assures his superiors that everything is unfolding according to a plan revealed in the Dead Sea Scrolls--setting the stage for the next adventures. Not rated; suitable for ages 14 and up for robot versus robot violence, brief nudity, and minor profanity.--Charles Solomon