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The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still

"The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still"[a] is the eleventh episode of the Japanese anime television series Neon Genesis Evangelion, which was created by Gainax. The episode, written by Hideaki Anno and Yoji Enokido and directed by Tetsuya Watanabe, was first broadcast on TV Tokyo on December 13, 1995. The series is set fifteen years after a worldwide cataclysm named Second Impact and is mostly set in the futuristic, fortified city of Tokyo-3. The series' protagonist is Shinji Ikari, a teenage boy who is recruited by his father Gendo to the special military organization Nerv to pilot a gigantic, bio-mechanical mecha named Evangelion into combat with beings called Angels. In this episode, the special agency Nerv suddenly experiences a blackout due to sabotage by unidentified third parties. The three Evangelion mecha pilots, Shinji, Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu, join forces to take down the ninth Angel, Matarael.

"The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still"
Neon Genesis Evangelion episode
Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu discuss the reasons for the attacks of the Angels lying on a hill as they see the stars of the Milky Way. Analyzing the scene, writer Dennis Redmond described Rei as a symbol of an empty and "lyric neonational interiority", while Asuka as a mirror of a pragmatic and "outrageous multinational exteriority".
Episode no.Episode 11
Directed byTetsuya Watanabe
Written byHideaki Anno, Yoji Enokido
Original air dateDecember 13, 1995 (1995-12-13)
Running time22 minutes
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The episode, part of the series' action arc, blends comedy and action together and is markedly positive in its portrayal of the characters' relationships, particularly those of the three main characters. "The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still" echoes Hideaki Anno's typical themes, seeking to philosophically explore the value of technology and its role in the contemporary world. Several companies were involved in the production of the episode, including Studio Ghibli.

"The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still" drew a 9.0% audience share on Japanese television, and was positively received by critics. Reviewers repeatedly praised Matarael's battle, pacing, script, positive tone, and the exploration of philosophical themes presented in the installment.

Plot

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Shinji Ikari, the pilot of the mecha Eva-01, calls his cold and distant father Gendo, supreme commander of the special agency Nerv. The call is suddenly cut off; the headquarters and Tokyo-3 are left without power. Nerv's Major Misato Katsuragi and her former boyfriend Ryoji Kaji become trapped in the elevator, while Dr. Ritsuko Akagi and other Nerv members systematically rule out the possibility of an accident, thus coming to the conclusion that the blackout is the result of sabotage by third parties in order to investigate the Nerv headquarters facility. The ninth in a series of enemies of humankind called Angels, Matarael, arrives at Tokyo-3. Shinji, along with his fellow pilots Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu, enter through an air duct at Nerv, while Gendo and other Nerv members manage to activate the Evangelions manually without the aid of electricity. Shinji, Rei, and Asuka together manage to take down Matarael. The three pilots, lying on a knoll, see the lights of Tokyo-3 turn on again, while Shinji wonders what the reason is for the Angels to attack.

Production

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In 1993, Gainax wrote a presentation document for Neon Genesis Evangelion entitled New Century Evangelion (tentative name) Proposal (新世紀エヴァンゲリオン (仮) 企画書, Shinseiki Evangelion (kari) kikakusho), containing the initial synopsis of "The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still".[1][2] The Proposal document was then published in 1994.[3][4] In the authors' initial plan, the tenth episode would have seen Nerv headquarters stranded by an electrical blackout, while the eleventh would have involved an attempt to capture an Angel in the magma chamber of an active volcano.[5][6] During the course of the work, however, the episodes were reversed in order, so the capture attempt was moved to "Magmadiver". The Japanese title of the episode was already provided in the Proposal, but written with a comma as 静止した、 闇の中で (Seishishita, yaminonakade, lit. 'Still, in the darkness').[1] The English title of the episode at the storyboard stage was "Panic in Geo Front", and only at a later stage did the staff decide to change it.[7] Hideaki Anno,[8] the series' main director, and Yoji Enokido wrote the script;[9][10] Masayuki handled the storyboards.[11][12] Tetsuya Watanabe served as director,[13] while Toshio Kawagushi worked as chief animator.[14][15]

The production process involved Studio Deen, Kenichi Yoshida[16] and Studio Fantasia, among others.[17][18] Studio Ghibli also helped in the animation process of the episode.[19] The staff chose to include several humorous gags throughout "The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still"; because of animation director Toshio Kawagushi, the graphic rendering of the final result deviated from the other episodes in the series.[20] The announcer character in the truck which Hyuga boards, for example, was rendered in a style typical of the Ghibli studio.[21][22] A shot of the Milky Way was included in the final scene of the episode, and according to the series filmbooks the staff may have depicted the galaxy respecting the geography of the world of Evangelion, in which the Second Impact changed the Earth's axial tilt. The filmbooks also noted how in the installment Anno reflected his passion for railroads, Kazuya Tsurumaki his love for astronomy, and character designer of the series Yoshiyuki Sadamoto his passion for motoring.[23]

The original script featured scenes that were later cut during the course of the work. The original storyboard included more scenes of Misato and Kaji trapped in an elevator[24] and a scene in which Rei explains to her fellow pilots that the corridors to Nerv headquarters were made especially intricate to prevent terrorist attacks.[22] Moreover, in the final scene, Shigeru Aoba would play an acoustic version of "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" on his guitar.[22][25] Koichi Yamadera, Miki Nagasawa, Yuko Miyamura, Megumi Hayashibara, Kotono Mitsuishi, voice actors of several main characters in the series, played unidentified characters for "The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still", along with Koichi Nagano, Hidenari Ugaki, Tomomichi Nishimura and Akiko Yajima.[26] In addition to the original compositions, composed by Shiro Sagisu, the song "You are the only one" by Kotono Mitsuishi, Misato's original voice actress, was used in the scene where Makoto Hyuga picks up Misato's laundry.[21] Claire Littley also sang a version of "Fly Me to the Moon" used as the episode's final theme song for the original broadcast,[9][27] while in the late home video releases a version named "Rei, Asuka, Misato Ver." was used instead.[28][29]

Cultural references, style and themes

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The English title of the episode is inspired by the film "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951).

In the first scene of "The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still", Maya praises the qualities of science with a phrase already used by Anno in his previous anime, Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water.[30][31] The installment reflects the director's epistemology interest, philosophically investigating the qualities or flaws of science and its relationship to man.[32][33] Its title constitutes a reference to the film "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951),[34][35][36] reflecting Anno's interest in science fiction.[37] In the course of the episode, cans of the UCC Ueshima Coffee Co. brand —spelled as ICC—[38] are shown,[39] similarly to another earlier work by Anno, Gunbuster.[30][33] The name of the Tokyo-3 election candidate, Nozoku Takahashi,[40][41] is also a reference to a Ghibli studio producer,[42] Nozomu Takahashi.[43][44]

The episode, part of the series' action arc, features a fusion of comic tones and a strong action component. It depicts for the first time the three pilots of the Evangelion mechas acting in unison, and positively portrays the interpersonal relationships of the main characters.[45] Gendo, usually emotionally unapproachable and cold, shows an unusually human and responsible face by helping his subordinates at Nerv to manually operate the Eva.[46] Shinji himself is surprised, and their relationships seem to be closer than in episodes before.[47] Asuka also seems to grow closer and accept Rei as her own teammate.[48] Japanese academic Yuya Sato noted how "The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still" notably features elements typical of anime for boys, known as shōnen, although Evangelion, especially in its second part, has many elements for girls' comics, named shōjo manga. They would therefore, according to Sato, constitute a lure to attract men to shōjo.[49]

Asuka's behavior in "The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still" and the following episode has been traced back to "masculine protest", a psychological term for a form of rebellion identifiable in women who are tired of the role stereotypically associated with the female gender.[22] Asuka acts as if she is trying to prove herself and surpass the male gender, fusing an inferiority complex and radical rivalry.[50] Furthermore, in the course of the episode Shinji wonders why the Angels attack. According to writer Michael Berman, his attitude suggests that God is "virtually nonexistent" in the world of Evangelion, or indifferent to human affairs, as Nerv's motto suggests, "God's in His Heaven, All's right with the World".[51] In the final scene, Rei argues that "in order to survive, humanity has driven out darkness with fire", while Asuka mocks her by saying, "Philosophy, huh?". Newtype magazine pointed out that Rei sees the world with the innocent eyes of a child.[52][53] Analyzing the scene, writer Dennis Redmond described Rei as a symbol of an empty and "lyric neonational interiority", while Asuka as a mirror of a pragmatic and "outrageous multinational exteriority".[54]

Reception

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"The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still" was first broadcast on December 13, 1995, and drew a 9.0% audience share on Japanese television, the second highest for an episode of Neon Genesis Evangelion to date.[55] Merchandise on the episode has also been released.[56][57] Matarael's design inspired Nobuhiro Watsuki to create the eye costume of Usui Uonuma, one of the characters in the manga Rurouni Kenshin.[58]

"The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still" received a positive critical reception. Jalopnik.com, for example, described it as a "fantastic episode".[59] Akio Nagatomi of The Anime Café, normally critical of the series, appreciated the pace of the script, and while noting flaws he said that "the weaknesses take a back seat to the stronger script writing, and the excellent pace set by the director".[60] Film School Rejects's Max Covill said, "This episode stands out because of the subtle character moments between the three children".[61] Matthew Garcia of Multiversity Comics similarly praised the use of music and silences.[62] Looper described Matarael as a "profoundly brilliant and disgusting in equal measure" enemy.[63] Its fight against the three Evas has been repeatedly praised by Screen Rant and listed among the best battles in the series.[64] Anime News Network's Martin Theron said that the battle presented in "The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still" is "suitably exciting and creative, and it's a bit of an extra thrill to finally get to see all three Evas operating in tandem".[65] Screen Rant lauded its "really satistying conclusion".[66]

References

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  1. ^ Japanese: 静止した闇の中で, Hepburn: Seishishita yami no naka de, lit. 'In the still darkness'

Citations

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  1. ^ a b Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 19. Sony Magazines. p. 23.
  2. ^ Nebbia (2023), Cap. 2: La Proposition
  3. ^ Nebbia (2023), Chap. 1: Lancement du Project Eva
  4. ^ "History 1993-1999". Neon Genesis Evangelion Blue Ray Ultimate Edition Encyclopedia. 2021.
  5. ^ Gainax (1998). Neon Genesis Evangelion Newtype 100% Collection (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. p. 88. ISBN 4-04-852700-2.
  6. ^ Neon Genesis Evangelion Theatralical VHS Box Booklet (in Japanese). King Amusement Creative. 1997.
  7. ^ Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book (in Japanese). Vol. 4. Kadokawa Shoten. p. 34.
  8. ^ Gainax, ed. (2003). Data of Evangelion (in Japanese). Gainax. p. 22.
  9. ^ a b "Explanation". Neon Genesis Evangelion Genesis 0:6 Laserdisc Encyclopedia (in Japanese). Starchild Stereo. 1995.
  10. ^ Nebbia (2023), Chap. 1: Production et catastrophes
  11. ^ Poggio 2008, p. 34.
  12. ^ Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 44. Sony Magazines. p. 27.
  13. ^ Gainax (1998). Neon Genesis Evangelion Newtype 100% Collection (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. p. 178. ISBN 4-04-852700-2.
  14. ^ Porori 2009, p. 92.
  15. ^ Platinum Booklet. Vol. 3. ADV.
  16. ^ "磯光雄と吉田健一の宇宙の旅（前編） 魅力がないと思われているものを魅力的なものに化けさせる". Anime.eiga.com (in Japanese). Anime Eiga. 27 January 2022. Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
  17. ^ Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 44. Sony Magazines. p. 23.
  18. ^ "Staff". Neon Genesis Evangelion Blue Ray Ultimate Edition Encyclopedia. 2021.
  19. ^ Nebbia (2023), Chap 1: Diffusion à la télevision
  20. ^ Cannarsi 1998, p. 16.
  21. ^ a b Cannarsi 1998, p. 38.
  22. ^ a b c d Eva Tomo no Kai エヴァ友の会 [Eva Fan Club] (in Japanese). Vol. 6. Gainax. 1996.
  23. ^ Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book (in Japanese). Vol. 4. Kadokawa Shoten. pp. 44–45.
  24. ^ Cannarsi 1998, pp. 38–39.
  25. ^ Poggio 2008, p. 79.
  26. ^ Gainax, ed. (2003). Data of Evangelion (in Japanese). Gainax. p. 63.
  27. ^ Cannarsi 1998, p. 24.
  28. ^ Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 26. Sony Magazines. p. 26.
  29. ^ "Fly Me to the Moon". Neon Genesis Evangelion: Platinum Edition Booklet. Vol. 4. ADV.
  30. ^ a b Cannarsi 1998, p. 37.
  31. ^ Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book (in Japanese). Vol. 4. Kadokawa Shoten. p. 28.
  32. ^ Cannarsi 1998, pp. 17–18.
  33. ^ a b "Episode:11 The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still". Neon Genesis Evangelion Blue Ray Ultimate Edition Encyclopedia. 2021.
  34. ^ Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 11. Sony Magazines. p. 22.
  35. ^ Redmond 2004, p. 140.
  36. ^ Glossary 1998, p. 61.
  37. ^ Cannarsi 1998, pp. 20–21.
  38. ^ Glossary 1998, p. 2.
  39. ^ ""エヴァ缶"歴代デザイン、全部おぼえてる？「エヴァ×UCC」人類補"缶"計画、完結". Animeanime.jp (in Japanese). Anime! Anime!. 20 April 2020. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
  40. ^ Porori 2009, p. 94.
  41. ^ Glossary 1998, p. 89.
  42. ^ Glossary 1998, p. 106.
  43. ^ Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book (in Japanese). Vol. 4. Kadokawa Shoten. p. 35.
  44. ^ Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 17. Sony Magazines. p. 23.
  45. ^ Oguro, Yūichirō. "第44回 エヴァ雑記「第拾壱話 静止した闇の中で」". Style.fm (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 28, 2020. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
  46. ^ Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 44. Sony Magazines. p. 29.
  47. ^ Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 44. Sony Magazines. p. 25.
  48. ^ Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 44. Sony Magazines. p. 31.
  49. ^ Morikawa 1997, p. 82.
  50. ^ Cannarsi 1998, pp. 44–45.
  51. ^ Berman, Michael (2009). The Everyday Fantastic: Essays on Science Fiction and Human Being. Cambridge Scholars Pub. p. 74. ISBN 9781443807838.
  52. ^ Newtype Complete Shinseiki Evangerion Newtype Complete 新世紀エヴァンゲリオン [Newtype Complete Neon Genesis Evangelion] (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. 2005. p. 34.
  53. ^ "謎の深淵". Newtype (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. February 1996. p. 16.
  54. ^ Redmond 2004, p. 142.
  55. ^ "Anime Land". Newtype (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. March 1996. p. 74.
  56. ^ Porori 2010, p. 125.
  57. ^ Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 10. Sony Magazines. p. 28.
  58. ^ Nobuhiro Watsuki (2008). "The Secret Life of Characters (35) Uonuma Usui". Rurouni Kenshin. Vol. 14. p. 66.
  59. ^ DaSilva, Steve (29 December 2022). "We Need to Talk About Misato Katsuragi's Renault Alpine A310". Jalopnik.com. Jalopnik. Archived from the original on 29 December 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  60. ^ "Shinseiki Evangelion Review - Episode 11: In the Still Darkness / The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still". The Anime Café. Archived from the original on 5 December 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  61. ^ Covill, Max (June 17, 2019). "Every Episode of 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' Ranked". Film School Rejects. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
  62. ^ Matthew Garcia (18 July 2011). "Five Thoughts on Neon Genesis Evangelion's "In the Still Darkness" and "A Miracle's Worth"". Multiversitycomics.com. Multiversity Comics. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  63. ^ Smith, Thompson (13 August 2021). "The Most Powerful Angels From Neon Genesis Evangelion Ranked". Looper. Archived from the original on 8 November 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  64. ^ Beach, Adam (7 May 2021). "Neon Genesis Evangelion: The 10 Best Fight Scenes In The Anime, Ranked". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on 19 May 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  65. ^ Martin Theron (18 March 2005). "Neon Genesis Evangelion (Review) DVD 3: Platinum Edition". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  66. ^ Cameron, Jack (7 July 2019). "Every Battle in Neon Genesis Evangelion Ranked". Screenrant.com. Screen Rant. Archived from the original on 17 November 2020. Retrieved 16 May 2021.

Bibliography

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