Eva: “Hajimemashite” (WIP)
!!SPOILER ALERT!!
So I watched Eva 3.0 + 1.0 yesterday. From a meta perspective, I think the ending was very fitting. From a shipping perspective... it’s Head Canon Time. Seems like the Sadamoto-Eva bonus chapter “Summer in Eden” more or less got incorporated as part of Mari’s background, which explains her attachment to Shinji - he’s a living reminder of Yui. Asuka sitting by herself on the platform slightly apart from the others hints that she hasn’t necessarily found her place even in this new world (or that she’s finally had an actual childhood that lets her be *independent*, and not *alone* out of necessity).
Head canon territory: in the last scenes, Mari finally fulfills her promise to keep Shinji safe for Yui, but realizes that she, like everyone else, needs to be released from the curse of Eva (Yui). She seeks out Asuka. Asuka doesn’t know who Mari is, though the sight of Mari feels profoundly nostalgic. She stands, but can’t find the words. I like to think that Mari responds with “hajimemashite” (“nice to meet you”) ... it’s what you would say in hope of connecting with someone ;)
Will repost when finished, but just had to open this release valve first lol.