Among the most significant shows, Netflix has acquired, lies undoubtedly Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Source: Netflix

What makes the show so interesting, is not (necessarily) its depiction of epic battles between giant aliens and robots, but rather its engagement with a number of deep psychological and philosophical issues. At the center of the story is our main character, Shinji Ikari, a young boy who struggles with and . Much of his internal conflict stems from his father, who abandoned him when he was a young child.

The conflict between aliens called 'Angels' and humanity eventually calls him into action in order to pilot a giant robot of the 'Eva' series. The organization that oversees this operation is called NERV and was founded by the UN to protect humanity from extinction. Unfortunately for Shinji, it is his father who is the head of the organization. Initially, he just follows the orders given to him.

Ritsuko: He does whatever he's told. That's how he makes his life easier. (Episode 3)

While this attitude makes his life easier, it is clear that it does not bring him meaning or . It is later explicitly challenged by Misato in Episode 4:

Misato: It might feel easier to just superficially play along with what others say, but piloting an Eva with that attitude will get you killed.

Shinji: What would happen with Unit 01 if I didn't pilot it?

Misato: I suppose Rei would pilot it. You're not going to?

Shinji: How could I do something like that? I couldn't force it all on her. Don't worry. I'll do it.

Misato: But you don't want to?

Shinji: Of course not. I'm not cut out for this stuff. But you and Ayanami and Ms. Ritsuko...

Misato: Knock it off! What others think doesn't matter! If you don't really want to, then leave! Forget about the Evas and everything else! Go back to your old life! If you keep acting like this, you're more trouble than you're worth! (Episode 4)

Shinji is unable to stand up to this challenge. He cannot respond. He is faced with his own excuses. His own wants and desires. He thus becomes forced to decide for himself what he wants, regardless of what others think.

Similarly, with his cello-playing, Shinji tells Asuka: "I started because my teacher suggested it. I could have stopped at any time." (Episode 15). When she questions why he didn't, he replies simply, "Because no one told me to." Once again, he is living through the orders of others...

Here, he is acting through what Sartre has called "Bad Faith" and Albert Camus similarly dubbed "Philosophical ." We always have the freedom to choose, to rebel, and perhaps this is where meaning is to be found.

While he escapes for a while he nevertheless returns later.

Something changes in him. He now associates his own persona with his as an Eva pilot.

He derives meaning from his duty and thus receives a sense of purpose he has previously lacked.

He is now doing it out of his own accord, no longer making excuses that his choices are made by others. And in this, the Neon Genesis Evangelion creator, Hideaki Anno, has perhaps pointed to the solution for the meaninglessness many are experiencing in their lives. One needs to make a choice. One needs to commit. And thus perhaps derive a sense of purpose.

***

Note: an extended discussion is found in Veit (2018) there focusing on Bojack Horseman and Rick and Morty.

***

Co-written with Heather Browning.

You can follow the author on Facebook, Instagram, Medium, or Twitter to receive the latest updates.