Episode 10: Magma Diver
Summary
In "Magma Diver," NERV faces a unique challenge when they discover the eighth Angel, Sandalphon, growing inside a volcano. Asuka volunteers to dive into the magma in Eva Unit 02 to capture the Angel embryo. Meanwhile, Shinji and his classmates go on a field trip to Okinawa, leaving Asuka to handle the mission alone. The operation takes an unexpected turn when the Angel prematurely hatches, leading to a tense underwater battle.
Key Events
- Discovery of the eighth Angel, Sandalphon, inside Mount Asama
- Asuka volunteers for the dangerous magma diving mission
- Shinji's school trip to Okinawa
- Eva Unit 02's descent into the volcano
- Premature hatching of Sandalphon and the subsequent battle
- Asuka's victory and narrow escape from the volcano
Character Development
- Asuka's desire to prove herself and her bravery are highlighted
- Shinji's conflicted feelings about missing the school trip are explored
- Misato's leadership and quick thinking under pressure are demonstrated
- Ritsuko's scientific curiosity about the Angels is further revealed
Analysis
This episode explores themes of isolation, pressure, and the burden of responsibility. Asuka's solo mission into the volcano serves as a metaphor for the intense pressure and isolation the Eva pilots face. The contrast between the dangerous mission and the lighthearted school trip highlights the abnormal lives of the pilots. The episode also delves into the nature of the Angels, raising questions about their origins and lifecycle.
Symbolism and Foreshadowing
- The volcano represents the hidden depths of the characters' psyches
- Sandalphon's embryonic state symbolizes the potential for growth and change
- The pressure suit's failure foreshadows the limitations of human technology against the Angels
- Asuka's determination to complete the mission alone hints at her future struggles with self-worth
Trivia
- This is the first episode to feature an Angel in a pre-adult form
- The episode title "Magma Diver" is a reference to the 1989 film "The Abyss"
- The D-Type Equipment used by Eva Unit 02 is designed specifically for extreme environment operations
- This episode provides rare glimpses of the Eva pilots' school life and their attempts at normalcy