In the action-packed two-part opening to the series, Neon Genesis Evangelion introduces monstrious angels, humanoid robots, and a ton of characters and terminology. Joseph and Ian bushwack through the weeds, highlighting the principle cast and sci-fi stakes that will persist throughout Eva, not to mention it's grumpy and adorable mascott, Pen-Pen the penguin. After the plot recap, your hosts give a little context on how Japan's unqiue history as the only country to ever survive a nuclear attack informs the show. Recap: 00:00 Analysis: 10:05