Shinji goes on an extended walk to process his trauma.
Following the battle with Shamshel and a disagreement with Misato, Shinji decides to bail from NERV, only for them to retrieve him. Forced to resign from NERV, Shinji must make a decision to either leave Tokyo-3 or stay with Misato, who is conflicted on what must be done...
Episode 4: Rain, After the Escape/Hedgehog's Dilemma contains these episode-specific tropes:
- 10-Minute Retirement: Shinji goes on one throughout this episode due to his Heroic BSoD from the battle with Shamshel.
- Hit Me, Dammit!: Toji demands that Shinji decks him in the face, as a macho way of apologizing for him punching earlier.
- I Choose to Stay: At the end of the episode, Shinji decides not to board the train leaving for Tokyo-3 and stay with Misato for good.
- Leave the Camera Running: The first instance of this trope during the series appears here, as Shinji and Misato stare at each other after the train leaves. The wide shot is held for over thirty seconds, with only the ambiance of the city heard.
- My Fist Forgives You: Invoked by Toji, who insists that Shinji punches him so they can be even for him punching Shinji in the previous episode.
- Meaningful Echo: "I'm home" and "Welcome home". These are said by both Shinji and Misato, respectively, in the second episode to make it obvious that the former is still wary of his new home and roommate. By the end of this episode, the context makes it clear he has come to accept her and his new life in Tokyo-3.
- Prompting Nudge: Kensuke has to literally push Toji into giving his apology to Shinji.
- What the Hell, Hero?: Misato dresses down Shinji for refusing to retreat.
