Sync Ratios

episode 18

SPOILER WARNING! In this special episode we take a good, hard look at the ten minute teaser for Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0 that premiered at special events across the globe last week. If you aren’t caught up on the Rebuild movie series you may not want to listen. Spoilers abound for the first three films! We’ll be back next Friday with episode 18 of the series proper.

episode 17

16 Splitting of the Breast

episode 15

Netflix finally released Evangelion! Ben & Luke take a detour from the normal schedule to talk about it!

It’s Evangelion! Where even the clip show is dense as hell, full of information, emotion and style. Lacey Valentini returns to analyze (and recite) “The Poem” and more with Ben and Luke. Sync Ratios, something that brings comfort!

Ben and Luke are joined by their friend Lacey Valentini to discuss her history with and perspective on the series in general and to navigate the technobabble of the densest episode yet! 

The suffering of previous generations seems to be the thematic focal point this week, with flashbacks to Misato’s past and subtle allusions to the Biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah. In a world that feels like it could end at any moment, what is the value of parental praise? 

The power is out in Tokyo III, leading to one of Ben and Luke’s favorite episodes, a funny and exciting standout with sharp editing, UCC coffee and moments of satisfying characterization for pretty much the entire cast. Beyond the episode, however, they also delve into the spirit of the manga and Anno’s initial intentions for the ambitious project that would eventually reshape the landscape of Japanese animation. 

Ben and Luke welcome you as honorary members of their super sophisticated anime watching club “The Red Tojis” in this exciting episode about class trips, shitty chocolate, Ghostbusters II, and the interesting shift from defensive to offensive posture on the part of both Nerv in the battle against the angels and Asuka in the battle of flirtation with Shinji. Also, what’s up with Misato switching beer brands?

Ben and Luke spend a lot of time analyzing cartoon kisses and talking about the Peanuts gang on this week’s episode. They also highlight the variety of musical influences on display in each character’s musical theme and Luke begins the potentially dangerous experiment of watching Evangelion with his children. 

Asuka’s here and dammit that should be enough but if you want more, this week’s episode also dives into the frustrating Netflix premiere announcement, the cultural relationship between anime and techno music, the importance of power poses and the concept of the Eva pilots as embodiments of Freud’s Id, Ego and Superego. What are you, stupid? Listen to our best show yet.  

This week Ben and Luke cover the ins and outs of corporate espionage, the timing of anime comedy, the origins of Jet Alone and even the smell of blood. They also address the age-old subs vs dubs debate and take a look at the filmographies of two of Japan’s top voice talents: Megumi Hayashibara (Rei) and Kotono Mitsuisihi (Misato).

Ben and Luke discuss the value of individual arcs within long-form storytelling, the joys of narrative symmetry, and the structural parallels between episode 06 and Hideaki Anno’s Shin Godzilla. What should you do at a time like this? You could try smiling! 

An examination of the show’s cryptic opening kicks off the most mythologically dense episode yet. Hear Ben break down Shinji’s awkward apologies to Rei and Luke break down and awkwardly apologize to Gundam fans on this week’s Sync Ratios!

We know Shinji “mustn’t run away” but what about wandering away and aimlessly riding trains for awhile? Join Ben and Luke as a cursory google unlocks the mystery of the two titles, several corrections and omissions are addressed and the cultural conversation surrounding Japanese mental health is pondered. And, of course, we’ll have more discussion of fan service for you too!

Ben and Luke bond over the story of teenagers struggling to connect in an episode full of background exposition and Freudian womb imagery.  Take a seat (right hand side in the back by the window, please) and explore the mysteries of AT fields, Osaka dialects and the post-apocalyptic propensities of Japanese pop culture. Sync Ratios, lift off!

Shinji gets some cold stares from both Eva 01 and his new hot springs penguin roommate in episode 02, “Unfamiliar Ceiling.” This week Ben and Luke examine the delicate balance of broad comedy, domestic drama and post-apocalyptic sci-fi that characterizes the series’ introductory episodes.  Sync Ratios, welcome home!

Ben and Luke discuss the world-building, character introductions and utilization of anime tropes in the premiere episode of the series. How does the structure compare to that of a western, live action TV pilot and, seriously, how great is Misato? All this and more! With so much to dig into, who can be expected to remember to say the name of the podcast at the top? Sync Ratios, lift-off!