Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
A memory of Second Impact shows Misato's father placing his injured daughter in an escape capsule before the catastrophe overtakes their Antarctic base. In the present, her promotion prompts a celebration at the apartment, but Shinji struggles to enjoy the gathering. He also wonders why she joined Nerv and receives no clear answer at first. Gendo and Fuyutsuki are away in Antarctica when an enormous Angel appears in orbit. It drops fragments toward Earth, adjusting its aim for an eventual strike on Tokyo-3. Misato orders civilians evacuated and proposes that the three Evas catch the falling body with their protective fields before destroying its core.
Ritsuko questions whether Misato's desire for revenge is driving an almost impossible plan. The pilots are allowed to refuse, but all agree to take part. Misato tells Shinji about hating her father's neglect, then losing him when he saved her; joining Nerv has not untangled those feelings. As the Angel descends, Shinji reaches the impact point first and struggles to hold it until Rei and Asuka arrive. Together they expose and destroy the core. Gendo calls to acknowledge the success and personally praises Shinji, who is startled by the approval. Over their promised meal, Shinji admits that hearing those words may be the reason he continues to pilot.