I'm writing this on July 4, 1998, just two days after watching the final 4 episodes of the series.

Up until this point, I had loved almost everything about the series: the animation was well done, the characters had depth and mystery, yet one could feel some connection to all of them. Most of the time, when revelations about a character were made, they seemed thoroughly appropriate, and made the character more interesting as a whole. There were little hints about the plot, with mysterious references being made to a huge number of religious themes. They're fighting Angels. Who would name the enemy "Angel?" And through the building of clues, there seemed to be a reason behind it all, key players running the show, a plan for everything. Another big plus: an absolutely outstanding opening theme song.

Then I saw the final 4 episodes. Many essential questions weren't answered. Many wonderful characters whose fates were in question were completely dropped. Those few answers which were given to the many mysteries seemed tame. Sure, I got the point. It was supposed to make the viewer uncomfortable, and I was. I got it, OK? But the plot, characters, and animation all became irrelevant in the final four, being replaced by THE POINT. I reminds me of some modern art: if it got its message across, then it is considered a success, no matter how it's put across. Well, when the storytelling disappears, I stop liking it.

Don't get me wrong, I still love the series. The characters and plot and mysteries were strong enough that I can revise history, act as if those episodes never existed, and make up my own alternate timeline (much like what I've done for the Borg in Star Trek). It's just that that ending left a bad taste in my mouth. Maybe the movies will improve things, but right now, I'm not terribly optimistic.

If you get the chance, do see it, though. It's really easy to get attatched to many of the characters, which made my disappointment at the ending all the more strong.

Questions which MUST be answered (in my alternate timeliine)
   Why was Rei created?
   What info. is in the Dead Sea Srolls?
   Why must all pilots be children, and why must most NERV staffers be young
      (pre-parent of children)?
   Who was Kaji really working for, and what was their true agenda?
   What made all of the schoolmates class 2A candidates?
   What, precicely, caused the 2nd impact, and what, precicely, is the thing
      they called "Adam" (other than "Why, it's Lilith, of course!") ?
   Why the names: Eva, NERV, Neon Genesis Evangelion.  The hints are there that
      these names have MEANING.
   How are Evas made, and what independence do they have when the restraints
      are off? (Do they have a soul?)
   Why do the Angels attack? (To get to Adam seems like a weak answer.)
Characters whose fates MUST be addressed:
   Asuka must find some sort of release beyond the Evas.
   Re-establish importance of the MAGI computers.
   Reinforce the mysterious omniscient feel of Gendou, SEELE, Marduk Institute,
      etc.
   Determine Rei's special role.
   Shinji's friends, the class rep., heck, the entire class should play some
      significant role, due to their implied importance.
My alternate timeline:
   Gendou has a plan somewhat counter to SEELE's plan.  They want the primacy
      of Man, truly the only ones with truth, power.  Gendou sees that Man
      needs gods, so it is man creating gods in his own image: the children.
      With, of course, Shinji and Rei, both containing something of himself,
      being two of the more important ones.  Answers to the above questions
      still not fully worked out, but in progress.