LAST EDITED ON Nov-24-07 AT 02:11 AM (EST)
 
>fourth. Speaking of the fourth child what the hell is with Shinji
>refusing to pilot it the first time and then coming back?
>Psychologically that presents some contradictions.

Shinji refused to pilot Eva the first time around because he arrived at NERV earlier in NXE than he did in NGE: specifically, he witnessed the activation crisis that injured Rei, rather than showing up during the Third Angel's attack after Rei is already injured. He returned after being drafted by SEELE, seduced by an Ayanami demon, and sent to attack NERV believing he was rescuing Rei from his father.

Shinji does a good deal of growing up, albeit in slightly warped directions, between these two encounters with NERV.