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The reason why I like DITF more than any romantic science fiction anime is because it doesn't waste it's time (for the first 17 episodes) Each episode is packed with world building. I like its mostly about characters that don't know anything, serves as a vessel that makes us put us in their shoes, with an outside world that they don't know about and each episode constantly exploring different characters that not only makes for great character development, but another chance to put us in their shoes and see how the world unfolds, I thought Zorome wandering off in the city was interesting, it gives us an idea of what actual civilization, and how older people would function under this society. Opposed to Eva where we are given something, and continue to learn absolutely nothing, then we are given things like lilith, the angels, the dead sea scrolls like we are expected to understand them. I really would've liked Eva to explore instead of world building, but develop more upon the characters because the cast we are given are great, I found episode 3 to be somewhat heartwarming with Toji apologizing to Shinji, I really liked they explored the consequences of the battles where Shinji is focussed on himself, and at this point doesn't really want to do this mecha thing because of the character arc with his father. I understand why Toji would get upset over this. But further down after episode 6 they continue to not explore a lot in the aspect but rather waste their time with sulking in the Mechas about things we already understand, christian imagery and hamfisted "worldbuilding" this creates just a not as good viewing experience as DITF.
