[FreshToku]

I really wonder what would have happened if Shinji, while in this state, managed to find Asakura, or Toujou if he was still alive.

Even though I know some people, including myself sometimes, aren't too invested in Shinji, but this episode really only works because we've seen him for the last 46 episodes hold so steadily to his code to not take a life, even when that code seemed impossible or pointless.

Even though you know he won't actually do it, Shinji actually choosing and getting himself ready to strike Ren down is an intense moment because it's so counter to who he is.

The ending might feel like Shinji is just right back to where he started at the beginning of the episode, but I think it very solidly confirms for the last time that killing is not the answer Shinji will turn to no matter how bad things get. No matter what happens from there on, I don't think he would or should have any regrets about that at least.