The best episode directed by Hideaki Anno is "Rei III", rated 7.5/10 from 20 user votes. It was "written by Hiroshi Yamaguchi". "Rei III" aired on 3/6/1996 and is rated 0.8 point(s) higher than their second highest rated, "The Story So Far: Part 2".
Asuka sinks into deep depression after Arael's mental probing, and is unable to pilot when the new Angel Armisael arrives. Armisael begins physically fusing with EVA-00 and threatens to do the same to EVA-01, prompting Rei to sacrifice herself to save Shinji, only to appear alive soon afterwards.
Director: Hideaki Anno
Writer: Hiroshi Yamaguchi
Arima's absence has been hard on Yukino, but she's not the only one. Asaba's had it tough as well...
Director: Hideaki Anno
Writer: Hideaki Anno
Yukino and Arima's story up to this point is revisited.
Director: Hideaki Anno
Writer: Hideaki Anno