The scientist woman is an asshole, not Ms. Musato because she is more a mom-figure to Shinji, and the father can literally care less if his son is well or not, just as long as he can operate Unit 01. I liked this episode because we see what a normaly kid should worry about verses what Shinji worries about at the age of 14. He doesn't know any other way to express himself other than feeling pain all the time. He uses it to push people away so he doesn't get attached to anyone, which is how his family is and he got used to not being loved by anyone or cared for by friends. It's a slow start just like Cowboy Bebop.