That's because episode 26 wasn't about their "deepest inner desires", probably. It was about them recognizing the infinite possibilities of this Universe, it was about them losing themselves in consciousness.
No, it was about what they really wanted. Simon wanted a Kamina that would never get killed and leave him alone, even if it meant that "Kamina" was a craven coward, but it wasn't what he needed. Gurren Lagann being all about "choice", the point of those sequences was to give people the things they thought would make them happy, and then have them make the choice to put that aside and do the right thing.
And we indeed get a perfectly clear sense of what Simon and Nia mean to each other. Simon finds purpose in Nia. He is just a digger, without much direction. Nia gives him something to fight for. Nia finds validation, she finds something to make concrete her ethereal and senseless existence.
Validation of what? I can buy what Simon gets out of a relationship with Nia, but every justification I've ever seen of what Nia gets out of it very vague, probably because the series chose not to focus on her as a character for a very large chunk, and tended to use her as a plot device instead.
As for the second paragraph, Simon and Nia have plenty of actual characterization. Just because it wasn't delivered in concrete exposition it doesn't mean it isn't there. They use visuals and actions to make a point, you know.
If I wasn't including "visuals and actions", I don't think I'd be able to count Nia and Simon as a couple at all. Simon and Nia looking off in the distance together makes a lovely "picture", but it doesn't tie them to the viewer on concrete level.
Re: The rage is strong with me today
No, it was about what they really wanted. Simon wanted a Kamina that would never get killed and leave him alone, even if it meant that "Kamina" was a craven coward, but it wasn't what he needed. Gurren Lagann being all about "choice", the point of those sequences was to give people the things they thought would make them happy, and then have them make the choice to put that aside and do the right thing.
And we indeed get a perfectly clear sense of what Simon and Nia mean to each other. Simon finds purpose in Nia. He is just a digger, without much direction. Nia gives him something to fight for. Nia finds validation, she finds something to make concrete her ethereal and senseless existence.
Validation of what? I can buy what Simon gets out of a relationship with Nia, but every justification I've ever seen of what Nia gets out of it very vague, probably because the series chose not to focus on her as a character for a very large chunk, and tended to use her as a plot device instead.
As for the second paragraph, Simon and Nia have plenty of actual characterization. Just because it wasn't delivered in concrete exposition it doesn't mean it isn't there. They use visuals and actions to make a point, you know.
If I wasn't including "visuals and actions", I don't think I'd be able to count Nia and Simon as a couple at all. Simon and Nia looking off in the distance together makes a lovely "picture", but it doesn't tie them to the viewer on concrete level.