DARLING in the FRANXX - What the HFIL Happened?!

Summary

The video script is a critique of the anime 'Darling in the Franxx,' focusing on its narrative shortcomings, especially in the final arc. The reviewer criticizes the rushed pacing, derivative elements, and lack of originality, arguing these issues detract from the series' potential. They also discuss the show's tonal inconsistency, particularly the absurdity of the 'Strelitzia True Apocalypse' concept, which clashes with the series' serious themes. The critique concludes that while the show has strong individual elements like animation and music, its failure to cohesively develop a compelling story and characters results in a disappointing conclusion.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The video discusses the anime 'Darling in the Franxx', particularly its ending, which the speaker found to be a letdown.
• 🔍 The speaker warns of spoilers and acknowledges that their view may differ from others who enjoyed the series.
• 🎭 The criticism includes the show's rushed final arc and its unoriginal elements borrowed from past Gainax and Trigger properties.
• 🤔 The speaker believes the real issue is not the pacing or unoriginality, but rather the lack of coherence in the show's direction.
• 👨‍🎨 The series' writer-director, Atsushi Nishigori, is held responsible for the show's direction and the resulting narrative issues.
• 🚀 The show's transformation from small-scale conflicts to a space opera is criticized for being too ambitious and poorly executed.
• 😅 The series is said to have shifted from emotional investment to emotional detachment, with serious drama provoking laughter.
• 🤖 The concept of Strelitzia True AP is described as ridiculous and poorly integrated into the show's narrative.
• 💔 The series is criticized for its lack of a compelling antagonist and for failing to develop its villains, the Verm.
• 📜 The script is said to be poorly planned, with many plot points and character arcs left unresolved or underdeveloped.
• 💔 The deaths in the series are seen as unearned and manipulative, as they involve minor characters rather than main or even secondary ones.

Q & A

What is the main criticism of the ending of 'Darling in the Franxx' as described in the script?

The main criticism is that the ending is rushed and lacks originality, borrowing heavily from past Gainax and Trigger properties.

Why does the reviewer believe the last arc of 'Darling in the Franxx' is problematic?

The reviewer believes the last arc is problematic because it tries to cram a full two years of space travel, an endless war, and the rebuilding of Earth into a very short amount of time, resulting in a narrative that is too ambitious and doesn't allow for proper development.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the character designs and animation in 'Darling in the Franxx'?

The reviewer finds the character designs and art direction striking and memorable, and the animation consistently strong.

How does the reviewer feel about the music in 'Darling in the Franxx'?

The reviewer praises the music as incredible.

What is the reviewer's main issue with the narrative structure of 'Darling in the Franxx'?

The reviewer's main issue is that the show is a mess that is less than the sum of its parts, with a lack of coherent vision among the creators leading to a narrative that is all over the place.

What does the reviewer think about the series' handling of sexuality and mecha action?

The reviewer feels that while the series starts with a serious approach to sexuality and mecha action, it becomes inconsistent, downplaying the provocative elements that were initially part of its appeal.

Why does the reviewer argue that the comparison to 'Gurren Lagann' is not fair for 'Darling in the Franxx'?

The reviewer argues that the comparison is not fair because 'Darling in the Franxx' is not equipped to handle the concept of a massive transforming robot in the same way 'Gurren Lagann' did, due to its different narrative tone and focus.

What is the reviewer's stance on the deaths of characters in the final episodes of 'Darling in the Franxx'?

The reviewer believes that the deaths of characters in the final episodes are poorly executed and unearned, as they involve minor villains rather than main characters, which fails to raise the emotional stakes effectively.

How does the reviewer describe the ending of 'Darling in the Franxx' in terms of its emotional impact?

The reviewer describes the ending as lacking emotional weight and substance, with the series resorting to clichés and cop-outs for a happy ending that doesn't align with the tone of the rest of the series.

What recommendation does the reviewer have for potential viewers of 'Darling in the Franxx'?

The reviewer recommends watching the first 15 episodes for great animation and a pretty good romance, but advises viewers to stop before the end as the last stretch of the series is not as well-executed.