The setting of the show, the sci fi aspects, the characters (minus hiro and zero two, but I'll get to that later) and the art are all a cut above. BUT... alongside grave flaws...
SETTING: This for me was well made and I was digging the vibe the show was setting, also I have a weak spot for sci fi stuff so it was that much better. Even the mecha aspect was awesomely made, and I don't like mecha (who does?, seriously). Worldbuilding in this anime is absolutely phenomenal! I myself am taking inspiration from this into my own story that I'm making, so yes its that good.
CHARACTERS: All of the characters are all executed Exellently, they all feel like real people with their own weird quirks, likes and dislikes.I especially love Ichigo imo. I was invested and understood the character's reasoning for things, that is, minus zero two and Hiro. This brings us to problem #1 of the two reasons the show falls flat. Their entire relationship is based on that one encounter in the beginning. They have absolutely Zero (haha) reason of liking each other, especially Hiro who as of episode 4 confirmed that he does not give a crap about his friends but only wants to "ride" Zero two. As is shown and received at least by me, is that he's only physically attracted to her. Oh and don't mention the fact that she tried to kill your teammate (albeit he's a douch but still :/) Zero two on the other hand needs much more development in general. As of right now she is just a self absorbed, sadistic evil piece of trash. She needs much more development b/c this is all that is shown off her character which is very ugly imo (I'm looking at you zero two fanatics). If they give actual explanation and reasoning for her personality and actions and why she is who she is I feel like I would actually like her alot. Hiro on the other hand is a trash generic overlypraised MC (praised by the characters) whose decisions and actions rival those in a cheesey horror flick.
STORY: At first the show shows no sense of direction really and it's pacing was pretty abysmal what with jumping from scene to scene with no explanation or context as to what happened either in the scene before or the scene currently taking place. However this only applies for roughly eps 2-6. After which the story starts taking actual legit form and depth showing the mysteries of the world the cast lives in and the darkness in the plantation led by papa and friends. 7-10 Here the anime starts to raise and form questions for the audience to think about which entices immersion with genuine curiosity and of course, hype. The actual story in Darling in the Franxx has a dark tone which is hidden underneath the lighthearted interactions and basic mecha battles or cast is experiencing. So I expect a full on change in tone soon which would be excellent.
*** It's important to note that the flashback scenes do not make any sense in the least. The one with Goro and Ichigo was all plot convenience and horribly layed out. The scene with loud guy being left behind also in the 9th or 10th episode was extremely laughable plot convenience as well. Basically this anime loves its plot conveniences sometimes at the cost of the actual story. Which is sad. And the main reason it flunked out of being AOTS badly.
TL;DR:
The "WHY" is the second most important aspect in getting at least people like me invested in a show. Second to the "HOW". This show is pretty bad at both, but scrapes a high 7 for me b/c of its setting, art, characters (minus zero two and especially Hiro), and overall general story.
The over the top Zero Two idolizing (basically the worse version of Mikasa su casa-ing) is especially hard to take in what with her character being so underdeveloped. It's like they forcing you to like her without actually giving reason to
Last thing, show is extremely cheesy and cringe at some parts, this is all due to the Hiro and zero two scenes. And very predictable.
Zero two is a disgusting "human being" I honestly hate how Hiro "loves" her and sticks up for her even though she is shown to be heartless and inhumane. She would honestly be a really good villain because she is a trash M.C and waifu tbh.
***Also Please note that in every friggin' Klaxasaur invasion the facility and people in them don't give a hot damn! In episode 1 they literally stood there ready to all die when streikleiza was out of action. Like, they should assume she's not getting back up to save the day, Move your ass and get to your Battle stations shoot the hell out of the thing or at the very least GTFO!
