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There was a time that when certain anime went really popular and bombastic, eventually they’ll be overrated with such inevitable and silly excuses. But beyond this stage of people 'overrating' a series, lies the last layer of what anime watchers will do to these so-called ‘popular’ shows. It’s a layer that I, myself would call it ‘meme layer’ because to be frank, this is the right place to disclosure a condition where there is no point of turning back. The place that you can joke (more like, roast) about the characters, the rotation of the plot, the graphics, literally anything. With no exceptions and no prohibition, you can send your best meme to the highest bidder (or should I say shitpost accounts) about some character’s thigh and laughed until you’re dying from it. Amongst those pile of memes and trashy community jokes, Darling in the Franxx (DiTF) exists not as a temporary guest, but more of a contracted host. I mean, when we look back at whatever series that exist in 2018, which one of these words are the quickest to ring your bell?
Hinamatsuri, Violet, Zero Two, Rikka, Yuru Camp, Bunny Girl
I have to say if you didn’t pick Zero Two it’s either you literally new to anime world or you just had a head cancer with 120 pounds of hypocrisy on it. Even one of my friend (who isn’t too eager to enjoy anime) knows about the existence of Zero Two. When I asked where did he learn this ‘02’ girl, he said to me, “from those shitpost accounts, her memes are great. You should check it out, man”. These things were happening like crazy, and such popularity isn’t easy to achieve. The word ‘Zero Two’ would probably go out from your mouth first before ‘Darling in the Franxx’ when promoting this series to a newbie like that 15 years-old little John sitting beside you right now. In the end, came an understanding that we can’t talk about Darling in the Franxx without mentioning Zero Two. She’s the literal wheelhouse of the whole series, without her this anime probably went so bad that studio Trigger considering themselves they won’t make another anime, ever. And that’s what makes this series very interesting and intriguing, at least before certain episodes when they ‘flex-taped’ those ugly plot holes with aliens.
I’m starting to watch this series when it already aired between episode 16 or 17. Either way, I had pretty decent expectations considering many are talking about its contents, especially that girl ‘Zero Two’ that I haven’t really got my hands on. Starting from episode 1, I had so many questions left unanswered and quickly attached this ‘curiosity string’ to me. Following the ten or eleven episodes after that, I believe that my questions are beginning to pile up as if nothing were left unanswered by the series. Speaking of which, between these episodes, I realized that there’re big, unlimited possibilities and potential of what this series to become. I proceed myself and finally reached episode 13, which blew me out of the water. Clearly, they have structured a strong development and connection between Zero Two and Hiro -the main protagonists, emphasized it on the shockingly twist at the end of this episode. Moreover, it was more than just a beautiful scene and I adore it so much that I believe this series is going to be awesome.
A little recap, I think developments on the characters and the world are great and definitely stayed to entertain myself from more extraordinary adventures to come. It becomes even better when Zero Two is detained, Hiro simply wants to meet her but his friend doesn’t allow him. This creates a well-balanced conflict that was both lovely and intriguing. There is one episode when Hiro finally met Zero Two again and they had this quick debate but it ended up with a profoundly, exaggerated, over-the-top couple scene. Although it’s kind of cliché, you certainly will feel the blast and spirit coming out of your soul. Sadly, after that, the series went a little bit slow and differ from what I expected, and it really becomes worse after the episode which alien figures are presented. It was honestly a very dishonourable moment for wasting such good material at the beginning. Like, they already construct something that’s mysteriously going to be an awesome shit, but now they seem a little (if not, very) reckless about the continuity of the story and have chosen an atrocious plotline instead. The series ended in a poetic way that expressed the deepest love between Hiro and Zero Two, but with no doubt, I came in a plain conclusion that the alien parts have no matter and use whatsoever regarding of driving the main premise. I can’t assure you that DiTF was made to express a romance story that is covered by dystopian-mecha plot, but taking a closer look at what the series trying to achieve, it’s very possible.
Some viewers are so disappointed that they immediately hate this series. I think this series deserves some credits for its high considerations for the characters, and how the world was unravelled little by little. The series failed to cope with what the audiences have perceived and expected, but that happened after the first cour, which is a little bit understatement at most. Overall, DiTF has pros and cons that some people might find it a little hard to be tolerated, but it surely brings care and attention from the community to another level for serving them a delightful annual waifu war.
