Anime has always held a special allure, especially for fans of the mecha genre. Many of us grew up watching classics like Gundam, Evangelion, and Pacific Rim. So, when Darling in the Franxx burst onto the scene, expectations soared. The post-apocalyptic world, sleek robot designs, and unique pilots all seemed to promise something extraordinary. However, like a roller coaster that suddenly loses power midway, Darling in the Franxx ended up disappointing many fans. Let’s delve deeper into why this anime turned out to be a letdown.
Positives of Darling in the Franxx
Before we explore its shortcomings, it’s essential to acknowledge that this anime had several compelling elements in the beginning. Here are some points that made Darling in the Franxx quite captivating:
Dynamic Characters
The members of Squad 13 are portrayed like high school kids with diverse personalities. From the quiet ones to the rebels and the curious individuals, their dynamics make the story feel alive and relatable.
Mysterious World Concept
Initially, the world of Darling in the Franxx was shrouded in mystery. Why was the earth destroyed? What are klaxosaurs really? Why does society seem indifferent to their future? These questions kept the audience intrigued.
Iconic Character Zero Two
Zero Two became a primary reason for the anime’s popularity. Her eccentric personality, rebellious nature, and underlying softness made her easily likable. The chemistry between Zero Two and Hiro also emerged as a significant strength in this anime.
Spectacular Mecha Action
For fans of the mecha genre, the robot battle scenes at the start of the story were quite satisfying. The unique robot designs and exciting fighting styles gave this anime great potential.
Why Darling in the Franxx Ended Up Disappointing
Unfortunately, all those high hopes began to fade as the story progressed. There are several reasons why this anime ended far from expectations:
Rushed and Inconsistent Plot
In the middle of the story, the well-built world mysteries were suddenly revealed hastily in one episode. All of a sudden, it became about aliens wanting to take over the earth, and klaxosaurs turned out to be former humans. This plot felt like a cheap version of Evangelion.
Neglected Character Development
Characters with significant potential did not receive adequate development. Hiro and Zero Two got their share of the story, while other characters like Ichigo and Mitsuru seemed relegated to background roles.
Drastic Shifts in Plot
The anime initially focused on teenage drama and mecha action. However, as it neared the end, the story abruptly shifted to battles in outer space. This change made Darling in the Franxx lose its identity.
Forced Story Logic
Some story decisions felt forced and illogical. For instance, the sudden expertise of Mitsuru and Kokoro in parenting within just two episodes seemed unrealistic.
High Expectations Leading to Disappointment
Darling in the Franxx is a perfect example of how high expectations can lead to disappointment. Despite its promising start, the inconsistent plot and minimal character development caused the anime to lose its charm.
If you enjoy light romance or mecha action without delving too deeply into the story, this anime is still worth watching. However, if you seek solid worldbuilding and a consistent narrative, be prepared for disappointment.
In conclusion, Darling in the Franxx started with a bang, drawing viewers in with its intriguing world and dynamic characters. However, as the story unfolded, rushed plot developments, neglected character arcs, and abrupt shifts in focus led to its ultimate downfall. While it may still hold appeal for some audiences, those seeking a more cohesive and fulfilling narrative may find themselves let down by this once-promising anime.
