FLCL Progressive

The original FLCL is one of my favorite anime of all time. There are a lot of things about this show that could be better, mainly when it comes to introducing new characters and making each episode have a big moment for the whole of the series (to me at least, every episode of the original had one big moment that immediately comes to mind). Having the pillows playing the music for the show definitely scores some serious points though. I knew going into this show that most of the old characters wouldn't be back, and while some of the new characters were not likable, I did feel some of the others grow with time. Overall, I liked it, but it wasn't a constant rewatchable classic like the original.

Where the original FLCL was something you either loved or hated, "Progressive" is a like an echo of the original.

While trying to reproduce and capture the original feel (and fans) of FLCL, "Progressive" fails, making it feel even more "less than" which is a shame considering the story, though a trope filled mess, has some originality and enjoyable points.

Taken on its own it's an interesting watch, but most will feel disappointed if they were expecting a true continuation of the joy and insanity found in the original.

Pro's:

• English Dubbing.
• "Some" of the art is higher quality, making it feel newer.
• Enjoyable and unusual story.

Con's:

• It's not FLCL, don't get your hopes up.
• Art quality dips at times.
• Much is the story is predicable.

Honestly, I thought FLCL Progressive is just as good as the original FLCL. True it doesnt have the same vibe as the original series. But I was still on the edge of my seat the entire time I was watching it. It isnt as WTF as the original but it is still worth checking out.

Several years after the events of the original FLCL it returns for this series; set in the same town but with, mostly, new characters. Hidomi Hibajiri is a fourteen year old girl who always wears cat-eared headphones and has strange dreams is the new lead. Her life, and that of those around her are about to get strange when Haruko Haruhara returns to town on her Vespa.

I won't attempt to describe the plot; anybody who watched the original will know to expect the bizarre. I can understand why some viewers didn't enjoy this; at first I wasn't sure I would. Thankfully once I got to know the new characters I found myself enjoying it more and more. The story provides plenty of surreal moments, laughs and action. The animation might not be as good as many new series but I felt the style matched to original which for me was more important. Overall I found this to be a welcome return to the world of FLCL so would recommend it... as it is only six episodes long you won't waste much time if you don't like it.

These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.

Compared to the original, the animation is incredibly disappointing, and in all honesty... every episode just feels like pedo bait on top of some more pedo bait... so in a nutshell, FLCL: Progressive is just your average, mediocre, completely forgettable anime series, just with a bunch of the original series' weirdness thrown into the mix), which FLCL really didn't deserve to turn into.

(On the bright side, at least The Pillows don't disappoint - the ending sequence is really rad.)