Originally from Myanimelist:

DARLING in the FRANXX: the joint project between A-1 and Trigger in which many an anime fan had been hyping since its announcement. From firsthand experience, I can tell you that the show hadn't lost much steam during its airing - it was easily among the, if not the most talked about seasonal shows of this season. It had its ups and downs, but overall I thought it was a pretty good show.

Now, normally that wouldn't warrant a review but some people really, really dislike this show for some reason, and I'm not sure why. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I just want to make sure prospective watchers hear both sides and know what they're getting into before delving (or not delving) into Darling in the FRANXX.

First thing's first, I want to stress that this is a character drama first, and a mecha show second. The giant, ultra humanoid robots, despite being in the very name of the show, take a backseat (in fact, that example is apt, 'FRANXX,' the robots, come after the word, 'DARLING,' a human). If you expected breathtaking mecha action, you'll probably drop the show in disappointment.

If you do stick around for the characters, however, you'll find extremely well-written characters for an anime. While they're admittedly not all as fleshed out as much as I'd like, they're still (mostly) all given enough screentime/backstory that I care about them and their struggles. The characters are written as realistic teenagers, and as such, if you don't like teenager drama/squabbling, then this might not be the show for you. I personally loved the interactions, and even if I was angry at a particular character, I still gave the show props for the character acting genuinely and consistently. I also loved the romance aspect of the show, and I felt the ending of the show was marvelous in this aspect.

I also give the show props for its symbolism. While I love Evangelion to death, it's no secret that Anno often added symbolism for symbolism's sake. In FRANXX, the symbolism makes sense for the story and is understandable. I enjoyed how it tied to the themes and concepts of the show. While some may dislike the overtness of the symbolism, I feel that it works in the show's favor, serving to contrast with the children's ignorance in the matters depicted by the symbolism.

Now, on to the things I dislike: everything else.

Just kidding, or rather, I'm exaggerating. In fleshing out the characters, it seems like many other aspects of the show suffered. This doesn't make the show terrible by any means, but it keeps it from being outstanding in my eyes.

For one, while the symbolism is good, the fanservice can be somewhat obnoxious. Many defended the fanservice, saying it went hand-in-hand with the symbolism, but I'm sure many will be able to see that most of the fanservice is just that: meaningless treats for the fans' eyes. While there's nothing wrong with fanservice, it almost always makes the show seem less serious, more willing to trade artistic integrity for the favor of perverted-minded viewers. Thankfully this doesn't last too long, but I'm willing it was enough to lose a few viewers.

The main story itself isn't as good as you'd expect it to be starting out. While it's not terrible, it's not much to write home about. While certain aspects of it are good, it's best to temper your expectations for this one. It'll throw you for a loop, but not necessarily a good one, writing-wise. Many have said the show needed another season.While I disagree, with the story that we ended up getting, a few more episodes would have behooved it.

The mech designs are quirky, but, again, nothing to write home about.

The characters really help this show stand out compared to the competition. It's a good show overall, and while I love the romance, I can't give it a ten, and I'm not sure I can give it a nine either.

That said, I really don't see the show as 1/10-worthy. The show has its faults, but it's by no means terrible. I feel a part of it is the show's hype, and another part people expecting the show to be something that it isn't. Go into the show with an open mind and realistic expectations. If you do this, you'll get the most out of it.

8.5(9)/10