Comeback of Mecha: Darling in the FranXX Episode 3 Review

    If there was ever an episode of a currently airing anime that left me begging for more, it would be this. Like a samurai filled with anger in his last stand, Darling in the FranXX uses this episode to run from the stereotype of generic Evangelion clone in the bleak mood towards something much more subtle and meaningful.
   What was apparent from the getgo was the staggering improvement in the artistic and production departments- and I am not just talking about the action scene by the end of the episode. One of the highlights are the scenes involving Zero Two and Hiro together, especially the one when they are looking towards the cityscape- camera moving around Zero Two in unique ways really works here to enhance the feeling of chemistry between those two characters. Action scenes have a distinct Kill la Kill touch to them that just makes them much more enjoyable to watch. They are presented in an impactful manner, and animation carries weight behind it in this regard, despite goofy mecha designs- it almost reminded me of Asuka's final fight in The End of Evangelion. Cinematography, in general, has been improved significantly, here using Scum's wish-styled cuts where the near area of the character is visible, but the rest is taken up by blackness- in the context of the important conversation of the two characters this felt very fitting, increasing the tension of the decision one of them had to make.

   The plot progression is also very apparent this time around. This episode is set up in a way of the monster of the week- the new monster appears, go and kill it. But, this formula is used in a unique way here to put more mystery and ecstasy behind Zero Two's wacky personality and her relationship with poor Hiro. By doing this, show points towards one of its, so far, major themes- unconditional irrational love, something you do not get much of anymore. Other characters also get screen time this time as well, and in this department show now seems purely solid- they have varied personalities, and the dialogue between each one is entertaining and by the end of the episode, I could recognize them by just the way they spoke.
  Overall, Episode 3 sets Darling in the FranXX as the potential best show of the season- but even if it doesn't end up being that, it will still end up as a testament that the genre of mecha is not dead. This season's must watch.

You can stream Darling in the FranXX at Crunchyroll.

Score breakdown:

Story: A
The plot progression is apparent, and the show makes the great use of the monster of the week formula.

Characters: A
While the cast is not entirely unique, the dialogue of each individual character feels distinct. The cinematography creates a great atmosphere around Zero Two's personality.

Animation: B+
While it is not particularly fluid, it has that Kill la Kill touch that makes it visually appealing.

Cinematography: A+
Whoever storyboarded this episode deserves an applause and a raise.

Art: A+
This time we see the city and mechas in action which looks somewhat goofy, and most important of all- very unique. Design of the world feels solid overall.

+ Strong progression of the plot, triumph in the visual department.
- Um... let's be neat picky! Side characters are... perhaps... not unique enough?

Overall: A

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