FLCL Progressive (2018)

[フリクリ プログレ]

Director: Katsuyuki Motohiro
Studio: Production IG
Starring: Megumi Hayashibara, Miyuki Sawashiro, Inori Minase
Episodes: 6

Synopsis:
A bored and disconnected high school girl becomes the center of a series of strange events.

Impressions:
It seemed odd that they'd continue FLCL so many years after the original. I didn't feel that compelled to pursue this when it first came out, but when it happened to be available, I gave it a watch and, honestly, I was underwhelmed. The original was a decent metaphor for growing up wrapped in a lot of trippy hijinx, but this one doesn't stack up so favorably. I've heard it argued that it isn't meant to tread the same ground but is rather a story about Haruko's inability to grow up. If it was supposed to be about her, then she probably should've been less of a side character. Instead we have center stage the not terribly well-developed Hidomi and Ide, who at least have more going for them than the rest of the cast, who you never make much of a connection with. I did like the element of Hidomi's dreams and at the end they do some interesting things with the animation, but once it was all said and done, I was left unsatisfied. It just didn't have the spark of the original and perhaps it was silly to think it might. Ultimately, it feels more like a cash grab with hardly any of the original crew involved. Even bringing back the Pillows for the music, we don't get anything as iconic as "Ride on Shooting Star". I feel there's just enough to make it worth a watch but by a fairly narrow margin. Maybe you'll like it better.

Rating:
Watch It