FLCL: Flying Memory
September 9, 2018 12:13 AM - Season 3, Episode 1 - Subscribe
Kana is a high schooler who is just living her life - going to school, working part time at a soba shop, and hanging out with her friends (and getting into trouble with them.) But a chance encounter with a certain pink haired woman at work one day shows her that while she might be reluctant to deal with the world, the world isn't going to wait to deal with her any longer...
And so begins season 3 of FLCL, better known as FLCL: Alternative. Whereas season 2 (FLCL: Progressive) was done by members of the original FLCL staff, animation duties here have been handed to a new generation of animators, ones who grew up with the original series. Of course, the soundtrack is still by The Pillows, lending the proceedings their unique touch.
And if you're thinking you've seen this episode before - chances are that you have. This was the episode that Adult Swim played on April 1st.
And so begins season 3 of FLCL, better known as FLCL: Alternative. Whereas season 2 (FLCL: Progressive) was done by members of the original FLCL staff, animation duties here have been handed to a new generation of animators, ones who grew up with the original series. Of course, the soundtrack is still by The Pillows, lending the proceedings their unique touch.
And if you're thinking you've seen this episode before - chances are that you have. This was the episode that Adult Swim played on April 1st.
Yeah, I think I'm already more attached to these characters than I was the Progressive set. It's super early and we'll see where it goes, but it already feels a lot looser and more natural to me.
posted by Phobos the Space Potato at 9:19 PM on September 9, 2018
posted by Phobos the Space Potato at 9:19 PM on September 9, 2018
Yeah, this episode came across very strong (and had solid buzz when it initially aired in April.) Part of that is the main cast, and most notably the new main character, Kana. She's different, having neither Naota's cynicism or Hidomi's nihilism, but being genuinely earnest. Also, she's older (17, to Naota being 13 and Hidomi being 14), which puts her in a different point of life - on the cusp of adulthood, and putting off the big questions to just live in the now. (Not that she doesn't have responsibilities, with her afterschool job - and that marks another difference for her, as it's a job, not helping with the family business.) Her friends also give her both grounding and make her world feel more real,with them being an eclectic group.
But another part of what makes Alternative vital is its commentary on society. Both the original and Progressive had things to say about society, but neither were as open about it as Alternative is. And I'm not just talking about things like the PM's speech, but little things, like how the community center the girls use as a hangout is run down, or them talking about the new mall (which looks like an ominous black cube) is harming the local stores they use. It's clear that social themes will play a role here.
posted by NoxAeternum at 11:28 AM on September 10, 2018
But another part of what makes Alternative vital is its commentary on society. Both the original and Progressive had things to say about society, but neither were as open about it as Alternative is. And I'm not just talking about things like the PM's speech, but little things, like how the community center the girls use as a hangout is run down, or them talking about the new mall (which looks like an ominous black cube) is harming the local stores they use. It's clear that social themes will play a role here.
posted by NoxAeternum at 11:28 AM on September 10, 2018
For me, FLCL perfectly captures the duality of freedom and confinement of being a teen, and provides me with the warm glow of nostalgia combined with the horror of "I'm so glad I don't have to go through that again".
Seeing these girls riff off each other, but also the tension of future change just hits me with all the feels.
Haruko seems a little one note at this point, but she's the harbinger of change, so maybe that's enough for the series as a whole.
posted by Hermeowne Grangepurr at 1:17 PM on September 11, 2018 [1 favorite]
Seeing these girls riff off each other, but also the tension of future change just hits me with all the feels.
Haruko seems a little one note at this point, but she's the harbinger of change, so maybe that's enough for the series as a whole.
posted by Hermeowne Grangepurr at 1:17 PM on September 11, 2018 [1 favorite]
I loved this. The characters are much better than the last season
posted by rosary at 5:31 PM on September 14, 2018
posted by rosary at 5:31 PM on September 14, 2018
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posted by filthy light thief at 12:06 PM on September 9, 2018