FLCL Progressive [Season 1 Episodes 1-6]

Alright, let’s talk about FLCL Progressive—the sequel to the iconic 2001 OVA that’s been dividing fans since it dropped. If you’re a 2000s kid who grew up with Haruko’s guitar-smashing chaos, you probably went into this with high hopes… and maybe left with a mix of confusion and nostalgia. Let’s break it down like we’re chatting after school, no fancy jargon—just real talk.

First off, let’s get the basics straight. Progressive is a 6-episode sequel funded by Toonami, with a new team of creators (since the original was by Gainax) and that same legendary soundtrack by The Pillows. The vibe? Still surreal, still about growing up, but with new characters: Hidomi, a moody teen who’d rather hide in her headphones than deal with the world, and Ide, her hyperactive classmate who’s low-key obsessed with her. Oh, and Haruko’s back—because you can’t have FLCL without her chaotic energy.

Now, let’s dive into what fans are saying. Spoiler: It’s a hot take buffet.

The Good (Yes, There Is Some)

Some fans are defending Progressive like it’s their favorite underrated band. One user on MyAnimeList argued, “People didn’t even try to understand it—just dismiss it as randumb. Like the original FLCL was when it came out, before being analyzed to hell.” And they’ve got a point. The original was weird as hell too—remember Naota’s robot coming out of his head? Progressive leans into that same “what the heck is happening” energy, but with a modern twist.

The soundtrack? Chef’s kiss. The Pillows are back, and their rock anthems still slap. One fan gushed, “The only thing they got right is the ending song and how it blends in.” Even critics can’t deny that the music is a highlight—those guitar riffs hit just as hard as they did in 2001.

And let’s not forget the art style. While some episodes feel flat, there are moments of pure visual chaos that feel classic FLCL. Episode 5, for example, switches up the animation style in a trippy dream sequence that had fans talking. It’s like the creators were trying to recapture that “anything goes” vibe, and sometimes it works.

The Bad (Oh, There’s a Lot)

But let’s be real—most fans are not here for Progressive. The biggest complaint? It’s a sequel that didn’t need to exist. As one user put it, “It didn’t have the heart and soul that made FLCL, well FLCL. It was an utter disappointment of a sequel.” Ouch.

Why the hate? Let’s start with the characters. Hidomi is… fine? But she’s no Naota. Her arc feels underdeveloped, and her relationship with Ide is more cringe than cute. Fans called out Ide’s constant yelling of “Hibajiri!” (Hidomi’s last name) as annoying, and let’s be honest—who wants to listen to that for 6 episodes?

Then there’s the story. The original FLCL was weird, but it had a point—growing up, letting go, the chaos of adolescence. Progressive? It feels like randomness for randomness’ sake. One fan ranted, “The story felt a bit lackluster, wasn’t a fan of new characters. Haruko was this time a little bit of a villain it felt like.” Haruko’s character is a big sticking point—she’s supposed to be the chaotic, guitar-wielding alien we love, but here she feels more like a plot device than a character.

Animation quality is another issue. While some episodes have flashy moments, others look cheap. One user complained, “The animation sucked except for like 1 episode and the cast is just so boring. It’s literally just 6 episodes and yet I kept waiting when it would end.” Oof—when you’re checking the clock during a short series, that’s a problem.

The Ugly (Nostalgia vs. Reality)

Here’s the thing: Progressive is caught between two worlds. It’s trying to appeal to old fans with nostalgia (hello, The Pillows!) but also attract new viewers with modern tropes. And it’s not doing either very well.

Old fans are upset because it doesn’t live up to the original. New fans? They might be confused by the randomness without the emotional core. As one user put it, “It’s basically FLCL ‘girl perspective’—that’s not a bad thing, but personally I don’t think it adds much.”

But wait—let’s give it some credit. The original FLCL was polarizing too. When it first came out, people called it “too weird” or “nonsensical.” Maybe Progressive is just ahead of its time? Or maybe it’s just… not good. Only time will tell.

Final Verdict

FLCL Progressive is like that sequel to your favorite movie—you want to love it, but it just doesn’t hit the same. The soundtrack is fire, and there are glimmers of the original’s magic, but the characters are flat, the story is messy, and it feels like a cash grab more than a labor of love.

If you’re a die-hard FLCL fan, you’ll probably watch it just to say you did. If you’re new? Start with the original—that’s the FLCL you need to experience. As one fan summed it up: “This is one of those old masterpieces that absolutely didn’t need a sequel. Now Adult Swim has tampered all over FLCL’s legacy.”

At the end of the day, Progressive is a fun ride if you don’t take it too seriously. But if you’re looking for the heart and soul of the original? You’re better off re-watching the 2001 OVA.

So, what’s your take? Did Progressive live up to the hype, or is it just a nostalgia cash grab? Let’s argue about it in the comments—because that’s what FLCL fans do. 🎸✨