DARLING in the FRANXX Episode 16

As we enter the final phase of the story, secrets are starting to surface, namely starting with Nana’s and Hachi’s origins. Dr. FRANXX said the two of them been through this before, leading me to wonder if perhaps they are the sole survivors of his last (and perhaps failed) experiment. After he had said that, Nana felt a tinge in her head, which means it triggered memories that have been altered or erased altogether.

The purpose of Dr. FRANXX’s experiments are still a mystery, but I find it very intriguing how he is continuously and deliberately doing things that force them to learn how to be independent. And when you think about it, it’s kind of ironic isn’t it, to have them do that when they have been raised their entire lives not to question anything, and even go as far as erase Hiro’s memories of Zero Two. Somewhere along the line, it appears he changed his plans, perhaps identifying Hiro and his group are the perfect subjects for his project. But why would Dr. FRANXX want them to become independent? Does it have to drawing out the FRANXX’s true power? Perhaps.

What is also important to note: is how it seems like the action he is taking is being done in secret, counting on Nana and Hachi to keep him posted on the progress. This is why Nana doesn’t understand his intentions, believing Squad 13 will continue to be major assets to Papa, so it’s their duty to make sure they are well cared for. APE’s higher ups and Papa don’t give a shit about their disposable tools after-all, even if they went through hell and back. They are counting on the caretakers to do their jobs properly, enabling Dr. FRANXX to go ahead with his challenges he sets on them without being noticed.

Two months have passed since the brutal battle. Amazingly the garden is still in tact, but the conditions are quickly becoming less than favourable, forcing the squad to start picking up basic survival skills that will help them stop being reliant on Papa’s support. However for much of the time, everyone kept their feelings bottled up inside, but their fears and despair came flooding out when Zorome confronted Futoshi about throwing up his meals. The boy has been claiming he wants to go on a diet, but in reality, like everyone is, he is just struggling to cope with the aftermath of the battle. Zorome followed up, revealing he feels like Papa has abandoned them. The battle was a harsh reality to face, reminding them they could die at any time, there is a time limit to their lifespan. Opening up to each other helped them to remove the weight of their shoulders, and help them breathe and begin their healing process. Hiro however was the only optimistic one, seeing light in the grim situation of how he isn’t scared and has confidence things can work out because they have each other. He also shares the important notion of how this experience, of being independent from Papa and the organization helps them get the sense this is where they truly belong, and there are more to their lives than piloting FRANXXs.

Honestly, hearing him say those corny lines irks me. Not just because it’s cheesy, but it frustrates me how he goes on about this, yet doesn’t take the opportunity to open up about the things of the past he knows. Of course this might have not been the ideal time to do so, but one has to ask: Then when is the right time? They could die any day, time is not on their side. But more importantly, does he intend to share his knowledge? I feel like he would at some point. He doesn’t strike me as a character who would abandon his squad just to simply elope with Zero Two. If they are going to run away, they will do it all together. Or so I hope…

And it’s crunch time. Hiro vowed to Zero Two he will help her fulfill her dream, yet little does he know there is yet another terrible battle in store for them. The ominous roar of the Klaxosaur in the distance, and Papa note of having sent two messengers to “you-know-where” to send a final warning, you know there is bound to be big trouble– and let’s not forget about that monstrous hand that single-handily smashed 99% of Plantation 13. The only thing we don’t quite understand yet is how they claim there is no longer the need for “two-keys”, while the Klaxosaur Princess is probably the girl who looks almost as though she is Zero Two’s Counterpart.

Speaking of the devil herself, it was quite startling to see Zero Two behave as a carefree girl who gets along with everyone today. She turned a new leaf alright, but I am not satisfied with how it played out. Frankly, it annoys me how she was given a free pass, where it appears as though it was Hiro who begged for the team to forgive her, rather than her apologizing for her own actions. Look if she was able to acknowledge her mistakes with Hiro, her character is perfectly capable of apologizing to the group herself. I would value her newfound friendship with the group a lot more had she done it herself. That is the only thing that drives me nuts about the writing.

Mitsuru surprised us all when he asked for a haircut and all I could think of was, “NOT YOUR BEAUTIFUL HAIR!” (but his new cut suits him too!) until Kokoro did the unexpected and KISSED MITSURU!!!! I CAN’T BELIEVE SHE DID THAT! I AM SCREAMING! It happened so fast, that I almost didn’t believe it. When he said he feels like he could do anything with her, it’s like she was entranced by a spell, and when she realized what she just did, she fled. Mitsuru was so shocked he didn’t even know how to react! That said, I am a bit bummed out there was no follow up. Heck I’m surprised the two were able to even continue interacting with each other without being awkward!

But besides the kiss, getting his hair cut was an important development for Mitsuru. Cutting his hair means he has finally let go of his grudge against Hiro, and he opens up to Kokoro revealing he feels empty. Kokoro being her precious self gives him the words of encouragement he needed to hear: because he was able to understand the misunderstanding, he can start over again.

Gosh I am so excited for their development, they are my OTP in this series. I love these two so much. I just hope they can have a happy ending! ; A ;

Speaking of hoping for a Happy Ending, this episode is scaring the ever living crap out of me. Child Fevers and Grey Streaks are the last thing I want to see or hear. Goro had developed a fever, Ikuno had a fever, Mitsuru already gone through his, who is next? *SOBS* When Zero Two was playing Miku’s hair, she noticed a grey streaks growing in. I wonder if she knows anything more about the meaning behind the color change, besides it potentially being a sign of their life-span coming to an end. As of right now, she is currently the only one who is showing this development, and I wonder how long it will take before her hair to turn completely grey, or for anyone else to catch on. I feel like Miku must have noticed it herself, but kept quite and was thankful Zero Two turned a blind eye to it.

We got a stunning new OP theme, with a remix of the song! It changed from blood into into more of a water theme. I also believe a timeline has been set in place, with Hiro talking about how he’d like to show her the Cherry Blossoms when they bloom. Whenever that happens, it will likely be during their last fight.

And we cannot neglect to mention the ED Theme, we got official confirmation that Ikuno likes Ichigo- many of us had our suspicions of such, but it’s nice to get some form of validation, even if it’s only in the ED Theme for the time being. But if we were to go back to OP for a moment, everyone had a pair except for Ikuno and Futoshi who each were looking out in the distance, apart. This is probably meant to convey the are the pair who are both have an unrequited love, and are unable to partner up with them.

That being said: I am simultaneously excited and terrified for what’s to come.
PROTECT THEM ALL AT ALL COST! ; A ;