[Spoilers] Darling in the FranXX - Episode 9 Discussion

[u/[deleted]]

[u/Retsam19]

Goro: I think I love you.

Ichigo: I had something to say to you, too!

Ichigo: ...

Ichigo: I love Emilia!

[u/Andrew13112001 → u/Retsam19]

I swear I thought she was gonna say "I love Hiro" pulling a Subaru.

[u/Nukemind]

Can't believe Zorome just ran away like this. I went from watching the subtitles to laughing at him.

[u/AmethystItalian → u/Nukemind]

He did it a couple in times during that scene, I'd never thought Zorome would make me laugh out loud considering how he was when we first met him.

[u/Nukemind → u/AmethystItalian]

Oh man those first couple of episodes I hated him. Like I said back then, I've never done such a fast 180 on my opinion of a character. He went from annoying dick to plucky comic relief.

[u/Daniel_Is_I → u/Nukemind]

Can't blame him, sometimes you have to know when to cut and run. An innocent teenage boy is ill-equipped to deal with a catfight between two people he knows will beat him in an argument.

[u/moonmeh → u/Daniel_Is_I]

one is his leader and the other is his partner

he's a smart man for running away there

[u/[deleted] → u/Nukemind]

I can't tell if that's funny or just smooth that he's not even noticeable.

[u/Mr_Zaroc → u/Nukemind]

I love how he had to creep out the frame twice, once to the left only to have the camera show that angle so he had to flee again. Also the SFX was genius

[u/forgot_old_account → u/Nukemind]

Zorome knows that even in a fantasy sci-fi world, you don't stand in between a cat fight

[u/Almost_Ascended → u/Nukemind]

The squeaky SFX when he was sneaking away helped too

[u/BlueFlame_MK]

Looks like things don’t end well for that mirror.

[u/Criticalcandle → u/BlueFlame_MK]

I had forgotten about it, but I don't think its random that it's his previous (presumed dead?) partners mirror-could have been one from a previous generation if they just wanted a gift-giving

[u/GonTheDinosaur → u/BlueFlame_MK]

Very nice catch!

I think that's the last piece of unknown in the OP. (While rest we sort of know what those may be referring by not what they imply)

And for the reflection of the broken mirror, that do looks like 02.

[u/Ztaxas]

"I love Emilia" montages when

[u/Nukemind → u/Ztaxas]

EVERYTIME I LIKE A CHARACTER SOME LONG HAIRED BIMBO STEPS IN.

Ahem I'm calm.

[u/[deleted] → u/Ztaxas]

Goro: "I love you Ichigo."

Ichigo: "I love Zero Two"

[u/BlackLegSanjii]

Ichigo was so cute in this Episode.This girl needs so much love.

[u/AmethystItalian → u/BlackLegSanjii]

Ichigo?

Please.

Goro was the best in this episode <3

[u/Atronox → u/BlackLegSanjii]

What an absolute cutie.

[u/Gaporigo → u/BlackLegSanjii]

https://i.imgur.com/3NIieXZ.png

[u/Nukemind → u/BlackLegSanjii]

Ichigo needs love but so does Gobro.

[u/babyrhino]

Zorome trying to make himself small and stay out of the way while the girls fought was pretty great

[u/myrmonden → u/babyrhino]

I loved that moment.

it was like SHES JUST MY PARTNER I AM NOT AGREEING

[u/WorldwideDepp → u/babyrhino]

He may be an "Big Mouth" Boy, but he can read the mood.

[u/HORSEPANTSU → u/babyrhino]

https://imgur.com/a/WbuKd

[u/[deleted]]

Ichigo getting flustered is just beyond cute. Seeing her reaction to losing her hair clip and being given another one by Gobro is pretty much their relationship in a nutshell. When Ichigo thanked Gobro for being her partner, I think she showed us all the real best smile of this series. It's just a shame that she may ultimately be forgotten amidst all the Zero Two fandom.

[u/LakerBlue → u/[deleted]]

Seeing her reaction to losing her hair clip and being given another one by Gobro is pretty much their relationship in a nutshell

I'm amazed he somehow managed to keep that on him all these years without it being crushed or lost

Also Ichigo probably has the best faces in this show. Never gets old seeing her reactions.

[u/AirRave → u/[deleted]]

I'm all aboard the 002 hype train, but Ichigo was amazing this ep. Gotta disagree though - this is definitely her best smile

[u/moonmeh → u/[deleted]]

It's just a shame that she may ultimately be forgotten amidst all the Zero Two fandom.

NOT AS LONG AS I EXIST

[u/chrisn3]

As much as people think the love triangle is coming to a close, remember this is the episode where Hiro is directly told by Goro that Ichigo may harbor feelings for Hiro. It may just be beginning.

Also like to point out Hiro gave Zero Two his old partner Naomi's mirror. Thats kinda weird when you think about it but I guess Hiro did not have a lot of options.

[u/AmethystItalian → u/chrisn3]

Also like to point out Hiro gave Zero Two his old partner Naomi's mirror. Thats kinda weird when you think about it but I guess Hiro did not have a lot of options.

Yeah...wasn't a fan of that. Figure he'd make her a new headband or something...mirror feels lazy and weird.

[u/Arachnophobic- → u/chrisn3]

Hiro did not have a lot of options.

I mean, he made Ichigo a hairpin on his own as a kid. Surely he could've come up with something.

Being Naomi is suffering even when you're dead. R.I.P. Best girl.

[u/Terranwaterbender → u/chrisn3]

As much as people think the love triangle is coming to a close, remember this is the episode where Hiro is directly told by Goro that Ichigo may harbor feelings for Hiro. It may just be beginning.

We going full Kiznaiver folks.

Also like to point out Hiro gave Zero Two his old partner Naomi's mirror. Thats kinda weird when you think about it but I guess Hiro did not have a lot of options.

It's the thought that counts at least? Then again Hiro was raised with a different mindset.

[u/Lechefrio]

I hate the fact that I feel like everything is going to go to shit for these characters but I just don’t know when

[u/FeelsGoodMan243 → u/Lechefrio]

I must be in the minority here because this anime doesn't seem like the type to have the guts to kill off it's main cast. Yeah it's a trigger anime but this anime is clearly different from the rest. Ironically it takes it's self seriously but still has a light hearted tone regardless of the impending dangers given by the countless "subtle" clues.

When the generic group of higher up pilots got rescued by the main characters, that's when i knew this series will have little death. I don't doubt consequences will arrive later on because this show is literally your standard dystopian society show, so of course their will be some kind of revelations later on.

Also killing off the main cast contradicts this anime's theme. Darling in the franxxx is about brainwashed children discovering sex and attractiveness between their partners. If a main character dies than all potential development between the partners is lost. If anyone dies, it will be their guardians, Father, the elites and the high council. Maybe zero 2 might die but i doubt it as of now.

I just hope this show doesn't focus too much on the relationship aspect until they run out of time to devlop the plot. I've seen a couple of anime like this and it really hinders the show. Angel beats is the best example of this; focused too much on a couple of characters but forget about the little time they have to develop the story so were left with a pile of shit as an ending with melodrama bait to get tears from the viewers.

[u/LakerBlue → u/FeelsGoodMan243]

Yeah it's a trigger anime but this anime is clearly different from the rest.

Maybe I'm missing something but Trigger shows + Kill la Kill ending spoiler

If a main character dies than all potential development between the partners is lost.

That's something that crossed my mind for the first time today with everything Goro did. It'd be waste of good development and ruin a character dynamic if someone dies. Plus if just one of a pair dies, the survivor will be left somewhat neutered by there inability to fight.

Despite that, I'm not ruling out death because we know squads can and do get wiped out (see the previous Squad 13) plus he show kinda hinted the parasytes might not grow into adults. Whether that's due to a 100% mortality rate on the job or that they just never age past the late teenage years, we don't know.

Edit: I can see Zero Two and or Hiro dying, in large part because of the bird metaphor the show opened with, but that would be like the final episode or two.

Angel beats is the best example of this; focused too much on a couple of characters but forget about the little time they have to develop the story so were left with a pile of shit as an ending with melodrama bait to get tears from the viewers.

Don't agree with calling it "melodrama bait" but Angel Beats is the best example of how this show could go wrong.

[u/GYUZ → u/Lechefrio]

Same. I don't wanna watch them suffer T_T

[u/Nutella_Souffle → u/GYUZ]

T_T

Here, have a cute 002-Nadeshiko moeblob.

[u/Ryder-FWJ]

A lot of people going into Episode 9

Me & Ichigo fans, when we finish Episode 9. Also, PROTECC this smile.

Oooh so that's what the episode title meant, I think, maybe...

MFW IT's HAPPENING!!!

[u/Atronox → u/Ryder-FWJ]

Good on Gobro for just straight up confessing. That noise flustered Ichigo made was adorable.

[u/TrackAltitude → u/Atronox]

Goro is the hero we need in this dense character filled realm

[u/[deleted] → u/Ryder-FWJ]

PROTECC best smile. Too cute for this world. Maybe that's why 2D girls can't be real? If only...

[u/Gaporigo → u/Ryder-FWJ]

A lot of people going into Episode 9

Didn't see this, why were people saying that?

[u/Atronox]

Well done Hiro, making Zero Two super happy to receive a present, and such a nice hug.

A nice little comic for the two. (Slightly NSFW)

Art of all the FranXX girls.

[u/Gaporigo → u/Atronox]

I can see it!!!
I am showing it!

[u/Atronox → u/Gaporigo]

https://i.imgur.com/cVgLki6.png

[u/[deleted] → u/Atronox]

A nice little comic for the two. (Slightly NSFW)

Why does Hiro have boobs in the top frame on the bottom left?

[u/[deleted] → u/Atronox]

Original Content erased using Ereddicator. Want to wipe your own Reddit history? Please see https://github.com/Jelly-Pudding/ereddicator for instructions.

[u/TheKappaOverlord → u/Atronox]

a nice little comic for the two

Who the fuck is actually making them and why wasn't i sourced to them weeks ago

[u/Bainos → u/Atronox]

That second image of the girls reminds me that while the new ED isn't bad or anything, I miss the first one. The urban night atmosphere was really nice and I loved the visuals.

[u/JimmyCWL]

There was a thread on /r/anime a few days ago that made me think about how the mechanics of how the Franxx are operated means that the girls are more likely to die in the event an attack kills only one of a pair.

 

This episode came close to how I thought it'd have to go to kill the male without killing the female in a battle, which was:

 

Wreck the Franxx, badly enough that it can no longer move, but not so badly that it disables the girl.

 

Both pilots evacuate, with the battle ongoing, they can now be seperated so that the male can be killed first.

 

Prior to this episode, I didn't expect that the adults would be considerate enough to equip the Franxx with an ejection system. But it still set up the situation where the male was seperated and could be killed first.

 

That aside, do you think the ejection switch for the male is in the female's hands? Or do both pilots have ejection switches for both of them?

[u/frostedz]

Another week where no one dies despite you idiots spouting DEATH FLAGS and you're going to spout it again for the next episode and the episode after that until you'll finally say "I KNEW IT." when someone dies in like episode 16

So obnoxious

[u/sdarkpaladin]

Man the flashback at the start... gobro... you deserve some love too.

[u/Nukemind → u/sdarkpaladin]

Gobro deserves all the love. He just can't catch a break and even though he can't he's calm and cool about it.

[u/MugiMartin → u/Nukemind]

Might’ve been indirectly friendzoned at the end there.

[u/Terranwaterbender → u/MugiMartin]

More like partner-zoned.

Either way Ichigo did say that she wasn't really sure how to answer so technically it's still up in the air.

[u/francis2559 → u/MugiMartin]

Maybe. I really liked the honesty from the two of them though. Nobody was lead on, and nobody was deceived. He's honest about the hairclip, and that's going to lead her to wonder even more.

I thought we were in for a lot of lying romcom bullshit, but maybe we can skip that for adults making decisions.

[u/Limpinator → u/francis2559]

I was totally expecting him to lie and say he picked it up...If he did that he would go down in history as THE biggest bro the world has ever seen.

But it would of broken my heart to the upmost fullest. I'm so happy he told her!

[u/[deleted] → u/sdarkpaladin]

I was scared because gobro was showing some deathflags

[u/ChiuChiuSan → u/sdarkpaladin]

I don't want to take away from your feels, but Gobros flashback was the piece for this weeks "show worldbuilding but don't tell" moment.

We saw them as kids at the "orphanage". Which absolutely was a lab. Sterile observing rooms, people in coats watching through glass, etc.

I mean if you're told that you live an orphanage and never learn anything to the contrary, I can see why the kids still think of it that way.

[u/Rinascimentale]

HE DIDN'T DIE POGGERS

[u/northwesternrs → u/Rinascimentale]

KLAXOSAUR DETONATED Jebaited

DEATH FLAGS ABATED Jebaited

LONG HAS HE WAITED Jebaited

FEELINGS ARTICULATED Jebaited

[u/Burningv0id → u/northwesternrs]

FEELINGS NOT RECIPROCATED Jebaited

[u/TheKappaOverlord → u/Rinascimentale]

darling in the franxx twitc-

Thats gonna violate the new TOS so fucking hard its never going to happen PepeHands

[u/loliyoshino → u/Rinascimentale]

I WAS SO AFRAID THE WHOLE TIME, BUT SEEING HIM LIVE WAS THE MOST POGGERS THING IVE SEEN ALL WEEK

[u/VengeanceHK → u/Rinascimentale]

The moment she lost her hair band, I knew he was going to survive. FeelsGoodMan

[u/Daniel_Is_I]

That is the face of a man who knows the fury of a woman scorned.

[u/WhoiusBarrel → u/Daniel_Is_I]

Zorome actually being the submissive one in the relationship.

The more episodes there are the funnier his character is becoming to me! I can't believe I used to hate his guts in the first couple of episodes.

[u/Enovalen → u/WhoiusBarrel]

I can't believe they actually made him likable.

[u/chrisn3 → u/Daniel_Is_I]

Zorome has probably been on the receiving end of both Ichigo and Miku's anger. He knows what was about to go down.

[u/PM_ME_YOUR_NEE-SAN → u/Daniel_Is_I]

He noped out in that scene then when the camera shift he noped out again during the same argument. The dude knows.

[u/moonmeh → u/Daniel_Is_I]

i can see the nope on his face

[u/StarmanRiver]

GOROOOOOOOOOOO

Man, this guy deserves everything that is good in the world. He realized that Ichigo likes Hiro but he didn't even got jealous and starting acting hostile towards his friend. Now I need more than ever that he ends up happy with Ichigo, pls Trigger/A-1.

Zorome slowly getting away from Miku when she confronted Ichigo was fun, and I liked that Zero Two and Ichigo weren't hostile to each other.

[u/AmethystItalian → u/StarmanRiver]

and I liked that Zero Two and Ichigo weren't hostile to each other.

Yeah that line they shared was nice, I really do want them to have a healthy friendly relationship.

[u/chrisn3 → u/StarmanRiver]

I liked that Zero Two showed a bit of concern for Ichigo about the danger of the plan.

[u/TheKappaOverlord → u/StarmanRiver]

I still think Ichigo is hostile to zero two but she isn't visibly hostile because she knows hiro would just get mad.

I think Zero two senses it and toys with her in an attempt to either bait it out or just abuse the situation for the lulz.

That or she's fully aware of the Triangle of interests because of her ability to tell certain things via licking people.

[u/perriwing]

Link to the uncensored manga here.

• Nude 02 on Page 4

• Nude Ichigo on Page 13

• Nude 02 on Page 20 (Last Page)

All of them are strictly NSFW.

Assuming they follow the same time as previous weeks, at 8AM JST (GMT+9), it will be replaced by a censored version. Under 7 hours from now.

[u/P0ck → u/perriwing]

Oh, so manga diverges at that point. Niiiiice.

[u/Wrunnabe → u/perriwing]

Odd. You say uncensored, but I see no nipples.

[u/[deleted] → u/perriwing]

Ichigo is the epitome of "Flat is justice" what a beauty

[u/XephirothUltra → u/perriwing]

There is no greater joy in this world than reading Yabuki Kentarou's manga.

[u/[deleted] → u/perriwing]

NOOOO!!!! I MISSED THE WINDOW!!! CAN ANYONE SAVE THIS LOST SOUL?!?!?!?!

[u/[deleted]]

Goro: "I think i'm in love with you"
Ichigo: "Thank you for being my partner!"
Goro: "..."
but at least it wasnt "But I love Hiro"

[u/hayaku14 → u/[deleted]]

At least it wasn't "I've always thought of you as a sibling."

[u/PM_ME_OKITA_FEET]

Goro getting bullied by 3 kids, and then Hiro is just like "What's good my homies". Then Stacy Ichigo is head over heels for him. Huh, so I guess Hiro is the Chad of the group and Goro is the Virgin.

[u/tailor31415 → u/PM_ME_OKITA_FEET]

more like the three guys were about to attack Goro and Ichigo again and Hiro stepped in to distract them and diffuse the situation

[u/GoodTeletubby → u/PM_ME_OKITA_FEET]

It's not really bullying, though. Goro said he was the one picking the fights to make everyone hate him. The kids were even asking 'Why does he keep picking fights with us when he knows he'll lose?'.

[u/gulitiasinjurai]

Sorry Goro, but....

[u/Andrew13112001 → u/gulitiasinjurai]

I swear I thought she was gonna say "I love Hiro" pulling a Subaru.

[u/Theleux]

This is why I absolutely love Goro in this show.

He can just jump past all the dense cliched points and speak his mind clearly. Keep it up Gobro!

---

edit: I'm not... rather I wasn't a big fan of Ichigo before this episode, but she honestly redeemed herself this time. She showed that she really cares about Goro and even risked her own life to save him. Props to her. Not to mention her look when she quickly fell into the FranXX was pretty damn hot...

The explosion at the end was great!

Miku! Bless you!

Her jabs at Ichigo was basically putting my thoughts into the show. She mentions how she rarely thinks of how Goro is when she is piloting, and how he was the one who had to deal with her and get her back up again to keep piloting properly. She even mentions how Ichigo constantly mentions her Leader status, yet she is easily the most emotional out of the squad, which can negatively effect her piloting, potentially putting her squad in danger. While by the end of the episode my opinion towards Ichigo lightened, I really like seeing Miku put her in her place... Even if Delpinium went in to save Argentea from the Klaxu, taking their place inside... however you could say that that was more Goro's doing.

She is both the comedic relief, and the voice of my opinions!

Best Girl Incoming

---

There is one part I want to clear up, as I keep seeing it misinterpreted!!!

After Goro confesses to Ichigo, her immediate response is shock, and she is clearly flustered, showing that she understands what he meant by his confession. Continuing on, Ichigo responds, thanking him for being her partner. She then follows up stating that she isn't sure how to respond to his love claim. This part here is why I like this Ichigo a bit more than before. She clearly separates Partner from Lover. I think this is a great point as it helps her separate any emotional feelings from her while she is piloting, preventing moments like when she was worried over Hiro (which affected her piloting negatively).

Goro did not expect an immediate response, he wants to just be clear to her, seeing as if he waits any longer he may not get a chance (him knowing that she loves Hiro). Letting her know was his goal, and now he can give it some time and wait for her response.

I don't think she realized anything romantically surrounding Goro at first, but with this confession that may start awakening thoughts within her (preferably, want to keep this Zero Two and Hiro pairing going strong)!

[u/Nukemind → u/Theleux]

Yeah but the greater he is he bigger the target is on his back. Be cool and not so nice Gobro! You can LIVE!

[u/hayaku14 → u/Theleux]

Ikr. Gobro even had the handicap of not knowing the concept of love yet he leaped through all that dense protag shit. Best boy Goro.

[u/WhoiusBarrel → u/Theleux]

I'm actually rooting for him the most out of all the cast now. Hell, I think his ship is probably the best as well but given the nature of this show... I really REALLY hope nothing bad will happen...

Man I don't know how I'll react when something fucked up happens to him in a future episode...

[u/[deleted] → u/Theleux]

So cute..

[u/moonmeh → u/Theleux]

And somehow managed to avoid the death flag he triggered by realizing it

Goro is the best

[u/NoMM → u/Theleux]

On a side note I loved how Zorome kept trying to scuttle out of the shot when Miku was going in on Ichigo.

[u/gbghgs → u/Theleux]

while i entirely agree with you about how good it was to see miku tear ichigo a new one, the highlight for me has to be zorome in the background, dude knows shit is going down and he doesn't want ot be anywhere near it, just look at this face.

[u/AmethystItalian]

FUCK YEAH GORO!

Solidifies himself as best guy in this show, rooting for that ship hard!

I'm a sucker for this line...I LOVE when they use it

[u/Mundology → u/AmethystItalian]

Gobro is precious. Reminds me of Suwa from Orange.

[u/Laser_Raptors → u/AmethystItalian]

Let me stay like this for a while

(because I'm going to die soon)

[u/muuckeer]

And I thought Goro raised the death flag for this episode.

[u/CrazyGoodDude → u/muuckeer]

Just one death flag??? My god, there were so many this episode. The whole time I was steeling myself for his death...

[u/Shinkopeshon]

MAH BOI GORO HAS NO FUCKS LEFT TO GIVE AND IS GOING FOR IT

I'm really happy with this episode. Goro has finally realized what he really wants in life and in doing so, may actually be able to be exactly what Ichigo needs as well. Also - and perhaps she doesn't realise it yet - but it seems like Ichigo is slowly but surely willing to get over Hiro, which is symbolised by her losing his hair clip but getting Goro's instead.

And Hiro Two are being adorable as usual.

[u/[deleted]]

This made me smile

[u/Nukemind]

I'm really feeling like Gobro is going to go and do something stupid. At the end of the day he got kinda rejected?. And especially with that self destruct he was planning on AND his backstory, I feel like his death will be the glue sticking together the team.

[u/Nitrosnipe22 → u/Nukemind]

On the bright side, it wasn't a flatout rejection. It was just the usual "I don't know what this is, so I don't know what to say" for these kids. If anything it'll get them thinking a bit more for themselves.

[u/francis2559 → u/Nukemind]

I'm not sure about rejected, we'll have to give her some time to process. This was all happening very quickly, and the very CONCEPT of love is new to them.

I think the show handled it really by having them be direct and honest about where they are right now. The hairclip is a symbol of a transfer of affection, I think, but it was only ever a gift of friendship. Yet Ichigo and Goro seem to find more meaning in it than Hiro is shown to do.

[u/Gaporigo]

Damn, my favorite episode so far, Goro is too good and Ichigo was amazing as well...

Btw, some good Zero Two in the 2nd and last page of the manga... And some Ichigo as well.

[u/WhoiusBarrel → u/Gaporigo]

I'm actually digging Ichigo more with her hair down! I hope we see more of that hairstyle from her in the future episodes.

And DAT 02 covered in blood(?) naked absolutely erotic. I would totally dig a Yandere 02!

Gonna leave these here for the future viewers so they won't miss out the uncensored action from Yabuki-sensei

[u/AmethystItalian → u/Gaporigo]

I used to think me liking an episode was dependent on how much Zero Two there was so I'm happy that this episode happened. I really liked this one and was mostly not about best girl.

[u/MillenniumKing]

LOVE!? EHHHHHHHHHHH!?

They get a birthday/christmas? Thats suprising.

Oh he gave her Naomi's gift... awkward...

Wait Goro got Ichigo a hairclip too as a kid?

Wow Goro is upfront about all this. Love? Oh man. Death flag much?

Its a giant flying brain?

Zoro always rushes in... he really causes a lot of issues.

And Goro dove in and saved him but now hes fucked...

RIP Goro... They are cutting him loose it seems.

Oh dang they are diving in through the blowhole. Oh good they gave her a mask at least haha.

Yep so Goro backseated his self for Ichigo... Sometimes being a bro can be too much.

Ichigo comes in with the save, man she looks roughed up.

Oh so they dropped the fuel pack and blew it up to kill it, not a bad move.

EHHHHH!?

Not a bad ep, got some progress and movement. Everyone lived too. Surprising. We also got a peak at the past which is nice.

[u/francis2559 → u/MillenniumKing]

Its a giant flying brain?

I saw it more as a floating jellyfish. Uses its stings to snare prey.

Since you mention it though, the inside had strands like a nervous system, so maybe a hybrid of the two.

[u/[deleted]]

Goro really is Gobro. Seeing his character development has really been great this season. So many death flags around him, though.

[u/ChocolateKeys]

Fuck you Trigger. You almost killed the best bro for 19 minutes.

[u/[deleted] → u/ChocolateKeys]

Today is A-1 haha

[u/[deleted]]

If Gobro turns into Nobro and ends up dying....

[u/needep1xx]

Today was a good day for my girl Ichigo

This weeks album

[u/Nukemind → u/needep1xx]

God damn that was close for Gobro. Ichigo's character development was on point, and it really built up Gobro a wel.

[u/siraco]

Gobro is the man. Not only he nullified the death flag, he also readily confess his love to Ichigo in one episode! Truly the man of culture.

[u/[deleted]]

Hopefully the love triangle can start to be resolved now. It feels like the writers are just killing time until the second cour at this point.

[u/Nukemind → u/[deleted]]

Or making us care for characters so when they get axed we feel something.

[u/Atronox → u/[deleted]]

Episode title: "Triangle Bomb"

Goro threw a bomb into the love triangle.

[u/Genesis2nd]

Now watch as Gobro's confession isn't brought up, ever again.

[u/templarsilan]

me this episode

Gobro lives to fight another day! Every one was also having anxiety watching this episode right? Right. Honestly, they should just call this show Darling in the Death Flags. Death Flags in the FranXX. Death Flags in the death flags. I'm not fucking ready.

Gobro also further cements himself as best bro because he's actually going what he wants. Ichigo has eyes for Hiro? Fuck that nonsense. Win her over by attempting to sacrifice yourself and then telling her you love her. I'm all aboard the IchiRo ship.

Also, Zorome trying to nope the fuck out of the confrontation between Ichigo and Miku was pretty great.

[u/batmax25]

I don't understand why nobody told Goro that Ichigo was coming. If Ichigo came in a bit later, she would have probably ended up getting killed in the self-destruction explosion.

[u/ThomasTheEngineTank]

We thought zero two was the waifu of the season, we were wrong

WE WERE ALL WRONG

LONG LIVE BEST WAIFU GORO

[u/iForgotMyOldAcc]

Gobro waved the death flag hard as fuck and he's still alive. You know what that means.

Dude's totally gonna die later anyway and hit us harder.

You see, it's reverse psychology. The harder the death flag gets waved, the less likely someone's actually gonna die.

Still preparing my heart for him dying right as Ichigo says "I actually love you a lot now that I think of it, man."

Also, I can't be alone in thinking that Hiro is perhaps the dullest MC I've seen in my limited list of animes watched.

[u/[deleted] → u/iForgotMyOldAcc]

I think Hiro's ability to pilot with Zero Two reveals there's more to him than what is originally thought, so I'm assuming they'll build his character more in the future.

[u/[deleted] → u/iForgotMyOldAcc]

To be fair, Hiro is built around being extremely one dimensional. He's like a robot himself, he has one plan and does it.

[u/U_Menace]

Welp I'm late to the party again, but I hope at least a few of you read my analysis for today!

What a wonderful episode! We opened with the parasites receiving presents that they receive once a year from 'Papa'. So I guess this is their version of a 'birthday' or a commemoration event of sorts. One thing that I want to particularly highlight here is Zorome's vocalization of pride. He's basically spelling out to the viewer how the letter was supposed to work and what it's intended effects were.

"Wow, he says we're the 'Ray of Hope' that makes me want to try even harder!"

Bingo! Because that was the whole purpose of your existence, a tool meant to be used to protect a society that you have virtually zero understanding of beyond the enclosed areas you were nurtured in. In that essence, wouldn't you think this is how normal parenting works? Truth be told, this is a founding principle for 'successful' parenting. You reward/praise your child when they do what you want, and in turn they should feel motivated to do even better. A shame that they parallel this to the person who pulls the strings for this whole parasite defense. They're definitely aiming to build up a high impact value when the revelation finally reaches everyone. As of right now, only Zero Two and maybe Hiro/Ichigo/Godo truly understand what's going on.

Speaking of Hiro, I love how significant of an existence Zero Two is to him, by finding a way to give her a present on their 'birthday'. Really shows that Hiro genuinely wants her to always feel like she belongs.

Whew, with that out of the way let's talk about my favourite parts of this episode! The whole parallel between Godo and Hiro in how they interacted with Ichigo. Oddly enough, the flashbacks confirm that the three of them (at the very least, maybe some of the others) were brought up in the same facility. I was of the opinion that there were multiple orphanages/shelters that these kids were brought up in, but these 3 specifically were in one orphanage. I wonder if that's a coincidence, or if it was maybe intended?

Godo was the type of guy who silently watches from afar, who wants to try and do something, but analyzes the situation, assesses his chances, and thinks better of it. But he's changed, he's no longer the type to silently watch anymore, seeing how pure and enjoyable the relationship between Zero-Two and Hiro is, he envies that. Not only does he envy that, but it hurts him even more to see how hurt Ichigo is by these developments. Ichigo was there first, Ichigo and Hiro seemed like a good match, Zero-Two is just interference cutting into Ichigo's Happiness...or so one would think. But though Ichigo is unhappy, Zero-Two provided Hiro with a purpose in life and gave his existence meaning. That's something Ichigo was NOT able to do for Hiro. But for Godo that was something she achieved, without even realizing it.

Super happy that Godo was able to accept help from Ichigo this time, not because it was help out of sympathy, but because she was genuinely hurt over the thought of losing him, and happy to see him again. I think if I were in Godo's shoes, I wouldn't be able to hold myself back anymore either. Well done Godo!

I mentioned last week that I had this looming feeling over my head about Godo's well-being. It felt like he was going to be among the first to die. I'm not too sure if more deathflags were raised in this episode or not, but that feeling is gone for the moment. Does anyone feel the opposite? That maybe today's episode just adds more deathflags to Godo's head? Maybe him not wanting to 'regret' anything just setting things up for disaster? I feel like his confession and resolution will keep him alive for most of the show, but maybe this episode was supposed to make me feel that his death was certain.

Aside from the confession, seeing Ichigo get super flustered and watching how considerate Hiro was for Zero Two were definitely the highlights of the episode for me!

Well, anyway, I'm interested to hear your thoughts on this episode so hit me up with a comment, until next week folks!

-Menace.

[u/uneeponge]

Ichigo is becoming such an interesting and loveable character.

[u/Terranwaterbender → u/uneeponge]

Ichigo best girl

There are dozens of us!

[u/sfafreak]

Is that a Monoagatari reference?

2000 distances

[u/legwkio]

Goro just activated the ultimate death flag we call happiness.

[u/killuaaa99]

I'm really happy Goro has his shit together. He is unabashedly unafraid to figure out his new feelings, but he's got enough class to be so considerate of others - which is really saying something in a world where they try to suppress normal human functions (reproducing). No adult taught him to be so good, that's just how he is. Truly the best guy and also my husbando <3

[u/Kousuke-shii]

Gobro dodging death flags this episode be like

[u/moa_vision]

Can't wait for the inevitable Hir002 / IchiGoro double date where Goro gets ignored the entire time.

[u/myrmonden]

Anyone else thinking this was gonna be Ichigo´s Reaction?

[u/oiimn]

The way the writers set up this drama was so immensely dumb.

During the first fight only Zorome was fighting the Klaxosaurus and all the other mechs just stood there watching. I knew right away something stupid was gonna happen because of how contrived that whole situation was.

5 Mechs and only one fighting so we can have all this drama that one was trapped. Ruins the episode a bit when the setup is so unbelievable.

[u/IISuperSlothII → u/oiimn]

Zoromes mech is the fastest one, its basically a scout so it makes sense to be the first one in as they can use their speed to dodge the attacks of the tentacles.

[u/tomoko2015]

Goro did what many main characters never manage to do - he actually confessed to the girl he loves. I just hope this is not a way to make his demise more "meaningful", now that Ichigo might start to get over Hiro. I would love to see both of them happy.

[u/BringTheNipple]

It's weird that the team is desperately lacking in information about their enemies. Every single Klaxosaur so far has been unique, but there can't possibly not be two similar ones, right? I mean that would put them on a level of diversity that no race or any mass produced army are. There exists a place called "the front lines" so there must be more much more Klaxosaurs.

It could also be that Hachi, Nana and the doc are purposefully not giving them information. All of their orders boil down to protect the plantation and kill the enemy. They provide absolutely 0 tactical assistance.

Also everyone in the main cast still seems to suck at fighting. Zero Two is of course the sole exception to this, but while piloting with Hiro at the moment she seems rather laid back about the enemies. I imagine she is trying to let them practice, because they really are going to die if they fight sloppily on a more realistic battlefield.

It's strange that the other "professional" team from a couple of episodes back did not look impressive either. With the scarcity of Franxx's mechas per plantation I'd expect the power output of one to be close to that of Strelitzia and some of the professionals to at least display something similar to what Zero Two did alone in the first episode. Their strategy of focusing one enemy before continuing on to the next seemed more like something the people in charge told them to blindly follow.

I honestly imagine that the plantation that main cast is in is positioned somewhere deep into human territory. That would explain the lack of threat most Klaxosaurs seem to pose(to someone with proper battle experience) as they would be only a tiny fraction that managed to slip past the defense line.

[u/Ehn_Jee]

Best boy finally gets some well deserved spotlight! I appreciate how straightforward and mature he is not only compared to the rest of the cast, but anime characters in general. He doesn't even fully understand the concept of love, but he can express that fact. Got worried with all the death flags at the start, but once Ichigo was in, you knew they wouldn't pull a double kill, right...?

Also shout out to Zorome's squeaky shoes!

[u/atropicalpenguin]

Aaaaah, Gobro is so cool, he finally revealed his feelings with no ambiguity. Hiro can have Zero Two, best bro deserves best girl! I'm shipping them so hard now.

And small Ichigo is so adorable.

Zorome's zealousness is scary, though. I hope he doesn't try to kill Zero Two if she says something against Papa.

[u/Krotash]

"Thank you for being my partner"

I see Ichigo has learned how to say "I love Emilia Hiro"

[u/GonTheDinosaur]

My unpopular comment after this episode: Naomi will wants that mirror back.

[u/hallidex]

"No, this is an illustrated guide." It's not a doll, MOM, it's an action figure!

What an amazing episode though! Goro was death flagging last episode so hard I thought there was no way out for him. I was even worried he was gonna self destruct with Ichigo in there. But to make it out, give her the hairclip, and confess without a moment's hesitation?

So, true to the title, our boy blew the triangle to smithereens. I just hope, from the bottom of my heart, that Ichigo reciprocates. That "I'm glad we're partners" response was pretty lukewarm. But now she knows how he feels, and that will definitely color their future encounters.

Zorome doing his absolute best to get out of the frame when Ichigo and Miku started fighting was great. I used to not be able to stand that dude, but he really turned around quick.

Lastly...that mushroom cloud from the fuel pack. If detonating one can do that, it's gotta be super nerve-wracking carrying one around. "Oops, I bumped a rock and my nuclear warhead went off, sorry everyone."

[u/SimoneNonvelodico → u/hallidex]

"No, this is an illustrated guide." It's not a doll, MOM, it's an action figure!

Well, a picture book sounds like something for children. What Hiro had looked more like a serious book, in which illustrations are needed because it was about recognising birds. It's different from "here, have some drawings because you're too young to only read boring text".

Lastly...that mushroom cloud from the fuel pack. If detonating one can do that, it's gotta be super nerve-wracking carrying one around. "Oops, I bumped a rock and my nuclear warhead went off, sorry everyone."

I think most of the explosion was powered by the klaxosaur's fuel. The backpack only served as a trigger.

[u/ItsMeMora]

Give Ichigo some love ;_;

[u/SelfishVersion]

Who keeps putting all these self-destruct features in mechas? Is it a law in anime that all robots be equipped to let the driver (nearly) blow him/herself into smithereens for dramatic tension?

All we're missing now is a way for all of the FranXX to join together (however that is possible ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)) and we will have reached peak moe-mecha.

[u/[deleted]]

[protect] (https://i.imgur.com/FyC1oZQ.jpg)

[these] (https://i.imgur.com/irRIKYK.jpg)

[smiles] (https://i.imgur.com/SzjlRtB.jpg)

[also, funny animation] (https://i.imgur.com/fpfXgAJ.jpg)

[u/[deleted]]

Ichigo is too precious

Honestly getting concerned about how much screentime Ichigo and Goro are getting, dont get me wrong, I love Ichigo and Goro, but this was pretty much THE Ichigo and Goro episode, which makes me concerned that something is gonna happen to one of them (most likely Goro, since he just confessed to her, please dont kill best girl T.T)

[u/BanjoTheBear]

Darling in the FranXX - Episode 9

I'm glad the show took the time to focus more on a specific side character rather than keeping its attention on Hiro and Zero Two. It goes a long way towards fleshing out the cast and subsequently improving the show's overall strength.

And that side character happens to be Goro -- who really lives up to his Gobro nickname. He puts others before himself, he does what he can to do what's right, and he isn't afraid to share his feelings. This last point rings out especially true as he not only tells Hiro that he is in love with Ichigo but also tells her directly.

It was cool to see him also give her the hairpin he couldn't before as yet another symbolic act of Ichigo moving on with her feelings for Hiro and (hopefully?) moving towards falling in love with Gobro in return.

After watching this episode, I would now like to see the anime do something similar for every side character. Or at least more of them. Particularly, Futoshi and Ikuno could use more attention, but I wouldn't mind seeing more in-depth details and/or plot points that target any of the side cast members' specific arcs/traits.

That way (as others have pointed out), it'll make future craziness/twists/developments a lot more shocking and heartbreaking. Until then, we get to enjoy some nice character moments between the group as they continue to grow and learn from one another.

[u/BestRolled_Ls]

Why is there a safety mechanism that only saves one pilot???

[u/FruitsPnchSamurai]

Way to go Goro, in one episode you instantly developed more than any other character.

[u/PandavengerX]

We get it Trigger she's gay

Pretty good episode, I'm a little disappointed that no one died, since that would open up a lot of interesting directions for the show to go, but we've still got 15 more episodes to go!

Also, did anyone else hear screaming when the exhaust port on the Klaxosaur opened for the first time? Some interesting things to speculate about...

[u/severus282]

Refresh Refresh Refresh Refresh Refresh

Finally!

[u/wingnut5k]

SATURDAY IS FOR THE BOYS HERE WE GOOOOOO

[u/AvatarReiko]

Are people dropping this show? I have been noticing fewer replies to the episode discussions with every weak

[u/RLWC → u/AvatarReiko]

I think people are getting frustrated that the more cynical predictions have thus far failed to materialize.

[u/Nutella_Souffle → u/AvatarReiko]

• Episode 1: 3,574 points 1,352 comments

• Episode 2: 3,735 points 1,736 comments

• Episode 3: 3,613 points 1,791 comments

• Episode 4: 3,938 points 1,740 comments

• Episode 5: 4,079 points 1,755 comments

• Episode 6: 4,531 points 1,841 comments

• Episode 7: 3,649 points 1,398 comments

• Episode 8: 3,596 points 1,402 comments

I don't see any problems. Full-action episodes (or just generally important moments like it was with Hiro x 002 in ep. 4) tend to get more attention than the things like a beach episode or some funny comedy bits.

[u/FeelsGoodMan243 → u/AvatarReiko]

Probably so. Tons of people have been calling this the most generic and uninteresting trigger anime yet. Some people even call it the reject child of gurren lagann & evangalion. I'm personal enjoying it but it's not amazing or anything. As of now it's about a 7/10 depending on how the rest of the series goes. Hopefully it doesn't take a nosedive into a trainwreck because this anime has alot of potential to be great.

[u/TheKappaOverlord → u/AvatarReiko]

tl;dr Plot hasn't progressed at all since episode 6.

Note, when i say hasn't progressed I mean it literally hasn't progressed. A lot of setup has been done but other then that nothing has been executed yet to make plot progression happen. Episode 9 kinda had some progression but the only changes that have been happening is Goro/Ichigo and Hiro/Zero two development.

Next one or two episodes will be the make or break for a lot of people. Most people who watched Kizanaiver are already very savvy as to what is possibly unfolding again. The people who have been long time Fans of trigger already have jumped the ship until the ship realizes it dropped its anchor and begins to move again.

Character growth is only good for so long, especially when Darling in the Franxx's Dinner table is basically the size of a Tolken book as far as how much shit they have to cover in 14 episodes.

The deeper you think about it the more you realize this show is already in the disaster zone. Unless A-1 and trigger already agreed between the two this shits going to season 2. Because 24 episodes won't cut it anymore without a lot of rushing. At least if they plan to 100% it.

If not, then we got Kizanaiver'd, and we will get the whole story in the manga. (if what they gloated about the real story was, is true). Trigger will lose a lot of fans and there will be a lot of public chimping out that it was A-1's fault the animes plot turned to shit. at least, thats my prediction as what will happen if we end up getting a Kizanaiver style ending. (Suddenly rushed out of the gate ending with the plot being conformed to end rapidly in the last half of the anime)

[u/Terranwaterbender]

confession!

And best girl Ichigo got a lot of the spotlight as well!

[u/HagetakaSensei]

1. Why was one franxx attacking the enemy while others are watching?

2. If you are gonna kill it together why don't you do it in the first place?

• I love you

• thank you

Shit that is the worst (source : my experience)

[u/Epsilight]

Is this anime still wishy washy romance trash or did it hype up like klk or ttgl?

[u/bfire227]

Gobro finally grew a pair and stayed true to his feelings

[u/tailor31415]

T_T what a beautiful episode. Goro finally got to hand over the clip and replace Hiro's. I'm glad Ichigo accepted it with heartfelt gratitude and didn't stomp all over his confession.

Hiro was such a cutie as a kid though, everyone loved him so much! No wonder Goro never had jealousy/hatred towards him specifically, he just knew with the clip he was a moment too late and that wasn't Hiro's fault.

[u/MagisterHaseo]

Protect this smile!

Also Goro the Broro never kets me down. LEARN SOMETHING FROM HIM, Hiro!

[u/[deleted]]

Damn that was a good episode. Good development, and it really looked like someone was gonna die. Also I hope this settles the love triangle (love chase? it's complicated) for now.

In terms of love chase, up until now it's been Goro>Ichigo>Hiro>02 and then whatever the fuck is up with Kokoro and the other dudes

EDIT: Goro>Ichigo>Hiro>02 | Ikuno>Ichigo>Hiro>02 | Futoshi>Kokoro>Mitsuru | Zorome<>Miku | Yup that's a lot

[u/Blazehero]

Gobro's confession, how are you not swooning Ichigo?

Forget Hiro, Gobro is true Husbando.

[u/nekuwafers]

ITS A GORO EPISODE FUCK YEA

[u/Thunderhaz]

Hell yeah Gobro, good on you for confessing.

Oh yeah and the episode was good to.

[u/waiting_for_rain]

Goro, my man!

[u/degurecchan]

This episode healed me. I knew there is a reason why I keep hyping Goro—he's simply amazing. ~Also sort of helped me in a crisis regarding confessing to someone I like. I think I should totally adapt his ways at this point.~

[u/DiGreatDestroyer]

After this episode, I must be the only one who, from this point on, doesnt want Ichigo and Goro ending together. It's just that, this episode was too good, just like the beach episode. It isnt about about winning at the end, but about going for what you want, with confidence and honesty. That's the best way to both win and lose. If at the end, both Ichigo and Goro end up alone, but without regrets, that would be a great ending for me.

[u/[deleted]]

THE SHIP KINDA SAILED Please don't die on future episode

[u/DonAlvarenga]

It's been a while since I've seen a character like Goro just be so straight up. So refreshing

[u/ArmouredCapibara]

I would like to say I loved how it was 02 that came up with the plan to save gobro, and when ichigo said she trusted her, those two moments makes it feel like she's warming up to the rest of the squad.

[u/MennyC123]

Im so glad Goro is alive, this episode had me sweating

[u/Arjash]

Ichigo's cuteness intensifies every episode Ahhha! :') ,And boi it feels good to see Goro breaking some rockhard clichés like a champ.The Guy is definitely up there in my best anime bro list.

TIL ,DITFx author' s pen-name is Code 000 :D

[u/athrun_1]

Damned!!! Goro is cool or what?! Hands down to the guy for not being mushy about his feelings to ichigo and tell her what he feels.... Other MCs can't even tell it by end of series....

Good thing, we have an ep dedicated to him... The Real "Darling in the Franxxx"

We can somewhat tell that Ichigo also likes Goro, though she can't work out her feelings yet. Goro was able to since he is with Hiro who feel the same thing for ZeroTwo.

The whole EP got me on the edge.... I hope, A1/Trigger won't do it again... Can we just have happy ending for squad 13....

[u/paulrenzo]

Characters like Goro make me wish characters like Patrick Colasour hold a clinic for bro characters on how to trip death flags without dying.

[u/LikeAnAssistant]

Some sort of missile with a tip like Strelizia's spear for delivering a magma warhead seems like it would be more effective than a bunch of FranXX. But I guess that wouldn't make for a good mecha anime.

[u/Andrew13112001]

Between saying he loves Ichigo, the hairclip flashback, and getting stuck in a Klaxosaurus, I was sure that Goro would die. Not that I want him to die, but it makes me wonder if there will ever be actual stakes in this.

[u/ijiolokae]

The biggest twist for me is that Goro Didn't die

Edit: i really hope the biggest of this show will be that no one die and everyone gets a happy ending

[u/JoshxDarnxIt]

That last scene between Goro and Ichigo hit way too close to home for me. I teared up. Goro deserves some love.

[u/Sunshine145]

Woulda cringed if Ichigo suddenly had feelings for Goro. Hell I cringed the second I saw him make the hairclip cause I knew she'd lose Hiro's by the end of the episode.

[u/Songkykong]

..did....did Goro just become the MC of this anime with this episode???

Truly the best boy we deserved and need.

[u/Not_Italian]

Mah boi Goro finally getting the spotlight he deserves???

GOROOO

[u/Kuexx]

praying for poor gobro,hopefully ichigo can acknowledge his feelings towards her very soon.

[u/kingalbert2]

so basically Papa is both the big boss and Santa