Ep 1. Furi Kuri (FLCL)

Fooly Cooly, also known as FLCL, is a six-episode anime series that follows the life of 12-year-old Naota Nandaba, a seemingly average kid living in a small town called Mabase. The first episode, Furi Kuri, introduces us to Naota, his family, and his friends, while setting the tone for the rest of the series.

The episode opens with a bang as a yellow Vespa scooter crashes into Naota's head while he is standing at a pedestrian crossing. The person riding the scooter is Haruko Haruhara, a pink-haired woman who seems to be in her early twenties. She is later revealed as an alien, and her arrival in Mabase sets off a chain of events that change Naota's life forever.

Naota's father is the local mayor, and his grandfather is a renowned scientist who lives a few miles away. Naota's older brother, Tasuku, has recently moved to the United States to play baseball, which has resulted in Naota feeling lonely and left out. His life takes a dramatic turn when Haruko arrives, and she becomes a regular fixture in his life.

Haruko is a bit of an enigma. She claims to be a freelance photographer, but her actual profession and motives remain shrouded in mystery throughout the first episode. However, her presence has a profound impact on Naota's life. The crash with the Vespa leaves a bizarre horn protruding from Naota's forehead, but no one seems to be able to explain what it is or how to remove it.

We also get to meet Naota's classmates and friends, including Mamimi Samejima, a young woman who is living with Naota's family while she is on a break from school. She also has a special connection to Tasuku, which adds to Naota's feelings of rejection and isolation.

As the episode progresses, it becomes apparent that Haruko has a particular interest in Naota. She takes up a job as a nurse's aide in the local hospital, where Naota's father has been admitted for severe anxiety. Haruko manages to obtain a job there and uses it as an excuse to get closer to Naota, who is reluctant to accept her advances but finds himself increasingly drawn to her.

In a bizarre turn of events, Naota's horn begins to spew out giant robots, which he must fight. These robots seem to be linked to the horn protruding from his head, and it becomes apparent that they are a significant threat to the town. Naota must find a way to stop them before they cause too much damage.

The first episode of Fooly Cooly is full of action, humor, and intrigue. It sets the stage for the rest of the series, introducing us to the main characters and the central themes of the show. We get an insight into Naota's inner workings, and we learn about the complicated relationships that exist between him, his family, and his friends.

Overall, Furi Kuri (FLCL) is an excellent start to what is widely regarded as one of the most iconic anime series of all time. The episode is a blend of genres, including science fiction, comedy, and drama, and is sure to appeal to a wide range of audiences. It is well worth watching, even for those who are not typically fans of anime.