Just rewatched the original for the first time in more than a decade. Maybe it's because it got imprinted on my brain as a teen, but I just can't get over how perfect it is. One of the best looking animated shows ever and it's been made twenty years ago.
Maybe if the sequels are bad I should get into the manga or novels or something?
Progressive is shit, Alternative is ehhhh. They're a downgrade in pretty much every aspect, especially writing. If there's one good thing you can get out of them is more kickass music by The Pillows, but you can just as well listen to the OST on YT. I don't think they're worth your time, you're better off just rewatching the original when you're in the mood for more FLCL.