Grunge's setting
According to the series' description on Max, FLCL Grunge is apparently a prequel to the original series. But outside of the presence of Commander Amarao and Haruko searching for Atomsk yet again, there doesn't seem to be any indication as to how that would work for the moment. There is also the presence of alien lifeforms like Shonari on what appears to be Earth, implying that the Earth FLCL takes place on overall is 20 Minutes into the Future where the presence of Medical Mechanica has allowed for more intergalactic travel.- Jossed. Its stated and confirmed in the first episode that the story takes place on another planet. And further justified by Shonari in the second episode, as he recognizes the Medical Mechanica factory as he has seen it before somewhere else (possibly on his own home planet).
Harumi is Haruko
Harumi is obviously meant to remind us of Haruko and her background is a mystery as of episode 2. She could be Haruko in another disguise, but this is unlikely for two reasons: 1) Haruko’s disguises are of the Paper-Thin Disguise type where she retains the same height, hair color and eye color. Harumi is shorter and has different hair and eye color. 2) Harumi sympathizes with Medical Mechanica and Haruko despises them. Instead Harumi could be a creation of Haruko who developed her own identity much like Jinyu.- Or alternatively, Harumi is an Evil Doppelgänger of Haruko created by Medical Mechanica to further their plans.
- Jossed. Harumi turns out to have no relation to Haruko at all and was human all along.
