November 30, 2003
Fullmetal Alchemist Episode 05
"Dash! Auto-Mail"
Is it really time for another flashback episode? Seems like half of this show takes place in the past. It's really not that big a problem, though I'd really like to know what the general thrust of the story is (getting the bad guys involved at some point would be nice). Maybe it's just ingrained in me that this sort of flashback should happen later on in a series.
One little problem with the flashbacks is that it's kind of hard to tell they take place in the past. Al looks like... well... Al. And Ed looks the same, too. I thought they were go without the red coat for Ed in the past, but looks like he's always had it.
Still a fun episode, though, and it does sort of ask a few more questions, like what the military's aim is with training Al and Ed to take the national alchemist exam.
That's the problem with the show so far, lots of questions, very few answers. We've already been shown what the power of alchemy is like, how the rules work (somewhat), and Ed's background and some of his goals. I think it's time this show got a kick in the pants. Less setup, more payoff!
Also, the action sequences in this episode were hit and miss in their appeal. Having Al walk in with his full armor, deflecting bullets at attackers was pretty cool, but having Ed flood the train passenger car with a flood of water was over the top enough to be kind of cheesy.
I'm still interested by this show, but if I don't get some answers soon, I'll be vexed.
Rating: B
Posted by Kei at November 30, 2003 11:32 PM