March 23, 2004
Fullmetal Alchemist Episode 23
"Heart of Steel"
In this slowdown episode, Al continues with one of the most uninteresting, self-pitying character growth stories I've seen in a while. Al questions whether he was ever actually human, or if Ed (and the military) have conspired to implant him with false memories.
Maybe I missed this in one of the earlier episodes, but if Ed can so easily transmute Al to fix him, why the heck can't he do the same to his own arm? I mean, it's not as though alchemy doesn't work on it. He uses it to make that dorky little blade all the time.
Back to the real meat of the episode, though. Winnnnnnry! Isn't she cute?
I wonder if she's going to be relegated to the role of a character who shows up ever ten episodes or so. I hope not, because I think she's a fun character. On the other hand, Al really is insufferable at this point, though he should be cut a little slack because he's just a kid. I hope that they wrap up this whole question as to whether or not he's who Ed says he is, because his attitude is really grating.
Plot doesn't move forward much in this episode, as most of it is given over to hijinks and silliness. It's a nice change of pace before we move into the next story arc.
Rating: B
Posted by Kei at March 23, 2004 11:52 PMJust passing through.
I think the reason Ed can fix his brother up but not his arm is a simple one. Al's armor isn't a complex machine, its more or less just a bunch of plates of metal. Auto Mail, on the other hand, is a very intricate machine with wires and servos and gears, etc. Seems to me it'd simply take alot greater alchemic ability to even attempt to fix something so intricate.
Posted by: DeadlyFred at May 13, 2005 01:46 PM