Support NeoGAF

[firehawk12]

Weird, because the humour was the hook for me, because it broke up the monotony of the "seriousness" of the tone of the rest of the series.

 

[Fimbulvetr]

Weird, because the humour was the hook for me, because it broke up the monotony of the "seriousness" of the tone of the rest of the series.

I don't mind humor, but sometimes it's really out of place.

 

[LowParry]

Good lord, Ep. 52 was great. 53....something big. I've not even read the manga but...good lord. Something big is gonna happen. Goddamn the wait is going to be killer.

 

[firehawk12]

I don't mind humor, but sometimes it's really out of place.

I feel like it helps prevent the show from "going too far up it's own ass", as the turn of phrase goes. It's what I hate about the trend in modern American science fiction television anyway.

 

[GaimeGuy]

Good lord, Ep. 52 was great. 53....something big. I've not even read the manga but...good lord. Something big is gonna happen. Goddamn the wait is going to be killer.

I think you can guess what happens based on the preview and the title

 

[MetatronM]

Nine episodes into Brotherhood, and so far this series is hugely inferior to the original. Hopefully it gets into the new material soon, because so far it has just been a rehash of the previous series but not nearly as well executed.

I'm not sure how anyone at episode 9 can really say this. The story covered in episode 9 is done with a lot of heart and human honesty, not to mention the brevity the story actually deserved, compared to the first series which turned the same general sequence of events into 2 really crappy episodes (one of which, featuring two annoying kids and A GUY WITH A LIGHTNING BACKPACK that doesn't even make sense in the show's universe, being tied with episode 4 for shittiest episode in the series). I don't remember anybody liking that storyline in the first anime, mainly because Alphonse was being a complete moron. For like 4 episodes. Here, Winry goes right up to Al, hits him with a wrench, and tells him he's being a complete moron, and that's the end of that. Thank fucking god.

Regardless, the series at that point is almost done with the stuff seen in the first series. Next week's will be very familiar, but the episode the week after is radically different from the first series' presentation of events. The two episodes after that will have a lot of familiar stuff (though very differently done), and then episode 14 is about 90% brand new. Episodes 15 and up are 100% new and completely unrelated to anything seen in the first anime.




Anyway, episode 52 = hooooooooooly shit. I don't really have anything else to say other than that. And it doesn't look like we're letting up next week.

 

[castlegar]

Just finished 52. Great, as usual. Initial fight was fantastic, having not read the manga (entirely) seeing Al kick ass for once is really, really awesome. He's like a whole new character, or at least more successful. Hope to see more

One thing that I've found to prefer in the original tho, and I'm not sure has been discussed, is the subject of human chimeras. With Nina's death, the first (I suppose accidentally) leaves the issue of human/animal alchemy in a very disturbed light; fucked up shit, if you will. It begins and ends with Nina, resonating in a much more dark and meaningful way. Then you have Brotherhood, where you have the 'ol chimera crew kickin ass and takin names, bein lions 'n shit like its no big deal. I love the characters, but am kind of disappointed that Tucker's struggle and Nina's ordeal become almost meaningless through their existance (light-hearted ones, at that). Thoughts?

 

[Firestorm]

Yeah, when I heard Brotherhood was released I was kind of disappointed that I already bought the DVDs for the "fake" series but looking at what they did with the original, I'm happy I got it. Nina and Hughes' stories were much better told in that.

I'm looking forward to buying the manga so I can go through the series again though. Really enjoyed episode 50. 52 was good but 53 looks to be even better =)

Flame Alchemist!

 

[Cep]

Really disappointed with where the manga is/is going right now.

Prior to to past 5 chapters, it would have fit in my top 10 easily, but now...

Still, it is a joy seeing some of my favorite scenes animated.

 

[Byakuya769]

Just finished 52. Great, as usual. Initial fight was fantastic, having not read the manga (entirely) seeing Al kick ass for once is really, really awesome. He's like a whole new character, or at least more successful. Hope to see more

One thing that I've found to prefer in the original tho, and I'm not sure has been discussed, is the subject of human chimeras. With Nina's death, the first (I suppose accidentally) leaves the issue of human/animal alchemy in a very disturbed light; fucked up shit, if you will. It begins and ends with Nina, resonating in a much more dark and meaningful way. Then you have Brotherhood, where you have the 'ol chimera crew kickin ass and takin names, bein lions 'n shit like its no big deal. I love the characters, but am kind of disappointed that Tucker's struggle and Nina's ordeal become almost meaningless through their existance (light-hearted ones, at that). Thoughts?

There were always Greed's Chimeras in either series

 

[Zalasta]

One thing that I've found to prefer in the original tho, and I'm not sure has been discussed, is the subject of human chimeras. With Nina's death, the first (I suppose accidentally) leaves the issue of human/animal alchemy in a very disturbed light; fucked up shit, if you will. It begins and ends with Nina, resonating in a much more dark and meaningful way. Then you have Brotherhood, where you have the 'ol chimera crew kickin ass and takin names, bein lions 'n shit like its no big deal. I love the characters, but am kind of disappointed that Tucker's struggle and Nina's ordeal become almost meaningless through their existance (light-hearted ones, at that). Thoughts?

I disagree. It's naive to think that chimera experimentation began and ended with Nina (plus it was pointed out that you're wrong anyway). Seeing how they are still being exploited by the military only served to further Al and Ed's conviction. I don't think the existence of other chimera rendered Tucker/Nina's story as meaningless at all.

 

[grandjedi6]

Episode 52

Umm, why the hell did Al & crew abandon their fight against Pride? They really had him on the run and probably should have taken him out while they still had the chance, especially with his failsafe bleeding to death. And don't tell me they couldn't have. All Marcoh had to do was give back the philosopher's stone to Al and I'm pretty sure he could have trapped Pride again. Not only is Al absurdly powerful and creative but Pride has shown himself unable to defend against the flashbang + impromptu cave combo multiple times now. Its seems like it would have been a far better idea to seal up Pride again and watch him rather than adding their likely useless strength to the fight against Father. Plus, now that Pride has absorbed another person, he's likely going to be a big pain to them in the future and will probably be resistant to the heroes previous strategies.

Its alot like when Scar gave May the jar with chibi-Envy. Both situations were rather stupid on the heroes part and only seemed to occur so that the author could reuse those enemies in a future conflict. Right now, if the heroes were smart, Envy should be dead and Pride should be playing paddy-cake with the ground.

 

[EviLore]

Episode 52

Umm, why the hell did Al & crew abandon their fight against Pride? They really had him on the run and probably should have taken him out while they still had the chance, especially with his failsafe bleeding to death. And don't tell me they couldn't have. All Marcoh had to do was give back the philosopher's stone to Al and I'm pretty sure he could have trapped Pride again. Not only is Al absurdly powerful and creative but Pride has shown himself unable to defend against the flashbang + impromptu cave combo multiple times now. Its seems like it would have been a far better idea to seal up Pride again and watch him rather than adding their likely useless strength to the fight against Father. Plus, now that Pride has absorbed another person, he's likely going to be a big pain to them in the future and will probably be resistant to the heroes previous strategies.

Its alot like when Scar gave May the jar with chibi-Envy. Both situations were rather stupid on the heroes part and only seemed to occur so that the author could reuse those enemies in a future conflict. Right now, if the heroes were smart, Envy should be dead and Pride should be playing paddy-cake with the ground.

The entire plot progression hinges on random dei ex machina, so yeah. Two of them in ep 51, two of them in ep 52. It's a terribly written story, as mentioned ;b

 

[B.K.]

The entire plot progression hinges on random dei ex machina, so yeah. Two of them in ep 51, two of them in ep 52. It's a terribly written story, as mentioned ;b

What deus ex machinas? Everything that happens in the story has been hinted at earlier.

 

[EviLore]

What deus ex machinas?

O_O

 

[firehawk12]

O_O

I'm kind of curious as well - do you count the Philosopher Stones to be one?

 

[EviLore]

Just from the last few eps, off the top of my head:

-Lan Fan's arrival when they're in deep water against Gluttony.

-Moustache Guy's arrival when they're in deep water against Pride (with perfect timing to block Pride's shadow attack, and then Pride is knocked down for about 10x longer than he would be normally so that they can escape successfully).

-Sloth arrives on scene against Collagen Girl, then Alex immediately arrives to counter Sloth's arrival

-Mustang's arrival right as a philosopher's stone doll is mid-air about to bite an overwhelmed Ed from behind.


Every episode hinges on a deus ex machina. It's ridiculous.

 

[grandjedi6]

The entire plot progression hinges on random dei ex machina, so yeah. Two of them in ep 51, two of them in ep 52. It's a terribly written story, as mentioned ;b

Its not that bad, though the number of logic gaps and convient plot devices have been increasing as we approach the end game. Although, I might just be noticing it lately because the anime has finally moved onto material I had not previously read or known of.

Overall I'm not that harsh on it though. For a shonen anime/manga, Fullmetal Alchemist has had a pretty good story. Most likely because shonens tend to focus more on the action, chapter to chapter twists and a colorful character cast, all of which I feel it does well at. At the very least, it avoids the plot pitfalls its brethren frequently fall to.

What deus ex machinas? Everything that happens in the story has been hinted at earlier.

Just because its been hinted at does not neccessarily preclude it from being a deus ex machina. For example, just because you can suspend your disbelief that Marcoh can undo philosopher's stones due to his character history, does not mean that the sudden revelation of it in a time of convience and need wasn't a deus ex machina.

 

[Cep]

Just from the last few eps, off the top of my head:

-Lan Fan's arrival when they're in deep water against Gluttony.

-Moustache Guy's arrival when they're in deep water against Pride (with perfect timing to block Pride's shadow attack, and then Pride is knocked down for about 10x longer than he would be normally so that they can escape successfully).

-Sloth arrives on scene against Collagen Girl, then Alex immediately arrives to counter Sloth's arrival

-Mustang's arrival right as a philosopher's stone doll is mid-air about to bite an overwhelmed Ed from behind.


Every episode hinges on a deus ex machina. It's ridiculous.

Yeah I have noticed that this has been happening for often of late. Early FMA was actually one of the better written shounen Manga/Anime, but as the end approaches, there is definitely a decay in quality.

 

[GaimeGuy]

Episode 52

Umm, why the hell did Al & crew abandon their fight against Pride? They really had him on the run and probably should have taken him out while they still had the chance, especially with his failsafe bleeding to death. And don't tell me they couldn't have. All Marcoh had to do was give back the philosopher's stone to Al and I'm pretty sure he could have trapped Pride again. Not only is Al absurdly powerful and creative but Pride has shown himself unable to defend against the flashbang + impromptu cave combo multiple times now. Its seems like it would have been a far better idea to seal up Pride again and watch him rather than adding their likely useless strength to the fight against Father. Plus, now that Pride has absorbed another person, he's likely going to be a big pain to them in the future and will probably be resistant to the heroes previous strategies.

Its alot like when Scar gave May the jar with chibi-Envy. Both situations were rather stupid on the heroes part and only seemed to occur so that the author could reuse those enemies in a future conflict. Right now, if the heroes were smart, Envy should be dead and Pride should be playing paddy-cake with the ground.

Yeah, Mei was stupid, but you do realize that Pride had Al pinned down and refrained from killing heinkel because he wanted to absorb kimblee, right? And that he LET them drive away?

For some reason, they changed it from the manga, where he tears off the roof of the car as they drive away, and he also notices heinkel but is unable to warn kimblee fast enough for kimblee to dodge the attack.

And pride simply reminded Al of who the real threat was; The whole country's in danger, and the eclipse could happen soon. It was Pride's way of saying "Do you really have the time to worry about me?"

May have also been a bluff, yeah, but what he mentioned about Father was also true.

 

[firehawk12]

Yeah, I guess those aren't as bad as the things I've seen in other shows insomuch as they make at least a little bit of sense.

 

[grandjedi6]

-Sloth arrives on scene against Collagen Girl, then Alex immediately arrives to counter Sloth's arrival

The rest of your points are definetly true, but this one is probably arguable. Even if its only because Sloth was previously shown to be in the same room (and thus area) as Olivier Armstrong, and, iirc, we saw the brother being informed about his sister's situation (thus giving him ample reason to have shown up). However brother Armstrong's appearance as a "last minute save" is probably pushing it, especially because the author has abused that trope so often lately.

Yeah, Mei was stupid, but you do realize that Pride had Al pinned down and refrained from killing heinkel because he wanted to absorb kimblee, right? And that he LET them drive away?

For some reason, they changed it from the manga, where he tears off the roof of the car as they drive away, and he also notices heinkel but is unable to warn kimblee fast enough for kimblee to dodge the attack.

And pride simply reminded Al of who the real threat was; The whole country's in danger, and the eclipse could happen soon. It was Pride's way of saying "Do you really have the time to worry about me?"

May have also been a bluff, yeah, but what he mentioned about Father was also true.

So? Once they were free thanks to Loki's hit and run, Al could have just jumped up and attacked again. This is especially true when they were in the car being chased by Pride's ...tentacles?

Anyway, Pride seemed like the far bigger priority here considering how powerful he was and how instrumental he is with the homunculi. Plus its not like Father can achieve his plan without his "sacrfices" as they have continually reminded us, so at the very least Al should stay away from Central of all places. Especially after Pride pretty much admitted to such during their talk in the dome ("we were betting on you guys coming back").


They actually did have Pride shave off the top of the car in the anime episode too (you can see it become a convertible). As for the other scene, while I haven't gone back to read the cooresponding manga chapter yet, the impression I got is that after they realized Al didn't have the philosopher's stone anymore, they looked around for the "other" person. Then they saw the philosopher stone magic being used (by Marcoh) which distracted them long enough for the chimera to sneak up behind and attack. I have no idea where they got the time to plan that one out though :lol

 

[ThatObviousUser]

I wouldn't really call those deus ex machinas exactly... it's hard to describe what I mean but I think that term is used more in terms of the plot, not necessary action as those scenes were. None of those things really came out of "nowhere" either like some deus ex's in movies, or are totally implausible. Great writing/storytelling? Maybe, maybe not. But it's been keeping tension high for me at least. :3

 

[EviLore]

I wouldn't really call those deus ex machinas exactly

Well, you can call them banana rainbows if you want, but I'm using the term correctly.

A deus ex machina (pronounced /ˈdeɪ.əs ɛks ˈmɑːkinə/ or /ˈdiː.əs ɛks ˈmækɨnə/,[1], plural dei ex machina, Latin for "god from the machine") is a plot device whereby a previously intractable problem is suddenly and abruptly solved with an often contrived introduction of a new character, ability, or object.

An example is in Bertolt Brecht's epic musical The Threepenny Opera (1928), in which a "riding messenger of the king" appears in the last moment, stops the execution of the story's criminal anti-hero Mack the Knife and bestows an inheritable title of nobility on him.

In the novel The Lord of the Flies, the boys are saved by the timely arrival of the navy captain.

 

[duckroll]

I have something positive to add: Ep52's opening 90 seconds is really impressive! :lol

Shitty series, but at least there's great animation here and there!

 

[firehawk12]

Right, but none of those examples are quite Brechtian in their scale of absurdity.

I mean, say Lan Fan was a brand new character introduced for the sake of that specific night fight sequence, then I would agree.

Or say it turns out that there's another Armstrong sibling who was never introduced that suddenly shows up to fight Sloth who happened to be their long lost brother hiding in the shadows for the last 20 years... then yeah.

You might argue that there are leaps of logic (or plot, I suppose) that one has to make, but at least the events are plausible. Lan Fan had to return to Xing to get a new arm. Is it convenient that she show up at the perfect time? Sure. But her character isn't a complete contrivance. To me, it was a rather shocking and pleasing way to re-introduce a character that I thought they had forgotten.

 

[ThatObviousUser]

Right, but none of those examples are quite Brechtian in their scale of absurdity.

I mean, say Lan Fan was a brand new character introduced for the sake of that specific night fight sequence, then I would agree.

Or say it turns out that there's another Armstrong sibling who was never introduced that suddenly shows up to fight Sloth who happened to be their long lost brother hiding in the shadows for the last 20 years... then yeah.

You might argue that there are leaps of logic (or plot, I suppose) that one has to make, but at least the events are plausible. Lan Fan had to return to Xing to get a new arm. Is it convenient that she show up at the perfect time? Sure. But her character isn't a complete contrivance. To me, it was a rather shocking and pleasing way to re-introduce a character that I thought they had forgotten.

Yeah, that was my point. Heck after some of the OPs you can practically expect some of these things, like Alex and Lan Fan showing up.

 

[firehawk12]

Yeah, that was my point. Heck after some of the OPs you can practically expect some of these things, like Alex and Lan Fan showing up.

Yeah. I think when there's no context for an action, then it becomes deus ex machina.

Like say, the whole situation with Miss Christmas and Mustang. One might argue that who subplot was a complete contrivance, but within the internal logic of the story and the characterization of Mustang giving to the audience so far, it's very plausible that he would have his step-mother act as a a madame who gathers information and that he would build an explosive fail-safe under her bar. It just seems like something he would do.

Having no idea how the story ends, I'll say that if there's some magic solution where Ed and Al get their bodies back, their mother is resurrected and no real sacrifice is made (given how hard they've pushed the fact that human life can only be made at the cost of other human life) just to give everyone a happy ending? Then I would say that is a deus ex machina.

Or, tl;dr - I think there's a difference between plot convenience and plot contrivance. At least the former can be justified.

 

[grandjedi6]

Yeah Evilore is misusing the phrase 'deus ex machina'. However alot of what he mentioned is still annoying writing habits so it doesn't matter much. But for the sake of discussion:

Deus Ex Machinas

Marcoh can undo philosopher's stones

For example, just because you can suspend your disbelief that Marcoh can undo philosopher's stones due to his character history, does not mean that the sudden revelation of it in a time of convience and need wasn't a deus ex machina

-Lan Fan's arrival when they're in deep water against Gluttony.

While Lan Fan's character and motivation was preestablished, there was no reason to believe that she was anywhere nearby. This one is shaky since all the story had to do was foreshadow "shadowy" figures being nearby and have Fu explain that they sensed Ling when he took control temporarily, but since the story did neither it could be considered a deus ex machina.


Plot Contrivance

Scar giving May chibi-Envy, who then tricks her into going back and getting him remade

Al & crew leaving the fight with Pride

Plot Convience

-Moustache Guy's arrival when they're in deep water against Pride (with perfect timing to block Pride's shadow attack, and then Pride is knocked down for about 10x longer than he would be normally so that they can escape successfully).

-Mustang's arrival right as a philosopher's stone doll is mid-air about to bite an overwhelmed Ed from behind.

(Basically, Evilore doesn't like the 'last minute save' trope no matter the justification).

 

[firehawk12]

I'll agree that the last minute saves can be annoying. I just enjoy the show enough that I guess I've become an apologist (ie, I don't agree with your categorization of the two examples as deus ex machina :lol).

I mean, how many people criticize the original Star Wars for the fact that Han Solo saves Luke Skywalker right when he needs help the most? We just buy it (unless you have no soul).

 

[ThatObviousUser]

Yeah I was annoyed when Alex jumped in front of Collagen Face to save her from Sloth.

 

[ZAK]

While we're complaining, the whole Armstrong situation has never made a lick of sense. She drags some guy up with a sword to his neck and a gun, telling the other guys to retreat. Then she puts her gun to his head as well, just to make herself extra defenseless. The guys intend to shoot her, but hesitate when she stabs her hostage again. You know, the hostage there's a 100% chance they'd hit if they opened fire? And then she tries to reason with them that retreating is pretty much the best option anyway. Well, if she's not gonna help them, why the shit aren't they shooting her yet?

Then a guy who can barely be moved by tank shells show up and the other Armstrong punches him across the room. Then it turns out he's fast as shit, but somehow they're dodging him without really even moving...? I seriously don't get what's even going on there. Oh, and then more gunmen show up and wait 15 minutes before even thinking about executing that "shoot on sight" order they have.

Also, the army is ridiculously decentralized, May Chang is unbelievably powerful in every way, Pride brought Al to the fight for absolutely no good reason and he managed to stop malfunctioning just in time to screw him over, and the Central army sucks on defense while the Briggs people somehow don't suck on offense.

And how did Kimblee hear an SOS from hell knows where?

 

[EviLore]

And how did Kimblee hear an SOS from hell knows where?

While I take a break from my balls being wrenched by semantics over how many kilometers away a character is supposed to be for a valid deus ex machina: presumably an order relayed from Father, who is seen picking up the morse code from his lair.

 

[biggkidd32]

While we're complaining, the whole Armstrong situation has never made a lick of sense. She drags some guy up with a sword to his neck and a gun, telling the other guys to retreat. Then she puts her gun to his head as well, just to make herself extra defenseless. The guys intend to shoot her, but hesitate when she stabs her hostage again. You know, the hostage there's a 100% chance they'd hit if they opened fire? And then she tries to reason with them that retreating is pretty much the best option anyway. Well, if she's not gonna help them, why the shit aren't they shooting her yet?

Then a guy who can barely be moved by tank shells show up and the other Armstrong punches him across the room. Then it turns out he's fast as shit, but somehow they're dodging him without really even moving...? I seriously don't get what's even going on there. Oh, and then more gunmen show up and wait 15 minutes before even thinking about executing that "shoot on sight" order they have.

Also, the army is ridiculously decentralized, May Chang is unbelievably powerful in every way, Pride brought Al to the fight for absolutely no good reason and he managed to stop malfunctioning just in time to screw him over, and the Central army sucks on defense while the Briggs people somehow don't suck on offense.

And how did Kimblee hear an SOS from hell knows where?

I would say father heard it and sent Kimblee.

 

[duckroll]

What Evilore is trying to express is not so much the simple fact that people are being saved at the last moment (or being saved at all) by some character who isn't directly involved in the conflict. It is more about how the show uses it as a narrative device for cheap suspense. The entire OMG WILL HE LIVE OR WILL HE DIE?! + *dramatic music* + *slow motion pan of impending doom* thing is way overused, especially when every single time it happens, the conclusion is HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER!

There are many ways to deliver suspense and create dramatic entrances/surprise returns for characters. The way it is executed here tries to make it a cheap thrill each and every time and it comes off as ineffective and lame. It's like how bad horror films don't bother building up an actual scary situation or atmosphere, but instead every step the heroine takes in a supposedly haunted house is followed by CREEPY MUSIC + CREAKING DOOR SOUND FX + SLOW ZOOM IN ON DOOR HANDLE, etc.

Narrative methods for suspense or surprise being overused simply renders them laughable instead of effective.

 

[lucablight]

Just finished watching episode 8 of Brotherhood. Which scene is the canon one regarding the fate of number 48?

Spoiler

Does he get killed by the random andrgynous guy that appears or does he kill himself in the manga? Also is Scar supposed to appear to break up the fight between Al and Barry or Armstrongs two assistants?

So far I have to say the first series was executed alot better even if it was filler. This is coming from a filler hater.

 

[ZAK]

While I take a break from my balls being wrenched by semantics over how many kilometers away a character is supposed to be for a valid deus ex machina: presumably an order relayed from Father, who is seen picking up the morse code from his lair.

Oh, I guess I missed that part. My bad.

 

[Angry Grimace]

Just from the last few eps, off the top of my head:

-Lan Fan's arrival when they're in deep water against Gluttony.

-Moustache Guy's arrival when they're in deep water against Pride (with perfect timing to block Pride's shadow attack, and then Pride is knocked down for about 10x longer than he would be normally so that they can escape successfully).

-Sloth arrives on scene against Collagen Girl, then Alex immediately arrives to counter Sloth's arrival

-Mustang's arrival right as a philosopher's stone doll is mid-air about to bite an overwhelmed Ed from behind.


Every episode hinges on a deus ex machina. It's ridiculous.

I'll agree that this portion of FMA hinges on "big damn heroes" moments where a good guy arrives right on time, but none of them are even remotely deus ex machinas.

I'm not trying turn this into a semantic argument either, I think calling those moments deus ex machina turns events which are slightly predictable and implausible (since we knew or could have predicted all of those) into something totally random and unpredictable. It's not like say, Hohemheim randomly appears and uses his PS powers to one-hit kill Sloth, all of the dolls and Pride.

Basically, what duckroll said, but I don't think it's that bad at all. I hate to fall back on excusing it with "it's shonen storytelling," but it is what it is, and it didn't bother me in the least.

 

[ThatObviousUser]

I'll agree that this portion of FMA hinges on "big damn heroes" moments where a good guy arrives right on time, but none of them are even remotely deus ex machinas.

I'm not trying turn this into a semantic argument either, I think calling those moments deus ex machina turns events which are slightly predictable and implausible (since we knew or could have predicted all of those) into something totally random and unpredictable. It's not like say, Hohemheim randomly appears and uses his PS powers to one-hit kill Sloth, all of the dolls and Pride.

Basically, what duckroll said, but I don't think it's that bad at all. I hate to fall back on excusing it with "it's shonen storytelling," but it is what it is, and it didn't bother me in the least.

And at least Brotherhood has the plot to back up moments like those. Most shonens don't, or stretch them out for way too long.

Like, if anything like this happened in Bleach, (which it does, often) then I'd be really pissed off, because Bleach is terrible and executes it terribly. But Brotherhood is doing it much better. Preferences, I suppose.

 

[duckroll]

And at least Brotherhood has the plot to back up moments like those. Most shonens don't, or stretch them out for way too long.

Like, if anything like this happened in Bleach, (which it does, often) then I'd be really pissed off, because Bleach is terrible and executes it terribly. But Brotherhood is doing it much better. Preferences, I suppose.

At least this shit isn't as smelly as that other shit. Damn did you smell that other shit? It stinks up the entire room. But this shit isn't quite as smelly.

 

[ThatObviousUser]

At least this shit isn't as smelly as that other shit. Damn did you smell that other shit? It stinks up the entire room. But this shit isn't quite as smelly.

I'd seriously question someone's ability to actually critique anime if they classed Brotherhood in the same league as Bleach.

 

[Pai Pai Master]

Then a guy who can barely be moved by tank shells show up and the other Armstrong punches him across the room. Then it turns out he's fast as shit, but somehow they're dodging him without really even moving...? I seriously don't get what's even going on there.

This is pretty much explained by Olivier. He's too fast to really aim his movement at anyone. And he's, well, blind.

And you better bet your ass Alex is stronger than a tank.

 

[firehawk12]

It's certainly been over used in this last arc, but I don't think it's being used for dramatic effect. They're finding excuses to reunite the cast for the final showdown.

I mean, we haven't heard from Izumi yet... so I'm sure she'll show up to save someone at some point because she plays an important part in the whole sacrifice thing.

 

[wwm0nkey]

Isnt there only a few episodes left? its catching up to the manga REALLY fast.

 

[ZAK]

This is pretty much explained by Olivier. He's too fast to really aim his movement at anyone. And he's, well, blind.

Wait, he's blind? :lol What the hell? Wow, these homunculi are really balanced. Well, that would explain stuff; "too fast," on the other hand, makes no sense. If he were constantly moving, it would, but he stands still for extended periods before charging. He's so fast he can't even control what direction he starts moving in?

And you better bet your ass Alex is stronger than a tank.

*sigh* I mean, I accept that, but this is exactly why he doesn't belong within several miles of a serious plot. I also had no interest in hearing how terrible he felt about Ishbal.

 

[duckroll]

Isnt there only a few episodes left? its catching up to the manga REALLY fast.

There are 11 episodes left, the ending is more than 2 months away.

 

[Masked Man]

EP 52 was awesome but I thought they didn't do the

Spoiler

Kimblee execution

justice at all. The manga had some crazy suspense in that part which I thought the anime lacked. Otherwise, I thought this was a great episode.

Seriously? I thought that scene in Ep. 52 was infinitely creepier having it realized before me in the anime.

 

[Mattlikewhoa]

There are 11 episodes left, the ending is more than 2 months away.

Oh snap I didn't know that...I thought it was wrapping up at around 56 episodes...

 

[Swag]

Why has everyone aged so much on episode 46? Isn't it only a couple months passage in time or am I missing something :lol ?

 

[Dogenzaka]

So I watched a few episodes of FMA (the original anime), and liked the concept a lot but could never finish.

Heard this was being done and that the manga is incredible, so I'm interested in this.

How far along is it?