Hagane no Renkinjutsushi – Fullmetal Alchemist Ep. 08
鋼の錬金術師 FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST Episode 08
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood – 08

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

Al squares off with an armored suit that introduces itself as Number 66. Inside, Ed finds a transmutation circle and theorizes this must be where Philosopher Stone research is done. Another living suit of armor emerges (known as “Number 48”) and confirms Ed’s belief. Number 48 goes so far as to even reveal the location of his blood mark because before his official execution, he was a murderer known as “Slicer.” So he wants to make things more entertaining when he fights Ed.

As they battle, Ed finds the use of his arm not as good as it had previously been. Further, he’s taken some damage from Number 48 and that’s weakened him somewhat. Number 48 remarks on how good Ed is but he reckons the fight will soon be over and that his companion should have dealt with Al by now. Ed laughs since Number 48 says his companion is weaker and Ed has never defeated Al in combat.

Outside, Al and Number 66 continue to fight. Number 66 takes time to explain that he’d been a meat butcher named Barry in his previous life, but then took to butchering humans and was sentenced to death as “Barry the Chopper.” He reveals that he is a living suit of armor and is dismayed that Al doesn’t freak out over his being a suit of living armor. Al reveals his own living armor status which causes Number 66 to freak out. When Number 66 learns that Al and Ed are brothers, he questions Al on whether he’s really who he thinks he is or if his memories and everything are just an invention, thereby meaning no soul is attached to the armor. Al denies this, but the words strike just the same.

Inside, Ed thinks he has a victory when he takes Number 48’s head off. However, Number 48 has a secret — Slicer’s soul was attached to the helmet but his brother’s soul is attached to the body, meaning the fight is not won. Ed is forced to use the technique Scar used on him and Al in order to take out Number 48. Now defeated, in thanks for being treated as human, Slicer is going to give some answers to Ed but is prevented when Lust’s extended fingers pierce his blood mark, eventually killing him. Envy takes care of Slicer’s brother. Since Ed can’t fight any more, Envy knocks him out. Lust and Envy set about destroying the lab.

Outside, Lt. Ross and Sgt. Brosh to bring Al and Number 66’s fight to a stop. The destruction of the lab building causes Number 66 to flee. Al wants to go in and rescue Ed, but Ross wants him clear of the area for his own safety. Envy emerges with the unconscious and bloody Ed, instructing them to take Ed to the hospital. Envy disappears in the confusion, leaving Brosh to carry Ed on his back as they escape the destructing lab. Meanwhile next door in the prison, Kimbley is excited over hearing the sounds of detonations coming from the lab.

In East City, Col. Mustang takes a call from Lt. Col. Hughes. After putting up with Hughes going on about his cute daughter and wife, Hughes and Mustang discuss the possibility that Scar may be dead. Further, Hughes informs Mustang that Mustang may soon be brought to Central City thanks to a shortage of personal. This is an opportunity for Mustang to gain advancement and Hughes informs him that should he rise in the ranks, Mustang will make many enemies. As such, Hughes advises that Mustang bring over trusted people and to get married.

Thoughts/Review:

As I’ve mentioned, I’ve forgotten a lot about the first Fullmetal Alchemist series, though when things happen, I go, “Oh yeah! Now I remember.” Such was my reaction when Number 48 “Slicer” turned out to be two people instead of one. However for some reason, I don’t remember Lust or Envy being at Research Lab 5, nor do I remember them killing Number 48, nor do I remember them saving Ed. Strange, isn’t it? So now I’m left to wonder why they’d keep someone clearly a danger to them or their goal alive. Now, if this were the original anime, it would be because of Ed’s father. However, I’m told that won’t be the case here, but I guess I’ll learn more in time.

I do remember Al being question about his humanity and that this episode starts his journey of self discovery. I do know the issue will be resolved but I just don’t remember how. *lol* Bad memory, eh?

Again, I’ll mention that I like the humor moments that are injected into the series from time-to-time. It would be so easy to forget those and just go with the traditional action scenes and no humor, but having humor placed into tense moments (such as Number 66 freaking out when he saw that Al was the same as he — a suit of living armor) works pretty well in my opinion.

The animation seemed much better this episode, which is good considering it was mostly fighting scenes.

While I didn’t have a lot to say this time around, I still enjoyed the episode quite a bit.