Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - Episode 46

Not only is the Promised Day on its way, so was a tsunami when this particular episode of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was broadcast in Japan, making for a less than optimal (although entirely understandably so) viewing experience. It takes more than a superimposed map to spoil this particular series however.


With that aforementioned Promised Day drawing every closer, this episode concentrates largely on the movements of individuals on both sides of the forthcoming conflict for the future of the country. For starters, we see Winry return to her true home in Resembool, only to find that she has some unexpected visitors in the form of Edward Elric and his current travelling companions. Unsurprisingly under the circumstances, the relationship between Ed and Winry is as awkwardly fractious as ever, but Ed is soon on his way once again with more pressing matters at hand.

Meanwhile, the joint training exercises in the East bring together soldiers from Fort Briggs with Lieutenant General Grumman's men - An exercise which is rather frustratingly overseen by King Bradley himself, although this hiccup in whatever is being planned is soon rectified, in part thanks to the work of Scar and Doctor Marcoh, who have also returned to add their weight and abilities to the fray. However, the good guys aren't having things all their way, with a weakening Alphonse captured by the Homunculus, while the episode ends with what could be a huge problem in store for Major General Armstrong...

Even when it's building up to bigger and better things, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has a knack for remaining compelling, and as per usual there was a lot to catch the eye and keep the interest here as we warm up to what should be some rip-roaringly fascinating instalments just around the corner. If nothing else, this episode serves as a showcase for just how many decent characters the series has at its disposal - Thank goodness it manages to employ them so well into the bargain too.