can i be a dog of the state too?

[reverancepavane]

I have to admit that I am quite enjoying Full Metal Alchemist. Although I have to admit it was very saddened when one of my favourite characters, Lt. Colonel Maes Hughes, was killed. I liked his character immensely, especially his use of "the photo of his adorable little girl" to make people underestimate or discount him. Very useful in an officer in charge of the Investigation Division of the military. It was especially good to see the facade slip and his natural calculating intelligence shine through when the going got rough. His final moment was just perfect. Unfortuneately, he was just supernaturally outclassed by his opposition. And that's another interesting thing; the politics. The characters have agendas based on their history; in many cases driven by their history. Even though it seems that the various sides have identified themselves by now, I hope that this isn't truly the case, and that there are more surprises along the way. It's possible to read in quite a lot of alchemical theory into the show, especially when one really looks at the opening credits. The alchemists in the show are all extremely gifted in vulgar alchemy; the alchemical transformation of the outside world. But the true secret of the quest is what we refer to as philosophic alchemy, or an internal transformation. Edward has (litearally) accidentally realized this; his sacrifice of his arm to save his brother has given him the innate ability to use alchemy without a transmutation circle. The characters (not just the leads) are all enjoyable and distinct. The animation is excellent, and for a Cartoon Networked anime (OK they aren't as bad as Mangled Entertainment, but it would be difficult for anyone to be), the voice acting is very well done. Now all I need is State Alchemist uniform. <grin>