Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood episode 30 reaction

One of the hardest episodes to watch by far. The showrunners don't pull their punches in setting the world. One thing I can definitely admire this episode for though, is the great (though horrific) way it sets up everyone's motivations. That and the drastic differences in how the cast are drawn and act before and after the war. We've only seen stern Armstrong, and serious Mustang, and dutiful Hawkeye, so it's weird to see them before that. There's also a quick camera pass over Isaac the Freezer from episode one, looking kind of shell-shocked and regretful.

Beowolf Chow

Power on! I believe in you!

ThatMortimer

Yeah this episode is quite rough, especially knowing y’all’s affinity against the depictions of war in the show. Glad y’all were able to tough it out. I always appreciated this ep for giving more insight into Hawkeye, Mustang, and Kimblee. While it could’ve been easy to write off characters like Hawkeye as just another female character following her male interest, seeing and hearing her internal struggle and acceptance with her part in the war is great. Mustang’s eventual turn against the military regime becomes more clear (especially contrasted with his idealistic views at the beginning of the ep) and even hearing from Kimblee is great too. While he can be written off as just another psycho, hearing a bit of his philosophy on death and his almost “respect” for those he kills as to not avert his eyes or forget them was always interesting to me. That philosophy even impacted Hawkeye as to hear her quote it to Ed, showing its merit past the bloodthirsty ramblings of a maniac

Jed U

Truly a heavy episode. It is one of those really low points that the show uses to establish that the world is not a pretty place, and that people need to relish in whatever light they can find. Just like Hughes and his letter, you need to find whatever it is that will let you get through just one more day. My condolences for the pain, but it does make the joy in life that much brighter as it fades. Enjoy watching Haikyu!! and find your happy space.

Joseph Phillips

So we saw like a dozen war crimes this ep, which 2 or 3 turned your stomach most? for me it’s 1) The Bayonetting 2) Marcoh’s POW-philosophers stone and 3) Armstrong blocking those civilians in for a firing squad to mow down

Eric Keeton

Seeing Major Armstrong about to breakdown is so heartbreaking. At least we got some more time with Hughes too.

A lot of the things covered/displayed in this episode will be called back to in future episodes.

Vaughn Bell