Somehow, it gladdens to me that Ed excuses his cheapness with the same kind of lines Wimpy uses in POPEYE. “I’ll pay you the 520 cens back when you’re fuhrer” really ain’t that far off from saying “I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.” Man, that’d be hilarious if this ended up being one of his dominant character traits in this show. Imagine that; the hero being a lousy mooch at the same time. You can rely him to save your village, but don’t ever rely on him to pay you back.
I suppose this is a good time to bring up these alchemical kids’ motivations. Isn’t it actually a little out of their interest to be trying to regain their bodies at this time? Al’s asking Ed what he’s going to do after he pulls that off as if this whole business with the homunculi won’t still be a concern then.
Would they be more powerful with all their flesh back? Is the automail limiting Ed to a fraction of his full potential? Because he’s certainly made some nifty weapons out of that metal. Also, while “sleeping alone” and not getting to tastes juicy apple pies is certainly a drag, isn’t Al less vulnerable as a suit of armor? Sure, it’d be easy to wipe the rune off, but that’s one vulnerable spot as opposed to the dozens on the human body (heart, throat, lungs, et cetera.)
This Crimson Alchemist guy seems like he’s going to be a great villain. Is he supposed to be one of the homunculi? Maybe he represents one of the remaining sins? I'm going to guess "Pride" on account of those gaudy suits. And, man, I felt kind of silly for feeling tension over that “wrist bomb” gag he pulls on the one guard, but hoo boy… that one got me to hold my breath.
Watch this episode, “The 520 Cens Promise,” below and decide for yourself, then read my comments on the previous episode here.
Tom Pinchuk’s the writer of HYBRID BASTARDS! & UNIMAGINABLE. Order them on Amazon here & here. Follow him on Twitter: @tompinchuk
