Episode 20 of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood's English dub, "The Souls of the Warriors," packs a punch! Forget your average action episode; this one has feels, a little bit of creepy, and even a touch of goofiness. Prepare yourself for a wild ride.
The Truth About Barry the Chopper
First things first, we finally get the lowdown on Barry the Chopper's past. Turns out, he wasn't always just a soul attached to a suit of armor with a penchant for slicing and dicing.
We see flashbacks of a very different Barry – one who was... well, still a bit unhinged, but in a "regular serial killer" kind of way, not a "living armor" kind of way. Let's just say his hobbies weren't exactly family-friendly.
What's truly surprising is how vulnerable he appears in these moments. It gives you a glimpse into the twisted logic of a disturbed mind and kind of makes you… almost feel sorry for him? Almost.
The Creepy Factor: Laboratory Number 5
The setting of Laboratory Number 5 amps up the eerie atmosphere. It's a place of dark secrets and twisted experiments. Think abandoned hospital meets mad scientist's playground.
The unsettling design of the lab creates an uncomfortable vibe. You wouldn't catch us hanging out there, even with the Elric brothers!
And the experiments, especially the failed attempts to create Philosopher's Stones… yikes! Suffice it to say, it's not a place for the faint of heart.
Brotherly Bonds and Blushing
Despite the dark undertones, the episode has some genuinely heartwarming moments between Edward and Alphonse Elric. Their brotherly bond is a constant source of strength for both of them.
Alphonse's unwavering loyalty and support of his brother shine through. He's the rock that keeps Edward grounded, even when things get crazy (which is basically all the time).
There’s even a tiny, and I mean TINY, bit of blushy awkwardness when Winry calls. Edward’s reaction is priceless. It's a small moment, but it reminds us that even alchemists have their embarrassing teenage moments.
The Guardians of the Fifth Laboratory
Meeting the guardians of Laboratory Number 5 is definitely memorable. These guys are not your average henchmen. They are a bit...special.
One of them is literally a refrigerator, which, let’s be honest, is a pretty unique power. You've got to admire the creativity, even if it's terrifying.
The fights are brutal, but they're also strangely engaging. Seeing the Elric brothers use their alchemy to outsmart these bizarre opponents is incredibly satisfying.
The Price of Truth
The episode emphasizes the show's recurring theme: the price of truth. Gaining knowledge and power comes at a cost, and sometimes that cost is higher than you're willing to pay.
The episode leaves you pondering the ethical implications of alchemy and the dangers of unchecked ambition. It's not just about cool powers and epic battles; it's about responsibility and the consequences of your actions.
In conclusion, Episode 20 is a must-watch for any Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood fan. It's a whirlwind of action, emotion, and bizarre encounters that will leave you both entertained and thoughtful.
And honestly, who can resist a refrigerator as a villain? I mean, come on! It's pure genius.
