Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Episode 17) - Cold Flame

Maria Ross has been convicted of the murder of Maes Hughes. She’s adamant that she’s innocent, but then Barry the Chopper breaks into the prison and offers her the chance to run. However, that doesn’t go as planned either!

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Episode 17) – Cold Flame

What happened?

With only her parents able to offer an alibi as to where Maria was the day that Maes Hughes was murdered, she doesn’t appear to be having any luck clearing her name. Strangely, all evidence to the contrary seems to be ignored. Even the local newspaper appears to have found out that she has been convicted of the crimes before she does. So much for a trial!

However, help comes in the most unlikely of forms. Barry the Chopper who has been under close watch by Roy Mustang’s men breaks into the military prison and frees her. He also breaks out Ling Yao when he finds out where he’s from. They flee from the prison but then run into Edward and Alphonse who have also just discovered the news. Barry tells Maria to run down that dark alley behind him while he holds off Edward and Alphonse.

Not long after leaving them, Maria runs into Roy Mustang. He snaps his fingers and produces a spark. Seconds later there’s an explosion and Barry and Ling run off. Edward and Alphonse find Roy standing over a charred body, Maria’s identification tags still dangling from her wrist. Edward is furious, but Alphonse holds him back.

After the body is verified as Maria Ross, Alex Armstrong apologises to Roy Mustang for his subordinate’s actions. Roy recommends that Armstrong take some leave. Once he gets back to his office, a clearly furious Riza Hawkeye puts in for some leave too. Then, Alex Armstrong arrives at Edward’s hotel room, punches him, and then tells him he’s taking him on leave to get his automail arm fixed… the one he just broke…

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 17 Barry the Chopper and Maria Ross

What did you think?

I think Barry the Chopper is quickly becoming one of my favourite characters in this series. He’s hilarious. However, I think the main purpose of this episode was to make you hate Roy Mustang. I’m not buying any of it. The fact that it’s Roy’s men that were guarding Barry, who then mysteriously went rogue and rescued Maria before returning to the safehouse tells me that Roy knew what he was doing. I also don’t believe that he did it for revenge, especially as Barry can confirm that she shot him.

He also burned her to a crisp, leaving her only identifiable by dental records. Of course, I also think the doctor is a part of Roy’s scheme. The way he ripped into him and Roy’s reaction to it was too casual. Then, the advice to Alex Armstrong felt too much like a hidden code. In short, I believe Maria is still alive and Roy has orchestrated a scenario where everyone he wants can get together in secret. Is he about to make a serious move?

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 17 Alex Armstrong mad

What have you learnt?

I’m loving the mystery side of things in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood even if I think it’s a little too obvious. That said, it could quite easily throw a curveball at us at any time. I don’t think it’s done that yet, but it’s possible. It’s going to be interesting to see if Roy is up to something and whether he can get away from the constant surveillance that Envy has them under.

It’s definitely got to the point where I need to see the next episode as soon as possible which is a great thing. The number of episodes makes this quite the epic story and the fact that it was released as effectively one season just adds to that. I’m all for anything epic so I’m a little surprised at myself for only now getting around to watching it. At least, I’m changing that now.