Ep 33. The Northern Wall of Briggs

In Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood season 1 episode 33 titled "The Northern Wall of Briggs," the audience is introduced to a new setting, the icy and harsh landscape of the Briggs Fortress located in the North. Colonel Roy Mustang and Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye have arrived at the fortress to gather intelligence and hopefully uncover information about the Homunculus.

The Fortress is led by Major General Olivier Armstrong, who is determined to keep her country and people safe at all costs. Olivier is a tough and unyielding leader who is feared by her subordinates and respects by her peers. She agrees to cooperate with Mustang but only on her terms, and the audience is shown just how formidable she is when she single-handedly takes down a group of intruders.

As Mustang investigates the region, he comes across a disturbing fact. Many of the towns in the Northern part of the country have been destroyed by unknown forces. He suspects that the Homunculus is responsible for these attacks and becomes even more determined to uncover the truth.

Meanwhile, Ed and Al, who are staying nearby, are also investigating the area and trying to find a way to get back to their own world. They are drawn to the Briggs Fortress by rumors of a possible way to do that and manage to sneak in just in time to hear that there might be some truth to those rumors.

The Northern Wall of Briggs is an episode that is full of intrigue and suspense. The audience is left wondering what the Homunculus is up to and just how dangerous is the rugged, wintry terrain of the Briggs Fortress. Even though there is no major action sequence in this episode, it is still incredibly engaging and immersive.

The audience is shown a different side of Mustang and Hawkeye in this episode. They are both intelligent, resourceful, and focused on their mission. Their interactions with Olivier and her subordinates are full of tension and mistrust, and the audience can sense just how much is at stake.

The episode also touches on themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and patriotism. Olivier is fiercely loyal to her country, and she has a deep sense of respect for those who are willing to sacrifice for its safety. She challenges Mustang and Hawkeye to prove their loyalty and their willingness to put the interests of the country above their personal ambitions.

Overall, The Northern Wall of Briggs is an excellent episode that sets up the rest of the season. It introduces new characters, new settings, and new mysteries. It also highlights the strengths, weaknesses, and motivations of the main characters, and it builds tension and anticipation for what's to come. This episode is a must-watch for anyone who is a fan of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.