Ep 36. Family Portrait

"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" season 1 episode 36, titled "Family Portrait," continues the story of the Elric brothers as they journey through the world of Amestris, searching for the Philosopher's Stone that could restore their bodies to their original form. In this episode, the focus is on Major Armstrong and his family.

The episode begins with the Elric brothers arriving in Central City and paying a visit to the Armstrong mansion. There, they meet Major Armstrong's sister, Olivier Milla Armstrong, who is in charge of the family's affairs since their father's passing. Olivier is a formidable woman, both in her physical appearance and her demeanor, and the Elric brothers realize that she is not one to be trifled with.

After a somewhat tense meeting with Olivier, the Elric brothers are introduced to Major Armstrong's siblings: Amue, Strongine, and Catherine. They are all equally imposing in their own way, with Amue being a large, muscular man, Strongine being a tall, slender woman, and Catherine being a young girl with a mischievous streak.

The Elric brothers quickly discover that the Armstrong siblings are not only physically strong but also highly skilled in alchemy, just like their brother. They show off their unique abilities, from Catherine's ability to manipulate shadows to Amue's skill in manipulating earth and stone.

As the episode progresses, the Elric brothers learn more about the Armstrong family's history and their connections to the military. They also uncover some dark secrets about a group of alchemists known as the Homunculi, who are manipulating events in Amestris to their own ends. The Armstrong family, it seems, is not immune to their influence.

Despite the darkness that surrounds them, however, the Armstrong family remains united, and the Elric brothers observe a touching moment between Major Armstrong and his siblings as they take a family portrait together. It is a moment of rare vulnerability for Major Armstrong, who is usually so stoic and composed, and it shows the close bond that the siblings share.

Overall, "Family Portrait" is an episode that explores the complexities of family relationships and the bonds that hold people together, even in the face of adversity. It also brings to light the sinister forces at work in Amestris and hints at the challenges that the Elric brothers will continue to face as they search for the Philosopher's Stone.