Fullmetal Alchemist, Volume 7: Reunion on Yock Island (Episodes 25-28)
AsFullmetal Alchemistenters its second season, Ed and Al pursue the rumor that the inhabitants of Ishbal created a Philosopher's Stone without using alchemy. If the Elrics can learn how it was accomplished, they may be able to restore their bodies without harming anyone. After an unrewarding trip with Winrey, the Elric Brothers meet the one person they fear: Izumi, their old alchemy instructor. The filmmakers intercut the Brothers' present encounter with Izumi and flashbacks of their early training, suggesting the ongoing journey to mastery of their art. But episodes 27 and 28 suffer from a cultural gap. Izumi is modeled on a traditional Zen master: she gave Ed and Al thekoan"All Is One, One Is All" to unravel to test their worthiness as pupils. But in place of the slap Zen masters sometimes administer, she beats the Elrics savagely and needlessly. To Americans, Izumi acts not like a wise disciplinarian, but a brutal sadist. While her training ultimately benefits Ed and Al, these episodes don't translate emotionally. (Rated TV PG: violence, grotesque imagery, tobacco use)--Charles Solomon