Setting

In a near future, Mithril is a non-governmental secret organization that, using technology 10 years ahead of the rest of the world, fight against terrorism and criminal organizations. Lieutenant Sasuga receives the mission to protect a school girl, Chidori, who is targeted by old KGB terrorists for having some secret ability. Among fights, intrigues and a lot of actions, Sasuga and Chidori will eventually learn what is this mysterious ability sought to by terrorists and governments, and how this is all connected to Mithril.

Andamento

With a fast pacing and eventual lighter episodes to 'slow down', FMP have enough intrigues, romance and action in the right amount not to exaggerate or lack in any field. Humor is also slightly present, though this is more a serious title.

Although this is a Mecha (robot) title, the focus is actually on the people and plot, and the Mecha are extremely secondary, merely a tool for the characters to reach their goals, and thus FMP manages to warp up a nice story without getting lost in mechanics manbo-jambo, and developing nice and strong characters.

For action fans, this is a certain call, and for those who like an interesting involving plot, this certainly have some appeal although it never exaggerates on it's own seriousness (as in some titles they try so hard to be all serious and moralistic that you get sick of it)

There is a 'follow up', more like a 'side story', called 'Full Metal Panic Fumoffu' (see review), and a more serious second season.

Conclusion

The only polemic point for this title is the pacing for the episodes: At the end of each mission, or plot arches, things happen as if several months passed by - thus making the viewer a little lost as what is going on. Don't loose yourself in that small trap, the title shows only what matters and 'skip' what doesn't, especially not loosing time on melodramatic appeal for too long. It is certainly a change, and some might like it, some don't.

Also, although we have strong characters, secondary characters are quite unexplored, and the plot, which works more in small self-contained arches, can reduce the 'continuity' of the whole plot.

Yet, this is a nice action packed action with cool characters. Watch it without any expectations and you are sure to like it.

Warning: 'Drag-romance' - those who take years and years and you never get a confession. Be warned ;)