Full Metal Panic is not the height of originality. It doesn’t try to be. In feel, it’s similar to other shows by the studio Gonzo, such as Vandread, and focuses much more on execution than originality.
Full Metal Panic is an alternate-world science fiction show in which the major powers use giant robots to fight, and a secret organization called Mithril fights terrorism and illegal drugs. The episodes on this first disc (of 7) move easily and smoothly between this serious aspect, and the show’s comedy side, in which teenage Mithril sergeant Sousuke Sagara is ordered to guard high school girl Kaname Chidori without her knowledge. Sousuke is a great hero–as perfectly competent in his own military arena as he is incompetent in the social setting of high school. Kaname, who is the beautiful girl that no one wants as a girlfried because of her temper, is the perfect match for him. As is typical of these shows, we see this immediately, while the characters do not. But, as I said, FMP is not about originality.
If you want mind-bending shows with delusions of grandeur, FMP is not your show. But, if you want an enjoyable romp with likeable and attractive characters and an enjoyable setting, FMP is your show. This is what FMP is trying to be, and where it succeeds.
Full Metal Panic! Mission