After the blind plunge of episode 1, this second episode actually takes us back in time to deliver the origin story of the series. I had a feeling this would happen and I'm glad that it did as it enables one to reconsider the events of the first episode with more context. I now understand the decision to start with the high impact, action packed debut episode as a way to whet the appetite and make the viewer eager for answers.
The gist of the series is that in order to bring their mother back from the dead (she died of a sickness) the boys engage in intensive alchemical studies to perform a ritual, despite the taboo against involving humans in transmutation. What happens instead is that a dark entity is contacted who takes their bodies and shows a glimpse into the secret nature of the universe. This allows alchemy to be performed without using transmutation circles (very skilled). It also hints that human alchemy is possible but the memory is soon forgotten. This leads into the boys' quest for these missing answers. We also get hints about the boys' father being involved in alchemy.
The brothers agree to join the state military as a way to get access to research papers that might hold clues about how they can restore their bodies.
I really appreciate this second episode as it holds the hand of the viewer much more than the first, and reinforces the story and themes that the show will deal with. It provides the necessary framework without over-explaining. A perfect way to build intrigue and a commitment to more viewing.
Fullmetal given his code name as he has nerves of steel. I liked this explanation of the name.
The animation is gorgeous and it's a pleasure to watch. The mix of supernatural elements with the more grounded stuff works well.
The gist of the series is that in order to bring their mother back from the dead (she died of a sickness) the boys engage in intensive alchemical studies to perform a ritual, despite the taboo against involving humans in transmutation. What happens instead is that a dark entity is contacted who takes their bodies and shows a glimpse into the secret nature of the universe. This allows alchemy to be performed without using transmutation circles (very skilled). It also hints that human alchemy is possible but the memory is soon forgotten. This leads into the boys' quest for these missing answers. We also get hints about the boys' father being involved in alchemy.
The brothers agree to join the state military as a way to get access to research papers that might hold clues about how they can restore their bodies.
I really appreciate this second episode as it holds the hand of the viewer much more than the first, and reinforces the story and themes that the show will deal with. It provides the necessary framework without over-explaining. A perfect way to build intrigue and a commitment to more viewing.
Fullmetal given his code name as he has nerves of steel. I liked this explanation of the name.
The animation is gorgeous and it's a pleasure to watch. The mix of supernatural elements with the more grounded stuff works well.
