Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Episode 2) – The First Day

While travelling to a nearby town to investigate a priest who claims to create things from nothing, Edward recalls the path that has brought him here. They paid the price for what they did, but then they were given a second chance!
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Episode 2) – The First Day
What happened?
Edward and Alphonse are searching for a legendary device known as the Philosopher’s Stone. They believe it will be the key to recovering their bodies. A priest has been apparently creating matter out of nothing, which is against the rules of alchemy. So, he either has the Philosopher’s Stone or it’s an elaborate trick. Either way, they will investigate.
On the way there, Edward recalls their life when their mother was still with them. She encouraged their love of alchemy but was taken from them by an epidemic. It was hard for the two brothers. They had lost their world and were desperate to get it back. Edward suggested that they try to perform human alchemy – a forbidden art.
They trained hard and gathered everything they needed. However, the Transmutation did not go as planned. There was a rebound and Alphonse’s body was torn apart. Edward, however, found himself being confronted by someone that could be considered a god. He poured knowledge of alchemy into Edward’s head, but it cost him his leg. When he returned to the real world, he bonded Alphonse’s soul to a suit of armour, sacrificing his arm.
Once word of a young and promising alchemist reached the army, they sent Roy Mustang to visit the boy, but he wasn’t prepared for what he found. However, he spoke to Edward and Alphonse, offering them the chance to reclaim their bodies. That was enough to convince Edward who received replacement limbs and began to train for his admission exam to become a State Alchemist.

What did you think?
This was much more along the lines of what I was expecting from this series. It was harrowing, to say the least. I loved that Edward was shown a world of possibilities and that is why he’s able to transmute without a Transmutation Circle. I wonder why Alphonse was not shown the same thing or even why his entire body was taken. There’s much more to this than we were shown.
I will say one thing and that’s I am finding Edward to be fairly annoying. He’s brash and a bit of a loudmouth, but I can’t fault his determination. I think I’ll be happier once he’s fighting and trying to move things forward. It’s obviously early steps for me with this series, but I’m excited to see if this lives up to the hype.

What have you learned?
It was interesting that they interspersed the flashbacks with present-day scenes and not just between Edward and Alphonse. I’m not sure what Roy and Maes brought to the episode with their discussion that hinted at something without telling us anything about it. Might have been better to focus on Edward and Alphonse, but that’s a minor criticism.
When I saw those black arms with their tiny hands start to pull Alphonse’s body apart, all I could think about was Plunderer and All Thing… I know this came first, but that’s an annoying connection to make. I’m certain this will be far better in every way and with two episodes down, I can say with confidence that it already is. Both episodes so far have been fairly dark, but this one had less goofy comedy. I always prefer my action dark and with less goofy comedy.

Other posts in the series
- Series Review
- Episode 1 – Fullmetal Alchemist
- Episode 2 – The First Day
- Episode 3 – City of Heresy
- Episode 4 – An Alchemist’s Anguish
- Episode 5 – Rain of Sorrows
- Episode 6 – Road of Hope
- Episode 7 – Hidden Truths
- Episode 8 – The Fifth Laboratory
- Episode 9 – Created Feelings
- Episode 10 – Separate Destinations
- Episode 11 – Miracle at Rush Valley
- Episode 12 – One is All, All is One
- Episode 13 – Beasts of Dublith
- Episode 14 – Those Who Lurk Underground
- Episode 15 – Envoy From the East
- Episode 16 – Footsteps of a Comrade-in-Arms
- Episode 17 – Cold Flame
- Episode 18 – The Arrogant Palm of a Small Human
- Episode 19 – Death of the Undying
- Episode 20 – Father Before the Grave
- Episode 21 – Advance of the Fool
- Episode 22 – Backs in the Distance
- Episode 23 – Girl on the Battlefield
- Episode 24 – Inside the Belly
- Episode 25 – Doorway of Darkness
- Episode 26 – Reunion
- Episode 27 – Interlude Party
- Episode 28 – Father
- Episode 29 – Struggle of the Fool
- Episode 30 – The Ishvalan War of Extermination
- Episode 31 – The 520 Cens Promise
- Episode 32 – The Fuhrer’s Son
- Episode 33 – The Northern Wall of Briggs
- Episode 34 – Ice Queen
- Episode 35 – The Shape of This Country
- Episode 36 – Family Portrait
- Episode 37 – The First Homunculus
- Episode 38 – Conflict at Baschool
- Episode 39 – Daydream
- Episode 40 – The Dwarf in the Flask
- Episode 41 – The Abyss
- Episode 42 – Signs of a Counter-Offensive
- Episode 43 – Bite of the Ant
- Episode 44 – Revving at Full-throttle
- Episode 45 – The Promised Day
- Episode 46 – Looming Shadows
- Episode 47 – Emissary of Darkness
- Episode 48 – The Oath in the Tunnel
- Episode 49 – Filial Affection
- Episode 50 – Upheaval in Central
- Episode 51 – The Immortal Legion
- Episode 52 – Combined Strength
- Episode 53 – Flame of Vengeance
- Episode 54 – Beyond the Inferno
- Episode 55 – The Adults’ Way of Life
- Episode 56 – The Return of the Fuhrer
- Episode 57 – Eternal Leave
- Episode 58 – Sacrifices
- Episode 59 – Lost Light
- Episode 60 – Eye of Heaven, Gateway of Earth
- Episode 61 – He Who Would Swallow God
- Episode 62 – A Fierce Counterattack
- Episode 63 – The Other Side of the Gateway
- Episode 64 – Journey’s End
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