Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Episode 37) - The First Homunculus

Once Winry had updated Edward’s automail, he got to have a chat with Kimblee. Meanwhile, Hawkeye had a run-in with a sinister power from an unexpected source. Things are getting tense!

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Episode 37) – The First Homunculus

What happened?

Winry was annoyed at Edward for going north without letting her know, especially as his automail would require updating for the cold. He tried to warn her about Kimblee, but it was too hard to talk with him standing there. Winry then let slit that she loved him, but either he wasn’t paying attention or didn’t notice. The tension was quickly broken when Buccaneer entered the room with his newly updated automail. Winry was desperate to see what else the local engineer had on offer.

Olivier Armstrong watched as Buccaneer led a team into the hole. He told her that if he wasn’t back in twenty-four hours, she was to cement over the door. Inside, they found the remains of the other soldiers and there were even two still alive, but they started to panic as soon as the light reached them. The thing that attacked them returned but pulled back at the last moment. Something else had caught its attention.

Back at Central, Hawkeye was delivering a document to Fuhrer Bradley, but something unnerved her. She spun around to see Selim standing behind her. She introduced herself and then left. However, she knew that he was following her. Selim revealed that he was the first homunculus and wrapped his shadowy hands around her, threatening her. She asked if it was normal to attack a hostage. Selim left but warned her that he was always watching.

Kimblee took Edward aside and told him that the Fuhrer expected him to complete three missions. Find Scar, recover Dr Marcoh, and create a crest of blood in Fort Briggs! They even offered him a philosopher’s stone as payment, but in reality, it was a do it or we kill your family situation. Edward said that he needed to talk to Alphonse and Winry first. Kimblee agreed as long as he could listen in.

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 37 Edward forced to work with Kimblee

What did you think?

So much happened in this episode and it was all amazing. I was sure it was going to reveal that Hohenheim was the first homunculus when I saw the episode title and never suspected Selim. That was quite the twist. Then when Hawkeye faced off against Selim or Pride, it was spectacularly tense. Such a crazy moment. That made the scene where Edward and Alphonse met Selim in the library extra important as he now knows what they’re looking for.

Then we have the tasks that Edward was charged with. Do they really expect him to kill everyone in Fort Briggs? I’m not sure how Winry going with Edward and Alphonse will help, but maybe she’ll be the connection to Scar. Maybe her forgiveness will be the catalyst that allows him to join forces with Edward and Alphonse.

There was also a scene where Olivier Armstrong told her men that she alone was responsible for Raven and that no one else should attempt to take on the blame. It’s a nice idea, but I don’t see it. This fort would sooner sacrifice themselves than see her go down alone. As I said, a lot happened and all of it was important.

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 37 Pride

What have you learnt?

We learnt that Winry loves Edward, but then, I think we all knew for some time now. Well, everyone but Edward, and even though she accidentally said he, he still doesn’t know or isn’t letting on. My money is on the former.

The other main talking point is how Selim’s revelation affects our understanding of Hohenheim. I’m starting to think that he’s not a homunculus and maybe something even more powerful. Is he a god who’s lost his way? Every time we discover something new, we get another handful of questions to analyse. This is fantastic storytelling because it keeps the audience engaged. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this series is epic!