Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Episode 62) - A Fierce Counterattack

Father is desperate to create a new philosopher’s stone, but Edward and the others are not going to let him. Still, how do you stop someone with the power of a god at their disposal? Sacrifices must be made!

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Episode 62) – A Fierce Counterattack

What happened?

Father was about to sacrifice some of the Briggs soldiers to make a new philosopher’s stone. He needed something to help him contain the power of God. However, Hohenheim arrived at just the right time and saved them. Alphonse, Izumi, and Mei Chang arrived moments later to help, but Father created people using the souls from his original philosopher’s stone. He was responding to Father’s views of people and how a homunculus could only destroy and not create. It was a distraction, of course, allowing Father to fire a massive energy attack.

A quarter of Central Headquarters was destroyed without a trace. Olivier heard the news from her team via radio and was ready to join the battle. However, Greed stepped in and told all the injured to sit this one out. Olivier was not happy about it but accepted that she needed to heal. Hawkeye and Mustang wouldn’t leave, however, as they were determined to burn up Father!

The Briggs soldiers joined the battle, saving Edward and Izumi when it looked like they might become Father’s next philosopher’s stone. They then launched a full offensive, along with Alex Louis Armstrong, Roy Mustang, and the others. Greed dived into the action and almost took Father’s powers from him, but he was too tenacious.

Edward kept fighting and eventually Father had to block without the use of alchemy. They were winning. Then father let out a last-ditch attack that left Edward pinned to the ground, his automail arm destroyed. He couldn’t do anything as Father staggered towards him. Alphonse realised what he needed to do and asked Mei Chang to assist him. He opened the portal and was finally reunited with his body, reversing the price Edward paid.

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 62 Father invincible

What did you think?

I think this might be my favourite episode yet. It had that incredible feeling to it when the hero is on the ropes and looks destined to be finished, but something galvanized them and then the support from everyone around them pushes them forward. Of course, that’s what Greed really wants. That’s what everyone wants. We want to feel supported. We need someone who believes in what we’re doing.

Alphonse’s decision to sacrifice himself was incredible. He knew what it would cost but he knew that Edward would return for him. It never crossed his mind that he was throwing his life away. Now, we just need to see if Edward has learnt anything in this journey. Can Father be saved? Will he return to being a dwarf in a flask or will Edward make sure this cannot happen again?

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 62 Alphonse protected Mei Chang

What have you learnt?

It almost seems so obvious. If Edward exchanged his arm to keep Alphonse’s soul then the return of the soul should give him his arm back. The question is what do they need to return to get the rest back. How do you undo the cost of breaking the cardinal rule? I have two episodes left and still lots of questions to answer. Hopefully, we’ll get everything we need and a thoroughly satisfying ending.

Part of me wonders if Edward won’t put things back the way they were by sacrificing his arm to get Edward’s soul back. At least then, they will be together and can continue their quest to achieve their goal. I think that might make sense, although I don’t think it’ll give us the closure sixty-four episodes worth of story deserves. I can’t wait to finally reach the conclusion!