This episode is about Ed and Al's past. I like the fact that they speed through this part of the story. Of course, they make a few minor changes. If not, it would be boring if it's just an exact replica of the first season.Instead of writing a summary, I shall list out the changes.- Ed and Al's first transmutation is a wooden chick and is done in front of their mother. (In the first anime, their first transmutation is a doll and is done in front of Winry.)- This episode gives me the impression that Ed and Al's mother died before Winry's parents. (In the first anime, Winry's parents passed away first. I can still remember Ed and Al hugging their mother and cry after knowing the news.)- There's more focused on the 'truth'. It's a lot more emotional. After entering the gate, Ed realizes that his human transmutation theory wasn’t incorrect but was simply not enough. He wants to enter the gate again to reach the 'truth' of human transmutation, but the white figure is unable to let him with the price that he has paid. The price is Ed’s left leg. The white figure reminds Ed of the rule of equivalent exchange.- When Mustang first meets the Elric brothers, Ed is sitting on a wheelchair looking guilty and depressed. (I prefer how they first meet in the first anime. Mustang enters the room and sees Ed lying on the bed unconscious and Al, in armor suit, sitting down and leaning against the wall. I think Mustang is too emotional and Ed is too depressed-looking in this episode.)- Winry and Riza's conversation happen much later in the first anime.- Ed knows about his ability to transmute without a transmutation right after he has his automail fixed to his body. (He only accidentally finds out about it when Hughes' wife is in labor.)- Ed's State Alchemist examination is carried out differently. I like this version. During the examination, Ed transmutes a weapon and charges at Bradley but stops short of killing him. Bradley admires Ed’s guts, but comments that Ed doesn't know the size of the world. As Bradley walks off, Ed realizes that Bradley had cut apart his weapon without him noticing. (In the first anime, the examination is carried out in an open area with many other alchemists.)- Al is at home waiting when Ed is taking the examination. (Al and Nina are waiting outside when Ed is taking the examination.)- Mustang gives Ed his Silver Watch in East City and Bradley gives him the title of Fullmetal Alchemist. (Mustang gives Ed the Silver Watch in Central and the title of Fullmetal Alchemist is only given much later.)I think that's about it.
Anyway, I'm still not used to Mustang's new voice. I remember Mustang is real sarcastic in the first anime when he passes Ed the Silver Watch and says 'Congratulations. You are officially a dog of the army.' The new Mustang voice lacks that sarcastism.Next episode, the focus will be on Lior. In the preview, Rose looks very different. Her fringe is not as pink and she's not as tanned.
PicturesEd and Al's first transmutation
This is where their regret begins.
Mustang and Ed's first meeting.
Ed challenges Bradley during his examination.
However, Bradley outwits him.
Ed: 'I just love that heavy and hard feeling. I’ll bear it.'
This is where their regret begins.
Mustang and Ed's first meeting.
Ed challenges Bradley during his examination.
However, Bradley outwits him.
Ed: 'I just love that heavy and hard feeling. I’ll bear it.'
