We’ve reached that sweet spot in any epic series - - any good one, anyway - - where you’re so caught up in all the separate sub-plots that even the slightest intersection between them is exciting in and of itself. I’m sure any new viewer would be absolutely baffled if he or she started watching with this episode, but man… each thread feels strong enough for its own feature. Like I could see a whole movie about Mustang or Ling or Scar on their own. I think the last time I enjoyed something in this specific way was when I was watching THE LORD OF THE RINGS movies wayyyyyyy back in the bygone day of 2003.
The big intersection in this episode is, of course, between Scar and the Crimson Alchemist, who'se already proving to be quite interesting to watch. He's investigating the metro zealot so methodically, treating with the matter with such so cool rationality, it's almost like he's solving a math problem. He reminds me of an evil L. But why... why why why... does he have to swallow and throw up the stone like that? Doesn't he just need to hold it? Maybe he just enjoys, like Greed enjoys wearing his pervo suit.
On the other side of the equation,it ’s an odd flip seeing Scar as an ambivalent anti-hero instead of the out-and-out villain like he was before. It's actually leading to some inconsistency. I'm not talking about his personality. He's growing, he's redeeming himself a little. I'm talking about how he used to just shred through soldiers and alchemists alike but now he's running from them, because he's sympathetic and we need that kind of tension.Maybe he's just getting soft?
I'll probably discuss Selim in a little more detail next time, but I'm actually pleased by his inclusion. Most adventure fiction relegates most of their leads to convenient singledom when it'd actually make sense for a lot of them - - even diabolical bastards like King Bradley - - to have families of their own.
Watch this episode, “The Fuhrer’s Son,” below and decide for yourself, then read my comments on the previous episode here.
And I don't really consider Scar an anti-hero, more like an anti-villain. To quote TvTropes:
At its most basic, the Anti-Villain is a villain with heroic goals, personality traits, and even virtues.
In extreme cases, they aren't evil at heart, they've just had it rough, are misguided or are just doing their job.
hmm So bad means to a good end would be an anti villian? Not sure I like that definition. I've always considered him more an anti hero. But I don't keep up with all the new fangeled wording. I do like the inclusion of the furher's son. (and yeah a recap without loads of hate for the use of that name...this member of your harem is happy).
Oh so who do I need to talk to, to get my podcast on the top screen of animevice like you did for the other one awhile back? Been part of the banzai beat podcast for about a year now..
The temptation is quite strong when reading these wrap ups. So much happens in this series though I'd be royally pissed if someone told me what was up ahead when I was first watching it.
it funny to think that the rpg forums have spoilers to this show
Wasn't the point of this show supposed that it stuck strictly to the manga?
Maybe it's good means to a bad end?Keep the harem alive!
You'd probably do well to talk with Foxfireart or Sora.
That is a good point.
Fight temptation!
I double checked it and was actually half wrong. The Bradley home part isn't in it. The manga part just ends with Selim getting in a car with Mrs. Bradley and talking about he can't wait to tell his dad how he met Edward. Well, I still stand by what I sad about the scene at the home.
And it does a reasonably good job sticking to the manga. There is a lot of scene order reworking, especially in these last two episodes. For example, the manga goes May bumping into Grumman -> Kimblee released from prison -> Roy and Grumman at the grave, but as you saw, the Kimblee scene was moved back into 31. Of course, it all makes sense because manga pacing is so different from anime pacing, so I have no real complaints. Sticking the Kimblee scene those two other scenes in the anime wouldn't flow as well.