Finally! This is the point I’ve been waiting for, and finally it’s time for me to praise this show a bit. It’s good to see that this time, the annoying part only took up four episodes, rather than FOURTEEN, and not only that but this episode was also significantly better than its original counterpart.
Even though episode 3 didn’t introduce Envy, this episode was sufficient enough for an introduction of the guy. Scar’s appearance also made much more sense this time: he didn’t try to attack an entire army of state alchemists this time, but instead just went after Ed, and made the mistake of thinking that Ed would be easily taken out just like his other victims. The only reason why his face was shown this time was because he didn’t take into account that Ed and Al had metal body-parts, which allowed them to buy enough time for the military to show up (who were also in the neighbourhood).
And in this way, Scar was a much better way of showing Ed how cruel some people can be, compared to that strange butcher who just “happened” to kidnap Winry of all people. Overall, this episode really reminded me why this show has potential. It again was rushed, but things fell much more in their place, aside from the history of Ishbal perhaps, which was a bit too fast. It was nice to see a map of the world though. It gives a much better view of what goes on where. For example, I never knew that Ishbal and Resembool were that close together. And yet in a way this does make sense, as it makes the holiday of Winry’s parents much more plausible.
But what surprised me the most of this episode were the couple of experimental scenes. Especially for BONES, this is really rare: they’re really a studio that focuses on the solidness of their productions (which is quite ironic if you think about how a lot of series of them end up rushed in the end), and I can’t recall any of their series to be experimental, and especially not in the animation and storytelling department. That’s why I loved the sudden appearance of Scar: Ed was in the middle of something completely different, and you really don’t expect the guy to show up at such a moment. The few animations in the beginning also looked really nice.
And as for the bits of comedy amidst the fighting: I like them. The thing is, that the original series was just too emo at times. And with such a series, it’s hard to avoid. That’s why it’s good to see these moments brightening up the mood at times.
The biggest potential pitfall I see for this series is the typical weakness of a Bones’ series: its inability to properly fit its series into the proper time-frame. Out of all of their series I’ve seen (which are quite a few by now), the only show of them whose story fit exactly into its number of episodes was Angelic Layer. Aside from that one, all of the other Bones shows I’ve watched have either rushed endings or in Eureka7’s case 13 consecutive episodes in which nothing really happens, and I really hope that this show is going to be able to avoid it.
Rating: ** (Excellent)
They are EXACTLY following the manga, frame by frame sometimes, so hopefully the series will avoid the pitfall you mentioned.
But I must say I’m surprised. This show turned out really good. Even the last episode was better then the old counterpart. The serious scenes are great and also the humor.
Glad you enjoyed the episode. There is definitely a better balance between drama and comedy in the manga. It has some dark moments but I don’t think it ever reaches the point of melodrama. The theme of the manga is very much about pushing forward and rising above despair.
That’s why I loved the sudden appearance of Scar:
I was actually somewhat disappointed in this but I am going by the manga scene. In the manga when Roy finds out Ed & Al are out there alone he immediately calls for all spare soldiers in the area to go to the place where the brothers were last seen. Basically a soldier who is out looking for the brothers to warn them about Scar spots them and shouts Edward Elric and in a nice bit of irony Scar is nearby overhears discovers Ed and kills the soldier.
as it makes the holiday of Winry’s parents much more plausible.
Well it wasn’t a holiday but there will be more about them. 🙂
The biggest potential pitfall I see for this series is the typical weakness of a Bones’ series: its inability to properly fit its series into the proper time-frame.
I definitely feel they are rushing things. I hope it is just to get to the point that completely differs from the last series and this won’t be the pace of the entire series.
Oh look at me, I think FMA sucks since it’s so popular!
Wow, it’s just better, way better than the original anime, I believe I’m the 10000000000×1000 person to say that :]. I noticed the “Rating: **” What is that? o.O
Damn, I should have realized that not everyone is going to read my last Valkyria Chronicles post…
The explanation of the rating is now included.
Bupa: I can also go “Oh look at me, I hate people who dislike FMA because everyone should like my favourite show!”
The thing is, that even if FMA wasn’t popular, I would have had criticism about it. I don’t exactly hate the original, but it just has too many damn flaws, and it just doesn’t deserve the popularity it’s gotten in my opinion.
Well, even though episode 3 was a real let down, with the lame changes they made (the priest turning into a monster was so unnecessary!), the last 2 episodes really managed to stay true to their source material, so I’m content for now 🙂
Scar is awesome… just like the Terminator! or maybe Scar is the Terminator LOL. the resemblance is uncanny.
about the comedy you mentioned, for a show whose main focus isn’t comedy, fullmetal has always been my favorite comedic manga. it really has a lot of hilarious moments.
and now we’ll probably see a lot of it with the anime following the manga.
the only manga that really surprised me and come foot to foot in comedy was d.gray-man, coincidence that they are both written by women, maybe there’s something to it lol
Personally, I like this new star method. The episodes have to fight for their rating!
Anyway, I never had the patience to watch all of the original FMA, so this remake actually works very well for me, except that even I can tell it’s rushed in some parts. Excluding Kurau: Phantom Memory, though, Bones just seems to have a weakness with pacing.
You’re right, though. The lighter moments in this episode just really worked, and kept it from feeling too angsty, plus the flow of the episode was great – Scar’s entrance felt spontaneous, which plays as a lot more natural and realistic than if they’d let Ed finish his rant and then gone, “Now…it’s…fight time!!!!!!@#IJGJI)$*??!!”
I’m liking the second series very much ^^ I tride to rewatch the first series but I just cant seem to finish an episode..
I think it doesn’t really do justice to just compare the two anime series. The second anime is definitely following the manga and saying to hell with the first series. I love the fact that they decided to go all out on the animation of the series, though the pacing (throw another brick at the long dead horse) might be a problem if it doesn’t get fixed. I think the comedy would be best left as is. At this point you’re only real option with this series is to drop it and then you get a huge emo story. If memory serves, there will be enough dark spots that will come over from the manga the comedy will be appreciated.
Also a message to those who’ve only seen the first series: this one will be better. The plot/story of the manga (and consequently this series) is much better than that of the first series.
i love it so much, i want to watch eps 6 . when it will be released ?