Well, so this episode was an aftermath to the previous onslaught of plot-twists.
Surprisingly, Wrath lets both Ed, Al and Roy Mustang go, threatening them with killing their loved ones if they dare to take action back. On one hand, it seems a bit stupid to let these dangerous people loose. But yeah, on the other hand if he’d just keep on killing people whenever they’d discover his secrets, people would eventually get suspicious.
Ed, Al and Roy now need to get as many people as possible on their side. They’re going to have to organize a good protection on their loved ones if they’re going to stand a chance against this guy. Roy in this episode makes the first step by recruiting Armstrong, but a whole lot more needs to happen.
The part I liked best about this episode was back at the doctors. It had a strange combination between a breath of fresh air, the elated and then disappointed Lan Fang as she discovered what happened to Lin, the tension between her and Mai Chang and the rather quirky antics of that doctor. It’s another great example of how well this series plays around with emotions.
Rating: * (Good)
Psgels, there’s another post-credits scene this time too and it’s rather important. Hope you didn’t miss it.
Well, as for Ed, Al and Roy not being killed off for knowing some aspects of the truth/secrets of the Homunculi and Father… I don’t think it’s so much that killing people off willy nilly will bring about unwanted attention, as much as it’s more to do with their special status as talented alchemists that could be beneficial to them for future plans as hinted at by Envy and co a few times. Similarly with Marcoh etc.
For me, the undermining of the villains in FMA is the sheer arrogance of them. That they’d allow such capable enemies of theirs to roam free while seemingly believing they can control or predict them, despite Ed and Roy and co all proving time and again that they can definitely handle themselves against the homonculi and in defying expectations placed on them. While they may have worth for whatever future plans they might have, they sure allow a huuuuge margin of liability, given the previous turn-around of expected outcomes.
“On one hand, it seems a bit stupid to let these dangerous people loose.”
You are forgetting that Father has plans for them, and doesn’t want them dead.
Father needs them because they are useful “sacrifices” thats why he didnt kill them earlier.
I kind of agree with psgels assessment. It’s probably safer to just confine the Elrics and Mustang or keep them within an arms reach at all times since they can do a fair bit of damage if given enough freedom. I guess the story has to allow the good guys to make a comeback somehow.
Apart from what everyone already said, I feel another important point that they were left roaming freely is Father’s personality. He has this “do whatever you want, you can’t phase me” thing going on. It’s not the normal arrogance like you see in most evil masterminds. It’s something much more refined and powerful. IMO anyway
Thanks for the heads up about the post-credits scene. I’ve been skipping this ending, don’t like it as much as the other two, and almost missed it. :/
Here’s some food for thought. Why would father be worried over the Elric brothers when they are arguably less powerful than the honomculi and father can create and destroy his honomculi at will? He probably considers himself something akin of a God.
My favorite part of the episode is where Greed and Wrath were talking and then Wrath says how pitiful the prince was. Lin suddenly snaps and screams, “SHUT UP! Don’t underestimate us humans.” Wrath is wholly confused, and then the Lin goes back to being Greed. So Greed reveals the prince is trying to take any opportunity to take over.
“Trying to control a monster, just how Greedy can these humans be.”
Figured the prince was destined for a bit more than just being a fresh body for Greed.
Well…everyone already said what I was going to about Ed and Al and Roy being kept alive because they’re ‘sacrifices’ but I also agree with Kamibito about Father letting them roam free because he has a “You can run around however you like, my plans are still going to come through without a problem” attitude. He did say in the last episode that he considered humans like ants-so far beneath him that you don’t even concern yourself with them one way or another.
“just how greedy can these humans be?” he says to greed. lol
Is it just me or is anyone else wondering what’s different about Scar and May’s alchemy? The small hints are driving me nuts. Since none of the alchemist in the city could use it but the eastern Scar and May could?!
They haven’t divulged this information in the manga yet, even. You can figure it out if you give it a little thought though. Pointing out clues would probably give it away too easily, but if you think about the Gate and what it is, you can probably figure it out.