Reader’s Question:
I have a question about “Fullmetal Alchemist.” I’ve watched the second anime adaptation, “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood,” and I’m confused about the climax. In the story, Al gets completely taken to “the other side,” and Ed uses his own “alchemy” as a price to bring him back to the real
world. However, I remember that it was established earlier in the series that you can’t resurrect someone who has completely passed away from this world. It seems like there’s a contradiction here, and I’m not sure if I’m misunderstanding something or if there’s another explanation. Can you help clarify this for me?
Let’s Dive into the World of “Fullmetal Alchemist”
So, I was chatting with a friend about “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood,” and you know how that goes when you’re discussing one of your favorite series—it spirals into deep dives and passionate debates! We landed on this pretty intense climax involving Alphonse and Edward, and it sparked some vivid memories of my own experience watching the show. My friend was a bit confused about how Al was taken to “the other side” and how Ed could bring him back using his own “alchemy.” They mentioned that earlier in the series, it was established that you can’t resurrect someone who has completely passed away. It got me thinking about how much I love these intricate plots that keep you thinking long after the credits roll.
Unpacking the Confusion
At first, I could totally relate to my friend’s confusion. I remember being in the same boat! But the thing is, Alphonse wasn’t really dead. He was taken to “the other side” as a consequence of the human transmutation attempt. It’s not like he had crossed over to some mystical afterlife. Instead, he was just… somewhere else, you know? So when Ed uses his own “truth” to bring Al back, it doesn’t contradict the earlier rules of alchemy. It’s kind of like those moments in life where you think you know the rules, but then life throws you a curveball, and you realize there’s a little more depth to the situation. I can’t help but think back to some of the moments in the show that made me laugh, too. Like when Ed and Al would bicker like siblings do, or when they got into those ridiculous situations while trying to figure out alchemy. I remember this one scene where they tried to make a giant sandwich for a hungry crowd—only for it to fall apart! It was a perfect blend of humor amidst the heavy themes of the series.
Personal Reflections
Watching “Fullmetal Alchemist” taught me so much about sacrifice and the bonds of family. It makes me reflect on my own life—how sometimes, as a father, I find myself making sacrifices for my child, whether it’s my time or my favorite snacks! I laugh at how I often indulge in too many snacks when I’m binge-watching a series, thinking I’ll just have a few, but then suddenly, the whole bag is gone! I think it’s those small quirks that make life relatable, much like the characters in “Fullmetal Alchemist.” They have their flaws, their funny moments, and their deep emotional struggles, just like us. So, what about you? Have you ever found yourself confused by a plot twist in a show or book? Or maybe you have your own funny stories about binge-watching and snack overindulgence? Share your experiences in the comments! I’d love to hear your thoughts!
