Hagane no Renkinjutsushi – Fullmetal Alchemist Ep. 06
鋼の錬金術師 FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST Episode 06
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood – 06

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

After being seen off by Lt. Col. Hughes, Al, Ed, and Major Armstrong leave Central City for Resembool. On a stop, Armstrong sees and older man he identifies as Dr. Marcoh. The man runs off and when Ed learns that Dr. Marcoh was a a medical alchemist during the Ishbal War, Ed wants to talk to the man. In town, they learn that the man is known as “Mauro-sensei” and they soon locate him at his house. He holds them off with a gun until Armstrong forces his way in.

Dr. Marcoh is stunned to learn that Ed is a State Alchemist and he shows off a gel substance he calls “The Philosopher’s Stone,” “The Heavenly Stone,” “The Great Elixir,” “The Red Tincture,” and “The Fifth Element.” He acknowledges this substance showed its power during the war and he refuses to allow Ed and Al to get his research no matter what, calling the Philosopher’s Stone “evil.” After they leave, Dr. Marcoh has a change of heart and catches the trio at the station. He gives Ed the location of his research in Central City and they leave on the train. The doctor returns home to find Lust waiting for him.

At Resembool, they are greeted by the Pinako Rockbell (Winry’s grandmother) followed by Winry herself. Winry is horrified at what has been done to her precious automail but agrees to build Ed a new arm. Pinako decides to adjust Ed’s automail leg since Ed has grown just a bit. For three days and nights, Winry works hard at building Ed a completely new arm. During this time, Ed pays his mother’s grave a visit as well as his old home, which he and Al burned before setting out to become a State Alchemist.

At the end of that period, Ed’s new arm and adjusted leg are reattached and good as new. Once this is accomplished, Ed then is able to reform Al’s armor back into a whole piece, something he does to preserve the seal that keeps Al’s soul in the armor. The following morning, Ed, Al, and Armstrong leave with Ed and Al promising to return for a meal.

Thoughts/Review:

I found it interesting how the Japanese used the western honorific-title “Doctor” for Dr. Marcoh and then had him change his title to the Japanese “sensei” (which can be used for a number of professions including authors, lawyers, doctors, and teachers). So in becoming “Mauro-sensei,” Dr. Marcoh actually provides himself with a layer of extra anonymity because the title “sensei” doesn’t automatically equate to “doctor.” For the community Dr. Marcoh currently lives in, “Mauro-sensei” is a doctor and he can still practice medicine. I’d bet that this is how he managed to stay hidden for so long from the authorities (whom I would think would be looking for him). Obviously, it wasn’t perfect since Lust also found him.

I do remember this story from the first series (both the “Dr. Marcoh” aspect and the coming home aspect). I want to say that this was two episodes in the original anime series, but I don’t remember for sure. Those of you who remember, feel free to let me know in the comments. Also, how is this story compared to the manga. I’m always interested in this.

When Ed and Al’s father is mentioned, I keep thinking of his role in the first anime series and I do wonder what kind of role he’ll have (if any) in this series.

On the somewhat disturbing front, is it me or have they made Winry look a bit more sexy than before? ^_^;;;

Armstrong’s shirtless comedy routine and hugging isn’t making me laugh as it once did. I still smile and shake my head whenever I see it though. I wonder if I’m just tired of the joke or what? ^_^; No, don’t get me wrong — it wouldn’t be Major Armstrong without that need of his to take off his shirt and sparkle for a bit. *lol*

So, things keep moving along at a decent clip here. While I am certainly enjoying the anime, it will pick up for me once it starts entering new territory that will allow me to analyze things better. ^_^