Ep 3. Mother

In the third episode of Fullmetal Alchemist season 1, titled "Mother," we see a deeper exploration into the past of two main characters, Edward and Alphonse Elric. The episode begins with a flashback to when they were young children, living in a small village with their mother. The boys are shown as happy and carefree, with their mother doting on them and their father away on a trip.

However, their happy life is quickly shattered when their mother becomes ill and passes away. The boys are devastated, but Edward, in his grief, becomes determined to use alchemy to bring their mother back to life. Despite Alphonse's protests, Edward begins the transmutation process, using his own blood to perform the ritual.

The transmutation goes terribly wrong, and both boys are severely injured. Edward loses his right arm, while Alphonse loses his entire body, with his soul ending up attached to a suit of armor nearby. It is at this point that we are brought back to the present time and begin to understand more about the boys' motivations and goals.

Edward is now known as a State Alchemist, and his goal is to find the Philosopher's Stone, which he believes will allow him to restore his brother's body. Alphonse, on the other hand, is primarily focused on finding a way to restore their mother to life, believing that it is possible if they can just find the right ingredients.

Throughout the episode, we also see the brothers encountering a number of other characters who will play significant roles in their journey. One such character is a woman named Winry Rockbell, who grew up with the Elric brothers and is now a skilled mechanic, helping them to maintain their mechanical limbs and other equipment.

Another important character is a State Alchemist named Roy Mustang, who seems to have a somewhat casual attitude towards his position and is often seen smoking a cigarette. Despite his relaxed demeanor, however, Mustang is highly skilled and is trusted with important missions by the military.

As the episode progresses, we also begin to see the darker side of alchemy and the consequences that come from attempting to play god. The brothers encounter another alchemist who has used his powers to create a strange half-human, half-animal creature, which he keeps locked up in a laboratory. The creature is a horrifying sight, sparking a debate between the brothers about the morality of using alchemy to create something that is so clearly unnatural.

Overall, Fullmetal Alchemist season 1 episode 3 is a gripping and emotional story that explores the complex relationships between family, science, and morality. The episode is filled with fascinating characters, intense action, and thought-provoking themes that are sure to keep viewers engaged and invested in the story. With its strong narrative and skilled execution, this episode is a must-watch for fans of the anime and newcomers alike.