Ep 7. Night of the Chimera's Cry

Edward and Alphonse Elric are two brothers who have made a grave mistake. In their attempt to bring their mother back to life using alchemy, they have not only failed but have also lost their physical bodies. Edward lost his left leg, and Alphonse lost his entire body. In desperation, Edward sacrificed his right arm to bind Alphonse's soul to a suit of armor. With the hope of regaining their original bodies, they now embark on a journey to find the Philosopher's Stone.

In Episode 7, Night of the Chimera's Cry, Edward and Alphonse arrive in a town where they meet a former State Alchemist named Shou Tucker, nicknamed "The Sewing Life Alchemist." Tucker is famous for his achievements in combining non-human animals. He greets Edward and Alphonse warmly and introduces them to his daughter, Nina and his dog, Alexander, who is a chimera (an animal that has been genetically combined with another animal).

The boys are amazed by the chimera, and Tucker invites them to stay with him while he works on a new experiment for the military. The young alchemists become friends with Nina and Alexander and enjoy their company while they wait for Tucker to finish his work.

However, things take a sinister turn when Tucker creates a new chimera that can speak and understand human language. The Night of the Chimera's Cry is a disturbing episode that delves into the ethics of alchemy and humanity's control over the natural world.

In this episode, both Edward and Alphonse confront the dark side of alchemy, where the desire for power and control can lead to horrific consequences. Edward questions Tucker about his methods and the consequences of his experiments. However, Tucker becomes defensive, proud of his work and feels that no one understands his true abilities.

As the night wears on, the Elric brothers learn the horrifying truth about Tucker's experiments. They realize that the chimeras he creates are made by fusing human and animal DNA, resulting in a grotesque creature that is neither animal nor human. The chimera's cries are a haunting sound that elicits a sense of sadness and desperation in the boys.

As the episode progresses, the darker side of alchemy is revealed, and the moral and ethical issues around the manipulation of genes become more apparent. The Elric brothers' beliefs are tested as they find themselves in a situation where they have to choose between their own goals and the lives of others.

The Night of the Chimera's Cry is a powerful episode that delves into issues of power, control, and ethics. It confronts the audience with difficult questions and emphasizes the importance of using power responsibly. The Elric brothers' journey is not just about regaining their physical bodies, but it is also about discovering the truth of alchemy and its effects on humanity and the natural world.

In conclusion, The Night of Chimera's Cry is a moving and thought-provoking episode that explores the darker side of alchemy and its impact on the world. It presents a moral dilemma that pushes the Elric brothers to confront their beliefs and values and makes the audience contemplate them as well. The show's superb storytelling and animation make this episode a must-see for any Fullmetal Alchemist fan.