As Brotherhood continues, the story diverges further from the first Fullmetal Alchemist animated series (2003) and follows Hiromu Arakawa's original manga (these episodes encompass volumes 8 through 13). The adventures in the earlier series involving Dr. Marcoh, Shou Tucker, and the Elrics' rigorous training under Izumi-sensei are downplayed or eliminated as director Yasuhiro Irie follows a more dramatic story line. In the wrenching episode 20, Ed discovers that neither he nor Izumi succeeded in transmuting the souls of the dead: his mother and Izumi's baby were always beyond their reach. But the Elric brothers have little time for reflection as Colonel Roy Mustang's battle with the Homunculi intensifies. Mustang succeeds in killing Lust, and Hohenheim, not Edward, destroys Greed in this version. Irie introduces the characters from the country of Xing who didn't appear in the original animation: Prince Ling Yao and his attendants who join the Elrics, and the diminutive May Chang, who befriends Scar. In the take-no-prisoners season climax, Gluttony, maddened by Lust's death, swallows Edward, Ling, and Envy. The three unwilling allies find themselves lost in an endless wasteland of blood, skeletons, and ruins. Using knowledge he acquired in the ruins of Cselkcess, Ed attempts to transmute the trio through the Portal of Truth. During his journey, he discovers that Al's body still exists, and he vows to return for it. Arakawa's cartoony drawings of Ed and Al provide much-needed comic relief. The darker and more dramatic story of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood packs even more of an emotional and visual punch than the much-loved original series. (Rated TV PG: violence, grotesque imagery, tobacco and alcohol use) --Charles Solomon (14. Those Who Lurk Underground, 15. Envoy from the East, 16. Footsteps of a Comrade-in-Arms, 17. Cold Flame, 18. The Arrogant Palm of a Small Human, 19. Death of the Undying, 20. Father Before the Grave, 21. Advance of the Fool, 22. Back in the Distance. 23. Girl on the Battlefield, 24. Inside the Belly, 25. Doorway of Darkness, 26. Reunion)
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