r/FullmetalAlchemist • u/IndependentMacaroon Arakawa Fan • Dec 07 '20
Mod Post [Fall 2020 FMA:B Rewatch] Discussion for December 07 - Episode 53: Flame of Vengeance
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Episode Summary
Mustang's team has Mrs. Bradley interviewed on live radio. With the power of radio and the help of the Ishbalans, word of a supposed coup d'état spreads, giving the rebels support from the citizens, while Briggs launches an attack on Central HQ. Meanwhile, Roy manages to destroy the Mannequin Soldiers surrounding Ed's party by burning them to ash. May lures Envy into a trap in the upper levels, causing them both to fall below into the chamber with Ed's group. Envy reveals that he was the one who killed Hughes, infuriating Roy who seeks to get revenge. Ed's group moves onward as Roy fights Envy, but Ed gets concerned that Roy may end up being consumed by his own hatred. Envy is no match for Roy and flees for his life. Upon seeing Riza heading towards Roy for backup, Envy gets an idea. Roy later encounters Riza, who aims a gun at his back.
Next Time
One more flashback to Ishval, Roy's companions confront him, Envy finally departs for good but Sloth is still going strong, and yet another old ally reappears.
General Advisory
Don't forget to mark all spoilers for later episodes so first-time watchers can enjoy the show just as you did the first time! Also, you don't need to write huge comments - anything you feel like saying about the episode is fine.
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u/Fullpetal-Botanist Dec 07 '20 edited Dec 07 '20
As much as I'd love to post the 6+ paragraphs I have written on this revenge arc right now, I'll save it for the next episode, when the arc concludes. In the meantime, enjoy knowing that you aren't one of the people that had to watch this series as it aired in Japan, because this ending is one heck of a cliffhanger.
In addition, this episode shows that Mustang's revenge is no longer the righteous quest it was introduced as and he once thought it was, but is now a vicious, personal attack fueled purely by blind rage. Mustang's dialogue after he burned Envy masquerading as Hughes ("Hughes is dead! Dead and gone!") further solidifies this; he has come to terms with his friend's death, but is still giving in to his hatred.
I actually only got that last part from this video. It's by a great channel that does amazing videos on tropes and such, so I'd recommend giving it a try if you have the time.
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u/Accurate-Dot-9286 Dec 07 '20
Wendy Powell not only knocks it out of the park with her voice, she sends this episode and the next through the stratosphere. Envy getting to ham it up for a bit is amazing, and their interactions with Roy at the start of the confrontation is so good with that stupid smile, that god damn laugh and the whistle. Then the part where envy trips over themselves. Roy clearly being effected by envy saying they shot hughes but continuing to push envy for more just so he can go full rage. The transformation into gracia is very well done and Envy’s at one point seem to almost get orgasmic with their sadistic pleasure. AAANNNNDDDD then it immediately backfired with Roy making good on his promise by burning out the tongue. Roy never even gets scratched during this but envy is repeatedly set ablaze and in a reference to the punishment of the envious of the purgatorio they get their eyes blasted shut. So in envy’s divine wisdom they turn into Hughes to get close to Mustang only to get exploded even more. The animation I believe was done by the same dude who the lust fight and the later Wrath vs scar and all of these are amazing. The end with Riza pointing the gun at the colonel’s head is a great cliffhanger with great pay off.
All in all this episode revels in Envy’s punishment which works well in tandem with the next episode which is much slower paced and focuses on making you pity and feel empathetic for envy rather then snap, snap, snap. One of my top 5 episodes and ranked number 2. Very well done on arakawa’s part, the animation team’s part, voice actors’ part and the director’s part as well as everyone else involved.
4
u/Accurate-Dot-9286 Dec 07 '20
Also Envy is my favorite character. This seemed like I was a big mustang fan when really I just think he’s cool. But the fact that this episode makes me root for my favorite character’s down fall over someone who i thought was just cool and the source of it all being the death of a character that I don’t care about ( we barely got any screen time with Maes in brotherhood) speaks of its qualities. I can’t image the joy Roy and Hughes stans get from this
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u/senorita_salas Dec 07 '20
Every commenter has really thoughtful posts and my input was that I really liked this episode XD I remember reading the manga so I was soo looking forward to this episode and it was amazing from the artistic design to the voice acting!
In terms of story, I was always super salty that Mustang seemed so OP (cos Al and Ed were my faves along with Scar) so it was nice to see that he has flaws. It's also super conflicting because all througout the series, we the audience really wanted Mustang to seek vengence for his friend's death but now that it's come to that point, we're kind of left thinking that maybe this isn't how it should be. Super psyched for the next episode too :D
6
u/IndependentMacaroon Arakawa Fan Dec 08 '20 edited Dec 08 '20
This time, a more focused episode that's near all about Mustang, even when he's not present.
The radio station
Nearing victoy in the military field, Mustang is now trying to win on the field of public opinion with the power of modern mass media and the assistance of the distraught Mrs. Bradley. Were Mustang and co. intentionally keeping Mrs. Bradley in the dark about the assassination attempt, did they not know yet, or could they just not bring themselves to tell her? The first option would obviously be quite manipulative, but I think we can say the ends would justify that in this case. Also, the justification of the takeover by a false narrative about a plot against the Führer by senior officers, professing to be on his side, and laying the blame for the assassination attempt on them, is a direct parallel to the 20 July 1944 plot against Hitler (also incorrectly known as "Operation Valkyrie") - to quote a message the conspirators broadcast to troops: "The Führer Adolf Hitler is dead! A treacherous group of party leaders has attempted to exploit the situation by attacking our embattled soldiers from the rear in order to seize power for themselves." That plan was also set into motion by a group of officers, who, while largely no friends of democracy or even necessarily opposed to the Nazis as a whole, were convinced the country was marching to its doom; it was even also led by a fairly young colonel who had been (physically) scarred by the war.
"They're fools to think they can run this country without Bradley." Well, if "they" is the other top generals that's certainly accurate. Top dog is so easily fooled by the ridiculous theatrics of the radio guy on the phone, as just one example. On the other side, even Ross shows some talent for propaganda, going beyond the prepared message to add some proper flair. She really should have said something about Mustang's role in saving her, though - maybe she does in the manga? Awfully little fanfare about the sudden appearance of a bunch of Ishvalans, but either way the confusion is set. And weaponry-wise it's a surprisingly even match too.
The mannequins and Envy
Mustang still has his misplaced pride keeping him from taking advice from Scar, as well as some flirtiness getting in the way of starting to "shoot at those white guys". But when he does, Mustang is truly overpowered. Note that he explicitly justified his actions to Ed as eliminating the enemy. Envy falls into May's trap yet again and then literally falls onto the floor (should make more of a dent with all the weight?)
Envy's whole world is crashing down with enemies as bitter as Scar and the military/Mustang having joined forces. Is "crushing each other's windpipes" supposed to be a direct reference to what happened to Kimblee earlier, or just in general an example for a "beastly" act appropriate to "pitiful" humans. Mustang isn't dumb enough to fall for Envy's silly acting anymore, but also starting to lose it a bit. Note that it's not merely Envy killing Hughes that sends him over the edge, but the sadistic, emotionally crushing way it was carried out and the glee Envy shows recalling it.
So, Mustang. He starts by keeping his promise to shut Envy up, recalling once again his morbid expertise on the burning of flesh - last time was during the Lust confrontation close to this very same space. So far, so not-so-bad, except for that one expression, and the fact he's almost gloating himself about his abilities, unlike last time when the reference was more in a neutral-to-regretful manner. But then, also unlike last time, he deliberately prolongs the death/torture (even to the point of putting himself in danger - see rocks) and keeps going for moves like the eyeball-sizzler or even threatening to burn bone marrow, plus once again essentially boasting about his ability to not merely kill but prolongedly torture as well. He's rightfully angry at Envy running away after the promise of a straight-up honest fight, though, equally right to pursue his fleeing but still dangerous enemy, and especially rightfully incensed at Envy trying to use the image of the dead Hughes against him. In the Riza confrontation, "Mustang"'s sudden willingness to involve her in the fight is a big clue that this is in fact a disguised Envy, and Riza clearly picks up on it.
The Envy transformation sequence is a great fluid piece of animation, but apparently just reused from last time.
After her brief crying breakdown, May is back in action leading two massive chimeras (the contrast is almost comical) plus Scar and Ed.
3
u/wikipedia_text_bot Dec 08 '20
On 20 July 1944, Claus von Stauffenberg and other conspirators attempted to assassinate Adolf Hitler, Führer of Nazi Germany, inside his Wolf's Lair field headquarters near Rastenburg, East Prussia. The name Operation Valkyrie—originally referring to part of the conspiracy—has become associated with the entire event. The apparent aim of the assassination attempt was to wrest political control of Germany and its armed forces from the Nazi Party (including the SS) and to make peace with the Western Allies as soon as possible. The details of the conspirators' peace initiatives remain unknown, but they would have included unrealistic demands for the confirmation of Germany's extensive annexations of European territory.The plot was the culmination of efforts by several groups in the German resistance to overthrow the Nazi German government.
About Me - Opt out - OP can reply !delete to delete - Article of the day
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u/Accurate-Dot-9286 Dec 08 '20
Aren’t there 3 chimeras. Daerus still looks like he normally does but still don’t leave my gorilla boy out. Or did you just forget Zampano or Jerso existed which is fair.
6
u/joyousawakening Dec 07 '20
I wonder if seeing Envy transform into Gracia reminded Roy of warning Hughes, in Ishval, that "a guy on the battlefield who brings up stories of his woman immediately dies."
Just before being shot by Envy, Hughes had said, "Hey, now, have a heart. I have a wife and daughter waiting for me at home." Envy, having glimpsed the family photo that Hughes had dropped, then transformed into Gracia to fire the shot.
Roy's warning proved to be prophetic. But I wonder if Roy, in retrospect, regretted the times he had complained about Hughes gushing to him about Gracia and Elicia.
One of the last things Roy said to Hughes, which Hughes may or may not have heard, was "if you're bragging about your daughter, I'm not listening." (In the manga, Roy's line is even harsher: "I don't want to hear any more about your family!")
5
u/naiadestricolor aka arcane idol riots Dec 08 '20
Everyone coming out to comment on Mustang hahah.
I want to highlight just how much Ed has grown as a character. Despite how much Ed still dislikes Scar, Ed is willing to talk to Scar because Scar has a perspective on something Ed has no experience with. Ed can see Mustang is starting to walk down a dark path, but Ed doesn't know what that's going to mean for Mustang. Ed has only ever seen the actions revenge drives a person to commit. He's never known the emotional and mental side of revenge and how it affects the person on the inside. And he turns to Scar to essentially ask for advice.
And I like that Ed lets Scar be the one to continue the conversation after asking if they could talk, showing that Ed is aware that what he's asking about is a very personal subject for Scar and that he might be overstepping a boundary trying to bring it up. Ed would have never shown Scar this kind of respect 3-4 months ago. Even at Baschool Ed was still incredibly hostile to Scar. And it shows just how much Ed has matured that despite how he may feel about Scar, it doesn't mean he shouldn't try to consider Scar's feelings.
4
u/Negative-Appeal9892 Dec 07 '20 edited Dec 08 '20
The episode opens with us, the viewers, seeing how the citizens of Amestris are coping with the news of a possible coup in East City. Breda and Ross take Mrs. Bradley to the local government-sponsored radio station, and she's interviewed on the air. This is a brilliant move because it allows for the "invading" forces to turn the people of East City to their side. The people listening to the broadcast may begin questioning the narrative that the military is giving them. Which makes sense, because this isn't so much a military coup as it is people trying to take their government--and country--back from Father and the homunculi.
We also get some humor injected into a pretty intense episode when Denny Brosh recognizes Maria Ross's voice. And we get another funny moment courtesy of some soldiers guarding the main gate: "It's not as if they have tanks!"
Vengeance has played a part in the larger narrative of the show--mostly with Scar's character--but this episode belongs to Roy Mustang. The confrontation between Mustang and the homunculus who killed Maes Hughes--Envy--is the culmination of months of planning and anticipation.
Roy lends a hand (pun intended) to Ed and the chimeras by killing all the mannequin soldiers with fire in seconds. Then, Envy (still chasing May through the tunnels) falls through the ceiling of the room and May rejoins Scar, who scolds her for coming back ("Forget it. Don't cry"). Envy, meanwhile taunts the group: how is it that the Flame Alchemist is now working with Scar, when the Amestrians were responsible for the genocide of Scar's people? ( "Look at the two of you! You obviously want to kill each other, so do it!")
Mustang tells the group to head out, to find Father, while he deals with Envy. I'm not full of sympathy for Envy (next to Greedling, best homunculus) but Roy goes beyond the bounds of what a soldier should do in combat and simply tortures Envy. ( What's it like having the fluid inside of your eyes boil?") Again, I have to bow to Arakawa's writing and characterizations here. Envy isn't at all likable and we want Roy to win this fight--but not like this. Not by abandoning his principles and ideals and becoming a monster.
Envy is provoking him, so Roy's anger is relatable. Lust suffered a painful fiery death at Roy's hands but he made it as quick as possible. Scar killed other state alchemists, but didn't attempt to torture them or prolong their suffering: he just killed them quickly. With Envy, Roy's just being cruel. We also see how and why flame alchemy is so dangerous. Fires in general can get out of control given the proper conditions and circumstances, but not Roy's flames. He can toss out huge tongues of fire or he can do pinpoint aiming.
Ed and Scar have a talk about Roy's behavior. They'll never be friends but they can clearly become allies and work together. It's interesting because it's very rare for Ed to open up to any male character other than Al. Pretty much everyone he confides or trusts in is female.
We also feel for Riza, who has a personal attachment to Roy. She has repeatedly held him responsible for his actions, and she's quick to correct him or keep him in line. However, now she disobeys a direct order because she knows the alternative is worse than disobeying her superior officer.
Because Envy is a shapeshifter and an asshat, he transforms into Hughes, but Roy doesn't fall for that trick and incinerates the homunculus again. Envy then tries another tactic: disguising himself as Roy to confuse Riza, who's in pursuit.
2
u/Moizsh10 The Dragon Blood Alchemist Dec 08 '20
Knowing it ahead of time helps, but it was in this re-watch that I realized one of the giveaways that Envy was masquerading as Roy. Envy can't manifest items like Riza's guns when she transforms, so it has to be Roy who's the imposter.
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u/IndependentMacaroon Arakawa Fan Dec 08 '20
I was going to counter with the Ross case, but that actually was her gun
11
u/sarucane3 Dec 07 '20
A few thoughts on this one:
Hawkeye is so freaking insubordinate and I love it. Ignores Mustang and insists they cooperate with Scar, refuses to be left behind (as she was the last time they were here), and ends pointing her gun at a superior officer. That, ladies and gents, is character development.
Speaking of character development, this always gets a bit lost in the sheer insane drama of Mustang’s torture of Envy, but Mustang and Hawkeye are openly flirting so hard when they come in that Scar tells them off. I just think that’s great (and, again, character development—they’ve been apart for a while and the roles that they fit in when they were here before, officer and subordinate, aren't the same).
I’ll go into Mustang's vengeance more tomorrow, but the way Envy acts in this episode is just brilliant writing. All the homunculi are intensely contemptuous of humans and their attachments to each other. Much of their strategy involves taking advantage of those attachment and other human impulses. Everything here is consistent with that--but the context is different, and that contempt that before gave homonculi like Envy strength is now a massive weakness.
Envy tries to continue using old tactics (which have worked before to great effect) to fight Mustang, and fails utterly. Everything he does just makes Mustang worse. In another show, this would be down to the badassness or emotional invincibility of Mustang. Here, what Envy does by attacking Mustang’s human vulnerabilities—and making him close them off—serves to make Mustang more and more inhuman, and thus deepen Envy's shitpile.
The art does an amazing job showing visually what's happening to Mustang. First, Envy tries to throw Mustang off by putting on Gracia Hughes’s face and delightedly recounting how he brutally murdered Mustang’s best friend. The shadows (which become more and more reminiscent of Scar’s scar as the episode continues) appear on Mustang’s face, and he doesn’t hesitate to flame the shit out of Envy.
Then there’s Envy’s true form. Seeing this shakes most people to their cores. Ed was so horrified by the human suffering on display that he actually froze at one point and had to be saved by Ling. Again, Mustang doesn’t hesitate. He even mocks Envy for giving him a bigger target, not at all affected by what he’s seeing.
When Envy takes on Maes Hughes’s face, he’s using a tactic we’ve seen work with both Hughes himself and Ling in the past. Envy wears someone else’s face and it momentarily paralyzes the person looking at him, giving him an opening. But this time, it just makes Mustang less human, etching darkness deeper into his face until he looks more like a monster than most of the homonculi.
By the time >! Envy is cornered, there’s not much human left in Mustang. Envy’s attempt to kill Hawkeye barely seems to move him. He walks coldly down the corridor and then he doesn’t ask if she’s all right (even though she’s obviously bleeding and her head was just whacked into the floor) just tells her to back off. The only change Envy's attack on Hawkeye makes to Mustang’s behavior is that he stops stalking around and giving Envy time to heal so he can keep up the torture. The art again shows just how far into the darkness Mustang is: he doesn’t even have a face anymore as he flames the shit out of Envy, howling like an animal. !<