Father is Born! | Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood Reaction | Ep 40, "The Dwarf in the Flask"

In an earth shattering flashback episode, we learn the true origin of Hohenheim, Father, and the entity that made all of this possible. This episode changes the entire game, and makes the future look even more grim, something we didn't think was possible, but then again, nothing is impossible. With the astounding revelations in this episode, we can't WAIT to see what happens next!
Episode 41 of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Premieres this Sunday at 12 pm est!
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Original intro/outro music by: Carter Sanders
Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Episode 40, "The Dwarf in the Flask"
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[@LettsReact]

If you are excited for this incredible episode of Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe! Episodes 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, & 46 posted to Patreon now in their Extended uncut forms! patreon.com/lettsreact

[@kevinmoore4355]

I've been waiting for you guys to get to this episode, but if you remember the first opening it was actually hohenheim in the beginning, not Ed, you can tell with the long pony tail I hope this gets to you lol

[@jerrellx6]

You guys should really watch the original FMA 2003 series and it's different take on the Alchemist theory and this story. Would be nice if you guys do the reaction of it on KZbin but if not please watch it. Fair warning the themes and story is much more dark and upsetting than brotherhood

[@zekeavery6526]

Since you've seen all the Humonculus, I don't feel like it's a spoiler to post the 'birth' order for them Pride, Lust, Greed, Envy, Sloth, Gluttony and Wrath

[@gregovaromoreno6318]

Fun fact the first name that the Dwarf in the flask says (Theophrastus Bombastus) is actually a reference to a real Alchemist called Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim

[@mbpoblet]

_Philippus Aureolus_ Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, better known as Paracelsus. Also called "the father of toxicology".

[@Sunaki1000]

@@mbpoblet And the Name was selfe given. Guy had eighter a ego Problem or a good sense of humor.

[@gregovaromoreno6318]

@@Sunaki1000 he had both

[@mbpoblet]

@@Sunaki1000 Yup. Paracelsus. Para Celsus. Equal to Celsus (a significant classical medical authority, quite influential on medieval medical doctrine). Guy basically said "you know that authority figure you've studied all your life, not surpassed or even equalled in centuries? _I_ am (at least) as good as him", and made _that_ his pseudonym.

[@josuearce8148]

You do your research.

[@Marta-uv4id]

I have to say, Hohenheim's voice actor did an incredible job with the scream of anguish he lets out once he finds out everyone in Xerxes is gone.

[@ShadowSkyX]

He's the original voice actor for Alphonse from 2003.

[@WaywardVet]

Took me several times to realize he's not saying "I see... I see" to her. He's got half a country's doctors giving him medical advice at that moment when he looks inward.

[@Sunaki1000]

Oh wow, your right. What a incredible Detail.

[@stardmg]

whoa, I never caught that.

[@DoctorWortspieler]

Plus, when Hohenheim said "I'm sorry," he wasn't talking to Izumi. He was talking to the soul he used to heal Izumi.

[@WaywardVet]

@@DoctorWortspieler Good point. I'd like to think that soul left him with a smile and a wave. I got this one, buddy. I've enjoyed our conversations.

[@LordTyph]

I'd like to think one of them is a mother who sympathizes with her and is willing to be used to ease Izumi's pain.

[@3dtoni]

A fun thing to think about Ed and Al is since they're Hohenheim's sons that makes them half Xeresian. It's why they have more of a cooper tone gold hair and golden eyes. It's why in some source material and art books they're slightly tanner than other Amesterians. They're technically last survivors of an ethnogroup of eastern dessert people. Remember the Amestersis is based off of German and Central Europe hence why most other characters have fair skin with blue, brown eyes, or green eyes (Hughes family). The sandy blonde and golden eyes are "ethno-genetic" traits much like how Ishvalans have dark brown skin and red eyes. Also the first name Father gave to Von is actually the name or pen name of one of the founds of Alchemy in real life.

[@mint-qg6ho]

It's wild to think they are half Xeresian hundreds of years after the region was wiped out.

[@jacobb9236]

It's not just the first name, Paracelsus' full name was Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim.

[@dklounge7082]

Fun fact: the voice actor for young Hohenheim also voiced Alphonse in the 2003 series. Obviously he couldn't reprise Al for this show because he had already gone through puberty and didn't have the little boy voice anymore

[@othergrimm6592]

He also went on to voice a character in RWBY, as well as a few other FMA voice actors (Edward Elric, Winry Rockbell, Riza Hawkeye, Alex Louis Armstrong, to name a few)!

[@Tacticaviator7]

Should have cut his balls off huh.

[@HaydrogenBomb]

He's also Miyuki Shirogane, right?

[@nico-v113]

He’s also Senku in Dr Stone and Tamaki in My Hero Academia

[@Kolateak_]

This is a required comment for every reaction to this episode

[@TheOneTrueIgnus]

Admittedly, Pride saying that he was the first homunculus can make things confusing. Father is a homunculus, created by the alchemists in Xerxes before any of the others, and all of the sins were created by Father, from himself, using the souls he absorbed in Xerxes. And Pride was the first of these. The reason for this is that when the series and characters refer to "the homunculi," they are almost always referring specifically to the sins and don't include Father in that term.

[@TheWindcrow]

Well almost correct. The the homunculi are Father's sins that he separated from himself to become less human.

[@hebercluff1665]

I always thought of it like this: There are two interpretations, where pride is the first homunculus not counting Father, or Father is the first. Either way, Pride is going to go the story that makes himself feel more special.

[@kay-jay1581]

Well he is the first Homunculus that Father created. First born pride of a father.

[@TheWindcrow]

@@hebercluff1665 ya he's the first from father to be born. That's how I've seen it. Otherwise I love this anime.

[@withxoutxlife]

Its very on brand for Pride to claim to be the "first" homunculus.

[@lazy9278]

When pride refers to himself as the first homunculus, he is saying he is the first homunculus created by father.

[@Chipster321]

Another thing that’s so sad about Hohenheim is that Izumi asked him “Who” he was. But Hohenheim doesn’t see himself as human anymore. So he answered “What” he was.

[@galaxystudios370]

"So funny how the main villain of this incredible epic sprawling story is a tiny little Mike Wazowski looking ass gremlin" James "Schaffrillas Productions" Phyrillas

[@Dannydarko27]

🤣🤣

[@jpgnz6675]

ita so weird reading this while knowing what happened to he creators of that channel

[@galaxystudios370]

@@jpgnz6675 😢

[@ElliotLowell]

It was actually earlier in the series where old man Fu explains that there's the old tale of a man of golden hair founded alchemy in Amestris and another man of golden hair founded alkahestry in Xing. These were father and Van Hohenheim respectively. Also, this means Ed and Al are half Xerxes!

[@sonofjack6286]

15:45 With Dwarf calling Hohenheim his blood brother, he's technically his son. That means Ed and Al are Father's baby brothers, and the Homunculi are their niece and nephews. Arakawa even made an omake that involved the Homunculi calling Ed and Al their uncle's and asking for pocket change, it's funny.

[@pwnorbepwned]

Note all the golden hair and eyes the people of Xerxes had. Ed and Al have the same traits. Though half-Amestrian, they’re the first Xerxians to be born in 400 years. This episode also gives context to the stories Ed and Fu told each other, where Amestrian alchemy and Xingese alkahestry were taught by two sages from the desert.

[@happilyevernever4289]

So Alchehestry is taught by Hohenheim..

[@mothwomon255]

I find it interesting that despite the Dwarf in the Flask not really getting the point of friends/ family bonds, it almost immediately calls 23 his blood brother. It would have been simple to make their relationship a teacher/ student one but the Dwarf seemed to subconsciously want a familiar bond.

[@chosenonew]

Also the fact that the homonculi have like a family theme confirms this. They call Dwarf Father, Lust and gluttony have like a mother and son bond. Dwarf calls greed angsty/rebellious teenager and so on

[@drinkerofpaint]

I'm pretty sure when hohenheim said 'I'm sorry' before the poorly communicated healing of izumi, he was apologising to the souls he was using to do it

[@Raderade1-pt3om]

Seemed to me he didn't use alchemy but his skills gathered from his superlong life

[@MrTellitobi]

"father" is the head , he removed all the deadly sins from himself to be less human , pride being the most powerful of the sins in general which is the reason why he resembles the dwarf more closely

[@Kaempfdog]

So this might just be one of the most famous episodes of FMAB. Understandably so. Let’s get into it. Now we get into what makes Van Hohenheim my favorite character. His past is filled with such incredible nuance and I love things like that. His name came from a real life alchemist. 1st half is the name Hohenheim rejects, 2nd half is the one he accepts. Theophrastus Bombastus Van Hohenheim. Remember the fever dream that Hohenheim had in the recap episode? They never touch on it again, but it’s implied they had an argument of the worth of a human life after the fall of Xerxes. Hohenheim telling Father/Dwarf that humans never give up and their lives are worth every minute they stand. And they will ALWAYS stand. (Metaphorically and physically to account for those that can’t.) The Dwarf by the way comes from within the portal of Truth. Remember the little hands that drag Ed in every time he’s there? The Dwarf is among MANY that live in the portal. Which is where all his knowledge comes from. I can only assume Hohenheim’s master must’ve opened the portal of truth to retrieve the dwarf. And going into what made Xerxes such an advanced culture, he came out with no sacrificed parts. So however the master did it is unironically one of the most impressive alchemical feats in the show if you ask me. But it is so fascinating to see a creature from within the portal of truth be so willing to spread falsities and be so far from how everything else lives. Pride by the way still reports to Father and addresses him as such. So Pride is a Homunculus same as the others. A stone dropped from Father and crafted into a new creature. Pride is the 1st one and is just arrogant about it. (Kinda his thing) We hear the story of the Eastern and Western sage from Fu and Ed as they explore the ruins of Xerxes. Speaking of a man who spread the influence of their alchemy/alchehestry to their country. And both their implied origin point is directed at the ruins of Xerxes. So it’s implied Hohenheim went East, and the Father went West. Making Father the Eastern Sage since he came from the East, and Hohenheim the Western Sage as he came from the West. And interesting Father decided to make Gluttony his own portal of truth. Perhaps some sick way of permanently confining someone as he once was. And he destroyed the symbols of the Xerxes ruins to prevent someone else from using his “resources.” The fact Ed manages to decipher it all from within Gluttony is nothing short of a miracle. And we also see why Hohenheim was calling himself a monster, and he didn’t want it to spread to Ed and Al. And Trisha laughs and says I DEFINITELY would have it by now. We had kids! And even more interesting Trisha still sees Hohenheim as an individual. AND knew he has the philosopher’s stone. AND what that meant. Trisha is a saint of a woman honestly. She waited for Hohenheim because she knew his time was eternal and she wanted to be one thing he always had. AND even tried to predict she would outlive him. So he could find peace. So she even may know of the countrywide transmutation circle as WELL. Hohenheim confided with her on EVERYTHING. And she gave him newfound hope of life. Possibly MILLENIA after all this occurred. I don’t know how long Xerxes has been destroyed, all we know is that Father made Greed over 200 years ago. It’s strange that we have now seen each of the Homunculi, but we don’t understand each of their purpose to this whole grand plot yet. We know Sloth digs the circle. We know Pride guards the circle. We know Wrath oversees the country and engages it in many conflicts. We know Envy helps push or start these conflicts. Lust had something to do with sacrifices and the laboratories. Gluttony and Greed I’m a bit more unclear on. I can’t even imagine how Father needed his own created portal of truth, and I don’t know how Greed fits at all because he has been so out of the picture of this plot. This episode is rich with lore and really puts things in perspective of the present. But the mystery of it all still remains. Father is free to act as he pleases and yet he aims for something bigger than Xerxes. It’s just so fascinating.

[@PintoConrad]

Xerxes was destroyed at a minimum of ~400 years ago. 1558 Amestris and Riviere have a war. And Armstrong mentions that this happens just after the country was founded. 1911 the boys burn down their home. Many online sources say Xerxes was destroyed in the late 1400s or early 1500s but I can't find a year in the manga.

[@gregovaromoreno6318]

One thing that some people doesn't catch. Ed, Al, Hohenheim, have blonde hair and golden eyes. They're the only humans in the show that have this trace, without counting all the people in Xerxes. Ed, Ad, Hohenheim are the last members of an extinct race

[@francisariwaodo318]

Fun fact, the first shot in the first intro was actually a young hoenheim, not Ed

[@teamg9]

This episode has a couple of fascinating references to the history of alchemy in our world. The names that the Dwarf gives to Hohenheim are a reference to a real world Swiss alchemist called Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim (better known as Paracelsus), considered by some to be the father of toxicology. He was also the first person to use the term homunculus in an alchemical context and described how one would be created. This mirrors Hohenheim's history in the show, as his blood was used to create the Dwarf in the Flask/Homunculus, and how he also helped create the healing art of Alkahestry.

[@bong4538]

Exactly

[@irishdc9523]

"He has Eren's eyes" Funnily enough, if you wanted to pick a character flaw like a Greek tragedy, Eren's would be wrath

[@jacobninness3547]

About the whole 'first homunculus' thing. Father was the first homunculus but Pride was the first homunculus created by Father. Also, don't know if you noticed, but Hohenheim appears to be a bit absent minded at times that's because all the souls inside him are in constant agony and so he communicates with them to help clam them.

[@hinahina7417]

Finally, my favorite episode. Hohenheim exchanged his humanity for this. Some say that they want to Immortal but if it means seeing everyone die before you then it's not worth anything at all. Poor Hohenheim...

[@Zombiewithabowtie]

So, for clarity: The Dwarf In The Flask used the Xerxes transmutation circle to craft a human body from Hohenheim's blood, taking the form of Father. Father then pulled each of his Seven Deadly Sins from his soul, creating the Homunculi to house each of them. All the Homunculi serve Father (except for the former Greed), with Pride being the first one created, and Wrath being the most recent prior to Ling/Greed.

[@yujirohanma7470]

And from the remnants of xerxes, hoenheim went to Xing and created alchehestry, and father went in the opposite direction to create the more violent alchemy

[@educatedlaziness3268]

It's never explicitly stated so it's not really a spoiler, but the Dwarf in the Flask is essentially a piece of the portal of truth, brought into being using the blood of Hohenheim as a physical medium, as a piece of truth, he has intrinsic knowledge of the world and fundamental laws of nature, hence how he can define words and teach others, but doesn't have the emotional context or connection that would inspire empathy or caring for others, only growing fond of Hohenheim because of the circumstance of his coming into existence

[@ciro73]

Probably has already been clarified, but I'm gonna do it anyways: The line Pride says always confuses everyone. He says "I was the first homunculus". But what it really means is "I was the First of Father's homunculus". Quite confusing, but honestly, really great because how else would Pride say anything? I AM THE VERY FIRST. Really fitting. Confusing, but fitting.

[@erikchoice6759]

Hohenheim took “rearrange her guts” to a whole new level

[@Weeby_historian]

Lmaoo

[@torinkyifh5085]

"I'd say impossible, but then, there is no such thing." One of my favorite quotes from this show.

[@kmsg816]

The names of the friends Hohenheim called in the city is the same names as something that were extracted from his body and he scattered them on the ground in episode 36 by said "I'm sorry, but I'll use you guys"

[@DaigotsuEXE]

I LOVE the Shrek reference! One of my all time favorite movie quotes! I hope you guys are enjoying the series so far! FMAB is honestly a masterpiece of a series. Absolutely perfect

[@TheKeller101]

What Shrek reference are you talking about?

[@DaigotsuEXE]

@@TheKeller101 The one with Lord Farquad.

[@MaxWelton]

5:36 it’s how Pride introduced himself.

[@CrazeeAdam]

It's interesting isn't it? Von Hoenheim uses his alchemy to heal, while Father/Dwarf uses his to destroy? Von Hoenheim is a pacifist, while Father/Dwarf is someone who starts conflicts to meet his goal. Almost as if they've become polar opposites

[@supermoogle07]

“So are they making a giant person?” Father to the country, “All I wanna do, is see you turn into a giant woman. A GIANT WOMAN”

[@cybertronguy98]

the comment Olivier makes about Mustang being well connected isnt explained in the anime, but General Grumman is actually Riza's grandfather, on her mother's side. as for the order of the homunculi, Pride was the first one father separated from himself, that's it. then come Lust, Envy, Greed, Sloth, and Gluttony in whatever order, and then we know Wrath is the youngest. there's nothing "special" about Pride other than his shadows.

[@rogueagentaa]

In an earlier episode before he was revealed, Wrath was talking to Pride about how things are changing and Pride told Wrath how he wouldn't tell Father about whatever Wrath was saying, which suggests that Pride reports to Father who's their leader. Also, up to this point, it seems that all the Sins report to Father and Pride's no different. Also, Father has left his chair contraption before. In the flashback of Wrath's creation, he was there.

[@fajarkurniawan9434]

Hohenheim lost one soul when receiving Sig Curtis heavy blow No normal human can live after that hit

[@stardmg]

Yep, Hohenheim never wanted nor asked for immortality. He was forcibly given it as a twisted form of "gratitude" by the Homunculus, who later became known as "Father"

[@soulscyther666]

This is the first episode i saw of your reactions from this series, and i only caved in because this was one of the best FMAB episode so i got curious. I'm just here to relive this episode from someone else's perspective, but oh boy, you both are insightful and perceptive (not just pointless rambling just like other reactors). I should watch from the start of your FMAB journey.

[@leventetoth3714]

So about the Dwarf in the flask. It is a real alchemical concept, otherwise called a homonculus. Alchemists for a long time wanted to create one, because they belived that such creatures possessed a vast amount of alchemical knowledge.

[@McBeelzebub]

Ah so many questions answered, so many still remaining. I was really looking forward to this episode, not the least because you guys had a pretty dark opinion of Hohenhem! As for one question, I might offer this one hint. One of the most popular and long running anime tropes is the villain naming themes. Groups are often named from collections, which are often drawn from history, religion or mythology. Analyzing the names in relation can sometimes give some insight as to how they all relate to each other.

[@JMolKoz20791]

I flat out LOVE the code talk that Mustang is so cleverly crafted with. And as for General Armstrong, she is a genius with this as well. And a master of manipulation and deception. I got a little nervous for here when I saw this show too, but she played King Bradley like a fiddle. THAT is some black air force energy she is emitting and she is an absolute menace and all around badass! Lol thank you as always Kenny and Montana for the great content and reaction. Hopefully after Brotherhood you guys can react to original FMA from 2003. Its interpreted a little differently than Brotherhood, but it is a masterpiece as well and I love them both. Check it out you guys, y'all won't be disappointed. And again thank you both for the awesome reactions 🙌🙏

[@surakituaka1732]

Van probably meant that he does not consider himself a person, but more of a stone than human

[@unicornpower2411]

I HAVE BEEN WAITING TO SEE YOUR REACTION TO THIS EPISODE FOR SO LONG FINALLY AND IT WAS GREAT.

[@sgcastle8389]

Fun fact: Hohenheim's name is inspired by a real life Alchemist called "Paracelsus" as a Nickname, his full name was *Philippus Theophrastus Aureolus Bombastus von Hohenheim* , you can see that all the Dwarf choices were reference to Paracelsus.

[@hebercluff1665]

That sounds like a Roman name

[@AngraMainiiu]

@@hebercluff1665 The only roman in that name is Aureolus.

[@KisameSempai]

this anime is a masterpiece. it has a deep complex plot

[@ShawnK88]

To clarify who the first homunculus is, father's name was Homunculus, the rest (i.e. Pride, Greed, Wrath, etc) that father created is basically a species called Homunculus. In that sense, Pride was the first of his "species".

[@ozzynator456]

Father = Dwarf in the Flask and he/it created the homonculi. Pride is the first one he created, so that's why Pride called himself the first homonculus (technically Father was the first tho).

[@ambiek1387]

Actually in the original Japanese version Pride refers to himself as "the homunculus of the beginning" so it's a bit more nuanced.

[@MaxWelton]

6:53 Unie’s the bus

[@hashimhorne7177]

And that's how the city of Xerxes was destroyed in one night. Idk if anyone has mentioned this yet, or if you've already picked up on it, but the Scar's brother and Reiner share the same voice actor.

[@evansaschow]

Just gotta mention that homunculus can also mean short person. So in a sense Ed is also a homunculus

[@alperonce]

this ep is top 3 best episode in fmab

[@tonywalker1954]

23:37 is one of my favorite lines from the series

[@rickymoranjr9609]

at least we got to see Hohenheim before he became a father to Ed & Al, plus we also got to see what Father looked like before he got his human form

[@snipersougo13]

The Homunculi are aspects of father he removed from himself and put into new bodies. Pride is simply the first one father created

[@ryanakers1372]

To clarify the Pride/Father thing; just before killing the first Greed, Father said that Greed was a piece of his soul. So it's easier to think of the 7 sins and Father as a single complete character instead of 8 individuals. 2:30 After watching Montana and Kenny react to a few shows now, I am convinced this is exactly how Kenny's first attempt to ask out Montana went.

[@dearikj90]

And here we get the entire story. Finally it is made clear why Hoenheim, in his flashback, repeatedly called him "a monster." He loathes himself and what he's become more than anything. Only Trisha and his sons gave him any relief from his centuries of suffering and self hate. Her "stop calling yourself a monster. It isn't true" brought the poor man to tears in their only family photo. It's clear that he shared all of his past with Trisha since she knew about his body and was understanding when he told her he had to leave. The man has now also had to give up his family in order to prepare to the point at least one of his two sons outright hates him and his wife is dead. Where Fullmetal Alchemist is concerned, Hoenheim is the definition of "tragic hero." I hurt myself just typing out his story.

[@junkyuseum]

Hohenheim is still one of my favorite anime characters of all times. He just makes me sad just thinking about him especially at the last episode when you know what happened. He was smiling, genuinely. 🥺

[@mikemath9508]

favorite episode of the show. i routinely get sad, youtube "FMAB ep 40" reactions and rewatch. Hohenheim is my favorite character

[@Dreron]

It was not only 4 hundred years of solitude... remember, what he wanted more than anything was to marry and make a family... and that was ripped away from him, for 400 years.

[@takeshiobana1845]

Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim is the name of a real life Alchemist, better known as Paracelsus.

[@Bluejaylover]

Hohenheim just said: hang on let me just, (causally moves organs around from outside body) ok cool see next month for your checkup.

[@ap4e_941]

„I know a bit about the medical field“ says the guy who invented alkahestry

[@MaxWelton]

24:50 SORCERERS STONE LMAOOO

[@paintedhorse6880]

Fun Fact: Xerxes was the name of the King who ruled the Persian Empire from 486-465 BC. His wife was Queen Amestris. King Xerxes was murdered by Artabanus, who then gave the position of power to his seven sons. According to Aristotle, Artabanus was then killed by Artaxerxes, son of Xerxes and Amestris. This draws interesting parallels to FMA series, where the country of Xerxes was destroyed by Father. Father then created the seven homunculi, and gave the highest position of power in the country to one of his sons, and the other homunculi watched over the Amestrian cities. It is fitting, that Father, like Artabanus, was killed by Edward Elric, with a mother from Amestris, and a father from Xerxes. Like Artaxerxes, Ed avenged the Xerxesian people by dealing the final blow on Father.

[@Gicosaurus]

Im just here again to request for you guys to react on full metal alchemist bloopers after finishing this series xD

[@chaosspear0195]

Xerxes was thousands of years the country of Amestres was what came about 400 years ago I think or one of the other Homunculus maybe. However the nation of Xerxes whats left that father decided to leave behind had to be at least near a Millenia.

[@zac0918]

he gave pride the form of his original body because he thinks he is above human beings

[@cosesu8929]

Ho straight up uses alchemy. Alkahestry is a hybrid of alchemy and Xingese medicine. (As explained in Ep 18)

[@jakobnunez4964]

Hoenheim seeing everyone dead reminds me of zeref from fairy tail when he was first cursed by ankhsalem and killed everyone in the academy with his curse.

[@Hawk199031]

While I don't think it's been confirmed or not the if Elric brothers have any special qualities thanks to who their father is, but that would explain their natural talent with Alchemy in general. Most alchemist (especially the military) seem to focus on 1 main aspect of alchemy. Where as the boys tend to stick with "basic" but mastered transmutation of things and objects. Like look how often Ed or Al instantly surmise the composition of a random wall or road on a molecular level even and transmute it with out any problem.

[@Chipster321]

This dude got the Alchestry thing with only a bit of the info the absolute madlad

[@BLT_Plays]

Gonna try to clarify the creation order or the homunculus. Honestly the only important one is "father" is the first. The reason why Pride looks like the Dwarf in the flask is because...well...pride. He IS proud of what he is/was, and he looks down on humans. So his pride takes on an exaggerated and more powerful version of his original form. Pride is like a reflection of his idealized self. Father sheds his "sins" in an effort to distinguish himself apart from humanity. Humans are prideful, wrathful, gluttonous, envious, greedy, lustful and lazy wretches. Father is pure, father casts aside his sins and gives them a form reflecting of it. He commands them because unlike unworthy humans, he is always the one in control of his own vices.

[@TriXJester]

Father was always the one in charge, was always the first. Why else would they all call him father?

[@LettsReact]

The confusion came with pride calling himself “the first homunculus,” but we get it now

[@tlakuikani4790]

i am confused, when Ed and Al went to ask teacher if she knew something about the philosopher stone she mention she talk about knowing Hoennine, and here she seems to be the first time she meets him.

[@aleggbry-9597]

That's really cool that young van hohenheim is voiced by the original alphonse elric

[@keyblademasterclark]

You know, I never really thought about how Al could kinda be seen as a dwarf in a flask metaphorically. That's kind of neat. Also, was that actually Toph's VA who voiced the bit about your patreon who someone who just does a really good Toph impression?

[@lagerku.3137]

AI

[@434444334]

Probably the best episode this series Also poor tony (most random name XD)

[@LettsReact]

What anime should we watch after Fmab? COMMENT BELOW/LIKE YOU'RE FAVORITE OPTIONS FOR AN EARLY VOTE!

[@hinahina7417]

Monster (psychological masterpiece honestly) Death Note is cool too, the second half really takes a messy turn though. or Golden kamuy (not really that popular but if you want some wild scenes and buff men then this is the way to go) 4th season is airing right now if you want to know.

[@aissatousy338]

Jujutsu Kaisen

[@mathematicalmonk1427]

Psycho pass or monster

[@fajarkurniawan9434]

DeathNote and FMAB are staple classic anime for every reactors

[@Zeugnimodms]

Neon Genesis Evangelion! Has enough for both of you to sink your teeth into

[@Ryogasempai]

The people of xerxes are the only one with golden hair and eyes, you can see the hair color of ed and al are different from others and the importannce of the eye colors, ishvalians are red, amestrians blue

[@Dannydarko27]

If humans were created in the image of God, and Father is a name used to describe God. Then it stands to reason the the "first homunculus" Pride was created in his "Fathers" image

[@stef3831]

the ost on this episode was so good

[@segurall1]

Theophrastus von Hohenheim was an actual alchemist who later became know as Paracelsus.

[@MeatSim9]

This fucking episode ROCKS.

[@shematite]

I've always been fascinated with the implications of Ed and Al's parentage brought up by this episode and others. The writing of the series downplays it, but Ed and Al both accomplish feats completely beyond what most alchemists seem capable of, having to do with souls/philosopher's stones The obvious example is, of course, Ed binding Al's soul to armor without ANY preparation whatsoever. Other people bind souls, but there was probably a lot of hit or miss in lab 5. Another example we've already seen that was relatively downplayed was literally every thing Ed did in Gluttony. The characters frame Ed's sensitivity to disembodied souls as a kind of desperation to see Al as human. Is it, though? Ed can clearly hear the souls in Envy crying out, but neither Ling nor Envy give any specific indication that they can hear voices, only seeing them. Another wild soul-related stunt is one Ed does in this very next episode! Most of Al's crazy hijinks are later, along with 2 (that I can think of right now) more insane soul-shenanigans Ed manages to freak people out with. Really, the boys might not be "half philosopher stone" (that wouldn't really make sense) but to me Edward in particular has an interesting synergy with them that I would pin on Hoenheim.

[@joseph7471]

SPOILER 25:55 I almost choked

[@javcube]

I hope, after you finish watching the series. You make a montage/discussion of all the predictions you’ve made through the way and see how spot on or how far away you were. I am curious of what you will say about it

[@RedEarth20XDX]

5:09 why did he try to force choke me?

[@Sunaki1000]

In rL Alchemy, the Dwarf in the Flask is another Name for the Homunculus. 11:50 considering hes gas, or Plasma, leaving this flask would kill him.

[@ChaosDragon]

I've noticed she has a severe aversion to characters using a knife on their finger to draw blood but seems to have no issues looking at people being dismembered, stabbed, or otherwise cut. Is there something from her past that it makes her think of? If so I hope she got some help and is doing better.

[@NessOnett8]

Hohenheim is objectively the best character. No cap.

[@ScorpionStrike7]

Lots of lore in this one

[@huggelion]

one of my favourite episodes

[@ZangetsuStudios]

you guys need to do the FMAB BLOOPERS PLEASE !!!

[@beoreon1]

Kenny, you really seem fixated on Pride. It’s getting out of hand now. 😂

[@evancrow2191]

I want to watch your dragon prince and demon slayer reactions but which teir allows me to watch those?

[@crimsonjedi]

Seriously it's very very obvious it's father who is in control and the sins are just his and pride was the first one he cast out cause its the strongest.

[@jeeperscreepers9023]

Saying her insides were taken in exchange for her child doesnt really have the same effect as saying she sacrificed her womb.

[@zelithfang2365]

Once in the stone, the souls are reduced to nothing, they lose all Identity. Imagine, being trapped in an endless black void with hundreds of even thousands of other trapped damned souls, all screaming. Now imagine listening to the wails sorrow filled screams, forever, trapped, for eternity. This causes all the souls to lose themselves, their identity, there everything. Just another drop in the endless sea of screaming souls. Now imagine Van, having to listen to all those screams, what's worse is he knew a lot of these people too. Stuck listening to all their screams. And the fact he's immortal, at least in the sense of no longer aging, he's stuck listening to them. Never able to forget that day so many life times ago. Father and the homunculi view these tortured souls as little more than renewable energy. Not even alive, not even human anymore, which I have to remind they see humans as insignificant as ants, even more so. Remember the scene where Van passed out drunk and was stuck in an internal argument with himself? He was trying to rationalize and downplay his situation and the plan father has in motion cope with it all. Van is a great character honestly.

[@badbeardbill9956]

Souls don’t lose all identity inherently, Hohenheim’s souls retain at least some especially after centuries of talking to them

[@zelithfang2365]

@@badbeardbill9956 pretty much the only reason why they stayed together and sane was because Van was able to communicate and listen to them while with Father he ignored them

[@gabrielclark1425]

Essentially, Father is a Piece of Truth, drawn from the Gate via the Blood of a Slave and given Ego to maintain it's separation from God. Incidentally, that's why he needed to remove his sins from himself, to bring himself close enough to God that it would mindlessly attempt to drag them back together, and by using the souls of Amestris and anchoring himself to the Gate of Earth, it would then pull itself down to Earth trying to do so.