S1E4
An Alchemist’s Anguish
⚠ Spoiler alert This recap gives away what happens in this episode.
Episode Summary & Review
Summary
The Elrics meet Shou Tucker, a leading researcher in the field of chimeras. He has much to teach Ed and Al about alchemy – and the horrible cruelty that sometimes accompanies it.
Our Take
This is the episode that tells you what kind of show you signed up for, and it hurts. The slow build works because Tucker seems so mild and ordinary before the reveal lands like a punch to the chest. It’s a heavy hour, not much action, but the emotional payoff justifies every minute. Worth your time, though you won’t enjoy it in the usual sense.