Ep 19. Death of the Undying

Edward and Alphonse are investigating their father's involvement in the creation of the homunculi when they come across a group of immortal beings known as the "undying." The undying are individuals who have been alive for hundreds of years due to their ability to regenerate any injury. However, they are not truly immortal, as their life force is tied to a philosopher's stone that resides within them.

As the brothers continue their investigation, they learn that the undying are being hunted down by a mysterious organization known as the "Letoist cult." The cult believes that by consuming the philosopher's stones of the undying, they will be able to attain true immortality.

Edward and Alphonse soon encounter a young girl named Salena, who has the ability to predict the future. Salena warns the brothers that one of the undying will soon die, and that they must prevent it from happening in order to stop the Letoist cult from obtaining their philosopher's stone.

The undying in question is a man named Slicer, who is a skilled swordsman and former assassin. Edward and Alphonse protect Slicer from the Letoist cult, but they soon learn that Slicer himself wants to die. He has been alive for so long that he has lost all meaning in his life and sees death as his only escape.

Despite their efforts, Slicer ultimately takes his own life. However, Edward and Alphonse's actions do not go unnoticed, and they are approached by the undying leader, Van Hohenheim. Hohenheim reveals that he was once a slave used to create philosopher's stones, and that he is the father of Edward and Alphonse.

With this revelation, new questions arise for the brothers as they continue to delve deeper into the mysteries of their world and their family's past.

"Death of the Undying" is a poignant and emotionally-charged episode that explores themes of immortality and the value of life. The conflict between the undying and the Letoist cult provides an exciting and action-packed plot, while the character of Slicer adds depth and nuance to the episode's themes. The revelation of Hohenheim's true identity adds a layer of intrigue to the show and sets up further mysteries to be explored in future episodes. Overall, "Death of the Undying" is a standout episode in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood's impressive first season.