Ep 30. The Ishvalan War of Extermination

The Ishvalan War of Extermination is the 30th episode of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Season 1. It is a pivotal episode that delves deeper into the history and politics of the Amestris empire.

The episode picks up where the previous one left off. Scar and Miles have finally met and are working together to uncover the truth behind the conflict between the Ishvalans and the Amestris military. They discover that it was not just a simple war, but a planned extermination of the Ishvalan race by the Amestrian military.

Back in Central City, Colonel Mustang is still reeling from the revelation that the homunculus are controlling the government. He has been working with his loyal subordinates to uncover the truth about their powers and weaknesses. They learn that the homunculi can only be killed by alchemists that have performed the ultimate taboo, human transmutation.

Meanwhile, Alphonse is recuperating in the care of Dr. Marcoh, a former state alchemist who was involved in the Ishvalan conflict and has important information that may help stop the homunculi. Marcoh tells Alphonse about the Philosopher's Stone, a powerful alchemical artifact that can amplify the power of alchemists. He reveals that he was forced by the military to create a fake stone during the Ishvalan conflict, and he thinks that Scar may have the original stone.

As the episode progresses, the pieces of the puzzle start coming together. Scar and Miles discover that the Ishvalan rebellion was actually a response to years of persecution and discrimination by the Amestrian government. They find evidence that the military intentionally started the conflict by using fake reports of Ishvalan terrorists to justify their invasion. Scar seeks revenge for the losses of his people, but Miles urges him not to give in to hatred and anger. They decide to team up with Colonel Mustang and his subordinates to bring down the corrupt government and prevent further bloodshed.

The episode ends with the group setting their sights on a high-ranking military official who is suspected of being involved in the Ishvalan extermination. They plan to use their combined skills and knowledge to take him down and reveal the truth about the government's crimes.

Overall, The Ishvalan War of Extermination is a gripping episode that sheds light on the dark history of the Amestris empire. It explores the themes of racism, war, and corruption, and reveals how these forces have shaped the present-day conflicts in the series. The episode sets up the stage for future clashes between the heroes and villains, and leaves the viewer eager to see what happens next.